lighting control

reedman · Oct 20, 2007

Anyone out there have a good way of controlling lighting to come on at a desired time via a stepped increase (think dimmer getting brighter) and then go off in the opposite way (stepping down in brightness until out)? I really want to institute this on my system, but am at a bit of a loss as to how to pull it off.

I currently run MR16 halogen bulbs with a dimmer on them so I can control the brightness at various points in the day.

Ideas????

Thanks,
-Reed

DonW · Oct 20, 2007

reedman said:
Anyone out there have a good way of controlling lighting to come on at a desired time via a stepped increase (think dimmer getting brighter) and then go off in the opposite way (stepping down in brightness until out)? I really want to institute this on my system, but am at a bit of a loss as to how to pull it off.

I currently run MR16 halogen bulbs with a dimmer on them so I can control the brightness at various points in the day.

Ideas????

Thanks,
-Reed

Automation controller and a x10 dimmer may do the trick.

Don

reedman · Oct 20, 2007

that was my thought too Don....I will have to research some more. I know they have the alarm clocks that ramp up light slowly over time to simulate sunrise so I know it is possible....just can't find a prepackaged setup yet. I may have to break some stuff to find out how it works I guess.

Don, you need a X-10 component at your reefwerks so I can buy it from you. I already have the neptune controller....lol...I might be the only customer though...Never been the best business person.

DonW · Oct 20, 2007

reedman said:
that was my thought too Don....I will have to research some more. I know they have the alarm clocks that ramp up light slowly over time to simulate sunrise so I know it is possible....just can't find a prepackaged setup yet. I may have to break some stuff to find out how it works I guess.

Don, you need a X-10 component at your reefwerks so I can buy it from you. I already have the neptune controller....lol...I might be the only customer though...Never been the best business person.

Can the neptune send x10 dim commands?

reedman · Oct 20, 2007

not that I know of...I wish! Especially since I have the first generation version. I was hoping there were some relays and capacitors I could use to deal with the ramp up and step down and use the simple on/off signal from my neptune.

I know there are x-10 dimmers that will allow a stepped dimming by sending different dimmer settings like you are suggesting. I just don't really want to have to use a computer to control everything when my neptune works pretty well as is.

I'll have to keep looking.

Thanks!