Re: Programmable dimmer

["Robert Green" <ROBERT_GREEN1963@xxxxxxxxx>]

"internetpet" <internetpet@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message

> Hello
>
> I want to simulate sunrise in my bedroom. I want to use a ceiling
> mounted incandescent fixture to do it. This fixture is controlled by an
> ordinary wall-mounted switch.

Well, something in that circuit needs to be replaced unless you're talking
about a solenoid to flip the switch.

> p.s. This is all local to the bedroom, no remote/radio control, X10 or
> anything like that should be necessary.

Something like remote/radio or X-10 is going to be necessary to control the
light.  There are dimmers on the market that do what you want, but they're
expensive.  This one keeps lab rats from being stressed:

http://site.nrjdesign.com/aquabiotech/mra.html

Automatic sunrise and sunset simulation
- Lights come on and off gradually (0 to 100% intensity);
- No more stress on the animals by sudden brightness and darkness;
- Enhances and controls circadian rhythms.

Your friend Google will show you many others at:

http://www.google.com/search?q=dimmer+simulates+sunrise+sunset

like:

http://www.msn.handbag.com/healthfit/hotproducts/prod_lumie/

Smarthome will sell you something only Rube Goldberg could love:

http://www.smarthome.com/solution78.html

Now, if I were doing it I would buy Activehome and a two-way lamp switch.
The controller can calculate dawn/dusk and send the signal to the two-way
dimmer switch, which is capable from starting out at very low dim levels.
This is important as the cheaper lamp modules reach a 10% dimmed state by
starting from a 100% bright state.  Not exactly what you want in a dawn
simulation.

Once programmed, the CM1X controller need not be plugged into a computer to
operate.  It just has to be with powerline control range of the lamp module
you wish to dim.

--
Bobby G.