Simple Explanation for Remote Dimmer Control

[IVOLIC]

Hello,

I am trying to figure out what is the easiest (and not spending a lot of money) way of doing this.
I have read most of this forum and others and researched to some degree about x10, RF, and IR switches but just can not seem to put it all toghether in my head.

What I am after is:
Buying light switches (dimmers) that I can control remotely. I want to do this so that I can just take my old "faceplate" and install this new one and be ready to control wirelessly.
I would also like to do this with some electrical outlets.
How to control:
How can I control this through a Pronto TSU7000 (US version) if the switches are not IR.

Suggestions, sites, and tips would be most helpfull.

Thanks in advance!

[hornydragon]

for the lights the best option for cheap solutions are Varilight dimmers available in the UK fro www.tlc-direct.co.uk but check the varilight site (easy to google) for a local supplier can help for electrical sockets but ideal for mains lighting http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...s_5/index.html

[IVOLIC]

Thanks for the link.
The store has exactly what I wanted plus they can ship internationally!!

[hornydragon]

No worries mate

[IVOLIC]

@ hornydragon...

I presume you have had exprience with these so here goes:
OK so I get one of these connect halogen lamps to it (make sure the wattage is under the dimmers max) and program any IR universal remote to control ON, OFF and DIMMER functions. Is it that simple???

[hornydragon]

YEs i have make sure you meet the specs here http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Technica...immerGuide.htm and its advisable to buy the optional remote control and teach your programmeble one the codes (its only one code) send IR for on/off (basically toggle power) and conious stream of IR for DIM its cycles from highest to lowest light levels and back agan so you just hold the button till ou get what you want

[clockworks]

I use a Varilight dimmer with a Harmony 885 in my lounge.
I didn't buy the Varilight dimmer remote. I used the remote for the stereo in my workshop to program the dimmer, and taught the code to my Harmony.

You can use any remote to program a Varilight. Just use a spare one, from a device that lives in a different room.

[johnscarlet]

Someone once upon a time posted the Pronto codes for the varilight dimmers . It was a long time ago

John

[IVOLIC]

Thanks for all your input. You have all now confirmed that this is exactly what I was looking for. A big thumbs up

[hornydragon]

Originally Posted by clockworks

I use a Varilight dimmer with a Harmony 885 in my lounge.
I didn't buy the Varilight dimmer remote. I used the remote for the stereo in my workshop to program the dimmer, and taught the code to my Harmony.

You can use any remote to program a Varilight. Just use a spare one, from a device that lives in a different room.

Yes you can program the varilight, unfortuantely after a powercut it goes back to its original default codes.Ii think the harmony database should have te varilight codes on there but they may have been contaminated by people doing as above if you do plan on using a harmon or pronto style remote i would use the defualt codes to teach the remote. depends how frequent ower cuts are where you live if frequent use the OEM codes!