Firebomb Pot Tapers

[buckysde]

I have just ordered my parts to build the Firebomb.  However, I have been unable to find 9mm panel mount pots 5k audio taper (A).  Smallbear has 5k reverse audio (C) and 10k audio (A).  I opted for the 10kA.  But what would be the over all effect of the higher pots?  Would they be louder?

 

[jkokura]

Hey man,

I just checked the documentation - the project calls for 5kC pots, not A. So there's no problem then right?

Jacob

[buckysde]

You're right Jacob.  I was receiving varied info on what the taper codes mean.  Eventually I found a chart on the GGG site.  So I should probably use that as the guide.  Smallbear does not have the codes listed on their website, which added to the confusion.

With that said, I now have 10kA pots on the way.  I would rather not shell out $5 shipping on new pots.  What might the affect be with 10kA pots instead?

Thanks for the quick response Jacob!

-Rick

[jkokura]

Well, think of it this way - you're using a 10k resistor instead of a 5k resistor. You've doubled it's value.

What will it sound like? well, it might be fine. But I suspect it'd be more likely that you'll get most of the 'play' in the boost signal in the first half of the turn, and then some distortion or a lack of difference in the back half. I don't know though - so try it and see! You might just get lots, and lots, and lots of boost on your hands.

When it comes to the types of pots, I find it simple to remember my A, B and C's! B is in the middle right? So that means linear taper. A is on the bottom, and that means that the curve is below the linear taper, meaning there's a lot more play in the beginning and middle, but towards the end it catches up to the Linear taper. Then C is on top - think of it mirroring the A taper - it's opposite of the A taper, so it has a lot more play towards the end of the turning, but early on it's quick to get ahead of the linear taper.

On a graph, think of a straight line starting at the bottom left corner headed to the top right corner: that's Linear of B Taper. If you were to make a curve line BELOW the linear taper: that's Audio or A Taper. If you were to make an opposite curved line ABOVE the Linear taper: that's Reverse Audio or C Taper. Simple!

Jacob

[buckysde]

Many Thanks!

This hobby appeals to the mad-scientist in us all.

Cheers!

[gtr2]

You might be able to email Steve from Small Bear (if thats were you ordered ) and make the change.  I've done it before, as it may be a couple days till the order is shipped out.

[madbean]

If your order has not shipped, you can generally change it by emailing them. They are pretty awesome that way!

[buckysde]

I was able to make the change with Small Bear.  But this also allowed me to learn more about pots and how they work.  Thanks for everyone's input!