Electronics > Projects, Designs, and Technical Stuff

Variable Resistance (potentiometer-like) Foot Pedal?

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PhysicsDude55:
Looking to do some projects that involve controlling something (via microcontroller) via a foot pedal, and want variable speed.  Ideally looking for a self contained foot pedal that has an internal 0-10Kohm potentiometer, or something similar that could be wired to generate a 0-5v or 0-12v signal.

I know modern gas pedals in cars do this, but they're not self contained or easily mountable where you could put one under your work bench.  Maybe I'm wrong about that.

Anyone have any experience with this?  Was thinking maybe foot pedals to control TIG welders?  Sewing machine foot pedals?  Anyone have any experience with the internals of those?

andy3055:
If you are prepared to pay the price, check these out:

https://www.amazon.com/Linemaster-OHASAB-10K-Electrical-Momentary-Compatible/dp/B005GRE12U

https://linemaster.com/product/429/Varior-Potentiometer/09ASXP-10K/

NiHaoMike:
Newer sewing machine pedals are just potentiometers (as opposed to a complete speed controller in the older ones) but I'm not sure what values are commonly used.

Mr.B:
I made one for my lab myself.
Extreme backyard edition:

20K linear slide pot removed from an old audio mixing desk
One spring
One lightweight hinge
A couple of pieces of plywood
Hand full of nuts and bolts

It isn’t pretty, but it works


Edit: If you had a 3D printer you could do a pretty good job.
I have a 3D printer, but have not yet replaced my original contraption, because it just works.

DaJMasta:
A regular pot with a cam on the shaft that was joined to the bottom of the pedal would be able to do it, just a matter of making everything durable enough to be used underfoot and stay repeatable.

If you want more exotic options, maybe a block of foam and an force sensitive resistor under the raised part of the pedal?  Maybe a tube with an IR proximity sensor looking up at the bottom of the pedal?  They're cheap enough that an integrated IMU could probably just give you digital angular data and then you just need a physical pedal that feels good enough.

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