Bipolar Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Wanted Tracer brightness control s/h £31+ from deben a bit steep any help out there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 There was a massive thread on this recently. The main problem with making one is its not that straightforward if you want efficiency, though you can make a resistive type dimmer for a few pence. Disadvantage with those is they use the same power whatever the setting, the battery does the same work no matter what the lamp is doing. If you are handy with electronics I can provide a diagram from which you could build a "pulse" type efficient controler for a few pounds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bipolar Posted August 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 There was a massive thread on this recently. The main problem with making one is its not that straightforward if you want efficiency, though you can make a resistive type dimmer for a few pence. Disadvantage with those is they use the same power whatever the setting, the battery does the same work no matter what the lamp is doing. If you are handy with electronics I can provide a diagram from which you could build a "pulse" type efficient controler for a few pounds. Hit me with it Pin I know you can do it !! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Hit me with it Pin I know you can do it !! Have a look here for an example. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bipolar Posted August 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Hit me with it Pin I know you can do it !! Have a look here for an example. cheers pin its a while since my RAF city in guilds electronic servicing exam but can just about read it!! (20+yrs ago ) Do you think a domestic dimmer switch modded would work? I know the load on the battery wouldnt alter but could be a solution? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Would depend on the dimmer type, some do ac phase control using thyristors and some are the old pot/rheostat type. If you are going the cheap route why not just by a rheostat and shove it in-line Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bipolar Posted August 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Would depend on the dimmer type, some do ac phase control using thyristors and some are the old pot/rheostat type. If you are going the cheap route why not just by a rheostat and shove it in-line Cheers mate my thoughts also anyway best place to get one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin Posted August 2, 2006 Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Local electronics shop, Maplins, RS components etc.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bipolar Posted August 2, 2006 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2006 Local electronics shop, Maplins, RS components etc.. Many many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ronttuk Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 go to the local car breakers yard lots of cars use a dimmer for the dash lights,small easy to assemble and probally only a couple of quid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted August 3, 2006 Report Share Posted August 3, 2006 Having viewed the circuit board of the dimmer, and bearing in mind this small market place for electronic devices I think the £32 is fairly reasonable for a bit of kit specifically made for our needs. You haven't said if you have a faulty one - or you wish to upgrade an existing one? Bear in mind that there are different voltage Deben tracers out there. The one referred to in my previous thread below has a 6Volt bulb. I think the mini and max have 12 volt bulbs. It may be best to ring Deben and ask - They have been extreemly helpfull to me http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/ind...%20switch&st=15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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