potentiometervoltagewiring
I've heard somewhere that a rheostat uses two pins while a potentiometer uses three. But still, the thing i would like to know is if there's anything different with the adjustment if I wire the pots like this:
Or will it not matter how I wire it? Thanks!
The slot is for adjustment with a flat-headed screwdriver (instead of a knob), and is not generally intended as a feature for the knob to engage with. Just use the same type of knob that you'd use with a purely cylindrical shaft - a knob with a setscrew:
Are you forced to use the WIEN oscillator (named after Max WIEN) topology ? There are other oscillator types with single-element control - however with two operational amplifiers.
Here is a corresponding link: http://m.eet.com/media/1143038/17995-82202di.pdf
I like to mention that for frequency tuning you only have to tune one single grounded resistor. More than that, the quality of the output signal (THD) - for most applications - will be sufficient, even without additional amplitude control mechanism.
EDIT: To all who also are interested in the update of the referenced paper: Try this link (I hope it works) and search for "A novel harmonic Oscillator: GIC Resonator" : https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Lutz_Von_Wangenheim/publications
Best Answer
Electrically, these 2 circuits are equivalent. However, the advantage of the circuit on the right is that if the internal moving tap loses contact with the resistive element, the circuit still appears as a resistance rather than an open circuit. The latter can cause problems with some applications (for example, causing a voltage regulator to lose regulation or generate a large voltage). That is why most designers use the circuit on the right.