I have a 500k cts stereo/dual pot(http://www.ebay.com/itm/CTS-Dual-500K-Pot-Blend-Balance-Audio-Taper-Potentiometer-With-Center-Detent-/271262599718?hash=item3f2882ca26).
the only issue is that it has a center detent which I don't need...
is the there a way to remove it?
perhaps changing the trace?(http://www.geofex.com/article_folders/potsecrets/pot5.JPG)
Thanks!
A lot of work to save $3.
Heres a current selection from Mouser:
http://www.mouser.com/Passive-Components/Potentiometers-Trimmers-Rheostats/_/N-9q0yi?P=1yzekih&Keyword=dual+audio+pot&FS=True (http://www.mouser.com/Passive-Components/Potentiometers-Trimmers-Rheostats/_/N-9q0yi?P=1yzekih&Keyword=dual+audio+pot&FS=True)
Small Bear carries them:
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/alpha-dual-gang-16mm-solder-terminals-linear-audio/ (http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/alpha-dual-gang-16mm-solder-terminals-linear-audio/)
http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/alpha-dual-gang-16mm-pc-mount/ (http://smallbear-electronics.mybigcommerce.com/alpha-dual-gang-16mm-pc-mount/)
A google search will turn up more choices
Center detents are mechanical, not electrical, so changing the trace won't help.
There is a mechanical detent on the pot somewhere. To change this, you have to find where the detent is and fix it. I have seen detents done by means of spring washers running on a metal track with divots in it, by a small ball bearing and spring with a divot in the shaft, things like that. It's rare to put it on the electrical wafer because then the wafer is suffering the mechanical wear of the detent action.
The bottom line is that it's mechanical, probably not the wafer, but may well be buried inside. You need to look at the pot and decide whether it is less time and expense to buy a new/different pot or disassemble this one - possibly making it non-functional and having to order a new one then. If it's the old 25mm or 16mm shell style pot held together with metal tabs, I wouldn't hesitate to dive right in. If it's a riveted cube type, chances get smaller for successful reassembly.
Just notice that "blend" potentiometers usually got 1 audio taper and 1 reverse-audio taper