[Christof]

Framing is finally finished and it's time to choose/install the electrical components in my loft.  I have a very long wall of exposed brick which I've invested a huge amount of time in preserving....removing existing plaster, cleaning and sealing.  I would like to 'wash' this wall with low voltage halogen can lights on a dimmer.  I know the words "low voltage transformer" and "dimmers" probably should not be spoken in the same breath as "audio system" but such is life, I've got to figure out how to make these two systems work together.  

Any recommendations on non IC low voltage transformers + housings?

Would line voltage lighting on dimmers create less noise than low voltage w/ trans?

 Are there any dimmers that are know to create less noise than others?

Thanks for any input.  
Christof

[mgalusha]

You might be able to plug the transformer into a Variac and use that as a dimmer. Should produce no noise but of course a Variac isn't exactly decor friendly. The do make ones that can be mounted on a plate or chassis, perhaps you could build that into a wall or a nice wooden box. And we know you can build some sweet boxes.  

[mcgsxr]

If there will be a dedicated line for audio, will these dimmers still cause problems?

I will be finishing my basement this coming year, and can only imagine that there will be pot lights and dimmers involved...

[Builder Brad]

Here is an idea that would look a lot better than the spotlight solution and will not introduce any noise onto your mains.

1)   build an RGB colour controller, or several, they are cheap enough, although one has sufficient output to light hundreds of leds. The RGB controller project on the bigclive site is one of the best out there:

http://www.bigclive.com/

this is a bit DIY, but you will really do that wall justice, and end up with fantastic mood lighting!

And for DIY lighting options:

2)   build either the MR16 spotlight projects on the bigclive site, or buy pre- etched strip light strips from here.

http://www.nikamelectronics.co.uk/

I have used the MR16 led lights in the garden to upgrade standard halogen lights and there is no comparison. The RGB controller allows me to either select one fixed colour, from a pallete of 16 million colours, or select from various colour wash and changing colour schemes. If you are carefull with the selection on red, green and blue leds you can get a light output that is similar to a standard MR16 halogen light.

I have also used the led light strips indoors, buying the pre etched strips from Nikan electronics at about £1.50 each and then sourcing the superflux leds on e-bay, if you want more information on the type of leds I used and the suppliers let me know.

[Ethan Winer]

Christof,

> I know the words "low voltage transformer" and "dimmers" probably should not be spoken in the same breath as "audio system" <

ROF,L.

See this article from Recording magazine:

www.ethanwiner.com/dimmers.html

--Ethan