DIY dimmer circuits. Homemade two-stage temperature controller

All kinds of dimmers produced by industry can expand the functionality of almost any lighting fixtures and increase their efficiency. But if the situation is not typical, for example, if small sizes are important, then only a homemade device can help.

In addition, making can be a cheaper option than buying, which is extremely convincing. We will tell you how to assemble a dimmer with your own hands. The article we have presented describes in detail what components will be required and in what sequence the work should be performed.

Factory dimmers can provide the expected economic result or increase living comfort in all typical situations. In addition, their prices vary, which will allow you to make a purchase that suits your pocket.

But still, in a number of situations, you may not be able to find an option that is suitable in size or power, so homemade products may be the solution.

In most cases, an interested person will be able to purchase an inexpensive factory dimmer, the performance qualities of which will satisfy him

Meet non-standard situations when industrial products do not satisfy human needs. For example, this happens if you need a small one, and there is a desire to improve the aesthetic properties of its control panel.

Or a person considers it necessary to increase efficiency, make operation more convenient, achieve some color effects, or improve any other characteristic.

Making a simple dimmer is not a difficult task, especially since you only need tools that are accessible to everyone, the main one of which is a soldering iron

You can also perform the assembly yourself if you have the necessary components, which will significantly reduce the cost of the procedure.

What you need to know about dimmers?

The verb "to dim" in English means “to become dim”, “to darken”. This phenomenon is the essence of brightness controls. In addition, a person additionally receives a number of benefits.

Advantages of using the device

Among the advantages, the following additional features should be highlighted:

• reduce energy consumption - this leads to greater efficiency;
• replace several types of lighting fixtures - for example, one lamp can serve as a night floor lamp, main lighting, etc.

In addition, the user can get various lighting effects, for example, use ordinary lighting controlled by a dimmer as light music.

And also its functionality allows you to work in conjunction with security systems or simply simulate the presence of people in the room. This will help owners of any premises protect their property from intruders or even prevent their unauthorized entry into an apartment or office.

The basis of the dimmer design is a triac. It is important to remember that its power should be 20-50% higher than the same load. In addition, it must withstand a voltage of 400 V. This will ensure the product's durability

Additionally, a brightness control can make control of lighting sources and other electrical appliances more convenient and efficient. For example, you can use radio or infrared signals, which will allow you to perform the necessary manipulations remotely.

Or it is possible to use several lighting control points instead of one. For example, if the user wants to make the lighting in the bedroom more modern, then controls can be installed at the entrance there, as well as near the bed.

Such a solution will make the life of the owners somewhat more comfortable. You can do the same in any other room.

How is regulation carried out?

If an interested person decides to assemble a dimmer on his own, then the procedure should begin not with thinking about how to do it, but with defining the goals and tasks that will be solved.

This is what a regular current sinusoid looks like, and the point of dimming is to “cut” it. This will reduce the pulse duration and allow the electrical appliance to operate at less than full power.

So, before you begin assembly, you need to decide what type of lamps will be used. This procedure is mandatory because there are different principles for controlling the brightness of the glow.

These include:

• voltage change- this method will be relevant when using outdated incandescent lamps;
• pulse width modulation- this option must be used to control the brightness of modern energy-saving lighting devices.

Changing the voltage of LED lamps is ineffective due to the fact that they operate in a narrow range and with a slight deviation from the norm they simply go out or do not turn on. What will prevent you from reaching your full potential? conventional devices, that’s why they produce specialized ones for them.

In addition, the use of simple but outdated rheostats does not make it possible to save on electricity. After all, excess electricity in the form of heat is simply dissipated in the air.

A properly made dimmer should provide just such a sinusoid, in which short pulses alternate with long pauses. Moreover, the longer it is, and the signal strength is lower, the dimmer the lamp will glow

Using pulse-width modulation, it will be possible to assemble a brightness controller that provides the lamps with the ability to operate at 10-100% of their power. In this case, the user will receive a pleasant bonus in the form of saved electricity.

You can also take full advantage of all the other advantages of dimmers, including durability.

