Whats up with resistor values!!!

Killjoy99 · 27th February 2004, 10:24 PM

This is a newb question but simply: If a resistor value on a schematic is like 330 ohm for example and a certain brand only makes a 332 ohm, is that resistor value going to work? If so how much room do you have to get a resistor that will work for the stated value.

Is your only choice to get the exact resistor value even if that forces you to buy a different brand or model of resistor?

Stupid question but just want to make sure. Thanks

Brian *Killjoy99*

azira · 27th February 2004, 10:37 PM

Probably it will. It depends on how much tolerance is built into the circuit, I try and do my calculations using 5% so I can get quick parts are Radio Shack because I'm impatient. In a lot of transistor equation simplifications, "significantly larger" often means 10% tolerance.
But think about this, if you use 5% devices, you are almost guarenteed to NOT get the value spec'ed on the device. The resistors are made and then checked before being sold, if it measured at 2% or 1%, the manufacturer would sell it for higher priced tolerance instead of the cheaper 5%. All of the ones that are sold for 5% will actually be bimodally distributed instead of normal distribution. So, if you're at all worried, buy up a few of those 332s and use the ones that masure slightly lower.
--
Danny

Killjoy99 · 27th February 2004, 10:52 PM

OK, through out the entire parts list there were only about 5 out of 40 that I couldn't find an exact value. I shouldn't have a problem as long as I meaure those specific values and find the closest match. Thanks for the help.

Brian *Killjoy99*

markp · 27th February 2004, 11:04 PM

If it is marked at 332ohm it is most likely a 1% resistor. Remember you can add resistors in series to get the value you need. 1% values are usually metal film and better than 5% carbon comp as far as sound goes. There are a set of 'standard' values in most brands of resistors and you will find that they stick to certain base numbers like 332. They will have 33.2, 332, 3320, 33200, etc values. There are usually 24 or 36 'base' numbers between 0 and 10 that all the values are based on.
Dont worry about being slightly off the value in the schematic as long as you are consistent between channels.

Killjoy99 · 27th February 2004, 11:12 PM

Like you said, the resistors I am looking at are all Dale 1% Metal Film resistors. After looking around a bit more, I have been able to find the exact values to all but 3 and they should be just fine based on what you guys have said. I'll give them a try. Thanks for the help. Gonna place my order now, lol.

Brian *Killjoy99*

27th February 2004, 10:24 PM	#1
Killjoy99 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	Whats up with resistor values!!! This is a newb question but simply: If a resistor value on a schematic is like 330 ohm for example and a certain brand only makes a 332 ohm, is that resistor value going to work? If so how much room do you have to get a resistor that will work for the stated value. Is your only choice to get the exact resistor value even if that forces you to buy a different brand or model of resistor? Stupid question but just want to make sure. Thanks Brian Killjoy99

27th February 2004, 11:04 PM	#4
markp diyAudio Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: L.A., CA	If it is marked at 332ohm it is most likely a 1% resistor. Remember you can add resistors in series to get the value you need. 1% values are usually metal film and better than 5% carbon comp as far as sound goes. There are a set of 'standard' values in most brands of resistors and you will find that they stick to certain base numbers like 332. They will have 33.2, 332, 3320, 33200, etc values. There are usually 24 or 36 'base' numbers between 0 and 10 that all the values are based on. Dont worry about being slightly off the value in the schematic as long as you are consistent between channels. __________________ If it sounds good... it is good!

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27th February 2004, 10:37 PM	#2
azira diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Near Seattle	Probably it will. It depends on how much tolerance is built into the circuit, I try and do my calculations using 5% so I can get quick parts are Radio Shack because I'm impatient. In a lot of transistor equation simplifications, "significantly larger" often means 10% tolerance. But think about this, if you use 5% devices, you are almost guarenteed to NOT get the value spec'ed on the device. The resistors are made and then checked before being sold, if it measured at 2% or 1%, the manufacturer would sell it for higher priced tolerance instead of the cheaper 5%. All of the ones that are sold for 5% will actually be bimodally distributed instead of normal distribution. So, if you're at all worried, buy up a few of those 332s and use the ones that masure slightly lower. -- Danny

27th February 2004, 10:52 PM	#3
Killjoy99 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	OK, through out the entire parts list there were only about 5 out of 40 that I couldn't find an exact value. I shouldn't have a problem as long as I meaure those specific values and find the closest match. Thanks for the help. Brian Killjoy99

27th February 2004, 11:12 PM	#5
Killjoy99 diyAudio Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	Like you said, the resistors I am looking at are all Dale 1% Metal Film resistors. After looking around a bit more, I have been able to find the exact values to all but 3 and they should be just fine based on what you guys have said. I'll give them a try. Thanks for the help. Gonna place my order now, lol. Brian Killjoy99