Arduino Stater Kit Pots

[AaronDeee]

Is it just me or are the potentiometers that come with the Arduino starter kit a bit icky? They don't stay connected in the breadboard for me. Should I buy some of these instead? https://www.adafruit.com/products/356

[adafruit_support_bill]

Which starter kit do you have? The pots in the Adafruit starter kits are the same as the ones you linked.

[AaronDeee]

Thanks for the reply, Bill

This is the kit I got:
https://www.adafruit.com/products/1078

[adafruit_support_bill]

OK. That is the one from Arduino.cc. I don't know which pots they pack with those.

What is the problem you are having? Are the leads too short, or just too thin to grip well in the breadboard sockets?

[AaronDeee]

The leads are kinda short, but they're made out of strip metal, not round wire. They don't seem to seat properly into the connection--it's like they pop out a bit--so if i let go of the knob the circuit opens. I'm a noob so I don't know if its the pot or if it's me!

[adafruit_support_bill]

Most pots of this type have fairly thin leads. This is not a problem when they are soldered into a circuit, but can be annoying in a breadboard situation - especially if the leads are short. The pots we carry in the store have long enough leads for reliable use in a breadboard. But they will wobble around a bit due to the thin leads.

[AaronDeee]

Thanks again Bill for your help. Appreciate it!

[AaronDeee]

Figured out that if you apply some pressure they will sort of pop in. All good.