RE: controllable dimmers

[<ha@xxxxxxx>]

Steven,

I'll installed some of the Futronix range. They use I2C data to their
data-switch panels, but their 2-channel P100 switch also has some
intelligence (e.g. IR control and memory) and probably has the same PIC in
it as the 'networked' ones, which you can interface to.

http://www.futronix-info.com/p100.htm

Richard


-----Original Message-----
From: Steven Edgar [mailto:yahoogroups@xxxxxxx]
Sent: 02 July 2003 21:42
To: ukha_d@xxxxxxx
Subject: [ukha_d] controllable dimmers


Being the IT bod that I am, and working for a company that web-enables
everything, I'm working on the outline plans for ethernet (web) attached
lightswitches, lights, in fact anything HA wise I can lay my hands on! :-)
I
hope to be doing a generic solution so that I can fit temperature sensors,
LCD displays, push buttons and the rest onto the basic system when and
where
I want them. The basic switch and dimmer functionality will be independent
of
the network.

I've got the ethernet attachment sorted, know how I'll do simple on-off
appliance and lighting, but am stuck on the dimmers. What I'm looking for
is
a decent dimmer that will take either an analogue (0-5V or whatever) or
digital -ideally serial with a good resolution (yeah on-off is digital, but
you know thats not what I mean!) signal to control the mains lights
brightness. They need to be quiet, and ideally fit two channels comfortably
in a single gang box.

I've looked in the usual suspects catalogues and done the google searches,
but
come up empty handed. Anyone know of such a beast? Worst case I'll try
modifying standard 1-gang dual channel manual lighting dimmers (don't fret,
I've got a tame electronics expert everything will be run by first so
nothing
will be going bang :-)

Oh, and before anyone asks I will be posting pictures and details once I
get
something working.


Thanks


Steven