Relative simplicity of design

Despite the fact that household brightness regulators allow you to obtain a noticeable visual and economic effect, they are characterized by a simple design.

This ensures a long service life, and in the case when a person decides to perform self-assembly, then the simplicity of this operation. As a result, almost anyone can cope with it, even without special knowledge.

A homemade dimmer can be used in different areas, but it should be taken into account that its production will not end with one soldering of components. Since the homemade product will need to be given an attractive appearance

Thus, the most popular modern dimmers are created based on just a few elements:

• dinistor, its other name is often found - diak;
• triac, otherwise known as triac;
• pulse formation unit.

In addition, the design requires the presence of several minor parts, without which work is impossible. These include capacitors, resistors (DC, AC). Each of the main listed semiconductor devices performs its part of the job of controlling the brightness of the lamps.

A triac is often compared to an electrical door, which can be entered in both directions. That is, it is possible to pass current to the lamps in an unlimited amount, but, if necessary, return its excess back.

This process is carried out by an anode with a cathode. They change places depending on the direction of movement of electricity. In addition, a multi-layer conductor design is provided, which allows you to perform tasks as accurately as possible.

The direction switching itself is performed by a dinistor, which is a bidirectional diode.

Factors that complicate the scheme

A person who wants to assemble a dimmer himself should think not only about purchasing the necessary semiconductors. Since the design will need to provide control, placement and even sufficient aesthetic properties, a number of points must be taken into account.

These include:

• type of management;
• placement method;
• appearance.

Since the listed points significantly affect the performance characteristics of the brightness control, each of them should be dealt with separately. This will allow you to get the job done efficiently.

Existing types of device control

Since the dimmer will need to be controlled, the person should choose best option. Because there are many of them and each has its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. This will significantly affect the design.

Manipulations can be performed in any of the following ways:

• mechanical;
• electronic;
• remote.

But most often, for all kinds of homemade dimmers, the first option is used. Since the mechanical control is the simplest to assemble, and when purchasing components you will have to pay the least.

The dimmer diagram makes it possible to understand how it works. Namely, when current appears in the network, it, passing through resistors and one of the built-in diodes, charges the capacitor. Excess voltage from which goes to the dinistor and triac. The load transferred to the lamps depends on its position

In this case, the person will only need a regulator, which can be a rotary lever. If desired, it can be replaced with a pressure element. In this case, all manipulations will be performed with ordinary keys, familiar from traditional switches.

Combined rotary-push devices are often used. They make it possible to perform the on/off operation with keys, and the adjustment itself - with a rotary lever. Which many users find convenient.

Any of these options can be similar in size and appearance to a conventional switch, which will allow you to replace such a device. This is another advantage. Electronic control involves the use of sensors to perform all necessary manipulations. They are also shaped like traditional switches and can easily replace them.

Over mechanical analogues, touchscreens have a significant advantage in the form of a modern appearance. The other side of the coin will be the higher cost of components. Remote control the most comfortable, convenient, it is performed using conventional remote controls.

There are different types of command signal transmission:

• radio signal;
• infrared signal.

In the first case, the user will be able to make the necessary adjustments from anywhere in the building, room, and even from outside. Which is convenient and effective, but the components will cost more than when buying a remote control with an infrared signal.

The signal is capable of transmitting necessary information only when hovering over itself. And this can only be done within one room.

A simpler option is the hinged version of the brightness control assembly. And the most durable is the printed circuit board, which will prevent many types of premature failure

However, this feature is usually not considered a disadvantage, which is why more affordable kits with an infrared signal are more popular. Remote control methods also include acoustic ones, but in this case you will have to purchase a sensor capable of capturing sound commands: clapping hands, sounds of music and other similar noises.

Still, you should know that the latter option is more spectacular than effective. Since any third-party sounds, for example, the barking of a pet, a loud conversation will lead to an unauthorized change in the brightness of the lamps. This will not always please users.

At the same time, an acoustic sensor built into the dimmer design can make any party unforgettable, as it makes the lighting fixtures respond to changes in the volume of the music. That is, in this way, it is quite possible to replace light and music.

In addition, you should know that control options using a computer with wired or wireless connection, as well as a smartphone or tablet, which transmit the required command signal via Wi-Fi.

