Scale Dials

Category Introduction

Scale Dials are a removable device with a face that is marked in predefined units to indicate the degree that a shaft has been turned. The knobs have a shaft size of 0.125” (3.18 mm), 0.236” (6.00 mm), or 0.250” (6.35 mm) with the number of turns being 1, 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, 30, or 100.

Product List

74 Items
PDF Mfr Part # Quantity
Available
UnitPrice RFQ Series Packaging Product StatusShaft SizeNumber of Turns
2696
2696
DIAL-7/8" 10-TURN 1/4" SHAFT
TT Electronics/BI
21 $9.73
2696 Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)10
H-22-6A
H-22-6A
COUNTING DIAL W/CLICK BRAKE
Bourns Inc.
51 $14.43
H-22 Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
H-46-6A
H-46-6A
COUNTING DIAL 0-20 TURNS
Bourns Inc.
2 $24.58
H-46 Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)20
11A11B10
11A11B10
DIAL SCALE 11 TURN CONCENTRIC
Vishay Spectrol
17 $44.00
11 Bulk Active0.250" (6.35mm)11
21A11B10
21A11B10
DIAL SCALE 15 TURN CONCENTRIC
Vishay Spectrol
7 $45.66
21 Bulk Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
15A11B10
15A11B10
DIAL DIGITAL 10 TURN 3 DIGIT
Vishay Spectrol
13 $50.57
15 Bulk Active0.250" (6.35mm)10
2694
2694
DIAL 7/8" 10 TURN 6MM SHAFT
TT Electronics/BI
78 $9.75
2694 Box Active0.236" (6.00mm)10
H-22-6A-B
H-22-6A-B
DIAL SCALE 15 TURN CONCENTRIC
Bourns Inc.
13 $14.42
H-22 Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
H-22-6A-SB
H-22-6A-SB
DIAL SCALE 15 TURN CONCENTRIC
Bourns Inc.
21 $14.39
H-22 Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
503-0002
503-0002
15-2-11 DIAL DIG 100TURN
NTE Electronics, Inc
11 $98.38
503 Bag Active0.250" (6.35mm)100
503-0001
503-0001
15-1-11 DIAL DIG 10 TURN
NTE Electronics, Inc
2 $107.31
503 Bag Active0.250" (6.35mm)10
503-0004
503-0004
COUNTING DIAL, 7/8" DIA, SATIN C
NTE Electronics, Inc
17 $30.66
503 Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
RB
RB
DIAL-1-13/16" 15-TURN 1/4" SHAFT
TT Electronics/BI
7 $25.31
RB Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
18A11B10
18A11B10
DIAL SCALE 15 TURN CONCENTRIC
Vishay Spectrol
16 $25.76
18 Bulk Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
H-516-6A
H-516-6A
DIAL COUNTING 0-15 TURNS
Bourns Inc.
3 $7.40
H-516 Bulk Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
ACD22 6.35-10
ACD22 6.35-10
COUNTING DIAL 10 TURN 22M
Ohmite
65 $10.89
ARCOL, ACD22 Bulk Active0.250" (6.35mm)10
21PA11B10
21PA11B10
DIAL SCALE 11 TURN CONCENTRIC
Vishay Spectrol
5 $34.92
21P Bulk Active0.250" (6.35mm)11
RBC
RBC
15 TURN COUNTING DIAL
TT Electronics/BI
28 $34.64
RB Box Active0.250" (6.35mm)15
H-516-3A
H-516-3A
HARDWARE
Bourns Inc.
69 $9.41
H-516 Bulk Active0.125" (3.18mm)15
H-22-6M
H-22-6M
DIAL SCALE 15 TURN CONCENTRIC
Bourns Inc.
6 $14.45
H-22 Box Active0.236" (6.00mm)15

About Scale Dials

What are Scale Dials?

Scale Dials

Scale dials are integral components used in conjunction with potentiometers and variable resistors to provide a visual representation of the resistance level or position of the device. These dials translate the mechanical rotation of the potentiometer's shaft into a readable scale, allowing users to accurately set and monitor resistance values. The basic operating principle involves a calibrated faceplate marked with a scale, which corresponds to the rotational position of the potentiometer. As the shaft is turned, the pointer or indicator on the dial moves along the scale, providing a precise reading of the resistance or voltage level.

Types of Scale Dials

Analog Scale Dials

Analog scale dials feature a traditional design with a circular or linear scale marked with numerical values. These dials are often used in applications where a simple, direct reading is sufficient. They are characterized by their ease of use and the ability to provide a continuous range of readings, making them ideal for applications requiring fine adjustments.

Digital Scale Dials

Digital scale dials incorporate electronic displays to show the resistance or voltage level in a digital format. These dials are preferred in environments where precision is critical, as they offer high accuracy and can display readings to multiple decimal places. Digital dials often include additional features such as backlighting and data logging capabilities.

Linear Scale Dials

Linear scale dials are designed for applications where space is limited or where a linear motion is more practical than a rotary one. These dials feature a straight scale and are often used in conjunction with slide potentiometers. They are commonly found in audio mixing consoles and other professional audio equipment.

How to choose Scale Dials?

When selecting scale dials, several key parameters should be considered:

  • Scale Type: Choose between analog, digital, or linear based on the application's precision and space requirements.
  • Size and Compatibility: Ensure the dial is compatible with the potentiometer or variable resistor in use, considering shaft size and mounting requirements.
  • Material and Durability: Select materials that withstand the environmental conditions of the application, such as temperature and humidity.
  • Readability: Consider the visibility of the scale markings and the presence of features like backlighting for low-light conditions.

Evaluating product quality involves checking supplier certifications, customer reviews, and testing for reliability under expected operating conditions. Environmental factors such as exposure to dust, moisture, and temperature extremes should also be considered, along with installation requirements like panel mounting or surface mounting options.

Applications of Scale Dials

Consumer Electronics

In consumer electronics, scale dials are used in devices like radios and amplifiers to adjust volume and tuning. They provide users with a tactile and visual interface to control audio levels and frequencies accurately.

Industrial Automation

Scale dials play a crucial role in industrial automation systems, where they are used to set and monitor parameters such as speed, temperature, and pressure. Their reliability and precision are essential for maintaining optimal operational conditions.

Medical Equipment

In medical devices, scale dials are used to adjust settings on equipment like ventilators and infusion pumps. Their accuracy ensures that critical parameters are maintained, contributing to patient safety and effective treatment.

Aerospace and Defense

Scale dials are employed in aerospace and defense applications for controlling and monitoring systems such as navigation and communication equipment. Their robustness and precision are vital in these high-stakes environments.

Audio Engineering

In the field of audio engineering, scale dials are used extensively on mixing consoles and audio processors. They allow sound engineers to make precise adjustments to audio signals, ensuring high-quality sound production.