look for light dependant resistor optoisolator...........an l.e.d and a
resistor in the same package.....................
firing the led from the pic in pwm style produces  a full range of resistor
output values...........then connect the
resistor in to say a triac circuit to control the ac voltave...........ac
light dimmer............for  just an idea..........
you can make you're own if you cant find one.........green led........and a
small cds photocell................
use black 1/2 inch diameter heat shrink and      wall........la..........an
ldr...........just a thought.........tim
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Boyce <mark@INTERHOUSE.REDBUS.CO.UK>
To: PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU <PICLIST@MITVMA.MIT.EDU>
Date: Tuesday, December 07, 1999 5:00 AM
Subject: [OT]? Lighting Controllers


>Hi all,
>
>Hope this isn't too off topic for people :-)
>
>I need to be able to switch/dim some lighting from a pic
>controlled system.
>
>The actual target lighting will be pairs of 12v halogen spots
>such as you find in most low-voltage desk lamps or alike.
>
>The circuit I'm after should produce either 0<->12v or
>0 <-> 240v on the output and take something I can connect
>to a pic on the other side.
>
>Software is my game with a little bit of 'plug the black boxes
>together' digital electronics so I'm out of my depth here :-)
>
>Does anyone have any pointers/urls/circuits/tips/etc that might
>help ?
>
>Cheers,
>
>Mark
>
>--
>"What contemptible scoundrel stole the cork from my lunch ?"
>     - W. C. Fields