Where would I find detailed information on adding automated sunset lighting to my layout. I would like to use rope lights with some sort of fade in/out dimmer controls that could work off a variable timer control. So far searching the internet I have not found anyone making such a system.
Ya might be on your own. I remember a nice layout in MR, Dan Zugelter’s I think, that had that feature. He did it with strings of red/orange Christmas lights on 1 x 2’s behind the backdrop. Not sure how he automated it all, but low rpm motors and home made cams working dimmers might be a way. Let us know how your doing it, so’s we can steal your ideas![swg]
Just a thought from left field. How about places that sell theatrical lighting?
If you want to go really high-end, Crestron does exactly this type of thing for household applications. They can be very expensive and powerful setups, driving whole-house lighting and automation, so kudos if you already have such a thing integrated into your home - tie into that if possible. Also, companies like Lutron and Leviton make programmable dimmer switches and room “scene” contollers - they’re a lot less $$ and easy to work with. Look around in “home-theater” forums too, there’s a LOT out there,
Theater lighting is pretty heavy duty and uses motors with belts to turn the dimmers. There must be a computer interface to a dimmer somewhere??
The German company Uhlenbrock manufactures a lighting system for model railroads, that allows you to simulate various stages of daylight, from dawn to dusk.
Info (German only) is available here
Since this thread seems to be recently active, I would like to ask a question about flouresecent lighting. I’ve read in several places in this Forum about the danger of UV rays coming from this lighting and washing out the colors on your layout. Although, this is supposed to be over period of years, I believe. At any rate, I looked at flouresecnt tube wraps with UV filtering and they are frightfully expensive. Even the regular tube wraps are pricey. So, what is the plan B? Do the lexan or plastic fixture wraps that come with the more “residential” vs. utility-type flourescent lights (T12 or T8 with 48 or 34 watt tube lights) help to alleviate the problem with the UV rays? They do seem to diffuse the light (that is their function) and maybe they tone down the UV? Your thoughts on this? Are there better ideas besides puck lights, Christmas lights, and LED rope lights?
Thanks!!
Here is a link to the translation of the web page. Web page translation
Note: You must have Google Translator installed or active in the Google Toolbar.
Are you trying to gain the affect of dim light to twiligtht or a true low angle sunset w/ the orange/ red hues?
Just dimming any lighting may not produce the desired affects. For staged photo shots, various filters can be used over your added lighting. If just dimming existing lighting I’m not sure that the high overhead angle and color of light will work to simulate the sunset.
Here’s what you might be looking for…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GCTPHbjpPcs
you might need to adjust the idea to match your budget (HA!!!). His budget and time is unlimited, but at least this could give you an idea of what’s possible.
Me, I was very impressed.