Is Varilight ok for dimming to a certain % ?

[ipace]

Hi Guys,

This is my first post, and to be quite honest i am extremly impressed with some setups you peple have.... i just wish i had the space/money for such a setup!

Basically i am a total newbie when it comes to home automation (was never planing it before reading about it here) I just would like to buy the most basic IR dimmer switch which is capable of dimming to a certain % of light using my Harmony 360 (stll awaiting delivery) i was looking at the Varilight range here http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/VLIQ1701.html would that do the job?



another issue i have is that the light switch is at the side of the room so basically if i setup and action to play a dvd etc....and tell it to dim the lights i am not sure if the signal reaches, in reality how good is the IR signal on these devices? does it have to be directly pointed to it??

Thanks in advance.

[Sheks]

First things first, welcome to the forums.

I have a couple of these switches.

In answer to your question I don't think they can be told to come on to a certain %. Although they do remember the last level setting and come on to that level again. I taught my switch to take a signal from an unused button on a tv remote. If you tap the button on the remote the light comes on to the last light level. If you hold the button the lights will dim and brighten - you then release the button when the desired level is reached.

The sensor appears to be quite responsive from acute angles, although that may just be due to the power output from the remote I am using.

Hope this helps.

Sheks

[ipace]

Thanks for you reply mate!


what brand do you suggest for the light switches that can take scene settings?? (on a very tight budget?)



thanks,

Ian

[Sheks]

Truth be told not sure. Looking for something similar myself - not found anything within my budget (i.e. cheap) yet.

Sheks

[neilball]

Other than Futronix you could take a look at Leax & Mode. Both have launched 4 circuit dimmers that fit a standard single gang back box and do not require a neutral at the switch location to work. Both have IR capability and stire 4 scenes plus dim up/dim down & off. Have not seen prices so don't know if they meet your "cheap" requirement

[ipace]

thanks for your feedback mate however i could not find anything on ebay...any idea where i should check?


I

[ipace]

Just to let you know i ended up buying 2 varilight switches from ebay....waiting for delivery as i write

[hardhitter]

Let us know how you go on with them, interested myself.

[square-eyes]

Originally Posted by hardhitter

Let us know how you go on with them, interested myself.

I looked at scene setting IR dimmers for home cinema a little while ago. There seem to be two easily available ranges. Lutron @ about £68 http://www.letsautomate.com/12115.cfm

You could try Futronix although they are more expensive. http://dimmer.co.uk/why_become.htm

[danaldinho7]

word of advice, dimmers buzz which is very annoying if you can hear it...if this is for a home cinema and you're doing a proper job I would install v. low powered lights that you can turn on and off along with seperate lights