Dimmer Control
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Rhino
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The MaxDim dimmer is a PWM dimmer. Although Skyview does use PWM to provide dimming control out to other equipment, that isn't what it uses for an external dimming input to the Skyview itself. It uses a standard potentiometer for that. You don't actually need the MaxDim dimmer. The Skyview will dim your audio panel, radio and GPS with it's own PWM output.
The discussion here provides some background on external dimmer input.
forum.flydynon.com
The discussion here provides some background on external dimmer input.
SV-KNOB-DIMMER Questions
I cannot see my screen at night as it is too dim. I need to use an external dimmer as described in installation manual on pgs . But I have a Rutan Long EZ, with very limited panel space, so first question is how big is the SV-KNOB-DIMMER? Is it the same size as the other panels, like intercom...
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Rhino
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Like I said, you don't actually need the MaxDim dimmer if you let the Skyview dim the other equipment. But I would probably do it the same way as you said, because I can imagine scenarios where I might not want everything dimmed the same way. I prefer individual controls, as long as panel space allows for them.
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The Dynon dimmer system is unstable for my HDX. If I adjust it for my comfort when flying and later restart again for another night flight, I can not see the screen. I have to fumble around increasing the intensity so I can see the screen. Unless this is only my EFIS, I would wire the manual dimming circuit to the EFIS to prevent this from happening.
Rhino, I am not sure if you are writing to me. I am not referring to my manual dimmer, I am referring to the dimmer adjustment for Dynon HDX where I can increase or decrease the intensity. When I get it set for night flight by using the plus minus adjustment, when I restart at night, it is so dark I can not read the EFIS. I was considering switching my manual dimmer that is not a Dynon product, appreciate you telling me it doesn't work. I thought that Dynon was wired so that an external dimmer circuit could be used?
Rhino
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So, you were referring to the SV-KNOB-DIMMER? Yes, that will work for the EFIS. I thought you were referring to the MaxDim dimmer mentioned in the original post. If your manual dimmer is a potentiometer, it will work fine with the Skyview. But the MaxDim dimmer @benapilot was talking about isn't a potentiometer. That's why it won't work. You might want to check out the thread I linked in post #2. As far as I'm concerned, the SV-KNOB-DIMMER takes up too much space for many panels. The solution used in that thread would be more suitable for a panel with limited space.
Actually I was referring to a dimmer I had when I had the six pack. I used it for post lights and some instrument lights. Its quite sophisticated to handle all the amperage with smooth output. I will either try using it for my HDX or otherwise I will just install another pot. I read the the thread in post #2. I learned quite a bit about the system. I will have to do research on how I can adjust the voltage output of my HDX to synchronize with my fuel gauge and other instrument lighting. I tried adjusting my minimum lighting but couldn't get it to work. Thanks for your help
Rhino
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The output of the HDX for light dimming isn't a varying voltage. It's a PWM signal designed to work with LEDs that use PWM for dimming. If your instrument lighting is LEDs that use PWM, it should work. But if any are incandescent, or LEDs that don't accept PWM dimming inputs, they will not work with the output of the HDX.