Thanks for the reply - I'd rather have a dimmer switch with continuous
range, so that I could turn the lights up or down to any intensity. They are
not LEDs. They are controlled by the ignition switch. Whenever the key is in
the on position, the instrument lights are illuminated. I've added two other
lights to that circuit because it was easy to access; I'll wire them
differently when I add a dimmer so that they won't be affected. It's just
the instrument panel lights that are reflected on the windshield.
"chuck" wrote in message
nk.net...
Hello William,
Must be frustrating.
I was unable to locate any "generic" dash light dimmers in a quick
Internet search but a more thorough search might turn up something.
We could specify a precise and cheap solution for you with resistances if
we knew the ratings of the bulbs in your dash. But we would still not know
just how dim you need the lights to be.
Here's a simple and cheap alternative:
Get a 12 volt bulb (assuming you have a 12 volt system) with wires or with
a holder that has wires you can connect to. Simply place this bulb in
series with your dash lights. The smaller the bulb is, the dimmer your
lights will be. Of course, you now have this new source of (dim) light to
contend with. I leave it to your ingenuity to conceal it somewhere where
it will not interfere with night vision and maybe even perform some useful
function. Say, one of those auto cigarette lighter map lights might do the
trick. Anyway, you may have to experiment with different bulbs to get the
brightness where you want it. Do you still have the clear lamps you took
out when you put the red ones in? One of them might do the trick. Anyway,
this will make your dash lights last almost forever. If it works to your
satisfaction, consider putting a switch (spst) across the bulb so that you
can restore full brightness should you ever feel the need. Almost any
switch you find in Radio Shack or an auto parts store would do.
CAUTION:
You need to make sure that only the dash lights are in the circuit you are
modifying, and I assume your dash lights are not LEDs.
Good luck!
Chuck
William Andersen wrote:
Anyone know what I need to buy to add a dimmer to my instrument lights?
I want to be able to control the intensity of my instrument lights. They
are not shielded and reflect on the windshield, making it impossible to
sit and look through the windshield. We have to stand while at the wheel
at night. I've changed to red light bulbs, but the instrument panel is
tilted so much there's no way to shield the windshield from the reflected
light.
I went to a Radio Shack today and all they could come up with was to
offer a volume control knob mounted on a wall switch plate. Since I'm not
a techie, I need to know exactly what to ask for, since they seem to know
even less than me.
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