Dimming interior lights

[mikerezny]

Hi,
the interior LED lights in my new Jayco are really bright. They are somewhere around 10W and draw about 0.8A.

Probably been done before, but I thought it was worth sharing a simple and inexpensive solution I plan to implement to dim the lights. Total cost was about $6 thanks to ebay.

It works well and there is no flicker.

I found an inline remote controlled dimmer module and connected it to a 12V accessory plug and socket
and inserted it where you plug the roof light into the chassis.

You will need a 12V plug, 12V socket, the dimmer module, a CR2025 battery and some small lengths of wire.

Here is the link to where I bought the dimmer module:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191920203223?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

The plugs and sockets are around $1 each on ebay or AliExpress. I got 5 CR2025 batteries for $1,
but it is too early to tell if they are good or not. I can send links to where I got these if anyone is interested.

regards
Mike

 

[Marv_mart]

Hi,
the interior LED lights in my new Jayco are really bright.

I found an inline remote controlled dimmer module and connected it to a 12V accessory plug and socket
and inserted it where you plug the roof light into the chassis.
regards
Mike

Can't work out where you 'plug the roof lights into the chassis'
More detail please, pic?
Marv

 

[Dobbie]

I suspect it's a Swan, Eagle etc so there is a connector for the lights once the roof is raised....at least ours did.

A dimmer could probably be fitted somewhere but I can't remember the type of connector used.

Is there such a thing as a dimmer which could be inserted into a 12v plug?

 

[Marv_mart]

I suspect it's a Swan, Eagle etc so there is a connector for the lights once the roof is raised....at least ours did.

A dimmer could probably be fitted somewhere but I can't remember the type of connector used.

Is there such a thing as a dimmer which could be inserted into a 12v plug?

Yes, I do remember that our Penguin had a 'roof connector' for the roof lights.

 

[bigcol]

my 2013 16.49.1 has a "main" light switch just inside the door - on the left
fitting a dimmer switch to that may just work..............

 

[mikerezny]

Hi,
sorry, I should have been more specific. We have a Jayco Penguin. All the Jayco camper trailers connect
the roof lights to the chassis via a 12 V cigarette lighter plug that connects to a flush mounted 12V socket.

You have to disconnect this when you put the roof down. It is a safety feature since, in the old days before
LED lights, it was not a good idea to have up to three 20-30 W lamps burning in the enclosed unventilated space.
They also have a safety cutout microswitch on the roof that also cuts the power off to the lights when the roof is down.
So, it must have been an issue at some time.

All I did was make up a small 12V extension cord cut it in the middle to insert the dimmer module.

regards
Mike

 

[Marv_mart]

Yes, that makes sense. We used to have a Penguin 2008-2012. Now have Panda 14.44-5 OB 2012-201....
Dimmer switch by the door light switch might work, not sure if there is enough room behind that panel though, it would take up equivalent to a double light switch with more room required behind the face plate.
Would need an electrician to verify its possible.

 

[Dobbie]

That makes sense.

They must have changed since 2008 when we had our Swan....and it sounds like an improvement.

I'm now curious about the dimmer module ....we are looking at organising a 12v light to plug into an external socket, purely to give an option to add more light to a cooking area which is separate from the usual awning light. I don't want anything permanent and will try a few options but the ability to add a dimmer is now a possibility, I think.

Where did you get the dimmer?

 

[Dobbie]

Don't worry.

I found it on fleabay.....just hadn't realised you could get them and add to an existing install.

 

[mikerezny]

Don't worry.

I found it on fleabay.....just hadn't realised you could get them and add to an existing install.

Hi, here is a cut of my original post:

Here is the link to where I bought the dimmer module for $2.03, note that it needs a CR2025 battery,
which I also bought on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191920203223?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

The plugs and sockets are around $1 each on ebay or AliExpress. I got 5 CR2025 batteries for $1,
but it is too early to tell if they are good or not. I can send links to where I got these if anyone is interested.

regards
Mike

 

[Dobbie]

I'd better save up then.

One extra question....how are you / did you connect the module? Heat shrink, cable connector? (I need to get some extra ones and wondered if I've missed an easier way to do the simple connection)

Thanks.

 

[mikerezny]

I'd better save up then.

One extra question....how are you / did you connect the module? Heat shrink, cable connector? (I need to get some extra ones and wondered if I've missed an easier way to do the simple connection)

Thanks.

Hi Dobbie,

I haven't decided on how to hook it up properly yet. I needed something quick and dirty so I could test it out to see if it worked
as I expected. So I just cut the cable and connected the dimmer in using 2 x 2-way terminal strips.

I have been considering installing and extra panel mounted socket and permanently wiring in the dimmer module
on the back of the socket. That way I would then have the original socket to run my AA/AAA charger, USB devices, or small fan
I am thinking about getting. In the event that the dimmer module fails, I can just plug the ceiling lights back into the original socket.

Otherwise, I will probably just solder some longer wires onto the dimmer and protect it with heat shrink over each wire and then another longer piece over both wires.

I bought the heat shrink on ebay as well, for $3.42:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/152202826678?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

and 5 CR2025 batteries for $1 from:
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/321946668620?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

regards
Mike

 

[Marv_mart]

I got my stuff, heat shrink etc from jaycar. Had spare led strip after self installing a strip on the awning roll.
Made several short ones, one with a dimmer and another with a remote inline switch.
Made another to plug into my van Anderson plug to light up the draw bar at night.
Haven't used that one yet, have a suspicion that it won't work as I think the power goes in, from the car or solar panel but not back out, diode protected. Will check it next time.
Did mount it on a 300mm magnetic strip that I had lying around so it just attaches to any magnetic surface.

 

[Vere]

I have a 2013 16.49-3 and the light switch is just inside the door on the left but I believe it is just +ve power in/out and you would need +ve and -ve for the dimmer to work. I think the main feed into the roof space is in a overhead cupboard opposite the door. May have to play

 

[mikerezny]

I have a 2013 16.49-3 and the light switch is just inside the door on the left but I believe it is just +ve power in/out and you would need +ve and -ve for the dimmer to work. I think the main feed into the roof space is in a overhead cupboard opposite the door. May have to play

Hi,

I have a suspicion it might not be that simple. If I remember correctly, the +ve of the module is a straight through and the dimmer is in the -ve lead. I will check it out tonight.

regards
Mike