How can I change voltage instead of current?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around how to change voltage instead of current in a circuit involving a microcontroller and a potentiometer. Participants explore the setup and configuration of the components to achieve the desired voltage readings.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes a microcontroller that reads voltages from 0V to 5V and expresses difficulty in obtaining intermediate readings from a potentiometer.
  • Another participant questions the nature of the "controller," suggesting it may be a power supply or a meter, and seeks clarification on whether it produces or reads voltage.
  • A participant requests a schematic of the circuit and details about the microcontroller to better understand the setup.
  • There is a suggestion that a resistor could be added to change a voltage signal to a current signal.
  • One participant points out that the potentiometer has three terminals and implies that connecting only two may have caused the issue.
  • A later reply provides a wiring suggestion for the potentiometer, indicating how to connect it to the microcontroller for proper voltage readings.
  • The original poster acknowledges a mistake in their connections and confirms that connecting all three terminals resolved the issue.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the initial setup, as there are multiple questions and suggestions regarding the configuration of the components. The discussion includes both clarifications and corrections without a definitive resolution.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include unclear definitions of the components involved and the initial setup, as well as the potential for misunderstanding the function of the microcontroller.

kolleamm
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TL;DR
change voltage instead of current.
I have a micro controller that reads voltages from 0V to 5V
I did some tests on a potentiometer and I couldn't seem to get any readings of values in between. (range is 0-255 ,, 0 is for 0 volts and 255 is for 5V)
Therefore I'm assuming the voltage is staying the same as it turns but the current is changing.

How can I get the voltage to change instead of the current?

Thanks in advance
 
Last edited:
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kolleamm said:
Summary: change voltage instead of current.

I have a controller that reads voltages from 0V to 5V
I did some tests on a potentiometer and I couldn't seem to get any readings of values in between. (range is 0-255 ,, 0 is for 0 volts and 255 is for 5V)
Therefore I'm assuming the voltage is staying the same as it turns but the current is changing.

How can I get the voltage to change instead of the current?

Thanks in advance
It's not clear what your setup is. This "controller" is a power supply or a meter? You say it "reads" but maybe you mean it produces?
 
phinds said:
It's not clear what your setup is. This "controller" is a power supply or a meter? You say it "reads" but maybe you mean it produces?
My bad I meant a micro controller attached to a computer that reads input voltage values from it's pins.
 
kolleamm said:
My bad I meant a micro controller attached to a computer that reads input voltage values from it's pins.
OK, still very unclear
how about a schematic of your circuit, showing ALL component values
and what micro controller you are using

otherwise it is just a guessing game trying to figure out what you are trying to doDave
 
kolleamm said:
My bad I meant a micro controller attached to a computer that reads input voltage values from it's pins.
Reads input values from what? Is that device outputting a voltage or current signal? Typically you can change a voltage signal to a current signal by adding a resistor to the circuit...
 
kolleamm said:
I have a micro controller that reads voltages from 0V to 5V
I did some tests on a potentiometer and I couldn't seem to get any readings of values in between. (range is 0-255 ,, 0 is for 0 volts and 255 is for 5V)

The potentiometer has three terminals to solder to. It sounds like you connected to only two of these?
 
kolleamm said:
My bad I meant a micro controller attached to a computer that reads input voltage values from it's pins.
Hook it up like this. The "clockwise" (CW) potentiometer pin should connect to 5V, and the CCW pin should connect to ground. The wiper goes to your ADC input pin on the microcontroller (uC). R2 and C1 are optional, but will help to steady the readings you get.

https://www.w9xt.com/img_1224968365_15498_1331504476.png
245775
 
Last edited:
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NascentOxygen said:
The potentiometer has three terminals to solder to. It sounds like you connected to only two of these?
You were right, I had to attach all three to the board and that fixed it. Thanks all
 
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