DIY dimmer for ATI powermodule t5's?

[dgelz]

I'm wondering how difficult it is to modify an ATI powermodule and add a dimming feature. Someone on a facebook group mentioned it to me, but didn't get into specifics. Any ideas?

 

[uncleof6]

You need to change out the ballasts to ballasts that have a +10VDC dimming input, and ground for the dimming circuit. 0 - 10VDC "signal" is controlled by a potentiometer (variable resistor) between a +10VDC power supply, and the ballast +10 tap, and the - of the power supply to the 10VDC ground, not the green equipment ground. The dimmable ballasts are not exactly inexpensive, and I am not certain that ATI offers them. You would have to obtain Advance ballasts (or equivalent,) which would present integration problems with the fixture as well.

There is a bit more to the powermodules than just the ballasts, and it is not exactly a simple swap to change out the ballasts. Certainly, in order to learn anything you have to ask questions, but I really don't recommend that someone, that needs to ask questions about ballasts, mess with them.

 

[dgelz]

...and I am definitely not the guy to even consider trying to do this. I'd rather pay for it than have the headache and stress of doing it on my own with no experience. Thanks for the confirmation, and in sorry you had to write all that out.

 

[uncleof6]

...and I am definitely not the guy to even consider trying to do this. I'd rather pay for it than have the headache and stress of doing it on my own with no experience. Thanks for the confirmation, and in sorry you had to write all that out.

No problem. There is no harm in asking, just sometimes the answer is not exactly what you wanted to hear.