LED Moon Lights - dimming?

[jimsflies]

I know this question has been asked before and the answer has been "no". But I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck getting a solution to allow LED moon lights to dim using the AC3? I also have a the DC8's which I believe might have the dimming outlet?

I like the look of the LEDs for moons because of the shimmer effect and the fluorescence of corals under the light. But is there any other option that would dim and be similiar if the answer to the above question is still "no"?

 

[Slickdonkey]

Not with the AC3... but you can order the Lunar Tracker moonlights which will do it for you. I have these and am really happy with them. They dim from full moon to new moon, or just on/off if you prefer. Cheap too!

I am in no way affliated with these guys.

 

[eclecticvibe]

Blueline has dimmable moonlights. They work on the DC8 or X10 modules. I use them myself.

 

[eclecticvibe]

oh yeah, and they're LED too. Each moonlight has 4 LED's. They can be turned down manually, or used on a controller.

 

[jimsflies]

Jay- It looks like the dimming part of the bluelines has to be done manually (not able to be dimmed using the moon programming of the ac3), right?

 

[clsanchez77]

I can think of a few ways to rig this but it might be easier to split your LED's across different controllers. maybe two LED's per channel and use two channels. Have the first channel come on at:
MON 000/000 LD1 ON

and the second channel at:
MON 120/-120 LD2 ON

I know its not what you are looking for but I could work with that.

-----------------------------------------------------------

Don't know if this would work... The other idea is get a second adapter, but smaller voltage (either smaller adapter or solder a resister in series with the LED's). Wire the adapters positive to positive and negative to negative and use these commands

MON 000/000 LD1 ON
MON 120/-120 LD2 ON
IF TMR LD1 = ON THEN LD2 OFF

First command would turn on the 'dimmed' adapter. The second command would turn on the second adapter. The third command would turn off the first adapter when the second one comes on; this would be just in case that shorthing the two adapters could damage them.

Chris

 

[eclecticvibe]

Here's the right up from Champion Lighting's website. Sounds like it can be controlled with a dimmer. I turn my moonlights on full intensity with the manual control, and let the dimmer dim them as programmed.

"Unlike other LED moonlights, this model is specifically designed to be dimmed using a controller. Simply plug into the moonlight port on your Neptune controller, Octopus controller or Solar Dimmers and let the controller create the lunar cycles. Dims from 20% to 100%. This small but powerful light is only 1.5" x .75" and will light a 2 ft area. Easily mount into any canopy or hood by using screw or Velcro. Includes A/C power supply and dimmer control. "

 

[eclecticvibe]

Here's a thread from the DIY forum on how to make some for yourself.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=178228&highlight=dimmable+moonlight

 

[jimsflies]

Its too bad there isn't a way to connect the 0-5 volt referrence pin control input on a dimmable BuckPuck led driver to the controller some how? It would make the simplest solution.

I'm sort of in love with the idea of using 1 watt leds and none of the pre-fabbed ones seem to use them.

I sent an email to the lunartracker people. Although I would prefer to not have another "box" behind the tank, that might be the next best option depending on how it interfaces with the leds.

 

[clp]

We've got our own lunar LED based lighting system coming out in December. It will do dimming and have a hardwired connection to the AquaController/Direct Connect boxes. An added feature will be dawn and dusk simulation as well.

Curt

 

[Lutefisk]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8381936#post8381936 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by clp
We've got our own lunar LED based lighting system coming out in December. It will do dimming and have a hardwired connection to the AquaController/Direct Connect boxes. An added feature will be dawn and dusk simulation as well.

Curt

Cool!

I'm looking forward to hearing more. Any chance that some details might be released prior to the product?

Paul

 

[jimsflies]

Curt,

If you need a beta tester....keep me in mind! (I'll even pay!)

Hopefully the leds will be 1 watters?

 

[MJAnderson]

I just modified my Xmas list. =)

 

[akabilly]

I just ordered the Blueline lunar light that says its compatible with the Jr.
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/...d=401&osCsid=76d1bf1c316d3a60bb1b53fabfa6403f

 

[dhoch]

Champion has something like this... I know I talked to the guy at MACNA about...

I'm waiting for Curt to get his done...

Hopefully soon

Dave

 

[jimsflies]

The bluelines look like another led light I tried and didn't care for the intensity (not bright enough). Curt, what wattage bulbs are you going with?

 

[jimsflies]

Curt-

Any more information on the led lunar lights?

When are they going to be available?

Just finished my new canopy and I need a moon....

 

[freddie40]

So everyone knows Target is selling Blue LED rope lights (in the Christmas section for $11.99 fot 9ft) that can be dimmed on A08 and are a beautiful blue color. I set mine up last night on the Mon cycle and it works perfectly.

Dave

 

[jnb]

when you say A08 exactly what are you saying - are you using these on the ac's moonlight, if so it has to be thru the x-10 controlled 110 v plug in right? not a dc8?

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8622454#post8622454 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by freddie40
So everyone knows Target is selling Blue LED rope lights (in the Christmas section for $11.99 fot 9ft) that can be dimmed on A08 and are a beautiful blue color. I set mine up last night on the Mon cycle and it works perfectly.

Dave

 

[freddie40]

No, A08 on the DC8 is a dimmable outlet. It is dimmable only with the mon function. Kind of cool with the LED rope light.

Dave