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Old 11-22-2007, 07:45 AM   #1
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Default No more blinding tacky lights

Got a bit bored and needed a quick, cheap project. $20 at Home Depot and and old PC power cord (I liked this one because it was really long) and I had myself a tacky light dimmer.

Because I got the cheapest dimmer in the store, I find it works best if the lights are plugged in, then plug the dimmer box into the trailer. I guess the dimmer thingy doesn't like to be unloaded.

I got the weather resistant box to put it in, and sealed a bit with silicone, but I don't think for a minute the device is outdoor rated.

Wiring the thing up should be fairly obvious to members of this form.

No more blinding awning lights...so romantic, just me and the wife...

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Old 11-22-2007, 08:28 AM   #2
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Nice Project and now something else I have to do.


Thanks for shareing, Mike
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Old 11-22-2007, 08:43 AM   #3
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A suggestion, one I plan on trying later, is the X-10 Powerhouse system, They have a plug in modules for many things, one is a lamp module and it can be dimmed, Remotly

I use a remote switch on my awning lights. and/or a timer
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Old 12-01-2007, 04:33 PM   #4
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Those dimmers can be real RFI generators. Besides, tacky awning lights wash out the view of the stars. Kids bought us a tacky set for a present one time. Lost them on our next trip!
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Old 12-02-2007, 03:14 PM   #5
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Looks like a nice project to me.
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Old 12-02-2007, 05:14 PM   #6
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I made one that looks just like it, I use it to control and heat strip I put around my telescope to keep the dew of the correcting plate. Works very well.
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Old 12-02-2007, 06:07 PM   #7
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Originally Posted by N7OQ View Post
I made one that looks just like it, I use it to control and heat strip I put around my telescope to keep the dew of the correcting plate. Works very well.
Cool, aintgotnun is into astronomy. And he has one of those...

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Old 12-05-2007, 07:43 AM   #8
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astronomy stuff moved to "ragchew"

BTW..... where'd that name come from?


http://openroadsradio.net/forums/sho...hp?threadid=82


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Old 12-06-2007, 07:31 AM   #9
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Default Websters on "ragchew" (verb)

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BTW..... where'd that name come from?


greg
It's ham radio slang and means a long rambling conversation, in CB lingo, "ratchet-jaw" but I always thought that meant someone who hogged the channel with needless verbage.

Imagine the facial movement of someone chewing a rag.

In the "ragchew" forum it is by definition impossible to hijack a thread, because like a long conversation between friends (a ragchew) the topic of conversation will change direction at any given moment.
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Old 12-28-2007, 11:24 PM   #10
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Good idea.
Ain't got enough extension cords. Opps should can never have enough extsion cords!
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