Spectra Symbol Articles

How Magnetic Position Sensors Work: Non-Contact Operation with Spectra Symbol’s MagnetoPot Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO A guide on our heavy-duty MagnetoPot for harsh industrial and DIY applications At a Glance: The MagnetoPot Solution   The MagnetoPot is a sealed, externally contactless linear position sensor that functions electrically as a simple 3-wire potentiometer. It […]

Exploring Spectra Symbol’s Potentiometers Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO A comprehensive guide to what a potentiometer is, how it works, and how different Spectra Symbol products compare — with examples and project ideas. I. Introduction — What Is a Potentiometer? If you’ve ever adjusted the volume on a radio or dimmed a light, you’ve

How to Use a Potentiometer with Arduino (Uno, Mega, Nano): Using a Soft Potentiometer as a Practical Example Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO Potentiometers remain one of the most common input devices in Arduino projects—and for good reason. They’re simple, reliable, and require minimal code to integrate. Whether you’re adjusting LED brightness, controlling servo

Variable Resistors Explained: Potentiometers, Rheostats, etc. Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO The terms variable resistor, potentiometer, and rheostat describe related concepts, but they aren’t interchangeable. Think of variable resistor as the broad category, with potentiometer and rheostat as two common configurations—not competing parts. Clear terminology helps you select the right component, wire it properly,

How to Test a Potentiometer: A Beginner-Friendly Guide Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO A simple, step-by-step guide to help beginners test mechanical and membrane potentiometers using a digital multimeter Potentiometers look simple from the outside, but when you’re troubleshooting a new build or restoring an older project, they’re one of the first components worth

How to Use a Potentiometer: Practical Examples and Uses Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO Learn how potentiometers work and see real-world examples of Spectra Symbol sensors in action. Potentiometers sit at the heart of motion control by turning physical movement into precise electrical feedback. From linear sliders to thin sensing strips, they convert position

Rheostat vs Potentiometer: Uses, Differences & Examples Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO From dimming LEDs to powering small motors, discover why potentiometers often do the work of rheostats while saving money and adding versatility. If you’re tinkering with electronics, you’ll eventually run into a project where you need to control how electricity behaves —

Thin and Flexible Potentiometers Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO When you’re designing in tight spaces, every millimeter matters. From robotics to medical devices, today’s electronics pack more into smaller enclosures. For design engineers working under strict space, weight, and mechanical constraints, traditional rotary sensors often aren’t an option.   These are the kinds of

Can Potentiometers Replace Hall Effect Sensors? Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO You’re designing something that matters—a control system, a robotics rig, a sliding mechanism, maybe even a medical device. You’re knee-deep in parts and datasheets, trying to pick the right sensor for position feedback. And the buzzword everyone throws around?   Hall effect.  

Durable, Affordable, or Precise: Choosing the Right Magnetic Position Sensor Author: David Marriott, Spectra Symbol CEO In project management they say “good, fast or cheap–pick two, but never all three”. This concept, known as the Iron Triangle, gets at the idea of tradeoffs between the main factors of any given project. In engineering and manufacturing,