Center-Detent Pots - How do they work?

[bobbyk]

You know the center-detent pots used as tone controls in pedals like the Xotic RC/AC/BB's?  How do they work? For example....If the value of the pot is say 250K does the center-detent indicate the halfway point with 125K both sides? Is it 250K both sides of the detent?

Thanks in advance.

Bob 

[Dirk_Hendrik]

125 k each side

[John Lyons]

Yes. The pot has a little dimple at the cente point and a point that sticks out. When the pot is in the center the point sticks into the dimple and dort of clicks. All pots work the same way, except center detent post allow you to feel the center exacly.
When you turn a pot halfway up you get half the resistance at each side. So a 250K will have 125 at each side. (125K between the wiper and each outer leg) They make detented pots will various multi detented points as well. Like for stereo volume knobs etc. This helps in setting up   stereo systems with separate gain controls. etc etc.

John

[Processaurus]

A couple of newer digital pedals that I've taken apart have what looks and feels like multi-position rotary switches, but they're just pots with detents, that get read by the processor to change presets or parameters.

[John Lyons]

I think they are called rotary encoders unless I'm way off.
I have a few laying around from a surplus order. They feel neat to turn with a small click at each small rotation....
but that digital stuff is sure over my head!

John