Art & Inspiration Dimming down a 12V headlight for a display

If you use a pair of halogen lights that take H-4 bulbs it would be easy to fit some small bulbs as he suggested in them. Find an old pair of Cibies or Hellas with less than shiny reflectors and it ought to give off just the right glow but not throw a lot of light out in the room.

 

Should be able to find a PWM power supply
that will go from 12v down to maybe 1 volt.

 

Some headlight bulbs can be split. A good hit will take the front off, then just put a low candlepower bulb behind it. Also there are those HID conversion, look alike, headlights. They use a bulb like a new car. Take it out and use low candlepower bulbs.
Here is a link to these lights, there are cheaper ones, this is the first I found.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-2002-He...Parts_Accessories&hash=item337765c6f4&vxp=mtr

 

If this is going into a commercial setting you might want to keep in mind that there might be some "codes" to consider. Anything you use may have to be UL Rated for safety and/or insurance reasons. I'd try to avoid mixing too many automotive switches and rheostats into the project. Doesn't seem like a good place to try to cut corners and save a few bucks.

Maybe some kind of LED lighting. I think there are dimmable versions, they burn cool and they last forever.

 

I like this answer. For a commercial establishment it must be to code and "idiot proof".

 

Use a dimmable transformer like this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/LighTech-LE...ing_Parts_and_Accessories&hash=item41648b8b1a

Use 12v landscape fixtures in the desired wattage to illuminate the head lamps with the backs removed. This should be legal with the local inspectors also.
BTW, not legal here to dim a receptacle.

 

On headlights, good luck? Those dash gauge dimmer rheostats are good for #57 bulbs, but will have their work cut out for them with headlights!

 

Those AC dimmers are meant for resistive loads, not inductive loads such as a transformer!

Take the 12v transformer and use a high wattage rheostat in series with the bulbs.

Another possibility is to use a Variac, which is a variable transformer.

Got an old Lionel or American flyer transformer good for 100 or so watts? Use that, as it can adjust the voltage from about 6 or so volts up to about 15.

 

PWM's are pretty cheap...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/PWM-Converter-DC-12V-48v-24v-36v-30A-500W-DC-Motor-Speed-Adjuster-Controlle-/180907563627?_trksid=p4340.m1986&_trkparms=aid%3D555001%26algo%3DPW.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D7%26meid%3D2203657432126036051%26pid%3D100013%26prg%3D1004%26rk%3D3%26sd%3D180962201921%26#ht_3649wt_886

 

Use headlight bulbs made by Lucas...