RE: DIY dimming (not X10)

["Dr John Tankard" <jtankard@xxxxxxx>]

> Found the following information:
> http://www.hut.fi/Misc/Electronics/circuits/dimmer4.html
>
>snip
> This thing looks as though it's been design for rack mounting from the
> outset - and with the 0-10v control I'm sure someone (Keith
> nudge..nudge..wink..wink) could build an appropriate controller that
could
> interface via serial and serial driven keypads to provide
> control.  I mean,
> now that the KAT5 units are a done deal, you'll need something
> else to keep
> you busy in January when you've finished the AV switcher for Xmas!!!
>

I have been working on such a animal for some time, although the triac's
are
controlled by PIC's, I have two prototypes a 4 channel and a 8 channel,
both
are controlled by a single PIC (16C65) with a serial interface, which will
be changed to CAN when I can get round to it. IT has been running for about
a year now without any problems.

Switching to one light level to the next is gradual and each room
controller
has 16 preset lighting schemes

The Idea is to have a local network connecting keypads to each room
controller to provide local control then each controller is on a separate
network RS485 at the moment, this allows for master control from homevision
or comfort, and allows a keypad on a different controller to control lights
on a different network. (i.e. my bedside keypad could switch on the outside
lights, even though its on a separate network.) This last function is why I
am switching to CAN for the main network even though it means I have to
build a CAN to 485 gateway, as CAN supports multi master. If I ever finish
it will be available for sale either as a kit or prebuilt if there is
enough
interest.

I have Keith's problem lots of ideas ;-) but not enough time ;-(

John


-------------------------- eGroups Sponsor -------------------------~-~>
Create your business web site your way now at Bigstep.com.
It's the fast, easy way to get online, to promote your business,
and to sell your products and services. Try Bigstep.com now.
http://click.egroups.com/1/9183/9/_/2065/_/971262826/
---------------------------------------------------------------------_->