> Hope this isn't too off topic for people :-)

Definately not (because you can put a PIC (or more than one) into it...)

>  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.
>
Had a similiar problem and I made it! 12V Halogen Lamps switched by C509s,
connected with a small bus system, controlled by a PIC16F84...

But from the beginning:
In my new appartment I had do light the room and a desk. Somewhere in my mind
there was the idea of one system controlling the whole lights. On the basis
of a 12V Halogen system (well, how do you call it in english? Halogen rope
system? In german we say "Halogen Seilsystem"...).
A master controls synchronisation to line freq. (only available for 50Hz!!),
the readout of three small keyboards and the brightness of the lamps. A 12V
transformer with rectifier delivers the system with power, and a PIC12C509
actually dimms the 12V bulb.
One can assign diverent brightness values to each lamp, arrange them in
groups and more...
While I write this eMail the system lights my keyboard ;-)

This system may be far too big for your needs (and I still call it "beta
version"), but if anyone whants more information, tell me!

Florian