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  #1  
Old 10-05-2018, 08:47 AM
lr172 lr172 is offline
 
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Default G3X Dimmer Input

I plan to use a simple rheostat for a dimmer circuit, but need to size it appropriately. Can anyone tell me the typical current consumed on the lighting bus input for the G3X components?

I assume that they are a control circuit and only grabbing the voltage level and therefore a very low current drain.

Also curious about the 430W and SL40as well, if known.

Larry
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Last edited by lr172 : 10-05-2018 at 10:48 AM.
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  #2  
Old 10-05-2018, 10:02 AM
alcladrv alcladrv is offline
 
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Location: Southeast
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I installed the panel dimmer from Vans: Part Number = ES DIMMER, LAMP 1.5A.

It dims both screens of my 2 screen non-touch G3X system and works well.
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  #3  
Old 10-05-2018, 03:17 PM
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Walt Walt is online now
 
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Location: Dallas/Ft Worth, TX
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Quote:
Originally Posted by lr172 View Post
I plan to use a simple rheostat for a dimmer circuit, but need to size it appropriately. Can anyone tell me the typical current consumed on the lighting bus input for the G3X components?

I assume that they are a control circuit and only grabbing the voltage level and therefore a very low current drain.

Also curious about the 430W and SL40as well, if known.

Larry
The G3X and GTN lighting buses are a control voltage only, basically zero current drain.
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  #4  
Old 10-08-2018, 08:07 AM
rdrcrmatt rdrcrmatt is offline
 
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Location: Milwaukee, WI
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I think the Gamin install docs call for a 0-10k ohm knob.

Larry, I'm about to do the same thing but I'm adding to an existing installation.
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CFI / RV-10
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  #5  
Old 10-08-2018, 05:43 PM
Icarus Icarus is offline
 
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Location: D.C.
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1K Ohm pot worked great for me.
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  #6  
Old 10-08-2018, 09:51 PM
alcladrv alcladrv is offline
 
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Where does one obtain a 1K ohm pot?
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  #7  
Old 10-08-2018, 10:32 PM
lr172 lr172 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alcladrv View Post
Where does one obtain a 1K ohm pot?
digikey is affordable with good variety.

Larry
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  #8  
Old 10-08-2018, 10:33 PM
lr172 lr172 is offline
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rdrcrmatt View Post
I think the Gamin install docs call for a 0-10k ohm knob.

Larry, I'm about to do the same thing but I'm adding to an existing installation.
If you do any lighting components on the bus, be sure to size the pot to the appropriate wattage draw on the circuit.

Larry
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  #9  
Old 10-09-2018, 03:36 AM
tgmillso tgmillso is offline
 
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Location: Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
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I utilized the GAD27 for my lighting control, and the 10k pot I paired with it was the miniature linear rotary pot from sparkfun. It's compact, has a good feel and works great.
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/9939
Don't forget to purchase a knob with it.
I only used it for the LED lighting strip, as I am controlling everything else (GDU460, Aera 660, G5, GTN etc.) via inbuilt photo cells and that seems to work great, and save a bunch of wiring.
The only issue I found was that it needs to be rotated counterclockwise to increase brightness, which is not intuitive compared to how one would increase the volume on a radio. I looked in the configuration menu so see how I could possibly change this, however there doesn't seem to be an option I can find. Just keep this in mind when you are labeling your panel.
Tom.
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