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JustGreg
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3098
Location: Kenosha, WI
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| Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 6:57 am Post subject: CanI add a resistor to dim rope lights? |
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The subject pretty much says it all. I can't find dimmable rope lights locally so thought perhaps one of our electrical/electronic propeller heads could suggest a simple component or circuit to build a fixed output dimmer. I already bought some blue ropelight and messed with a couple resistors (I don't have the values handy) and got it to dim but the resistors got pretty hot. The 'dimmer' will be inside the riser so heat and a fire hazard is obviously a big concern.
Thanks guys!
_________________
Greg
"Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know and I don't care!" --Jimmy Buffett
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Clarence
Joined: 08 Mar 2006
Posts: 3827
Location: Smith Mtn Lake, VA
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greg_mitch
Joined: 03 May 2006
Posts: 5320
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| Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 12:58 pm Post subject: |
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I thought any rope lights were dimmable as long as they aren't LED. Never had a problem with mine.
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Tom.W
Joined: 09 Mar 2006
Posts: 6635
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| Posted: Wed Apr 29, 2009 2:01 pm Post subject: |
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A single rectifier should drop the voltage.
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JustGreg
Joined: 07 Mar 2006
Posts: 3098
Location: Kenosha, WI
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| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 9:21 am Post subject: |
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Thanks guys. Much appreciated.
I certainly didn't want to burn down the whole sheebang because I was too impatient to order (and wait for) dimmable rope lights. 
_________________
Greg
"Is it ignorance or apathy? Hey, I don't know and I don't care!" --Jimmy Buffett
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j2sgam
Joined: 06 Aug 2008
Posts: 10
Location: Virginia Beach
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| Posted: Fri May 01, 2009 12:11 pm Post subject: |
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Mr Mitch above has it right. Have you tried, maybe, a dimmer controlling the receptacle the rope is plugged into? Could be an easy HomeDepot fix...
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