Pair these potentiometers with a controller to monitor the position of moving parts or send instructions to an electrical system. They have a rod that slides back and forth against an internal resistor, which increases or decreases the voltage flowing out to your controller. To monitor the position of a moving part, such as a robotic component, connect it to the rod. As the part moves, it pushes the rod back and forth, which allows the controller to observe and report the part’s exact position. To use these potentiometers as part of a controls system, connect them to a volume slider or other manual control. When you move the slider, the controller converts its position into instructions for electrical equipment, such as adjusting volume levels. These potentiometers are also called variable output switches.

Adjust the brightness of lights.

Rocker switches with slide dimmers and mini slide dimmers turn lights on and off with a separate rocker actuator to maintain a desired lighting level.

Often used in large, open workspaces, these switches can be wired on opposite ends of the room to control the brightness of lights on the same circuit. They're also known as three-way switches and work in pairs to control lights from two different locations. The actuator to turn lights on and off is separate from the dimmer to maintain a desired lighting level. They fit standard wall plates (not included).