[jonathanwhays]

Good day everyone! I know it is early but I have had this project on the backburner for years now. I have made a couple attempts and it hasn't worked as well as I have wanted!

Looking for a way to slightly dim and return a string of bulbs. This effect is noticed when power is being used and a breaker is overloaded. Not necessarily a flicker, but a slight dim. Tried the florescent fixture starter inline with power, but it didn't give the desired effect. Noticed this effect at Disney's haunted mansion and other high-end places. Saw a writeup about placing a light with a nightlight outlet to give the effect, but it seemed rather none-scientific. Heck, I do not even know what the effect is called, so any help would be appreciated.

 

[J-Man]

AC or DC?

 

[jonathanwhays]

This project would be with AC.

 

[J-Man]

This can be done with a SPDT relay and a dimmer switch. Hot wire to C, NC to the lights, NO to the dimmer (out of the dimmer to the lights).
I'm assuming this would be applied at specific times, so you would need some type of controller to energize the relay. Energizing the relay will dim the lights.
Disclaimer: Always be extremely careful when wiring and working with line voltage. If you're not knowledgeable and comfortable with wiring line voltage, seek professional help. 😉

 

[jonathanwhays]

As always I need to seek professional help, but your advance should put me on a good path! Many thanks.

 

[JW Halloween]

Check out AC controllers on Fright Props or Monster Guts. Depending on what exactly you are trying to do and how much $$ you are willing to spend you may find something that works for you out of the box.

AC Light Controllers - Controllers & Electronics

The best source for Halloween and haunted house props, Halloween animatronics, prop making supplies, decorations, costumes and accessories for over ten years.

www.frightprops.com

 

[jonathanwhays]

This will probably accomplish what I am trying to do, but at that price point I would have to have more of a business purpose than just a 'wondering if I could' purpose. Many thanks though as I wasn't sure of a product on the market that did this.

 

[Ygor]

The relay should produce a fast dim. it’s either bright or dim.
If you’re looking for a slower dim, how about a servo attached to a rotary dimmer switch? This can then be controlled automatically with an arduino or manually with radio control.

 

[wdallen504]

The relay should produce a fast dim. it’s either bright or dim.
If you’re looking for a slower dim, how about a servo attached to a rotary dimmer switch? This can then be controlled automatically with an arduino or manually with radio control.

Using a servo is a novel idea. Very interesting. Or you could try this trick…

 

[halloweenlvr1031]

Some years back I posted a how-to for an AC pulsing light circuit. It uses a touch dimmer switch module and a .47mfd capacitor. It's a constant bright-dim-bright cycle and the speed of the cycle can't be adjusted without changing the capacitor value. It runs automatically as soon as you plug in the AC power. Search the forum for "pulsing light circuit".

 

[cadcoke5]

Does this dimming happen because of something that happens? If so, a person has to trigger it. So you could just use a household dimmer, and manually dim the lights.

If it is something pre-programmed, then what is your existing control system. If your system already has a servo control system, then I think a servo attached to the dimmer is a great solution.

Of course some people use systems that can control theatrical dimming systems. DMX is the protocol. And that would require a dimmer that accepts the DMX signal. Those run around $100.

-Joe