Wiring replacement pot (Alps)

Rossputin

New member
Hello all,

At the suggestion of many folks here and Doc B as well, I just received a new Alps pot.

What's the easiest and best way to make sure that I wire it correctly? In other words, what's the easiest and best way to know which terminal on the new pot matches up with which terminal on the pot that came with the Crack?

If I'm looking straight on at the three terminals, would the left one on the Alps definitely match the left one on the original?

Or do I just take out the original and try to figure out how to use an ohmmeter to determine which terminal is which? (Which I'm not sure I can do with absolute confidence...)

Thanks!
Ross
 
Hi, new crack owner here. I've researched extensively and can't quite find a straightforward answer. Is this the correct Alps pot to use for the Crack? https://w ww.parts-express.com/alps-100kax2-100k-ohm-audio-taper-stereo-potentiometer-6mm-shaft--023-206
Just wanted to make sure it's the best fitting/most compatible and easiest to install Alps blue velvet pot for the crack. Also, does anyone have experience ordering one of these through parts express? Wanted to make sure it is not a knock off. Sorry about the URL, can't post links yet. Thanks!
 
I can confirm that P.E. is first-rate!  I live in the town where they are located so very familiar.  I would think it's very safe.

I've been trying to find a reliable source for the lugged version, like this which would be really nice for soldering:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Japan-Alps-Blue-Velvet-100K-Volume-Control-Potentiometer-Tube-Amplifier/361490171877?epid=1081861570&hash=item542a7e47e5:g:NggAAOxyn~pR0kbS

Not sure I trust this ^^ source however!
 

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I have ordered lots of stuff from P.E. over the years with zero problems.
Just for reference I live in the US.
 
Haha I catch your drift! So while the lugs are a very nice addition, they're unfortunately not the real deal. Well thanks everyone for the clarification! I will most likely pursue the PE 100k with pins.
 
The other thing that drives me nuts is seeing all those solid core wires wrapped around the pins on the RK27.  Those pins are really not very sturdy and are designed to go into a PC board.  You're likely to ruin the pot by anchoring wires to the pins.

Instead, spend a few bucks and buy a breakout board:
Breakout board
 
Another option is a stepped attenuator using DALE resistors from Ebay.
Some consider these an upgrade to the Alps pots.
Can't commend on that because i never used an Alps pot.
I've used a stepped attenuator and was really happy with it.
 
I have never been a fan of the Alps pot, not much better than the stock pot, if at all.  The Audio Note pot is what I have been recommending for years, excellent pot for the money.
 
That breakout board idea is awesome!

The parts express 100K ohm Alps is not labeled as an RK27.  I wonder if it's the same as an RK27 Alps.  Looks like it . . . but it is strange that "RK27" isn't referenced.
 
Caucasian Blackplate said:
The other thing that drives me nuts is seeing all those solid core wires wrapped around the pins on the RK27.  Those pins are really not very sturdy and are designed to go into a PC board.  You're likely to ruin the pot by anchoring wires to the pins.

Instead, spend a few bucks and buy a breakout board:
Breakout board

Awesome! Just ordered one today. Would've never known. Thanks so much for the link!
 
fromnowon said:
That breakout board idea is awesome!

The parts express 100K ohm Alps is not labeled as an RK27.  I wonder if it's the same as an RK27 Alps.  Looks like it . . . but it is strange that "RK27" isn't referenced.

Yeah I had thought the same thing. Nowhere on the PE site is the manf part # from Alps mentioned. Tried to ask their online chat about it today...didn't know jack of course. I went ahead and ordered anyway. It's faster and cheaper than mouser and looks pretty identical.
 
I went over to Parts Express today and got one of these 023-206s.
It's labeled "ALPS RK27" in the packaging.  Just thought I'd let everyone know that!

 

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FYI - My pot came in today. They put it in a yellow padded mailer and the pins punctured right through the plastic bag and the shipping mailer. Pins were all bent up! You'd think they would've thought about that by now :\
Anyway, just thought I'd share for anyone thinking of ordering from there, ask it be wrapped in bubble wrap or shipped in a small box
 
That stinks.  I am sure that P.E. will replace it, quickly!  Shipping always makes me nervous.

I ordered the small breakout board from China so still waiting for that.
 
I ordered the breakout board as well! What a great idea that is. Thanks to all of you for responding to my question and adding additional useful information. This is a great forum.
 
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