PS: to me RPi is overkill for all but the most intense compute requirements. So is the esp32 to a lesser degree. Don’t always need 240MHz dual core RISC with FreeRTOS and 2.4G radio…

I default to Arduino, usually attiny devices for simple, low power stuff. I am really liking the new TinyAVR line. Quicker programming, way more functionality, etc.

You might want to check out OpenMV Cam which does some cool machine vision stuff and runs MicroPython.

I would probably start looking at OpenCV software for RasPi if you need more processing power.

I’ve been playing with ESP32 lately. I’m frankly kind of shocked at how well documented the API is and how well it all works. And it’s mostly open. I haven’t done anything with ESP32 Cams I bought, yet. No idea what is possible there or where to start.

Hopefully that helps.

Meanwhile I’m over here trying to wrap up a simple Bluetooth-enabled amp project for the last couple months lol. I should do more with machine vision.

Linear checks out for this kind of application.

Potentiometers are pretty basic things. About the only thing I can think of that would be specified electrically is value (10k), wattage rating (but I doubt much current is sent through these in this application), linear/logarithmic taper, tolerance (often 5%, or 10%) and maybe the type of contact/track or something (probably doesn’t matter).

Those numbers could be manufactured date or lot codes or similar.

How does the thumb “wheel” attach? Or is it built in? I can’t tell from the single pic.

Other things to consider are the pin spacing and physical dimensions.

How many pins does it have in the circuit board?

Someone said it might be an encoder but I see “103” on it which is used on potentiometers to indicate 10k ohm (10 x 10^3)