[SML] Dimmer Questions

[Kristi R-C]

Putting a "dummy load" on those LEDs which blink out at 10% can help eliminate that problem. 
Kristi R-C


-----Original Message-----
From: jdunfee12--- via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
To: Wayne Rasmussen via Stagecraft <stagecraft at theatrical.net>
Cc: jdunfee12 at yahoo.com <jdunfee12 at yahoo.com>
Sent: Tue, Dec 17, 2019 9:35 am
Subject: Re: [SML] Dimmer Questions

 You didn't define "better lighting", but if that translate to just more light, LED lamps are a great way to get more light from the same wattage of power.  But, as has already been pointed out, just putting a LED lamp on a circuit controlled by a dimmer can cause problems, even if the LED lamp is designed to be dimmed. None of the consumer ones I have tested perform well at the lower light levels. They go down to perhaps 10%, and then suddenly turn off at any level below that.  I suspect that just swapping out the tungsten bulbs, for LED bulbs in your existing light fixtures is not a great choice.

An alternative is to purchase full LED fixtures that have dimmers built into it. These fixtures are powered directly to (un-dimmable) line power, with the dimming handled by sending a DMX signal directly to the fixture on a separate cable. LED fixtures, with compatible light output to a 150 or 200 watt tungsten bulb, are going to be a lot more expensive, but will also give you things such a great color control.
The cheapest option may be to just upgrade the electric service and add another circuit or two. You may even get volunteer labor from someone in the congregation to do the wiring, making the upgrade cost just the cost of a few more par-cans.
-Joe
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