SE & CCD hallogen lights dimmer and gels

[wheel interested]

Has anyone installed a dimmer for their ceiling hallogens? I have read a lot of posts about replacing the bulbs with different wattage but I would like full lighting on occassion, and dimmer lighting on other occassions. If anyone can propose a solution, I would appreciate it.

I also read about theater gels (I think they were called) and using them to produce a different color of light for star gazing or for ambiance? I can't find those two threads. If you have done any such thing will you tell me where these are purchased, what they look like, or how you attached them?

I also read in one of the posts here that the bedroom light had to be turned on to turn on the bathroom or shower light and the poster was asking if that was supposed to be the way the lights function. Will someone with a 25'FB please tell me how many switches control what ceiling lights?

Thanks,

Carol

[lewster]

HI Carol,

I have added a few dimmers to my CCD. They work very well, but are very expensive.They must be for 12VDC operation only and can't be used if you have any other type of light other than halogens on the circuit (no flourescents). My RV parts suppliers have them readily available. PM me if you are interested in getting some.

[Over59]

Check out marine parts sites. There's a thread somewhere on the forum that explains the different types and what kind of lights they work on. Try a search for dimmers

[uwe]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

Has anyone installed a dimmer for their ceiling hallogens? I have read a lot of posts about replacing the bulbs with different wattage but I would like full lighting on occassion, and dimmer lighting on other occassions. If anyone can propose a solution, I would appreciate it.

I have 2 sources for dimmers, one is pricey and elegant, for up to 7ea. 10W lamps, i think. : www.swego.com

the other needs help visually, especially in a CCD, but is cheap and decent:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/12V-L...spagenameZWDVW
This one should be able to power and control about 5 lamps reliably.
[QUOTE=wheel interested]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

I also read about theater gels (I think they were called) and using them to produce a different color of light for star gazing or for ambiance? I can't find those two threads. If you have done any such thing will you tell me where these are purchased, what they look like, or how you attached them?

Look for a stage or theatrical supplier in your area, or on the internet. Large Music stores often have gels available in their DJ department.
You can slip them between the glass and the frame of the recessed lights. They are usually very heat resistant.
I would search for lighting gel or lighting gels. You are likely better of finding a local supplier, because you will only need tiny pieces, instead of an entire roll.

[wheel interested]

Thanks Lew, I will pm you for some info on your installation. There are no florescents, now I need to find out how many on a circuit and what switch controls what.

Over 59 great tip on checking with marine stores. Thanks. I will check the search results more thoroughly. I have seen a lot about LEDs and after I read more I will understand better the modifications and differences.

Uwe, the expensive one is elegant, very nice. That is pretty nifty just mounted on the wall as art. Also thanks for telling me what I need to be looking for and where to look for it with the gels.

Do you think inexpensive camera filters could be used? not heat resistant...?

[uwe]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

Do you think inexpensive camera filters could be used? not heat resistant...?

Not sure about camera filters. Usually there,s no heat in front of a camera lens, so i am wondering about that, too.

[Boondocker]

Originally Posted by wheel interested

Do you think inexpensive camera filters could be used? not heat resistant...?

I think you will find that lens filters will disipate the amount of light transmitted to an unacceptable degree. This is based on the ones I use, I suppose that there may be some that would allow more light through though.