Repeating Dimmer Tidbit

Tim Doggett and Greg MacLaurin

There are household wall dimmers and table lamps that change the intensity of the light by touching a metal plate. The longer you touch the plate the brighter the light gets until it reaches the maximum brightness. As the plate continues to be touched, the light dims back down. By tricking the dimmer into 'thinking' that the plate is being touched constantly, you can create a constantly cycling dimmer circuit, useful for radiant glows from inside crypts, coffins, crystal balls, mad scientists lab equipment and other such effects. This is done by connecting a 65pF (65 pico-farad) 50V capacitor between the metal touch plate and a ground point (like the box of the wall dimmer.) The capacitor should be available at any electronic parts store, even your local Radio Shack. When connected the light will dim up and down continuously, usually on about a 10 second cycle. The dimmers should be available at most home centers or lighting specialty stores. There is even a lamp socket insert that can convert any metal lamp to this function. This device should be fused and properly enclosed to reduce shock risks. Have the work done by a qualified electrician and do not exceed the rating of the dimmer. WARNING: Be very careful not to connect the capacitor to any live wires!!! It will ruin your whole night.