Post by thread:[EE]: dimmer chip

so...how about a dimmer that flickers? I thought I saw something about this a few years ago on the list. I have some lights that might be cool to simulate candles, rather than just dimming... >From: "Chris Loiacono (E-mail)" <spam_OUTchris01TakeThisOuTTAMPABAY.RR.COM> >Reply-To: .....chrisKILLspam@spam@mail2asi.com >To: PICLISTKILLspamMITVMA.MIT.EDU >Subject: Re: [EE]: dimmer chip >Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 01:28:01 -0500 > >Yes, several based on 18C442's. Why? > >Chris > > > {Original Message removed}

I once injected a RND generator into the digital side of one of my phase-angle controllers, and disabled the soft-start routine. I would say it was pretty much like a flickering candle, although it was really a test to see if my thyristors could take it.... It would be kind of costly for a hobby item though..... Chris > {Original Message removed}

You can experiment with putting two dimmers in series. They will interfere with each other for a crude (but adjustable) flicker. Depending on the dimmers you use it can get pretty random as well. But for simpler solutions, search google for terms such as candle simulation, stage lighting, halloween stuff, etc. There is lots of stuff out there, and you'll likely get a better result without a PIC than with one. -Adam Micro Eng wrote: {Quote hidden}> so...how about a dimmer that flickers? I thought I saw something about > this > a few years ago on the list. I have some lights that might be cool to > simulate candles, rather than just dimming... > >> From: "Chris Loiacono (E-mail)" <.....chris01KILLspam.....TAMPABAY.RR.COM> >> Reply-To: EraseMEchrisspam_OUTTakeThisOuTmail2asi.com >> To: PICLISTspam_OUTMITVMA.MIT.EDU >> Subject: Re: [EE]: dimmer chip >> Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 01:28:01 -0500 >> >> Yes, several based on 18C442's. Why? >> >> Chris >> >> > {Original Message removed}

Try the MOC3031 trick (opto isolator/triac trigger) with pulses above and below 120 Hz, with a random seed, and average carrier frequency of 120 Hz. So that it behaves as am FM signal at 120 Hz, with a low frequency random noise waveform, or noise through a lowpass filter with a cutoff frequency of about 5 to 6 Hz as the modulating signal. Vern "M. Adam Davis" wrote: {Quote hidden}> > You can experiment with putting two dimmers in series. They will > interfere with each other for a crude (but adjustable) flicker. > Depending on the dimmers you use it can get pretty random as well. > > But for simpler solutions, search google for terms such as candle > simulation, stage lighting, halloween stuff, etc. There is lots of > stuff out there, and you'll likely get a better result without a PIC > than with one. > > -Adam > > Micro Eng wrote: > > > so...how about a dimmer that flickers? I thought I saw something about > > this > > a few years ago on the list. I have some lights that might be cool to > > simulate candles, rather than just dimming... > >> Yes, several based on 18C442's. Why? > >> > >> Chris > >> > > Has anyone worked with a micro controller light dimmer circuit? > >> > > >> > 12C508 > >> > > >> > Peter -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList @spam@piclist-unsubscribe-requestKILLspammitvma.mit.edu

I recall a non micro solution. Use a fluro starter in series with the light. Probably won't work through a dimmer though. EMC may be a problem as well? Regards Peter -- http://www.piclist.com hint: To leave the PICList KILLspampiclist-unsubscribe-requestKILLspammitvma.mit.edu

You'll need cheap dimmers with slow snubbers and high capacitance on the gate circuits for this kind of cross-talk. Nowadays, anything other than 'Leviton' home wiring devices are pretty immune to this kind of stuff- we have to test our power controllers by placing several on the same lines to ensure that the gating remains unaffected. What is the application in question, anyway? C > {Original Message removed}

many years ago I made a very effective flickering dimmer by placing a florescent light starter in series with the lamp, the effect was very natural, although it will probably reduce the lamp life. RemoveMEmicro_engTakeThisOuThotmail.com on 27/11/2001 21:12:46 Please respond to spamBeGonePICLISTspamBeGoneMITVMA.MIT.EDUspamBeGoneINTERNETspamBeGonewtgw To: TakeThisOuTPICLISTEraseMEspam_OUTMITVMA.MIT.EDUEraseMEspam_OUTINTERNETEraseMEspam_OUTwtgw cc: Paper Mail: Subject: [EE]: dimmer chip - flickering? *** WARNING *** This mail has originated outside your organization, either from an external partner or the Global Internet. Keep this in mind if you answer this message. so...how about a dimmer that flickers? I thought I saw something about this a few years ago on the list. I have some lights that might be cool to simulate candles, rather than just dimming... >From: "Chris Loiacono (E-mail)" <RemoveMEchris01TakeThisOuTTAMPABAY.RR.COM> >Reply-To: chrisEraseME.....mail2asi.com >To: EraseMEPICLISTMITVMA.MIT.EDU >Subject: Re: [EE]: dimmer chip >Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2001 01:28:01 -0500 > >Yes, several based on 18C442's. Why? > >Chris > > > {Original Message removed}