Good Grounded Dimmer for Tungstens? at DVinfo.net

Nathan Moody · March 3rd, 2009, 11:29 AM

Might anyone has a recommendation for a bulletproof 3-prong/grounded dimmer/rheostat for tungsten light sources up to 250W? I've got a Lowel Pro-Light that I'd just love to get more variation out of without needing scrims or ND gels, specifically as a hairlight, kicker, or fill source. Searching on B&H hasn't yielded what I've been looking for. Thanks!

Battle Vaughan · March 3rd, 2009, 11:56 AM

B&H sells their Impact dimmer ($25) but it's not grounded, needs a cheater plug...good for 600 watts. Several people here have mentioned a Harbor Freight electronic router control which is good, cheap, and grounded, I have no experience with it however.../Battle Vaughan/miamiherald.com video team

Chris Swanberg · March 3rd, 2009, 12:14 PM

I own 4 of the Harbor Freight Router controllers. They are rated to 15A and work just fine as a dimmer. They are often on sale for $20 or so each.

Cole McDonald · March 3rd, 2009, 01:11 PM

Just purchased 2 of the Harbor Freight Router Speed Control dimmers for $15 each. 15amps @ 110v = 1650watts (stay at 80% of that; 1320watts, for safety).

watts = amps X volts

Nathan Moody · March 3rd, 2009, 04:41 PM

Outstanding, folks, thanks a ton. I always worry about using 2-prong cheaters, but those Harbor Freight units are a total surprise and a fantastic workaround. Thanks, everyone!

March 3rd, 2009, 11:29 AM	#1
Nathan Moody Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SF Bay Area, CA, USA Posts: 78	Good Grounded Dimmer for Tungstens? Might anyone has a recommendation for a bulletproof 3-prong/grounded dimmer/rheostat for tungsten light sources up to 250W? I've got a Lowel Pro-Light that I'd just love to get more variation out of without needing scrims or ND gels, specifically as a hairlight, kicker, or fill source. Searching on B&H hasn't yielded what I've been looking for. Thanks!

March 3rd, 2009, 01:11 PM	#4
Cole McDonald Trustee Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Sauk Rapids, MN, USA Posts: 1,675	Just purchased 2 of the Harbor Freight Router Speed Control dimmers for $15 each. 15amps @ 110v = 1650watts (stay at 80% of that; 1320watts, for safety). watts = amps X volts __________________ Web Youtube Facebook

March 3rd, 2009, 11:56 AM	#2
Battle Vaughan Trustee Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 1,505	B&H sells their Impact dimmer ($25) but it's not grounded, needs a cheater plug...good for 600 watts. Several people here have mentioned a Harbor Freight electronic router control which is good, cheap, and grounded, I have no experience with it however.../Battle Vaughan/miamiherald.com video team

March 3rd, 2009, 12:14 PM	#3
Chris Swanberg Major Player Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento, CA Posts: 904	I own 4 of the Harbor Freight Router controllers. They are rated to 15A and work just fine as a dimmer. They are often on sale for $20 or so each.

March 3rd, 2009, 04:41 PM	#5
Nathan Moody Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: SF Bay Area, CA, USA Posts: 78	Outstanding, folks, thanks a ton. I always worry about using 2-prong cheaters, but those Harbor Freight units are a total surprise and a fantastic workaround. Thanks, everyone!