What does the A or B mean on a pot?

[joecool85]

Like B10k or A500k?

 

[k7elp60]

A generally means audio taper and B generally means linear taper. In the example you asked about B10K means a 10K linear taper and A500K means 500K audio taper.

 

[Pommie]

Audio taper being logrithmic?

Mike.

 

[joecool85]

Audio taper is log correct.

Now here is the thing, thats what I always thought too. But I've bought several log pots that are B10k etc. Is it not a standard convention?

 

[Nigel Goodwin]

Audio taper is log correct.

Now here is the thing, thats what I always thought too. But I've bought several log pots that are B10k etc. Is it not a standard convention?

It's nothing I've ever heard of?.

 

[falmeshon]

test them out to see if they are indeed log pots.
i.e hook up a multimeter and measure resistance as you rotate pot. See if the resistance increases slowly at the start of the rotation (for constant rotation speed) and increases quickly towards the end of the rotation. Then you have a log pot.

 

[joecool85]

I haven't tested them yet, but I'm using one as a volume control and it works just fine, like a normal volume.

 

[chemelec]

In "Mode" brand of Pots, B is a Linear Taper. And A is a Log Taper.