i found [link=http://arduino.cc/en/Tutorial/MotorKnob]this tutorial[/link] and can likely turn the pot with a standard servo and then just program the microprocessor to step the steering motor as far as i need. it's a bit convoluted, but at this point i'm losing hair over the whole thing. my design limits were not realized when i built the mechanical part of the steering system.

hey... are you gonna move my thread because i'm getting technical? should i post some silly crap in this thread so it can stay in the off-topic?