DMX Dimmable LED Downlighters

Sparkybob1980 · Jun 8, 2014

I'm out of my depth on this one and need help!

I have been asked by a customer to source and install some LED downlights (50W equivalent) that he wants to dim in increments of 0.5%. He's talking about somethin called DMX that he's seen at a home building show. A trip to my wholesalers was useless - they just shook their heads.

Does anyone know if such a thing exists, and where I can get them? And what dimmer do I need to control them?

All the best, Bob.

Marvo · Jun 8, 2014

Stage lighting suppliers would be able to assist you with DMX systems.

Please reply to the message I just sent you, thanks.

SJD · Jun 8, 2014

DMX is commonly used to control stage lights, our local theatre uses them, suggest you try looking at stage lighting.

Sparkybob1980 · Jun 8, 2014

OK thanks, I think I'm going to be learning lots about this stuff very quickly!

Marvo said:
Stage lighting suppliers would be able to assist you with DMX systems.

Please reply to the message I just sent you, thanks.

Rockingit · Jun 8, 2014

Send me a PM..... you could say I've rather got the T-Shirt on this one! However, your client has been sold a turkey if he thinks he'll be about to spot .5% incremements on LED (or even tungsten!). 5% after the first 30%, maybe.

DMX is a digital control system that sends a stream of values between 0 - 256 (0% - 100%), in up to 512 channels at a time (put incredibly simply). So, one digital controller can operate up to 512 channels of lighting (going even more simple!).

mayfair · Jun 8, 2014

lots of info on DMX Blue Room technical forum but listen to Rockingit on this one.

Rockingit · Jun 8, 2014

Blue room will just confuse a standard sparks, as all the discussion tends to be about what it's controlling or the desk that's driving it. Plus, they're all a bunch of anoraks (or they were the last time I looked!)

mayfair · Jun 8, 2014

As I said you know best

I learned a lot on Blueroom maybe im not average lol

Rockingit · Jun 8, 2014

[ElectriciansForums.net] DMX Dimmable LED Downlighters

DMX controller

DMX dimmer (72 x 20A channels)

Pretty

mayfair · Jun 8, 2014

Or one of these

Rockingit · Jun 8, 2014

indeed.

mayfair · Jun 8, 2014

I like the way you did it so the stage lights were Blue and the exit sign is green !

Ed Bevan · Jun 9, 2014

Hi SparkyBob,

Could you supply more information?

Does your customer already have the DMX controller? Is it a home automation system like Mode or Control 4?

Does he want to control each downlight individually, or as a bank?

This is becoming more and more common, and it's not scary! Regards Ed.

Sparkybob1980 · Jun 10, 2014

Ed it's me Rob! I'm talking about the Gloucester house where we can't find the actual downlights...

Sparkybob1980 · Jun 10, 2014

Hi Mayfair,

It's the actual downlights themselves I'm struggling to find. I've tried the theatricals but they don't know of anything that will look OK in a domestic setting...