[SOLVED] Wondering what this little fiddle is? :)

[rotekonto03]

So...for 8-10 years this controller has been in my PC-stash box and every time ive opened ive been thinking" what IS this thing actually for" haha. Initially i thought it was a fan controller...but how would that work since there is only one cable? Hoping someone can crunch this mystery for me

 

[Aeacus]

It isn't a controller but instead a switch. As far as it's original intended use goes, dig out the manual/specs of the PC case it came with.

 

[rotekonto03]

but it turns in a smooth rotation....just like a dimmer switch and it has no on/off clicks in itself...only smooth dimming....it neither has a OFF position.....?

 

[rotekonto03]

I have moved like 3 times since i found this thing so the name...and the whereabouts of a manual would only be God knowing...

 

[Aeacus]

Due to the smooth dimming it offers, it can be used as voltage control switch/knob between +12V/+5V and ground pins.

 

[rotekonto03]

I thought so aswell at first , but...how does it regulate in such a way...its only has 2 wires that are either the I or the O wires...i am guessing that is the IN wire of somekind...how does it send voltage back after it has been dimmed? haha...this is what is puzzling me

 

[CountMike]

Some fans (I have few of those) have separate cable with 2 male pins for LED lights on them. From factory they come with connector to short those two pins and than lights are on. Without it LEDs are off so connecting a variable resistor to it would dim them.