LED Moon Lights - dimming?

jimsflies · 10/20/2006, 12:11 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 12:15 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 12:42 PM

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

eclecticvibe · 10/20/2006, 12:43 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 12:47 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 12:55 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 01:53 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 01:56 PM

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

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...able+moonlight

jimsflies · 10/20/2006, 02:49 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 04:34 PM

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 · 10/20/2006, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted 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 · 10/20/2006, 05:29 PM

Curt,

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

Hopefully the leds will be 1 watters?

MJAnderson · 10/20/2006, 10:20 PM

I just modified my Xmas list. =)

akabilly · 10/21/2006, 12:20 PM

I just ordered the Blueline lunar light that says its compatible with the Jr.
http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/p...1b53fabfa6403f

dhoch · 10/21/2006, 05:44 PM

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 · 10/21/2006, 06:47 PM

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 · 11/26/2006, 07:41 AM

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 · 11/26/2006, 02:20 PM

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 · 11/29/2006, 12:55 PM

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?

Quote:

Originally posted 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 · 11/29/2006, 12:57 PM

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

Aquaduck · 11/29/2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 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

Is this rope light a true LED light? What kind of power adapter does it have?

jnb · 11/29/2006, 01:43 PM

you swear? I can plug any dimmable light in there (your leds or other incandescent ) and A08 with moonlight program works it - I had no idea. How did I miss that - thanks - this is great

Quote:

Originally posted by Aquaduck
Is this rope light a true LED light? What kind of power adapter does it have?

dhoch · 11/29/2006, 01:48 PM

It has to have no transformer (big *** plug) if it does you will burn it out...

Simple led lights need these (because of the small amount of power consumed) bigger led light systems (rope lights) get around this via # of leds, but are often too bright for moon lights

ideally you want a 2-4 led light system (but to make it work without a transformer you need to change the resistance...

Dave

freddie40 · 11/29/2006, 01:59 PM

The LED rope light from target is not too bright because the lights are not focused. Because of this you get the perfect glow for a tank, plus you can dim it. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it.

Dave

dhoch · 11/29/2006, 02:03 PM

I've got one... haven't tried it yet, but you've convinced me to try it tongith

Dave

10/20/2006, 12:11 PM	#1
jimsflies Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	LED Moon Lights - dimming? 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"?

10/20/2006, 12:42 PM	#3
eclecticvibe Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 583	Blueline has dimmable moonlights. They work on the DC8 or X10 modules. I use them myself. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: Taking it all down.

10/20/2006, 12:43 PM	#4
eclecticvibe Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 583	oh yeah, and they're LED too. Each moonlight has 4 LED's. They can be turned down manually, or used on a controller. __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: Taking it all down.

10/20/2006, 01:53 PM	#7
eclecticvibe Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 583	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. " __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: Taking it all down.

10/20/2006, 01:56 PM	#8
eclecticvibe Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 583	Here's a thread from the DIY forum on how to make some for yourself. http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...able+moonlight __________________ Jay Current Tank Info: Taking it all down.

10/20/2006, 12:15 PM	#2
Slickdonkey Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Woodinville, WA Posts: 375	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.

10/20/2006, 12:47 PM	#5
jimsflies Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	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?

10/20/2006, 12:55 PM	#6
clsanchez77 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Metairie, La Posts: 822	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

10/20/2006, 02:49 PM	#9
jimsflies Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	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.

10/20/2006, 04:34 PM	#10
clp RC Sponsor Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 4,311	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

10/20/2006, 05:29 PM	#12
jimsflies Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	Curt, If you need a beta tester....keep me in mind! (I'll even pay!) Hopefully the leds will be 1 watters?

10/20/2006, 10:20 PM	#13
MJAnderson Premium Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: East Bay, CA Posts: 2,633	I just modified my Xmas list. =)

10/21/2006, 12:20 PM	#14
akabilly Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Overland Park, KS Posts: 120	I just ordered the Blueline lunar light that says its compatible with the Jr. http://www.thereefstop.com/catalog/p...1b53fabfa6403f __________________ Oceanic 46 Gal. BowFront 45 LBS Lalo Rock (dsb) LifeReef Overflow 36" Aquactinics T-5 HO Neptune AquaController Jr 30 Gal Fuge in basement Auto Top Off & UV AquaEuro USA 135 Skimmer Current Tank Info: 46 Gal Reef

10/21/2006, 05:44 PM	#15
dhoch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,762	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 __________________ Check out my tanks website... click the red box above my post Current Tank Info: 180 gal Acrylic, 29 gal refugium, 40 gal sump, Mag 18 -> 2 Sea Swirls, Tunze 6100, 8 x 80W overdriven T5 Lights, ASM G4 skimmer

10/21/2006, 06:47 PM	#16
jimsflies Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	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?

11/26/2006, 07:41 AM	#17
jimsflies Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Michigan Posts: 500	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....

11/26/2006, 02:20 PM	#18
freddie40 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aurora, Co Posts: 1,415	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 __________________ At D.A.R.C. we are all Premium Members. Current Tank Info: 75gal with T5 lighting and 29gal Biocube with LED lighting

11/29/2006, 12:57 PM	#20
freddie40 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aurora, Co Posts: 1,415	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 __________________ At D.A.R.C. we are all Premium Members. Current Tank Info: 75gal with T5 lighting and 29gal Biocube with LED lighting

11/29/2006, 01:48 PM	#23
dhoch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,762	It has to have no transformer (big *** plug) if it does you will burn it out... Simple led lights need these (because of the small amount of power consumed) bigger led light systems (rope lights) get around this via # of leds, but are often too bright for moon lights ideally you want a 2-4 led light system (but to make it work without a transformer you need to change the resistance... Dave __________________ Check out my tanks website... click the red box above my post Current Tank Info: 180 gal Acrylic, 29 gal refugium, 40 gal sump, Mag 18 -> 2 Sea Swirls, Tunze 6100, 8 x 80W overdriven T5 Lights, ASM G4 skimmer

11/29/2006, 01:59 PM	#24
freddie40 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Aurora, Co Posts: 1,415	The LED rope light from target is not too bright because the lights are not focused. Because of this you get the perfect glow for a tank, plus you can dim it. Don't knock it if you haven't tried it. Dave __________________ At D.A.R.C. we are all Premium Members. Current Tank Info: 75gal with T5 lighting and 29gal Biocube with LED lighting

11/29/2006, 02:03 PM	#25
dhoch Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,762	I've got one... haven't tried it yet, but you've convinced me to try it tongith Dave __________________ Check out my tanks website... click the red box above my post Current Tank Info: 180 gal Acrylic, 29 gal refugium, 40 gal sump, Mag 18 -> 2 Sea Swirls, Tunze 6100, 8 x 80W overdriven T5 Lights, ASM G4 skimmer