Can you change a 5K Potentiometer to a 1K?

[lgehrig4]

Hi,

I'm making an amp which calls for a 1K gain pot, but I can only find a 5K at Radioshack and would like to complete this tonight. Can I use a resistor to accomplish this? If so, please describe how. It is just your basic 3-prong pot.

thanks
Jeff

 

[Stocker]

You can parallel the pins with another (fixed resistor) but it's a bit silly, and will also change the response charicteristics. go to a real electronics shop or wait until tomorrow. Order one next-day shipping if an online place place like digikey, newmark or radioshack or parts express offers it.

 

[thomas997]

Does it say log or linear or what?


Yeah you can use it for now to try it out.. no problem.

 

[lgehrig4]

Point taken. Thanks for your help!

 

[lgehrig4]

It is a linear pot. I am going to wait until I can find a 1k since connecting a resistor will change the response characteristics as stated by 'Stocker'

 

[dmfraser]

Pot

If the pot is being used as a variable voltage divider, it is likely not to matter being 5K. If it is being used as a 2 terminal variable resistor then it does matter.