Is it possible to use an LM3914 and LEDs to show the value of a volume or drive pot?

[KR Sound]

I know you can use it to gauge voltage and use to display a VU type meter that shows the amount of sound, but I’m trying to find a way to show the value of a pot from 0-100% with the display of LEDs?

I want to try something for @Paradox916 April 2nd challenge and thought it would be cool to make a pedal with a ton of LEDs as displays. I’ve always wanted to learn more about this IC, but can’t find an analog way of doing this without resorting to an Arduino.

 

[Robert]

You can if you use a dual gang pot.

Connect lug 1 to ground, lug 3 to VCC (or what ever your maximum reference voltage is for the LM3914), and lug 2 to the input of the LM3914.

 

[KR Sound]

Right on, I’ll give that a shot. Thanks for the tip.

 

[KR Sound]

You can if you use a dual gang pot.

Connect lug 1 to ground, lug 3 to VCC (or what ever your maximum reference voltage is for the LM3914), and lug 2 to the input of the LM3914.

After finally finding the right search terms, I found a couple of crude videos and came up with this.

 

[KR Sound]

If anyone else is ever wanting to try this, they layout seems to work pretty well using the schematic up above.



Here’s a video of it in action: