Incandescent lamp brightness control - dimmer

For a proof-of-concept project, I need to
simulate daylight for day and year cycles. For this purpose,
incandescent lamps are OK. Specifically, ten 40W bulbs (~3.5 amps
total). They will be off during 'night' and full brightness at 'noon on
June 21' and somwhere in between during other 'daylight' hours. So what
I think I need is a PC controlled dimmer and a program with two loops
one for the day and one for the year.
I searched and
found DMX-512 controlled dimmers used to control stage lighting made by
Leviton and others. Seems like it would work. Also found some info
about rs-232 to DMX-512 conversion and found some manufactured
converters but they are pricey.
I have a Compact Fieldpoint system.
Any
suggestions of a better way to make a software controlled dimmer? Or if
not any guidance regarding the approach outlined above?
Thanks in advance.
Kevin

Cross post, see discussion here:
http://forums.ni.com/ni/board/message?board.id=170&thread.id=391996
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"It’s the questions that drive us.”
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Similar Messages

  • Lamp brightness control - dimmer

    For a proof-of-concept project, I need to
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    incandescent lamps are OK. Specifically, ten 40W bulbs (~3.5 amps
    total). They will be off during 'night' and full brightness at 'noon on
    June 21' and somwhere in between during other 'daylight' hours. So what
    I think I need is a PC controlled dimmer and a program with two loops
    one for the day and one for the year.
    I searched and
    found DMX-512 controlled dimmers used to control stage lighting made by
    Leviton and others. Seems like it would work. Also found some info
    about rs-232 to DMX-512 conversion and found some manufactured
    converters but they are pricey.
    I have a Compact Fieldpoint system.
    Any
    suggestions of a better way to make a software controlled dimmer? Or if
    not any guidance regarding the approach outlined above?
    Thanks in advance.
    Kevin

    Kevin,
    There are X-10 controllers which have computer interfaces and lamp dimming capabilities.  See x10.com   The web site is a bit flashy, but prices are reasonable.  There are other vendors as well.
    I might not use this for a long term, high reliability project, but for proof of concept it should be OK.  I have some X-10 switches which tend to fail in a year or less. (Not a computer controlled system.)
    Lynn 

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    Hi,
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  • No screen brightness control on an envy 17

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    Hi @fjward ,
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    Click the “Kudos, Thumbs Up" on the bottom to say “Thanks” for helping!

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    Last edited by K0tuk (2009-06-27 08:02:56)

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    Last edited by lswest (2009-06-26 12:28:04)

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