Spring loaded potentiometer with center detent

[Mark Tillotson]

Hi

I hope someone can help me in my search for a very specific part - or maybe advise an alternative way to achieve the same with other means.
So, in short I am looking for a potentiometer with a center detent - but would like to have one that is spring loaded in both directions.
Meaning that if I turn to one side and release it I want it to snap back to the center detent.

A single-axis joystick basically? Mobility scooter control pots are like this, but probably too big and chunky for your needs.

 

[egellings]

That is not likely a commercially available part, so you would likely need to get a potentiometer of the kind you want and then add a mechanism to it in order to get the action you want.

 

[aarsoe]

Thanks - but that is a really excessive price. For that price I can buy a joystick with twist and strip it and still have enough for lunch.

 

[baeijsman]

but that is a really excessive price

Ooops... didn't actually notice the price.
But hey... shipping is free.

 

[stv]

Extremely low tech cheap solution:

I just used the clamps for a quick test, of course.
A bigger rubber band wheel on the pot and longer rubber band distances will improve functionality.
Also rubber band may need to be exchanged after some time ...

Edit:
Winding rubber band on both sides will remove any force on the pot shaft, except the rotation force back to the rest position.
You could also exchange the rubber band with a string around the pot and two springs connected to the fixed points (clanps in my test example).