Jim Burns wrote:

Not having a background in electronics, what ultimate difference would a
resistor of higher wattage rating have on the circuit, the gauge, or the
probe? If the circuit is only drawing mA's, 1) are there "smaller" mA rated
82ohm resistors available or 2) with a mA rated resistor would the required
ohm rating change? Forgive my ignorance regarding resistors, I basically
understand what they do, but do not know the implications of the
sizes/capacities.

I don't have a background in electronics, either, but I'd think 3 watts is way
overkill from an electrical point of view, *but* a higher power rated resistor
is also more robust from a mechanical point of view, and may stand up better to
the vibration environment. Just an idea from an ignorant observer.

Dave