Printed circuit boards are compact and durable compared to wall-mounted circuits. In addition, they are safer, which is important, since dimmers are used in rooms where people are present.

To be able to use any of the listed methods, the dimmer design must be equipped with the necessary elements. Which makes it more complicated, and therefore more expensive. As a result, the most popular control option traditionally remains mechanical.

Device placement type

Any modern dimmer can be placed in only three ways, and in everyday life, a total of fewer are used - only 2. One option is rarely in demand due to its design complexity and performance.

Therefore, for residential or small commercial premises the following types of accommodation are used:

• invoices;
• built-in

In the first case, a traditional switch is replaced with a dimmer; in the second, it is installed out of sight, that is, mounted in a transfer case, a specially made niche. This means that in one situation a person needs to take care of a control panel with high aesthetic qualities.

And in another, this nuance does not play any role. Since the device will be hidden from view. But you will have to use only the remote control method. Invoices are mainly of mechanical or electronic varieties.

Dimmer operating principle

The most effective way to control brightness is using pulse width modulation. Since it is most suitable for modern .

The principle of operation in this case is the supply of current in short pulses, between which there is a long pause. Moreover, the longer its duration, the lower the brightness of the glow.

Connecting the regulators is an important stage of assembly, since functionality and comfort depend on it, which is why people do this kind of work

At the same time, the simplest devices are capable of changing the characteristics of light by simply decreasing/increasing the applied voltage. But this option will only be beneficial when using incandescent lamps.

In the case of using LED devices paired with the device, they will only be able to work, since ordinary LEDs are not adjustable.

Making your own dimmer

Initially, you have to decide on a number of parameters, including power, type of placement, control. Without this procedure, a functional regulator can only be created by accident, which is rare.

In addition, you will need a capacitor and 2 resistors capable of supporting the previously determined power. Moreover, one of them must be variable. This feature will allow you to change the voltage.

The diagram shows how the user can control one light source using two regulators installed in different parts of the room, which is convenient

And when its value reaches the maximum possible for the dinistor used, it is triggered and supplies the necessary command impulse. Which is sent to the triac, and then goes to lamps or other electrical appliances.

When this power switch opens depends on the position of the controls. Since it can be either 220 V or 40 V, if a person needs it.

Since craftsmen mainly make overhead dimmers, installing it in a circuit is not difficult. Since this operation is no different from installing a traditional switch

All of the above structural elements are connected into one product according to the attached diagram using wires and soldering. Contacts must be carefully insulated. Because short circuit- one of several common causes of electrical equipment failure.

Connecting the dimer to the circuit

This is no less important part of the work than the manufacturing itself, since the durability of operation largely depends on the quality. In addition, the connection affects the convenience and comfort of control, so dimmers are usually divided according to this characteristic.

They are as follows:

• by type of switch - they replace traditional switches and regulate one lamp or a group of them, for example, a chandelier with a large number of lighting elements;
• walk-through - allow you to control one electrical device, for example, an LED lamp, using several regulators, for convenience, located in various parts premises, buildings.

In the first case, when using a network that includes 3 wires, zero and ground go to the lamp, another electrical appliance, and the phase goes to break. That is, the procedure is familiar to everyone who has replaced conventional switches.

When checking the regulator, its installation and operation, a person should observe safety precautions, since sufficient voltage passes through it to cause harm to health

When installing two pass-through dimmers, three wires should be connected to each of them from the junction box. This is a must. The first two pins are then used to connect both regulators. A jumper should be used to ensure reliability.

Another of the free contacts is connected to the phase, and the last one to the lighting fixture. After which the connection is checked for functionality.

During these operations, you should remember to observe safety measures - each of them can only be performed after the network has been de-energized.

With guidelines for choosing a dimmer for control LED strip will introduce you, completely dedicated to this interesting topic.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

The first video will help you quickly understand the manufacturing procedure:

The following video material will allow you to familiarize yourself with the principle of operation of modern dimmers:

Any user, even those without special skills, will be able to figure out how to properly make a simple dimmer with their own hands. This is a very inexpensive and uncomplicated solution. The main thing is to select elements of the required power and connect them together efficiently.

