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RF dimmers

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Old 11-10-2009, 9:06 PM   #1
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RF dimmers

Hi all,

We're renovating our new home. The lounge / dining room is one large room each half having a ceiling light controlled from separate switches; the lounge light cannot be controlled from the dining room's switch and vice-versa. This annoys us and we'd like to change it.

I'm aware of the conventional solution to this problem but that would require me to chase channels in the plaster and asbestos-containing Artex ceiling. I'll do this if need be but I'm wondering if there is an easier and neater solution.

It occurred to me that one of the more intelligent RF dimmer / lighting systems might be able to do what I need without the mess. Can anyone tell me if an affordable system like this exists? If possible I would like to replace only the light switches.

Thanks in advance
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Old 13-10-2009, 12:50 PM   #2
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Re: RF dimmers

RAKO can certainly manage this - no need to chase walls and works well as retrofit.
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Gareth1 (15-10-2009)
Old 13-10-2009, 5:31 PM   #3
vex vex is offline
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Re: RF dimmers

True,

Depending on the wattage of the lights the little Rako PIL back box dimmers, one in each back box and then a controller over the top would work.

If you set both the controllers to the same address then they will both act the same way once you have programmed one of them.

HTH

V.
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Old 14-10-2009, 10:09 AM   #4
JLA JLA is offline
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Re: RF dimmers

A few ways to do this with Homeeasy:

HE203 switch converter, fit this in the switch you want to be two way and use a HE307 remote wall switch to operate it from anywhere you wish

HE204 ceiling module, wire into the lighting loom and use the same HE307 to control it.

Good thing with Homeeasy is you can add on any additional remote you wish.

view

Home Easy - SAVE your money, by reducing ‘Standby' power and wasted electricity.
www.buyhomeeasy.co.uk
www.buydiy.net

or visit B&Q If you need any help contact me

Last edited by JLA; 16-10-2009 at 12:25 PM.
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Old 14-10-2009, 11:25 AM   #5
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Re: RF dimmers

Quote:
Originally Posted by vex View Post
True,

Depending on the wattage of the lights the little Rako PIL back box dimmers, one in each back box and then a controller over the top would work.

If you set both the controllers to the same address then they will both act the same way once you have programmed one of them.

HTH

V.
Do remember that the PIL is only for use with non-inductive loads so cannot be used on low voltage lights such as 12v halogens. It will be fine for normal incandescent of mains-halogen/GU10 fittings.
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Gareth1 (15-10-2009)
Old 15-10-2009, 8:42 PM   #6
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Re: RF dimmers

Thank you all for your input. Rako certainally looks impressive but I can't justify the cost.

Homeeasy looks to be more affordable so I think I'll be ordering shortly.

Many thanks,
Gareth
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JLA (16-10-2009)
Old 24-11-2009, 10:06 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gareth1 View Post
Thank you all for your input. Rako certainally looks impressive but I can't justify the cost.

Homeeasy looks to be more affordable so I think I'll be ordering shortly.

Many thanks,
Gareth
Gareth, let us know how you get on with the homeeasy system?
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