Planetary Reduction Potensiometer with Valve Wheel

thingiverse

I had a gas regulator like that shown in the 3rd picture and I wanted to create an interesting prop that can also have some function. I modified VegOilGuy's "Planetary Gearbox 4:1 Stackable" to create an excessive potensiometer housing and knob. The top and bottom parts are the regulator casing and the in-between is the 3D printed mechanism that couples the valve wheel to the pot via the reduction gearbox. That way, you need to turn the wheel about 4 times for the pot to only make a 300 degree turn. You can also print the "Extension Sun" instead of the "Sun" if you want to stack more stages and add more turns. Note that you will have to print another "Ring", "Carrier" and 3 more "Planets". You'll figure it out. This does not only give you greater precision but also a bad ass looking input device that can be used to spice up your electronics projects. Use it a simple pot for your power supply, add it to an escape room puzzle or even make an industrial looking dimmer switch for your nuclear submarine lights. Is it bulky? Yes. Is It excessive? Yes. Is it useless? Most probably. Is it fun? You bet your a** it's fun! If you make anything using this thing please post it in the "Makes" tab. I'm very interested to see your creations.