T&L Publications

Anybody seen any light dimmers that react to a other light source's ???

Hmmm, idea, but not sure how it could be built.
what about a circuit using a foto dioad or a LDR Cds or such. and a servo controller ?
i'd guess a POT to adjust / set the unit. and then the sensor does the rest.

dacflyer, I think that is the way to go, I would need one light sensor in the upper part of the light tube and one in the room.

The upper light sensor lets it know it is working with sunshine.

The lower light sensor will adjust the dampener in the light tube to keep it from being to bright.

When the upper light sensor equals or is less than the lower light sensor the dim-able CFL is in control to keep the lower light sensor at the set point, I'm thinking of using a andgate.

Use a servo motor to control the light dampener. To control the dimmer switch a SCR type, I'm thinking of using a 555 with a light sensor to control the on time.

Because I want this to be energy efficient would a stepper motor work better than a servo motor ?? What about my logic of control, have I got my head on straight ??

i am not really good with circuit design, sorry.
but i'd use a triac for light dimming.. i think they are a better choice.

also i think servos are better, they have built in feedback circuits. stepper motors need other stuff . drivers and sensors etc.
just my opinion (~~)