Would '100ohm linear variable resistors' be suitable for controlling fans. Sorry it is a very basic question but i've only just started with electrics.
Rheostats can work, but they must have the correct power rating. See this page. Other methods such as using a variable regulator, switched diodes or PWM can be more efficient at the expense of being a little more complex.
Yeah, my pot always catches fire Seriously, if the rheostat power rating is correct it won't burn up. But rheostats do work by converting the uneeded energy into heat, which is why the correct rating is so important. That's also why some of the other methods are preferable in many instances.
Agent420 said that they convert the energy that isn't needed into heat so could i just passively cool them with a couple of nb heatsinks i have lying around. Thanks for the quick replies. Just remembered, i have some guitar pots lying around, does anyone know if they would do the job?
I don't think heatsinks will help, it has more to do with the internal construction. If memory serves correctly, common guitar pots are roughly 1/2W. That may not be high enough to work safely. They are also typically several hundred K resistance, which will push the working area to a small section of the control arc.
I'll give it a go with an old psu fan i have and if that sets fire to my carpet i'll stop. Thanks for the info anyway.
