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DCD-20 OPERATION GUIDE

The Model DCD-20 Dimmer uses switches, instead of potentiometers, to control its power output level. The use of switches allows incredible flexibility in the installation of the dimmer unit! Multiple switch locations are one great advantage. There is no practical limit to the number of control switch locations, or the distance between control switches and the dimmer/controller unit itself. The DCD-20 even allows you to use your existing circuit switch to turn the lights on and off and to adjust brightness. The dimmer/controller learns how its switch connectors are wired. For the purpose of the following description of switch operation we will assume that all switches are momentary switches. (All switches can be operated as momentary switches by simply turning them on and off quickly, or turning them on for a period of time and then turning them off.) Switches connected to the UP connector on the dimmer unit are referred to as UP switches, those connected to the DOWN connector are DOWN switches.

The UP Switch turns the lights on bright with a momentary push. If Up switches only are wired a momentary push will also turn the lights off. When wired by itself an extended push of an UP switch will turn the lights on dim or adjust brightness up and down. If the DOWN Switch is also wired, a momentary push of an UP switch when are already on will take the lights directly to full bright. An extended push will cause the lights to come on at the last used power level. When both switches are wired, the UP switch will only brighten the lights during adjustment.

The DOWN Switch turns the lights on dim with a momentary push, or off. An extended push will turn the lights on at 50%. If the UP switch is not wired DOWN will adjust the lights both brighter and dimmer. If both switches are wired the DOWN switch will only dim the lights during adjustment.

We realize this all sounds a little complicated. Review the chart below, it will help you understand how the unit functions and how to best utilize the unit in your particular situation. In actual use even someone who has never touched one of our dimmer control switches soon figures it out.

*When the Up or Down switch connectors are wired by themselves the direction of change reverses with each adjustment. If the switch is held through maximum or minimum the lights will, go over the top, or, go through the trough, and start changing in the opposite direction.

**If the Down switch is held on after the lights come on the lights will, after a one second delay, brighten until the switch is released or full power is reached.

***If Both switch connectors are wired adjustment stops when full power (Up Switch) or minimun (Down Switch) is reached. This feature can be used to lock out other users. By installing a regular switch (non-momentary) wired to Up or Down at your helm you can lock the lights at full bright or dim when desired. Just turn the switch on and the lights will go to full bright or dim and remain there. Attempts by others to change the lights will be ignored until the switch is turned off.