Film-Tech Forum ARCHIVE: Christie AM5 automation with Luxtrol dimmer: How to set ligts down level?

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Posted by Eric Robinson (Member # 2966) on 09-07-2006, 01:38 AM:

I have a Christie AM5 automation which interfaces with a Luxtrol dimmer. The lights down level is not low enough during the feature. I noticed that if I manually hold the AM5 front panel automation lights down toggle switch that I can make the Luxtrol rotate to its lowest setting and achieve levels darker than I require.

Does this mean that I might have to monkey with the red cam wheels in the AM5 automation to increase the amount of time the lights down relay is triggered?

Posted by Gordon McLeod (Member # 33) on 09-07-2006, 10:49 AM:

replace that boat anchor dimmer
If one uses motorized dimmers it is best to put a set of cams on the shaft of the auto transformers that unlatch a set of reversing relays for the motor at the two levels you want the dimmer at
Then the dimmer will respond to momentary pulse control

Posted by John Walsh (Member # 168) on 09-07-2006, 10:58 AM:

The short answer is; yes. The cams set how long the "DIM" microswitch stays on. Since the cams usually have indented stops, you might not get the dimmer level to stop at the exact level you would like.

Alternately, there may be a low limit cam/microswitch inside of the dimmer itself which can be set, but it was an option and may not be installed.