Community Forums

RonNBama · 06-25-2007, 11:24 AM

It is fair to say that the exterior lighting schemes of some folks are an eyesore to some and beautiful to others. The strings of multi-colored flamingos for instance may look tacky to some of us just as my strings of plastic motorcycle-shaped lights will look tacky to almost everyone except me. I don't like brightly lit areas around the campsite so I was thinking why not build a multi outlet receptacle with an integral rheostat dimmer. That way I can tone-down my garish lighting and TOWMBO will allow me to put out my sikul light strings. Anyone done this? Is there already a component I can buy plug-n-play at Radio Shack to do the same task?

RonNBama · 06-25-2007, 11:24 AM

It is fair to say that the exterior lighting schemes of some folks are an eyesore to some and beautiful to others. The strings of multi-colored flamingos for instance may look tacky to some of us just as my strings of plastic motorcycle-shaped lights will look tacky to almost everyone except me. I don't like brightly lit areas around the campsite so I was thinking why not build a multi outlet receptacle with an integral rheostat dimmer. That way I can tone-down my garish lighting and TOWMBO will allow me to put out my sikul light strings. Anyone done this? Is there already a component I can buy plug-n-play at Radio Shack to do the same task?

Brigadoon · 06-25-2007, 11:35 AM

About 3 years ago, I went to Home Depot and bought a rheostat. I put the male plug on one end and the female plug on the other. Now, on the rare occasion that we actually put out lights, I can control the lights and keep it down to a dull roar.

RonNBama · 06-25-2007, 01:33 PM

I was hoping that a ready-to-use devise out there. "Dull roar", I like that. Maybe I'll buy a dozen of them and give them away to some of the more obnoxious campers.

Sunny · 06-25-2007, 04:08 PM

Ron
Walmart and maybe Lowe's has a remote control lamp dimmer for about $20 you could put this in a box.

Tom

Brigadoon · 06-25-2007, 04:56 PM

RonNBama,

The unit that I found is a self contained/enclosed slider type switch. You open up the box and attach the wires to the terminals. I made mine stand alone meaning I used about a foot of wire on each end with the appropriate plug. That way it is not attached to just one item. I could plug anything into the switch and adjust it with the slider. Of course I doubt that I'll use it for anything other than lights.

Lorna · 06-25-2007, 05:04 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RonNBama:
...Maybe I'll buy a dozen of them and give them away to some of the more obnoxious campers...

</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Gee, sounds like you've run into to some of the same "scared of the dark" campers we have!

And they feel the need to light up the entire area ALL NIGHT LONG!

adj · 06-25-2007, 07:31 PM

There was a coach parked across from my spot yesterday with rope type lighting underneath the perimeter of his coach. Rheostat controlled.
Very cool!

RonNBama · 06-29-2007, 04:17 AM

Went to Home Despot and found a small, self-contained stat for $11. Perfect for my application. Thanks for the tip.

Yep, Lorna, having one of those "landing-lights" on the side of a rig that can illuminate ten camping slots is most irritating. I make it a point to scatter M&Ms and sprinkle sugar all around the offending site to help attract wildlife and ants away from mine.

Not really.