ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., as a part of its efforts to develop easy-to-use input devices, has developed the RK10N series of 10x zoom volume controls, which feature a resistor travel distance ideal for fingertip-operation compact and high-power zooms. Sample shipments are to begin in late April 2004. The RK10N series will be on display at ALPS SHOW 2004 to be held in the Hiten room at the New Takanawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo for three days from May 26, 2004.
Digital video cameras and digital cameras have become more compact while featuring more powerful zooms, increasing demand for compact components able to easily control high-powered zooms with one finger.
The RK10N series was developed as a device able to change zoom power in a circular arc movement ideal for fingertip operation. In addition, the RK10N series features a self-returning construction where the lever returns to the center position, enabling easy fingertip operation of zooming in and out.
The application of accumulated ALPS mechatronic technology has allowed for the construction to feature a two-coil spring structure that replaces the torsion spring*1 used in previous products. As a result, the RK10N series has a long resistor sliding distance, which is ideal for compact bodies and high-power zooms.
Coil springs do not have arms restricted to the center position and the radius of the movement arc is similar to that of torsion springs. This allows for designs where the arc center is located external to the component cases, ensuring a circular arc movement along a long radius. A large radius enables adjustments for high-powered zooms long resistor sliding distances despite small movement angles. The RK10N series features a circular arc movement angle of ±13º, one-half that of previous industry products, and a resistor sliding distance of approximately 4mm, or double that of previous products.
The RK10N series employs a construction that uses identical resins in the sliding portion of the product component to create a smoother operational feel
