Bedroom reading light dimmer

[flyboy013]

I’ve found that the reading light above the bed is just too bright. I’ve read that KIB controlled reading lights installed by at least one other manufacturer has the ability to be dimmed using the KIB light switch. Not so for the Newmar Mountain Aire (and I’m sure other models).

I had been contemplating installing a wireless dimmer switch hidden in the space where the light is installed. I’ve used this dimmer for an LED tape strip in my house and I’m sure it will work for this job.



I’m having seconds thoughts on using this dimmer switch since I really don’t need a wireless capability. It’s another thing to get lost.

I’m now considering using a rotary type switch mounted next to the light such that I can reach up towards the light and adjust the brightness. No remote to get misplaced. I’ve been looking at this switch but it costs approximately $30.



I’m wondering if a low cost rotary switch from Lowe’s or HD will do the job for dimming the 12V puck light.

Input appreciated.

Thanks

["007"]

Good idea flyboy013.
Either one is good, lighting can be reduced and light lens concentrated on your position in bed, not to disturb your sleeping partner.

[paisleytime]

I like this idea- how do you access the space under the cabinet where this would go? Does the bottom lift up somehow? I looked but it didn’t seem obvious.

["007"]

If the light is mounted to the bottom of cabinet drop the light fixture to get at wiring and mount the control, wiring into space between.

[Algoma]

When my LED lights starting failing, the overhead bed lights were just about right with only 1/3rd of the LED's working. So instead of replacing them with new bright LED pucks I bought 2 incandescent ones with low wattage bulbs. Perfect!

[flyboy013]

I decided to go with the wireless dimmer switch. $1.79 from AliExpress. It took 16 days to be delivered from China, but I wasn’t in a rush.

The receiver is installed out of sight in the pocket of space where the puck light is installed. I have set the brightness at 50% and put the remote up in the cabinet in case I want to change the brightness in the future. I’ll use the KIB switch to turn the light on (50% brightness) and off.

I have only installed this on one of the two reading light at this time. I’ll install the same on the DW’s side once she get jealous that my light is more usable due to it being dimmed.

[FlaRider]

Great mod.

[ChrisFSB]

@flyboy013 interesting mod.

Could the dimmer module be added at the KIB controller vs popping the light out?

The circuits for both reading lights are readily accessible in the wiring closet adjacent to the bedroom.

[Mile Marker 42]

So DW was complaining our ceiling kitchen light (4 bulbs) was too bright and too bad we couldn't dim them. I have changed all bulbs to LED inside of our motorhome. When she told me she wished it would dim, I got excited about the prospects of a new small project. I ended up replacing the original kitchen light switch with this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/LED-Dimmer-...53.m2749.l2649. You could do the same for your reading light. P.S., this worked so well in the kitchen, I changed the vanity light switch over our sink in the bedroom to this switch as well.

[Jtrving]

I wonder if they make the same size lights with less output and you could swap the fixture itself?

[flyboy013]

Originally Posted by ChrisFSB

@flyboy013 interesting mod.

Could the dimmer module be added at the KIB controller vs popping the light out?

The circuits for both reading lights are readily accessible in the wiring closet adjacent to the bedroom.

No. When you press the light button, the switch sends a message to the controller via the single wire VBUS requesting that the light be turned on. The controller responds with a message to a relay (co-located with the switch), activating it and providing the power to the light, turning it on.

Only between the relay and the light itself can you adjust the power going to the light.

I drilled a hole a few inches from the light and added the dimmer switch there.

[ChrisFSB]

Well... you learn something new every day...

Press and hold bedroom “Reading LTS” and they dim!

Looks like the range is 50-100%. Release the button mid-dim cycle and it holds the light level at that point.

Also works on:
- Seat reading lights above recliners
- Overhead lights above recliners
- Overhead lights above sofa

DS 2020 4081

[Dave Reyburn]

Originally Posted by ChrisFSB

Well... you learn something new every day...

Press and hold bedroom “Reading LTS” and they dim!

Looks like the range is 50-100%. Release the button mid-dim cycle and it holds the light level at that point.

Also works on:
- Seat reading lights above recliners
- Overhead lights above recliners
- Overhead lights above sofa

DS 2020 4081

Wonder which model year they started doing that?

[ChrisFSB]

Originally Posted by Dave Reyburn

Wonder which model year they started doing that?

I posted this in the FB DS Group - based on feedback there this seems to work on 2019 and newer.