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inexpensive ir dimmers other than Lutron?

 
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Djude




Joined: 01 May 2009
Posts: 19
Location: Orlando


PostLink    Posted: Wed Jun 22, 2011 6:29 pm    Post subject: inexpensive ir dimmers other than Lutron? Reply with quote


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Hey Everybody.

I am trying automate my theater and control my lights through irule. I have two light switches that I want to control, that are mounted one on top of the other. I bought a Lutron Maestro IR remote controlled dimmer, which works great. My problem is that I need to find another brand of IR dimmer to use in the other spot because the Lutron dimmers all work on the same frequency? so if I get another Lutron, I won't be able to control the switches independently.

Any help would be appreciated. I have $40 invested so far in the Lutron switch. I was hoping that it would be possible to change the frequency code in the Lutron so that I could use two of them... Or just find another brand with a different frequency.

Thanks much,

Dan Sad
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J Kildare




Joined: 28 Sep 2006
Posts: 164



PostLink    Posted: Thu Jun 23, 2011 4:31 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Dan

I have Spacer system, which are no longer in production but on ebay from time to time. They have 5 scenes so you could pick one that doesn't match your Maestro. Be careful to get the right one as there are several variations.

You could look into Insteon, but it's pricey and you would need an interface.

Less expensive is x-10. I think you need an IR-543 as an interface (double check this) for your gc-100, but you could put them on different frequencies and control them separately from your iphone or learning remote. You should also install the interface on the same phase as your switches or get a phase coupler.

I think Insteon is dual band, but x-10 is single band making it a little less reliable. I don't have any dimmers but have some X-10 and Insteon and no problems with either.

If you can find a spacer system, it might be the least expensive way out.
And I have codes for Spacer and X-10 working with Irule.

Jim
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Djude




Joined: 01 May 2009
Posts: 19
Location: Orlando


PostLink    Posted: Fri Jun 24, 2011 2:17 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

thanks Jim,

I appreciate the info. I have seen the Spacer system on Amazon, but not entirely sure I understand how it works. I'm baffled that there is only one manufacturer in the world of an IR dimmer (Lutron).... I was originally just hoping to find another brand that would work on a different frequency, since I only have 2 switches that I need to control.
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ChrisWiggles
Opinionated SOB



Joined: 12 Mar 2006
Posts: 2529
Location: Seattle


PostLink    Posted: Sun Jul 17, 2011 6:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

IMO cheapest/best way is the spacer system. (don't confuse single spacer switches from Home Depot with the spacer SYSTEM stuff).

They work with the same commands, but you set scenes on the switches, then you can set them however you want, and when you hit "scene 1" or whatnot, each switch (as many as you have) go to where you have set them.

Otherwise you're looking at much pricier systems that are unecessary.

Works quite well. I have three lights on a spacer system (room, room spotlight, and hallway outside), works very simply and works great!
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