sandspider Posted January 12, 2013 Report Share Posted January 12, 2013 Hi all Posted this in the equipment section, but didn't get any responses, so let's try here... Just bought a Deben tracer mini lamp. It only has an on / off switch, so I was looking at getting a dimmer for it. They seem to go for about £35, which is more than I paid for the lamp! Is it possible / easy to make up my own dimmer switch with a rheostat and bits from Maplins, or is there a bit more to it than this? (I seem to remember seeing something about how the dimmer does more than just reduce the current to the bulb (runs the lamp at a lower voltage? ), but can't remember the details...) Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Essex Hunter Posted January 12, 2013 Report Share Posted January 12, 2013 I have this one http://www.ebay.co.u...=item56517e2442 You will need to check as they are much cheaper than 9 quid! I have used mine on a rotary and a 170 lamp so they take a bit of stick. TEH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davie_M Posted January 12, 2013 Report Share Posted January 12, 2013 Could you use a 240 volt house light dimmer switch ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Could you use a 240 volt house light dimmer switch ? House dimmers will not work. Here's one that will, and it's a bargain price. I have 3 of them. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-Light-Lamp-Dimmer-Brightness-Adjustable-Control-Bright-Controller-DC-12V-8A-/300784185037?_trksid=p5197.m1998&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D17%26meid%3D4818093305422390345%26pid%3D100017%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D290595258515%26&clk_rvr_id=437979812969 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
30-6 Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 It says in the op he wants it for a Deben tracer mini, which i beleive is not a led but a bulb, in the specs of the dimmers shown it states they are for LED's, so will these units work on a bulb ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 It says in the op he wants it for a Deben tracer mini, which i beleive is not a led but a bulb, in the specs of the dimmers shown it states they are for LED's, so will these units work on a bulb ? The link I provided is the same dimmer switch that I use for my Blaserlite & Lightforce, which have bulbs fitted in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions, all. Good to know that a basic dimmer switch will work. Do the dimmer units get hot? Do they get rid of the excess current as heat? I assumed a 240v house unit would not be suitable, but the ones from Ebay look good, if a bit big! Cheers again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Thanks for the suggestions, all. Good to know that a basic dimmer switch will work. Do the dimmer units get hot? Do they get rid of the excess current as heat? I assumed a 240v house unit would not be suitable, but the ones from Ebay look good, if a bit big! Cheers again. A house dimmer switch won't work. The dimmers that I have mentioned, don't overheat, and I can't see any difference with power consumption. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Great. Thanks Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digit Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 I bought the same dimmer that Steve's got and fitted it in my 4x4 to use on a light force 170 roof mounted lamp, it works great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Essex Hunter Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 What a mate and I did was to buy a Velcro pack and fix the opposing parts to the side of my battery carry pack and the dimmer. Made up the wiring link and can attach it to the side of the bag. Work out what way you need it set up before sticking the Velcro strips!! The dimmer can be taken off if it is not needed….. TEH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bumpy22 Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 get in touch with cluson me and my mates bought dimmers from them at the game fair £20.Brilliant run lightforceDeben and cluson lamps throuh them all year very well made. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyshot Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Great. Thanks Steve. If you havent already ordered one of these dimmers Pm me your address as I have a spare new one here you can have FOC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digit Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Any one tried one of these dimmers http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DC-12V-24V-8A-Wireless-IR-Remote-LED-SMD-Strip-Light-Spotlight-Dimmer-Controller-/300717654287?pt=UK_Light_Fittings&hash=item46042b410f Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 13, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 If you havent already ordered one of these dimmers Pm me your address as I have a spare new one here you can have FOC. Nice offer, thank you LS! Can I paypal you postage costs, or buy you a pint?! Will PM my address now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luckyshot Posted January 13, 2013 Report Share Posted January 13, 2013 Nice offer, thank you LS! Can I paypal you postage costs, or buy you a pint?! Will PM my address now. No need but if you want to put a couple of quid in a H4H box. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sandspider Posted January 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted January 14, 2013 Cheers mate, will do. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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