How does this temperature controller work?

[hypophthalmus]

Is it just a potentiometer?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gerbing-Gyde-12V-Single-Portable-Temperature-Controller/152916209737?epid=2285514875&hash=item239a843049:g:Y7kAAOSw3q5aehZb:sc:USPSFirstClass!72650!US!-1:rk:2:pf:0

[hypophthalmus]

Also, as resistance increase, does the voltage drop? Or the current? Or some combination?

[hypophthalmus]

I think a potentiometer properly rating might work? But presumably put out a lot of heat.

I don't really understand it, but I think it's likely it's something like this:

http://www.learningelectronics.net/circuits/12v-speed-controllerdimmer.html

It seems similar controllers can be had on ebay for < $2.

Should be a cheap way to turn down electric gloves if you're on a budget and they don't include a temperature controller.

[MJR]

My guess it's likely a pulse width modulated circuit through a MOSFET.

[hypophthalmus]

I've ordered these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-gloves-heated-pad-electric-heating-element-winter-outdoor-warm-mitten-TK/302629733092
https://www.ebay.com/itm/PWM-DC-6V-12V-24V-28V-3A-Motor-Speed-Control-New-Switch-Controller/222594675619?autorefresh=true

Should be an interesting experiment for $6.

[stuo]

If that's just a potentiometer $46 is a hellova high price for it.

[hypophthalmus]

Well, I think MJR was right. The markup is still enormous. And it looks like it might normally go for $90.

Compared to $2 for a 3amp PWM circuit, $7 for a 40amp PWM circuit. Perhaps the other $83-88 is for the case, cord, and connectors?

[hypophthalmus]

A rambly update:

I got both of these, but never actually tried using the PWM.

The heating pads got pretty warm at a slow speed the first time I tried using them, but not after? Not sure exactly why. The last time I used them I got a random hot spot on the tip of my pinky.

They helped a lot compared to no pad, but they weren't a great solution -- they bunched up, felt odd, left lots of cold spots.

I got the Gerbing heated gloves that prompted this all for $37 from an overstock store. Everyone was saying that they really needed the temperature controller, but they're pleasantly warm when I'm sitting still, and perfectly neutral at speed. So I don't understand why you'd want to turn them down.

Now the same trip that would have had my hands painfully cold in 30 minutes at 30 degrees going 65mph feels entirely fine.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Cold hands ruined many a winter ride for me, until I purchased Gerbing battery glove liners. 3 heat settings. Have never needed the high setting - riding into the teens.
These heated liners enable me to be a 4 season rider.
Love them.
Stig