Looking for simple Slow (fade) On/Off switch for home theatre

[Andy_C_000]

Hi Folks,

I've had a good look through the forum but can find what I'm looking for!

I'm looking for a simple "slow on/off" switch for my home theatre lights... I just want the main ceiling lights (mains halogen 230v) to raise or lower when I hit the light switch.

i.e. hit the light switch once and it takes the lights about 1 or 2 seconds to go from fully off to fully on (& vice versa)... sort of a soft switch-on (& off), like in real theatres so that your eyes can adjust to the change in lighting conditions when the movie stars or ends.

I don't particularly want any other dimming features (like found with normal living-room dimmer switches).

I live in Ireland, so a supplier here or in the UK would be preferable...

Thanks!

Andy_C

[sam321]

Hi Andy, Ive bought a lutron rania dimmer, it was 65 but a great switch. i take it you want to replace your old wall switch. hope this helps Sam

[smjxm09]

I bought one of these yesterday from screwfix direct, http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/...37485&ts=74783 well I actually bought the remote control version but it works exactly the same way. You can programme it to switch on and off at different speeds and to go to a preset level. I have set mine to switch off from maximum brightness to off over 15 seconds and back to full brighness in 3 seconds. Once set up you can just tap the switch. Have a look at Lutrons website for the instructions. It also comes with a set of green LED's swich look rather cool

[Andy_C_000]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info... The Lutron Rania looks pretty impressive and does pretty much what I want it to do!

I'd like to see if there's anything a little less pricey before I go and order the Rania though... any suggestions?

Thanks!

Andy_C

[Andy_C_000]

Hi Folks,

I haven't bought a dimmer yet, and my requirements have changed slightly from my original post... I'd like an IR remote with the dimmer too.

Just to reiterate, the main feature I'm looking for is a slow fade-on and slow fade-off dimmer (i.e. hit the switch and it takes a few secs from full-on to full-off... and vice versa). Replacing the wall switch with a dimmer would be the neatest/simplest solution.

I think the Lutron Rania is the mutt's nuts, but unfortunately it is very expensive!

Any suggestions for a cheaper alternative?

Thanks!

Andy_C

P.S. I'm in the US for a few days, and I've found Lutron dimmers here with the exact same features of the Rania (repackaged and rebadged for the US) but the voltage rating is 120v. The really frustrating thing is that the dimmer costs ~£80 in the UK, but only ~£20 here!!!!

[rob_talisman]

If your considering Automating parts of your house in the future ie more lights in the house, appliances (handy in the cinema setup), alarm, heating etc. then it maybe worth you looking at X10 equipment.

what your describing is what they call Ramping of the lights. You can fit a light module either behind the switch or put in the ceiling/floor space and be able to control it via the switch or remotely. As well as other items.

eg. my setup will allow me to turn on my Cinema Setup with one button. What happens is Screen comes down, Projector turns ON, AMP turns ON, Subwoofer turns ON and lights go OFF. This is all from one button.

another excellent feature i have, when watching TV, Movie, DVD etc and the lights are obviously OFF, if someone comes to the door i have a senosor outside, it detects them at the door and it sends a signal that pauses whatever im watching and turns the Lights ON to a Dim Level i have choosen. (also works if i press pause on the remote). I go the the front door grab my pizza etc, come back sit down hit play. The lights dim out until OFF and then the movie continues.

[Andy_C_000]

Hi Rob,

Thanks for the info... it sounds like you have a pretty cool set-up there! What model of dimmer do you have? Is it IR controlled? (is X10 purely power line communications or are there some devices that use IR?)

How did you integrate the amp, projector, DVD player, etc.? (I'm assuming they're not X10 devices)

Thanks!

Andy_C