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How Do I Read a Potentiometer Signal from My PA Actuator?

PA potentiometer actuators output a variable analog voltage proportional to rod position. This article covers how to wire the signal, read it with an Arduino, and convert the raw ADC value into real-world position in millimetres or inches.

Wiring the Potentiometer

Wire Colour (typical) Connection Notes
Green (Pot Vcc) Arduino 5 V pin Supply reference voltage for potentiometer
White (Pot Signal) Arduino A0 (or any analog pin) Variable 0–5 V output — read with analogRead()
Yellow (Pot GND) Arduino GND Must share ground with Arduino
Red (Motor +) H-bridge output + Motor power — keep separate from signal wiring
Black (Motor –) H-bridge output – Motor power — keep separate from signal wiring

⚠️  Never mix motor wires and pot wires Connecting the potentiometer Vcc or signal wire to the 12 V motor supply will immediately destroy the sensor. Always double-check connections before applying power.

Reading with Arduino

Arduino's analogRead() returns a value from 0 to 1023 (10-bit ADC at 5 V). Because the potentiometer doesn't rotate through its full range, you must first calibrate the min/max readings and then map them to physical position.

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Smoothing the Signal

Raw ADC readings fluctuate due to motor electrical noise. A simple rolling average reduces jitter significantly:

Captura de Pantalla 2026-03-10 a la(s) 13.11.19

💡  Hardware filter too Place a 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor between the signal wire and GND at the Arduino pin. This blocks high-frequency motor noise before it reaches the ADC, complementing the software rolling average.