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Could anyone recommend an 230 V dimmer for Raspberry PI to control lights? (controllable via e.g. via USB or RS-232)

UPDATE: I currently use FadeCandy with server for Raspberry PI to dim leds. I am searching for something to dim 230 V lights, which has support for Raspberry PI.

(It is just for home light dimming - DMX seems to be a bit overkill. And I prefer not to solder it myself, since it may cause fire if I would not solder it properly.)

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  • If it is off-topic could some please migrate the question to a proper StackExchange site?
    – TN.
    Dec 15, 2014 at 15:38

2 Answers 2

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As a stage light technician, I would recommand to search about DMX512.

DMX512 is the light control standard protocol, working on XLR cables (3 pins or 5 pins). The point is, it is really easy to find DMX controlled dimmers.

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    +1 Thank you for your answer, but the link is not there. Could you please update your answer.
    – TN.
    Dec 14, 2014 at 16:26
  • Well, it's a simple google search about dmx dimmer. So google give you some reseller near you.
    – Spoutnik16
    Dec 15, 2014 at 11:11
  • Ok, for simple home dimming it seems to be a bit overkill:)
    – TN.
    Dec 15, 2014 at 15:33
  • A bit overkill, but pretty simple : dmx dimmer is about 50$,, the dmx cable might be very short, a estone usb to dmx adapter is about 20$. And the whole is just plug-and-play, and is year long field tested.
    – Spoutnik16
    Nov 20, 2015 at 9:27
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This may give you some ideas. Use MOC3023 (random phase optocoupler) in place of MOC3043 (zero crossing optocoupler, same pinout) in this schematic.

The ATtiny85 is programmed to receive commands from the Pi over UART and change the phase of the pulse firing accordingly.

I used optical transmission so no optocoupler is used. If you use copper cables you should add optocouplers to the serial line.

My board used a 4A TRIAC derated to 1.5A due to lack of heatsink. Choose your TRIAC according to your ratings.

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  • +1 Thank you for sharing your solution. I am searching for "a boxed solution" which I could just connect, without having a big fear that it may cause fire (if I do not solder it properly).
    – TN.
    Dec 14, 2014 at 16:32
  • I designed my board following better safety standards than UL and CE and it is still safely dimming my 10W LED lamp for several months now.
    – Maxthon Chan
    Dec 14, 2014 at 19:51
  • I have updated my question. (I do not consider your design dangerous.)
    – TN.
    Dec 16, 2014 at 8:10

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