I found the most interesting thingy at Mike Quinn Electronics, a nifty surplus electronics store the next town over from where I live. It's an adjustable potentiometer, with a digital display on top to show the resistance. We tested it with a meter, and not only does it work fine, it is as advertised, with a linear tolerance of 0.1%. But, best of all, it's genuine Borg technology!

The George W. Borg Corporation of Janesville, WI made this fascinating object, the Model 205 Micropot Potentiometer, but not much information is available about the company online that I can find. Jody says that they are related to the Borg of Borg-Warner (as in transmissions), but I haven't yet found out when the company operated and shut down, and when this might have been made.

The only links I found so far were references to a circular knitting machine that Mr. Borg adapted to work with synthetic fibers, a reference to the Borg scale of intensity of sensations, and how another Borg potentiometer is used in avalanche hazard forcasting.

Probably the best part of the whole thing is the metal thumbwheel/dial and display on top. The gearing inside that make the numbers change (as well as the electrical resistance) are smooth and feel oh so good to turn. There's even a latch to lock it at any specific setting. I dont have any plans to use it for anything other than a paperweight and fidget-toy, but at $2., it was a bargain no matter what.

I'm going to see what else I can find out about this George W. Borg Corporation. Resistance is futile. GAH! Sorry.