Let’s face it – any sound system is incomplete without at least a remote volume control. We described an excellent unit back in October 2002, based on a motorised potentiometer. However, while that project would work well with the Studio Series Preamp, it lacks any means of controlling the preamp’s source relays. And that’s a problem – you don’t want to abandon your comfy chair just to select a different music source, do you?

The prototype remote control module complete with optional 27mm motorised potentiometer. A standard low-cost 16mm version can also be fitted.

The volume control features of this unit are virtually identical to our previous project. Again, it’s based on a motorised potentiometer. Press the "Volume Up" and "Volume Down" buttons on your remote and the pot rotates right and left. It takes about nine seconds for the pot to travel from one end to the other using these controls. For finer adjustment, the "Channel Up" and "Channel Down" buttons can be used instead; these cause the pot shaft to rotate only about 1° for each press.

Automatic muting is another handy feature. A press of the "Mute" button and the pot rotates to its minimum position. Hit the button again and it returns to its original position. Don’t want the volume to return all the way? Easy – just hit one of the volume control buttons when the volume has reached the level that you desire.