Hi Guys,

    I am finishing up the design and fabrication of my variable length EDDIE intake and need some assistance.  I want to use a voltmeter (or LEDs) to indicate the postion of the manifold.  The simplist approach would appear to have a linear resistor attached such that its arm is moved as the manifold moves thereby changing the resistance indicating distance. 

I've done a lot of Web surfing and found a number of linear postion potentiometers.  The problem is they cost more than I have invested in the manifold.  Regular audio linear potentiometers do not have the mechanical range I need.  I need a position indictor that has at least 5 1/2 - 6" of travel.  Anyone have any ideal where something reasonably priced might be found. 

 If you know of a retail catalog that have such things I'd appreciate a pointer.  I can find plenty of Linear Postion Potentiometers - but they cost in the hunderds of $$.  Need something much cheaper. 

I know I could devise a 3:1 lever ratio or some such thing and use one of the cheap (but mechanically range restricted) linear potentiometers for audio circuits, but would rather not.

Thanks

Ed Anderson
RV-6A N494BW Rotary Powered
Matthews, NC