Dimming FDS IBL Panels

[fordgt40]

Thought that I should share that the cheap Chinese LED 12 volt dimming units here:-

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-Bulb-Dimmer-Adjustable-Brightness-Controller-DC-12V-/390487826671?pt=UK_Light_Fittings&hash=item5aeae360ef

Will  effectively dim the incandescent FDS IBL panels, even  though they run at 5 volts. The unit must be the 12 volt version and NOT the 12-24 volt one. The overall max brightness appears to be slightly down and the first few degrees of turning the pot has no effect.

But it is a cheap solution 

David

[tennyson]

That is how I originally set up all of my dimming in my MIP.

Then I discovered those new dimmers from FDS. They were more expensive, but a whole lot more professional and easier to fit.

I swapped them back and have never been happier.


Frank Cooper

[shaneb]

Hi Frank,

How many panels are you/ can you run on one FDS dimmer?     

[Garys]

14 off the the main board and 14 off the separate expansion board.   http://www.flightdecksolutions.com/hardware_new.php

Gary

[jskibo]

I just grabbed one of the FDS ones for my overhead build.  Also got their 12v dimmer pot and it works great for the under glare lighting.

[fordgt40]

I would expect the FDS ones to be good. Just offering a 5$ option as opposed to $29.99. Which mounts up when you multiply by the number required for map lights, chart lights, AFDS flood, under glare, pedestal and overhead panels etc.

Edit  They also work with cold cathode tubes

[tennyson]

I know where you are coming from David. I thought I'd save some money, too.

Some builders might think those dimmers are just the shot, but I think it's important that we know there are others as well.

And Shane, I replaced 6 of the dimmers above with 6 FDS ones. I really did find the FDS ones were smoother in their dimming and fitment was a breeze.


Frank Cooper

[XOrionFE]

David,

I have the ones you show for my LED dimmers but I thought that the amperage draw from IBLS (incandescents) would burn those up?    I am using expensive PWM dimmers for my overhead and MIP right now.   I have the new IBL Dimmer/Distribution boards for my pedestal.  I like them because they are fused also.   I may change out my overhead and MIP dimmers eventually.

Scott

[fordgt40]

Hi Scott

The Chinese dimmers are rated at 8 amps at 12 volts. I have not yet checked the current requirement for the IBLs on the MIP, but they are only 5 volt and should be well within the dimmers capability. Do you know the amperage draw on your MIP (my meter is playing up  )

David

EDIT I found a post on the FDS forum which says that the measured amperage for the IBL left and centre MIP panels is 1.5 amps - so no problem - mind you the overhead draws 28 amps 

[XOrionFE]

yeah, i thought it was a lot.  Dont want any fires :-)

[fordgt40]

Scott

Good point. So perhaps these chinese ones are only good for the MIP, leds and cold cathode lighting.

David

[jonesthesoftware]

If your IBL is designed for 5 volt then DON'T use  a 12volt dimmer as it does not reduce the voltage but chops the 12 volt on and off with a variable frequency. The voltage stays at 12 volt.
If the dimmer will still work with 5 volts input and still light your leds then that's OK
regards
geoff

[fordgt40]

If your IBL is designed for 5 volt then DON'T use  a 12volt dimmer as it does not reduce the voltage but chops the 12 volt on and off with a variable frequency.

Geoff

The "12 volt dimmer" refers to its maximum rating only. There is no problem whatsoever trying it with a supply voltage of 5 volts. Your warning is correct, only if you are trying to feed it with 12 volts and expecting 5 volts out! It never occurred to me that someone would think in those terms, but better safe than sorry

Regards

David