Panel light dimmer

[GeronimoDriver]

Hello, does anybody remember an article in the SWPC news in the last year or so about using a Fiat rheostat as a panel light dimmer control? I can't find the issue that has it but if anyone knows what I am refering to, or has any ideas on a good dimmer control to use on my panel lights I would appreciate the help. Maybe you could scan the article and email it to me or something, thanks for your help.

Edit: it appears that the issue in question is the January 2009 issue.
Aaron

[Steve Pierce]

I remember the article. The information was not accurate in respect to the Advisory Circular that gave you the authority to install it using a logbook entry. That AC was not even active at the time and if you read the AC it isn't that easy. Have you locked at the dimmers available from Aircraft Spruce?

[GeronimoDriver]

Regardless, I would still like to read it. I am interested in getting the wiring right more than anything.

Aaron

[Steve Pierce]

Aaron, I probably have the SWPC News with the article somewhere but would be afraid to scan and post in light of everything going on at present. I would email the author,Frank Sperandeo mspearl@cox.net direct and I bet he can forward you the article.

[Curly]

I wouldn't use any information from that source - not since I read the article on fuel systems by the same author who advocated the use of teflon tape in all fuel joints.

Tell that to a friend who lost an engine in a Pawnee at the end of a spray run, crashed, burnt and died - culprit - a small ball of teflon tape that had found it's way to the carby main jet!

[JohnW]

I wouldn't use any information from that source - not since I read the article on fuel systems by the same author who advocated the use of teflon tape in all fuel joints.

Oh!! That's right! I forgot about that "superior technical advice"!!! That's even better than the "advice" that same author gave regarding using Cherry Max rivets when re-assembling wing L.E. sections on the nose ribs (can you say "**** the next guy if it ruins the nose ribs...this is the easiest way for ME!") with that junkyard dog of an airplane of his in the pics showing them in place (jeez, to ME, it looks like Type A #4 PeeKay screws lay down TIGHTER than Cherry-Max rivets!). Then, I learned later that he plans on DONATING that (reasonably pretty) piece of CRAP for "posterity" (what a Maroon this guy is!) so there isn't going to BE "a next guy" damning his eyes for his piss-poor workmanship. I've SEEN IT up close. Ya know..."most people" (casual observers) can tell without getting closer than FIVE FEET when a job looks really good (to the eye), but people that actually DO nice work can spot the "corners that were cut" from TWENTY feet. He may be the most cocksure person around (he's right up there, I'll give him that), thinking his work is "so good", but "back in the sheetmetal shop" at the airline, that guy would be referred to -to his face- as a "Butchie, Third Class".

[MrWayne]

I used the least expensive of Ameri-King's solid state light dimmers. It handles six different channels (circuits). What they aren't clear about is that by adding additional potentiometers you can control each channel separately. I can control the intensity of my post lights, Radio lights and internally lit VOR's and other gauges separately. This is very desirable. Especially on a very dark night. If you are building an IFR panel you might consider this option.

[Jetfever]

GeronimoDriver:

I fixed mine in the original configuration.

Andy posted it on his site, here is the link:
Andys site, 2nd page, location is 3rd column, bottom right.

http://home.earthlink.net/~flynrow/id1.html

I also posted the process here in this Forum.

I am glad to help, I have a spare rheostat. (not tapped for the nav light activator). The photos on the Forum here are gone.

http://www.shortwingpipers.org/forum...heostat+repair

I am surprised no one here found my old thread and suggested you keep it stock...

My A&P and IA agree this IS a legal repair.

BTW how could an automotive/FIAT rheostat be a legal repair?

Sincerely, Steve
smsurf@uia.net

[mike mcs repair]

might check this old thread too
http://www.shortwingpipers.org/forum...light=rheostat

might consider the new maxdim from http://www.maxpulsemaxdim.com

spruce has them too I think....

[GeronimoDriver]

Problem solved, repaired the old one.