In this episode of DIY or Buy we will have a closer look at a generic AC light dimmer and find out how it functions. Afterwards I will present you a more modern, digital, DIY design of such an AC light dimmer and build it in order to find out whether DIYing such a circuit truly makes sense. Let's get started!

Step 1: Watch the Video!

The video gives you all the information you need to create your own DIY AC Light Dimmer. During the next steps though, I will present you some additional information.

Step 2: Order Your PCBs/Components!

Here you can find the link to my EasyEDA file, where you can export the gerber files and thus order the PCBs:

https://bit.ly/2Htp7Ze

Here you can find a parts list with example seller (affiliate links):

Aliexpress:

1 x ATtiny85: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dSJ49k7

1x MOC3052: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_d7gqTrD

1x HI-Link 5V Power Supply: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dXB9caT

1x 1206 Resistor kit: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_dZ3BhPt

1x 1206 Capacitor kit: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_BfgJpGwj

Ebay:

1 x ATtiny85: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x MOC3052: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1...

1x HI-Link 5V Power Supply: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 1206 Resistor kit: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

1x 1206 Capacitor kit: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?...

Step 3: Upload the Code!

Here you can find the code that I created for the ATtiny85. Upload it with your favourite ISP programmer.

DIYACLightDimmer.ino
Download

Step 4: Success!

You did it! You just created your own DIY AC Light Dimmer!

Feel free to check out my YouTube channel for more awesome projects:

http://www.youtube.com/user/greatscottlab

You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ for news about upcoming projects and behind the scenes information:

https://twitter.com/GreatScottLab

https://www.facebook.com/greatscottlab

1 Person Made This Project!

navbert85 made it!

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11 Comments

fradaxx

1 year ago

Good project; thank you for sharing it!
However I think that the isolation from mains could be compromised by that large GND plane on the bottom layer; I would remove it at all and reroute the PCB to guarantee an improved isolation between high and low voltage sides.
Anyway it is a good starting point for my needs; thank you again.

HannesF1

3 years ago

Great Project but the code is uneccesarily complicated with all those timer interrupts...

RenateA2

3 years ago

Hi ,
I try to build the Dimmer and had some trouble, currently I found that you PCB and schematic can have problems regarding the 78L05 .
Set up is Pin1 = IN Pin2=GND Pin3=OUT this only fits for 78LxxCY!!!
and therefore I measured about 6,5 V a cross the ATtiny 85 .
The correct connections could be also be:
Pin1 = Output ( 5V ), Pin2 = GND, Pin3 = Input (12V )
So please check what type you really use !!!
I hope this helps anyone who builds it and is faced with problems,
as soon as I finally get the unit running proper , will let you know !
regards