At the same time, it will be necessary to give the product a decent appearance, which complicates the task. But for this purpose, you can use the housings of industrial regulators, even used ones.

I welcome everyone who stopped by. The review will focus, as you probably already guessed, on a very useful power regulator/dimmer, rated for 2000W and allowing you to adjust the output power of various devices. The adapter is very useful in everyday life, it has a lot of applications, so anyone interested, you are welcome under the cat...
Upd, added a couple of tests with a higher load

General view:


Brief technical characteristics:
- Maximum power – 2000W
- Supply voltage – 50-220V
- Housing - no
- Dimensions - 52mm*50mm*30mm
- Weight – 41g

Dimensions:

The power controller/dimmer comes in a standard bag and is small in size. Here is a comparison with a thousand dollar note and a box of matches:




Appearance:

The regulator has only one working element, which allows you to change the output power more or less:


The number of parts is small, the soldering is good, the flux has been washed off:


To connect to the network/devices, a terminal block with protective sides is soldered on the board:


The connection is simple: two left terminals (IN) for connecting to a 220V network, two right terminals (OUT) for connecting a load.
Unfortunately, the device does not have any housing, so be careful when using it in this form!

Testing:

As an example, let's try to regulate the power of the EPCN-40 soldering iron, with a power of 40W:


We will monitor the parameters with a homemade wattmeter:


In nominal mode, the soldering iron consumes about 39W:


The minimum possible power with this regulator was 10W:


The maximum possible power through the regulator is 38W:


The difference of 1-2W can be offset by losses in additional wires and different input voltages, i.e. When the regulator is set to MAX, the output power is almost unlimited.
Many people will ask, why change the power of the soldering iron. My answer is to minimize tip burnout. With much smaller sizes tip or at high power of the soldering iron, when it is in the “standby” mode for a long time, the tip “burns out”. If you constantly turn off the power to the soldering iron, you will need to wait several minutes for it to heat up to the desired temperature again. Agree – it’s not very convenient. This regulator, in turn, only slightly reduces the temperature and, if necessary, in order to bring the soldering iron parameters to nominal, it will take much less time than with full heating. At the same time, the wear of the tip is small, it warms up to the nominal temperature in half a minute. In the photo below the power is set to about 30W:


At the request of readers, I am adding a small test with a more powerful load, which is a KLT-3A hot air gun. A homemade wattmeter was connected to the output of the regulator.
With a load of 700W (the regulator slider is set to MAX), the triac radiator is warm, in 5 minutes it heated up to 35°C:


It can work in this mode for a long time. In the second mode of the hot air gun (control slider at MAX), the temperature reached 50°C in a minute. The power was about 1350W:


With such power, this radiator is not enough for long-term operation; it is necessary to attach a more massive radiator or active cooling (cooler). In my opinion, up to 800-900W you can use the regulator “as is”; at higher powers and long-term operating modes, the cooling needs to be modified!
A couple more examples, the regulator is set to the middle position:


Slightly above average:


Very common applications of the regulator:
- Change in revolutions of commutator motors:
Suitable as a budget regulator for most power tools (angle grinders/grinders, drills, hammer drills, planes, sanders). A very convenient thing for models that do not have a built-in speed controller or soft start systems, for example, the same budget angle grinders with a nominal spindle speed of 11,000 rpm. The only thing you need to remember is that as power decreases, the torque on the shaft also decreases, plus the cooling system is designed for rated speeds and will not cool properly at reduced speeds. There is a risk of burning the instrument due to overheating
- Adjusting the power of lighting lamps is an indispensable thing when turning off a certain group of lamps is unacceptable. The regulator allows you to smoothly change the brightness of the glow in the right place
- Adjusting the power of heating devices: heating elements, soldering irons

Total, the regulator is good, the radiator practically does not heat up at low powers (up to 800-900W), at higher powers it is advisable to improve the cooling and traces on the board. The regulator is cheap, recommended for purchase...

The product was provided for writing a review by the store. The review was published in accordance with clause 18 of the Site Rules.