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flat5 · 04-28-2005, 05:06 AM

The dimmer will have a messy waveform (maybe sawtooth) that the transformer will not like. (The transformer may over heat)

The device is called a rheostat, a variable resistor.
You need to know the power it has to handle.
Then call an electronics parts store and order one.

If you just want two light levels, a cute trick is to use a diode and switch across it.
By stopping the current in one direction you will half the light very efficiently.
You could use 2 amp or 5 amp diodes in parallel or some big wattage diode on a heatsink. I have no idea what power is involved.

Edit: put the diode/switch on the 12vac side of the transformer.

What is the current rating of the transformer?

04-28-2005, 05:06 AM	#3 (permalink)
flat5 Very Insignificant Pawn Location: Amsterdam, NL	The dimmer will have a messy waveform (maybe sawtooth) that the transformer will not like. (The transformer may over heat) The device is called a rheostat, a variable resistor. You need to know the power it has to handle. Then call an electronics parts store and order one. If you just want two light levels, a cute trick is to use a diode and switch across it. By stopping the current in one direction you will half the light very efficiently. You could use 2 amp or 5 amp diodes in parallel or some big wattage diode on a heatsink. I have no idea what power is involved. Edit: put the diode/switch on the 12vac side of the transformer. What is the current rating of the transformer? Last edited by flat5; 05-03-2005 at 02:11 AM..