| 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 11:02  |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
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I put three puck style led lights (from a kit at Lowes) in the ceiling of the War Pig. They work great wired directly to the 12v leads for the original incandesent lamps providing plenty of light. I have been looking exhaustively for a 12 volt dimmer switch so I can tone down the light when needed. I tried using a 120 volt house style dimmer knob switch but they wont work at all no matter how I wired it. I have had no luck finding a 12volt knob style dimmer. Any ideas?
Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184444 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 11:09  |
Ronald Pottol
Messages: 505
Registered: September 2012
Location: Redwood City, California
Karma: -2
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Led dimmers usually work by turning the power on and off, and changing the
voltage only a little to adjust the color.
On Sep 14, 2012 9:02 AM, "sgltrac" <sgltrac@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>
> I put three puck style led lights (from a kit at Lowes) in the ceiling of
> the War Pig. They work great wired directly to the 12v leads for the
> original incandesent lamps providing plenty of light. I have been looking
> exhaustively for a 12 volt dimmer switch so I can tone down the light when
> needed. I tried using a 120 volt house style dimmer knob switch but they
> wont work at all no matter how I wired it. I have had no luck finding a
> 12volt knob style dimmer. Any ideas?
> --
> Sully
> 77 Royale basket case.
> Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
> Seattle, Wa.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
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1973 26' GM outfitted
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| Re: 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184449 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 11:42 |
phil
Messages: 24
Registered: July 2012
Location: Stevensville, Montana
Karma: 1
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I saw these led lights/dimmers at the hardware show in Las Vegas in May. Had to have them. Installed and they work great! Here is a link to the manufacturers web page for the dimmers. I don't think you can buy directly from them, you have to go thru Home Depot web site. Then they are shipped directly from the manufacturer.
http://armacostlighting.com/led_dimmers.html
Thanks,
Phil
'76 Eleganza II
Stevensville, Mt.
Montana-where Californians move to.
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| Re: 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184456 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 12:34 |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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If it's the unit with an AC2DC adapter and 3 hockey puck lights with 12 LEDs in each puck, they run off of 12 Volts DC, the resistors will work. I recently bought one from Orchard Supply.
You get 3 light Pucks for $30. I hooked it to my battery, but the
battery voltage is a little higher than 12V and might shorten the life
of the LEDs. That is why a dimmer is a good idea.
-Bill
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184460 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 12:48 |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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Here is a similar under counter LED light available from IKEA.
Each puck has 18 LEDs. They are connected with 6 banks of 3
LEDs in series. (6 times 3 = 18).
http://energysmartohio.com/blog/changing-incandescent-under-cabinet-lights-to-led
I took apart the Puck I purchased. Inside there is a 30 ohm resistor
for each string of 3 LEDs in series, to limit the current.
If you look at the photos below, you can see 6 resistors inside the Puck. It's a simple way of controlling the LED brightness.
-Bill
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: [GMCnet] 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184461 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 12:46 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Senior Member |
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Yeah. You need a pulse width moduulated dimmer. However, you can get >some< dimming efect by inserting a potentiometer in serie with the light. This will allow you to vary the current through the light which will ary the brightness. An AC dimmer ain't gonna work.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: sgltrac <sgltrac@gmail.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 12:02 PM
Subject: [GMCnet] 12 volt dimmer switch
I put three puck style led lights (from a kit at Lowes) in the ceiling of the War Pig. They work great wired directly to the 12v leads for the original incandesent lamps providing plenty of light. I have been looking exhaustively for a 12 volt dimmer switch so I can tone down the light when needed. I tried using a 120 volt house style dimmer knob switch but they wont work at all no matter how I wired it. I have had no luck finding a 12volt knob style dimmer. Any ideas?
--
Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184462 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 12:53 |
bwevers
Messages: 597
Registered: October 2010
Location: San Jose
Karma: 5
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A series resistor or potentiometer (Rheostat) will give you
clean power that won't interfere with radio reception.
Bill Wevers GMC49ers, GMC Western States
1975 Glenbrook - Manny Powerdrive, OneTon
455 F Block, G heads
San Jose
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| Re: [GMCnet] 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184464 is a reply to message #184448] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 12:56 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
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Dimmers (all kinds) and CFL lamps are notorious noise generators. AM radio is nearly dead because of this... and some other minor problems.
--johnny
'76 23' transmode norris
'76 palm beach
From: Mickey Space Ship Shuttle <mickeysss@me.com>
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Sent: Friday, September 14, 2012 12:35 PM
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] 12 volt dimmer switch
the dimmer can cause a lot of energy to be used in it.
once the whalers ( the bob marley band ) was in the roxy there was a buzz in the guitar
amp, it had been there for years, no one could find out what caused it on stage, they checked
all day and finally found it to be the dimmer switch in the ticket booth out in front of the club door area.
DImmers cause lots of trouble and can use a lot of energy. Just for conversation. defication orientation.
mickey
77 palm beach
anaheim ca.
On Sep 14, 2012, at 9:02 AM, sgltrac wrote:
>
>
> I put three puck style led lights (from a kit at Lowes) in the ceiling of the War Pig. They work great wired directly to the 12v leads for the original incandesent lamps providing plenty of light. I have been looking exhaustively for a 12 volt dimmer switch so I can tone down the light when needed. I tried using a 120 volt house style dimmer knob switch but they wont work at all no matter how I wired it. I have had no luck finding a 12volt knob style dimmer. Any ideas?
> --
> Sully
> 77 Royale basket case.
> Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
> Seattle, Wa.
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
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| Re: 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184479 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 16:31 |
sgltrac
Messages: 2797
Registered: April 2011
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Hey thanks all! I found the one available at home depot and the link for superbrightleds.com looks to be a great resource. Ill check out your photos when I get off work Bill thanks.
