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DIY Dimmer


rallyrus
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i'm going to buy a couple -to use as speed controllers; i will report back once i have had the chance to use them :good:

 

edit - check out this item 260937566811 - would this work as a remote control unit for a flapper/magnet? as well as a speed controller? it says its rated to 8a!!

edit again - even cheaper 290625236453

 

Yeah they look like they will do the job :good:

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I have been meaning to do a thread about these for ages but haven't ever taken pics, I bought one last year and its mounted on my roof in front of my light force remote handle and used for shy rabbits and foxes.

 

I do unplug the feed to it when not in use as I would hate to burn out the shooting wagon with a £2 dimmer, but it has never got hot at all and its used for hours when we are lamping.

Best £2 I have spent on a shooting accessory and can just take the 100w bulbs 8a :D

 

I think I will buy another for my belt battery pack.

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 1 month later...

Using a dimmer such as this is fine for a lamp since it reduces the voltage, hence the current. Since battery capacity is measured in amp-hours it follows that reducing the current will increase the battery life.

 

A simple voltage controller is not a great idea as a motor speed controller since the reduced voltage causes a reduction in torque which can result in the motor stalling at low speeds. As soon as the motor stops, the current shoots up and there is a high risk that the motor will burn out. A better system uses pulse width modulation (PWM) as this delivers the full voltage as a series of pulses. Varying the relative time that it is "on" and "off" (the mark-space ratio) controls the speed as the motor receives a series of full- voltage, full-torque "kicks", overcoming the problem with stalling. The inertia of the system and the speed at which the pulses are delivered means that the movement is still smooth.

 

I have design and manufacturing facilities for simple circuit boards so if anyone wants to have a go at their own, get in touch. Also, as i mentioned in another thread, laser cutting facilities. If I can help, no charge to forumites but you can make a donation to something charitable.

 

Nick

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What was the longevity of the dimmer now. Just waiting to convert a couple of lamp for people but thought best to ask if the switch/dimmer is still running strong. how much has it been used.

 

ATB

Phil.

Hi phil

Yes the dimmer is still going strong, I've just bought a couple more to put one in my mates lamp.

I've been out with the lamp at least once or twice a week and it hasn't missed a beat.

Next mod is to buy a 100w bulb instead of the 75w

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  • 2 months later...

you could do it in the same way as the proper lightforce one simply a cable with cigarette lighter socket one end and the female socket the other side of the dimmer.

 

I hard wired mine in as usually I just use the one lamp and got fed up of connections coming loose but it worked ok most of the time. The only issue you have is the dimmer being at the end of the lamps cable so not particularly convenient if you want to use off the back of a pickup etc

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Is it an easy job to fit one of these controlers into the supply wiring rather then install it in the lamp tself?

 

I ask as I use 3 different lamps at differnt times.

 

yes it would be easier to install that way, the reason behind installing it in the lamp itself was for single handed operation, with my lurcher in one hand and lamp in the other i can vary the brightness/turn off/on etc using just the one hand.

 

I'm pretty sure I spoke to someone who had mounted it onto the side of there battery pack, possibly a option for yourself?

 

Also I have a spare dimmer if you want it pm me

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Hi phil

Yes the dimmer is still going strong, I've just bought a couple more to put one in my mates lamp.

I've been out with the lamp at least once or twice a week and it hasn't missed a beat.

Next mod is to buy a 100w bulb instead of the 75w

hello R

 

Forget the 100watt bulb, the lamp dimmer will scream at you. been there, done that.

 

I have wired one into the handle of the lightforce but i had to put a 75 watt bulb in. all neat and tidy and still going strong.

I made one for a friend's scope mount as well but took no pic's maybe he can put one up. i replaced the case and added an on/off switch.

 

ATB

 

Phil.

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Forgive the blonde essex bird moment...... but you replaced the case with what, and was the added on/off switch to replace the one on the lamp?

Bit late as your banded but anyway...

 

Scope mounted 170 LF has an inline on/off switch. the box the led dimmer comes in is massive. i bought a smaller box from maplins and the silent switch. now this is on the fly lead to stick to rifle side.

 

my handheld LF i have just wired the dimmer and shoved in handle once wrapped up in a plastic bag and my own scope mounted LF has now a fly wire dimmer but from clulite as it works with 100w bulb with no ill effect.

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  • 5 weeks later...

Is anyone using one of these successfully with a 100w bulb? I want to give it a go but not sure if the three week wait for the dimmer will be worth it!

Surely you don't all use 75w?

 

Activeviii what problems did you find exactly?

Edited by JBS
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Just ordered a few dimmers, has anyone got a better solution to the standard cigarette sockets,

They always seem to come loose or pull out at the wrong moment, I know the 2pin screw ring army sockets would be just the job but if anyone knows of anything else I am all ears!

 

Just ordered a few dimmers, has anyone got a better solution to the standard cigarette sockets,

They always seem to come loose or pull out at the wrong moment, I know the 2pin screw ring army sockets would be just the job but if anyone knows of anything else I am all ears!

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