Solderless potentiometer for Meanwell type B drivers

[PurpleGunRack]

Hey guys, I'm looking for a solderless potentiometer for the type B drivers, or an easy way to solder connectors to a potentiometer so I can make a little box with a dial ready to wire to the driver.

I want to have these so I can easily use them with different drivers while I'm upgrading to a fully controlled light with the Zigbee controllers, I don't feel like unsoldering stuff

[sdfoster22]

Try finding some crimp on connectors that will fit over the base of the solder base. That's what I plan on doing (as I'll have my pot outside the tent.)

[Sativant]

Soldering is really easy-and it’s cheap, too. It’s a good tool to have in your arsenal if you’re going to be doing lighting and electrical. I understand if you don’t want to, but thought I would point out that it’s the best way to connect wires.
While I finish work on my lab, I’ve got my potentiometer soldered to wires, then Connected to Wagos that connect to my remote type B driver. Easy to change out if I want to change the location of the potentiometer.

[LEDG]

Soldering is really easy-and it’s cheap, too. It’s a good tool to have in your arsenal if you’re going to be doing lighting and electrical. I understand if you don’t want to, but thought I would point out that it’s the best way to connect wires.
While I finish work on my lab, I’ve got my potentiometer soldered to wires, then Connected to Wagos that connect to my remote type B driver. Easy to change out if I want to change the location of the potentiometer.

This is what I do as well.

[Complex]

I don't know how to multi-quote (instead of clicking quote for one comment/post and having it automatically bring me to the reply field) so I'll just have to write it out.

sdfoster22:
That's an interesting idea.

Sativant:
I have to agree. It's real easy. Knowing I'd probably need to refresh my skills at this - seeing as I'm getting into DIY led (and I might need it for work in the future..?) I just got some scrap wire (an old cord from a broken device/appliance, or whatever you have) found a spool of solder I have from years ago, and my soldering iron ($10-12 at princess auto, amazon, etc. etc.) and laid it out on the work table. Fire up youtube and choose a few videos to refresh my memory and spent 30 minutes practicing "tinning" stranded ends and soldering some wires together.
I actually improved my skills big time as I found I'd been doing it in a less than effective, though still usable way, before. And now it's super easy.
If you can pick up a (cheap) iron, solder and find some scrap wire to practice with. It's a very easy skill to pick up with some trial and effort.

Just tryin' to help ya out
Peace.

[Complex]

From OP: "I want to have these so I can easily use them with different drivers while I'm upgrading to a fully controlled light with the Zigbee controllers, I don't feel like unsoldering stuff"

I actually missed this part. Haha, Sativant has the best solution there I think.

Also, have you checked out "Inventronics" drivers?

[PurpleGunRack]

I have a soldering iron and don't mind using it

I'm looking for a way to do it with a clean finish, preferably in a little box with quick connectors or something so I can play around with different drivers and builds in an easy and safe way.

Also, have you checked out "Inventronics" drivers?

Yes, but they're too expensive compared to Meanwell

[PurpleGunRack]

I've been thinking (yeah that's new )

Taking just a plain plastic box and drilling a hole for the potentiomter, secure it inside with 3 leads soldered coming out of 3 small holes on the back of the box where they are connected to 3 2-slot wago connectoers glued to the box...
Not super pretty but it should work, my only concern is how I secure the pot inside the box...

[Complex]

PurpleGunRack,

I'm in Canada, where everything is exponentially more $ or unavailable, and from 'futureelectronics' the inventronics drivers seem to be the same price or cheaper than Mean Well's, depending on model. Maybe +/- 5 to 10% - again depending on model. Also, I'm talking about their programmable constant current line of drivers (EUD series) so - it's not exactly apples to apples. But I hear ya

For the pot., you could maybe appoxy it? Duno if you want permanent. Double sided/3M style tape? Maybe there are models of pots. that are meant to be mounted and have a thread n' nut assembly for through mounting.

A company called "Atpwonz" makes electrical junction boxes and water proof connections, on amazon.com. Check it out (but make sure you verify the specs of things with them, I know from experience, lol).

Peace.

[alienfarts687]

I have a soldering iron and don't mind using it

I'm looking for a way to do it with a clean finish, preferably in a little box with quick connectors or something so I can play around with different drivers and builds in an easy and safe way.

Also, have you checked out "Inventronics" drivers?

Yes, but they're too expensive compared to Meanwell

You could build the potentiometer into a little plastic project box like this:

Build the potentiometer into the little box and instead of running the wires out to the driver, wire the potentiometer to a female DC port. Now instead of soldering the potentiometer to your driver, just solder a small run of cable to a male DC terminal. Easy as.