Sully
77 Royale basket case.
Future motorhome land speed record holder(bucket list)
Seattle, Wa.
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| Re: [GMCnet] 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184488 is a reply to message #184454] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 17:40 |
mickeysss
Messages: 1476
Registered: January 2012
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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using oil lamps are non electric wasting very fun lighting that is also gives off a little heat at night. They are well used on boats
in the worst weather, and are safe to use. Lin and Larry pardey use them and this is one of their tricks to make them burn
clean and no smell. Those of you that are afraid that you will burn down the vehicle are right they may not allow this for insurance purposes.
I believe only in liability insurance for how many persons that have owned there vehicle for 5 or 10 years without an accident. mind you
if it is not your fault they have to pay for it. So the real insurance is your own ability to drive. If you have a home policy you are covered for
stealing and fire on your vehicle with AAA. You save enough money to pay for the damage if you go a few years without a wreck that is your fault.
i like oil lamps very much they are safe even while driving, they are homy as hell, you can read with them, they are energy frugal.
http://www.go2marine.com/category/13917/oil-nautical-brass-lamps.html
http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225842
By the way the fire place i showed the other day he makes them with a water tank on the back that heats the water with the wood stove.
very good design tall skinny and fits in a very small place and can heat the whole vehicle with radiant heat as well.
http://woodstovesforsale.co.uk/chaplin-stoves/
the above site does not have the water tank on the back of them with attachments for pipe.
If you want to get one with a water tank ask mark to send the picture to you he is in U.K. and they are about
$400 sent to america. He has sold 200 of these to mainly boat owners. They are called charlie models.
this is his email, make him feel good and say hello and ask for the picture of one with a water tank.
this will make him feel good that someone is interested in his art for they are really a great art piece to look at to me. thank you :-)
mickey
in the candle light like oil lamp. so romantic.
one little light can light up the world. blinking lantern in the window of life.
now go ahead and attack i will be burned alive!
no insurance with fires inside. Take the stove out then.
I love these lamps, i have about 10 in storage, they are great to collect.
I have a fire place called ( ship mate ) very old. chrome and small.
I like marks very much it is skinny and takes up no area. It could go under the
table with a cut out for the pipe to the roof to clip to the wall and when in use
take the table away with tile floor and wall and charlie noble through the roof
that protects the roof area from heat.
http://www.shipmatestove.com/
77 palm beach
anaheim ca.
I learned a trick that can save you money and make using your onboard oil lamps more pleasant. Just add one ounce of rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl alcohol) to each gallon of wick test quality kerosene for cleaner burning and less aroma. No need to measure exactly, in fact a bit more is better than a bit less. We suggested this to Wayne and Norma Daum, friends who live near Galesville MD and they used it for the big kerosene-burning heater in their enclosed porch last winter. Said it was absolutely amazing.
this is a great way to make drawers for tools. he sprays them with WD40 in the trays as they are stored.
http://www.landlpardey.com/Tips/Tips_2002_December.html
we didn’t want a drawer made of a material that could be easily damaged So we went to a restaurant supply house and bought a stainless steel steam table tray. These trays come in a wide variety of sizes and depths. They are strong and their edges can support a large weight. Larry simply screwed L shaped wooden runners under the work bench in Taleisin’s lazzarette and a turn knob to keep the tray from sliding out underway. For 24 years this has worked just fine. Then we saw the finishing touches Ken added to make his deluxe model drawer.
On Sep 14, 2012, at 10:05 AM, Jay Rabe wrote:
>
> Could be wrong, but don't think that will work. All of the LED modules that I've torn apart have on-board voltage regulation circuitry, and if you try to dim by reducing current or voltage feeding it, my guess is it will just stop working.
> my 2c
>
> Jay Rabe 76 PB Portland, OR
>
>> To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
>> From: gmc1975@att.net
>> Date: Fri, 14 Sep 2012 11:58:57 -0500
>> Subject: Re: [GMCnet] 12 volt dimmer switch
>>
>>
>>
>> How about using a 3 watt 20 ohm resistor in series with the lights?
>> like one of these from Radio Shack:
>> http://www.radioshack.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=2032267&allCount=1000&s=A-StorePrice-RSK&fbc=1&f=PAD%2FProduct+Type%2F3-watt+res istors&fbn=Type%2F3-watt+resistors&filterName=Type&filterValue=3-watt+resistors
>>
>> You can then put a switch across the resistor to have high and low modes. 15 or 20 ohms should be about right.
>>
>> -Bill
>> _______________________________________________
>> GMCnet mailing list
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> _______________________________________________
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| Re: 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184497 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 19:04 |
Chr$
Messages: 2690
Registered: January 2004
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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As people have posted, Dimming DC only increases the amp draw as you are now reducing voltage to the LED by adding resistors.
You could probably wire the lamps with a switch and some diodes such that one position, you have the lamps in series and the other position in parallel. Series will effectively reduce the voltage to 4V per LED reducing (hopefully) the output of the LED by 2/3's.
Creative wiring with a rotary switch may also yield a middle (6V) voltage. I'd hafta think about that one.
I have some of these too, and I'm thinking of doing something similar.
-Chr$: Perpetual SmartAss
Scottsdale, AZ
77 Ex-Kingsley 455 SOLD!
2010 Nomad 24 Ft TT 390W PV W/MPPT, EV4010 and custom cargo door.
Photosite: Chrisc GMC:"It has Begun" TT: "The Other Woman"
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| Re: 12 volt dimmer switch [message #184503 is a reply to message #184441] |
Fri, 14 September 2012 19:25 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
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Senior Member |
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Or you could keep it simple and break the lights into individual circuits. Half the LED flashlights I have have multiple modes, All, Half, one LED lit
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
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