timer and dimming device

I was wondering if there is a device that could control a light, turning on the light with a timer and then when the current starts increasing the voltage from nothing to the lights proper working voltage. if the timer could have multi timer that would be a bonus. Is there a commercial device or plans to build one, I would be willing to look at a computer controlled device if there isn't an electrical device.

waterrat said:

I was wondering if there is a device that could control a light, turning on the light with a timer and then when the current starts increasing the voltage from nothing to the lights proper working voltage. if the timer could have multi timer that would be a bonus. Is there a commercial device or plans to build one, I would be willing to look at a computer controlled device if there isn't an electrical device.

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I am not sure exactly what you want. However, if you mean slowly over a timed period increase the voltage to an incandescent 120 or 220 VAC lamp then yes, there are several ways to go about it. For example a kit like this one could be used to ramp the voltage up to the bulb. The input of 0 to 10 volts could come from a D to A converter.

Ron

That depends on what the OP means by "turning on the light with a timer and then when the current starts increasing the voltage from nothing to the lights proper working voltage" If he wants a slowly brightening light ( like sun rising in the morning ), then I don't think "soft start" is the solution. AFAIK, "soft start" still happens pretty fast. It produces working light right away, and gets slightly brighter over time.

BrownOut said:

That depends on what the OP means by "turning on the light with a timer and then when the current starts increasing the voltage from nothing to the lights proper working voltage" If he wants a slowly brightening light ( like sun rising in the morning ), then I don't think "soft start" is the solution. AFAIK, "soft start" still happens pretty fast. It produces working light right away, and gets slightly brighter over time.

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Yeah, I wasn't sure exactly what he/she was looking for. I figure they will return and maybe explain things a little more in detail.

Ron

Reloadron said:

Yeah, I wasn't sure exactly what he/she was looking for. I figure they will return and maybe explain things a little more in detail.

Ron

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I understand. Just didn't want someone bustin' out the Master Card for something that may/may not do what he needs

BrownOut said:

I understand. Just didn't want someone bustin' out the Master Card for something that may/may not do what he needs

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That's a good point. I should have asked for more clarification before suggesting anything.

That kit runs about $30 USD.

Ron

Hi guys, I'm sorry that I didn't make my self clear but what I meant by "Turning on the light with a timer and then when the current starts increasing the voltage from nothing to the lights proper working voltage." Brown out is right I want the light source to increase slowly like the sun rise over maybe 5 minuets.

Depending on your skill level the kit I suggested would work. How you choose to drive it with a slowly increasing analog voltage is your call. One example would be a programmed PIC chip or micro-controller solution as can be seen here in a U Tube video. There are several videos out there using a uC chip. Using discreet components you could likely use a simple D/A converter scheme. Most any solution will depend on how comfortable you are building circuits and understanding what they do. It could be as simple as charging a capacitor through a resistor and the slowly increasing voltage across the capacitor used to drive a kit like I linked to. Matter of how accurate you want the timing. Maybe BrownOut has some other thoughts. There are likely several ways to go about doing it.

Ron