Maplin r/c dimmer

oakboy · 14-09-2003, 8:14 AM

Does anyone use these infra red dimmer kits?

The maplin site has them at 14.99 reduced are they worth that?
Can you use a learning remote with them(pronto)etc???????

Phil

**LV426** · 14-09-2003, 8:17 AM

These appear to be cheaper, and, it is claimed, can be programmed to work with ANY IR remote command. I haven't got around to using any myself, so I can't speak from personal experience.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Ind...s_5/index.html

oakboy · 14-09-2003, 8:49 AM

Do the tlc ones have problems breaking down?

gilesm · 14-09-2003, 10:31 AM

These are exactly the same as the ones you can buy from B&Q. I've had one for about 3 months now. Initially I had problems using a Sony Portable TV RC - didn't seem powerful enough, so half way across the room I could switch it on and off but not dim, yet a few feet from it could - I guess over the longer distance the signal broke up or something. Anyway I learnt this code with my Pronto and it's much better now, haven't had a single problem with it (save for it losing it's learning when we had a power cut) and it works seemingly over any distance.

**LV426** · 14-09-2003, 1:26 PM

If they are the same as the B&Q ones, they are guaranteed by the manufacturrer for a year. I did have one of the manually-operated ones that failed. Posted it back to the mfg address. Returned inside a week fixed. No problems.

MarkE19 · 14-09-2003, 3:02 PM

I've had one of the tlc remote dimmers for about a year now.
It has always worked fine without any problems. For the money they are IMO a great buy. Some people have reported problems with them, but all have said that they have been replaced without any hassle.
They do loose their remote code if there is a power cut, but if you can get the hex code for your Pronto etc for the default code then there is no problem after a power cut as this is what it defaults to!

Mark.

pwafer · 15-09-2003, 4:23 PM

For the money, these dimmers are fine... no one can argue with paying £15 for an infrared controllable dimmer!!!

However, with all domestic level dimmers, the dimming devices used (the TRIAC) will be equally 'cost effective'

The new influx of GU10 Mains Voltage Tungsten Halogen (transformer free) lamps has highlighted some drawbacks however. As with all filament lamps, when they blow you get a very short period of time where essentially the load goes SHORT CIRCUIT. This normally trips the feed circuit breaker or fuse. This short stresses the TRIAC immensely and if a heavily over rated TRIAC isn't used, then it will fail after a period of time.

Pound for pound, these dimmers are great... but at the end of the day, at £15, there has to be a compromise.

Paul.

Demon · 17-09-2003, 2:27 PM

I paid £25 for one at B&Q.. although since it works really well, I 'll just have to put it down to impulse buying...

I laughed at a 'know it all' or 'can't be told' expert in work, who shelled out £35 each on these dimmers that where massive in-wall boxes, with remote doorbell style remotes...

Sandman · 17-09-2003, 2:52 PM

Mark, can you post the "default" hex code for the pronto for these switches please, I have three of them and the default code would be very useful.

MarkE19 · 17-09-2003, 6:44 PM

I don't have the default code as I have not bought the dedicated remote. Somebody on another thread said they had the remote and would post the hex code, but I have never seen it. It would be very handy to get hold of.

Mark.

Goof · 19-09-2003, 8:49 PM

I got one of the Maplin's ones a few days ago and relatively pleased with it - sometimes not responsive as it could be (have to press the button a couple of times) but for £15 they're pretty good.

Instructions for usage were lacking though - can anything be done with buttons 2,3 & 4? Eg. can you program set lighting levels with them?

Sandman · 22-09-2003, 10:34 AM

No, buttons 2,3 and 4 are for if you buy another three dimmer switches. You can now however buy three of the switches that tlc-direct sell for £10 and use this remote for them.
I agree about the limeted functions though, It would be nice to be able to pre-set lighting scenes that you could get to at the press of a button.

Goof · 22-09-2003, 10:37 AM

Thanks Sandman, are the TLC ones similarly limited?

Sandman · 22-09-2003, 2:34 PM

Unfortuately yes, they do look better then the maplin ones though but they will reset themselfs after a power cut (you will need to teach it the ir command again).
If you want pre-set lighting scenes it looks like you might need some x-10 equipment and I dont know anything about this and it looks complicated.

Goof · 22-09-2003, 2:36 PM

Nah, not that bothered, quite happy for £15

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