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christmas light dimmer

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I need a dimmer device for the xmas lights , any ideas ?




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Comments

  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
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    Can't a variable resistor do the job?
  • AndyPix
    AndyPix Posts: 4,847 Forumite
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    Awesome Duracell tree :)

    yeah a variable resistor would do nicely ..

    A 555 timer chip would be fun too
  • pappa_golf
    pappa_golf Posts: 8,895 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    thought I might just stick it in a cupboard for a few mths , might have dimmed a bit then
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  • knightstyle
    knightstyle Posts: 7,226 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I have used a 555 timer on a display like that to give flashing effect. PM me and I will send plan and parts, I have boxes of them.
  • paddyrg
    paddyrg Posts: 13,543 Forumite
    Leave it to run hot, the LED's will start to fail and reduce in output ;-)
  • Moneymaker
    Moneymaker Posts: 1,984 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Pulse-width modulation is the most efficient method. Make the frequency at least 50 Hz to avoid flicker. It's also possible to run several LEDs from a Hobby Hackers Joule Thief Kit, which is extremely efficient and can run 6 LEDs from just 1.5 volts or 12 from 3 volts.
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