Dimmer and Compass Connect

FlyStar · Oct 9, 2021

I would like to add a dimmer to the main cabin lights. My Compass Connect controller is located in the front storage. A wireless remote controlled dimmer on the output of the Compass connect would do the trick. But. All the wireless remote dimmers that I can find work on the negative (ground) side of the circuit. My questions are:

Does anyone know of a wireless remote dimmer that works on the positive side of the circuit?

Or

Does anyone know if a separate negative wire is wired back from the overhead lights all the way to the Compass Connect controller? I suspect they are wired to chassis ground somewhere else and the negative wire is not available. Hence the need for a positive side dimmer control.

Thanks. 2021 312BHTS

jproctor9 · Oct 12, 2021

I just installed high side dimmer knobs above the Compass Connect panel. Plan on doing a write up since I also moved the control box, but here is the final result.

Used these dimmers:
https://www.amazon.com/acegoo-Halogen-Incandescent-Dimming-Control/dp/B08RD5MZPW

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ardvark16 · Oct 22, 2021

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01LOIZ3Q2?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title

I put these on my lights on the wires coming out of the compass connect. You can isolate them easily. Purple was my awning. I used them on the awning and on the interior overhead led lights. I put the dimmer switches on my panel in the coach. I have a 2021 Reflection 278BH. Probably very similar to what you have. The negatives are all tied together so it was easy to do the project. I literally unplugged my wires from the connectors and put these dimmers right in line.

Curse this site and the sideways pics from my iphone

FlyStar · Oct 22, 2021

Thank you ardvark16. Questions. Please a bit more detail on the exact wiring. Assume power out of compass connect to the dimmer power input. Then the dimmer output to the leds. How did you manage the negatives. Did you have to fish the negative for the leds from the clump of negatives? Just a bit more on that please. Thanks

FlyStar · Oct 27, 2021

Big Success with the Dimmer

I ordered a remote controlled wireless dimmer as suggested above by ardvark16. It worked and was easy to install.

I pulled the wall panel off in the basement storage to expose the Compass Connect control units. The top unit has four latching outputs at the lower right corner. The three wires from this 4 pin connector (one is not used) are wired to wire connectors that send the power to the three lighting systems that are controlled by the Compass Connect; Awning, Porch, and Main Cabin. I determined which one was used for the main cabin by pulling the wire from the connector and observing which lights would not come on. Once identified, (white with orange stripe), I simply wired the dimmer device between this output and the wire to the main cabin lights. The ground wire to use was obvious because each lighting circuit consists of a two conductor cable, power and ground. I attached the remote control in the command center using velcro. Works fantastic. Thanks to ardvark16 and this forum for advice, help, and wisdom.

The dimmer packaging

Basement area with wall panels removed

Closeup of the white 4 pin connector where the 4 latching outputs connect to the upper Compass Connect control unit

Shows the dimmer spliced into the circuit between the Compass Connect output and the wires to the main cabin lights

Closeup of the dimmer

FlyStar · Oct 27, 2021

Remote dimmer controller mounted in command center using velcro

Patrick Lee · Nov 28, 2021

Is it possible to add these dimmers in-line such as at the bedroom switch?

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ardvark16 · Nov 28, 2021

Patrick Lee said:
Is it possible to add these dimmers in-line such as at the bedroom switch?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes. You can add them in line on any non compass connect switch. My bedroom is on a dimmer. I put the module in the ceiling. It’s easy to pull the puck lights out and grab the wire there. Just make sure you connect to the first one from the switch.

Patrick Lee · Nov 28, 2021

Excellent. As I researched from the post that had the extensive links I was unable to find the trim pieces to connect up to the master plate. Did you need those and if so do you have a link. In regards to the main panel.
As normal, I’m confused somewhat; the new units come with the Lippert (?) touchscreen system and my ‘21 has the older push button unit. Maybe I’m just jealous but can this be an aftermarket swapover?
Does the app work on the non-touchscreen unit? (Please say yes!!![emoji1303])
Many, many thanks to everyone on this site. Just a wonderful community.

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IBEW Sparky · Nov 28, 2021

[MENTION=31858]ardvark16[/MENTION]

Before you post any pictures from your phone open the picture in your phone and edit it, anything as simple as triming it just a hair. Save it that way and then when you post use the edited picture and it will appear in the correct orientation.

(A tip I learned from [MENTION=870]Second Chance[/MENTION] posting it to others)

Toy4Rick · Apr 28, 2022

Anyone happen to know where the Compass Connect Control Unit is for a 2022 Imagine, 2500RL?

Virtually every light needs to be dimmable, IMHO

Thanks, Rick

FlyStar · May 1, 2022

On my 321bhts it was in the pass thru storage behind the rear panel. Easy to get to and work on. For the non compass connect lights that have wall switches, I put in these:

American Technology Components 12... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079TJTP1W?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I used a sharp knife to make the hole in the wall just a little bit larger. Nearly a direct replacement.

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Toy4Rick · Jun 9, 2022

OK, found the control unit, it is in an upper kitchen cabinet by the sink...

The down side is my 2022 2500RL uses a common ground so I need a High Side dimmer switch and the WS-01DC is apparently a low side switch, basically I can't use this dimmer

If anyone has been successful installing the RF Dimmer WS-01DC, please share...

FYI, I really don't like the knob type, would much prefer the remote

Oh well, back to the drawing board

Rick

Darrel and Angela · Jun 14, 2022

jproctor9 said:
I just installed high side dimmer knobs above the Compass Connect panel. Plan on doing a write up since I also moved the control box, but here is the final result.

Used these dimmers:
https://www.amazon.com/acegoo-Halogen-Incandescent-Dimming-Control/dp/B08RD5MZPW
View attachment 37184

Sent from my Pixel 3a using Tapatalk

James,

Did you ever do a write up? I want to do this in my 22mle but don't want to reinvent the wheel!

Thanks,
Darrel

jproctor9 · Jun 17, 2022

Darrel and Angela said:
James,

Did you ever do a write up? I want to do this in my 22mle but don't want to reinvent the wheel!

Thanks,
Darrel

Sorry for being a bit slow to respond. Not getting Tapatalk notifications.

Never got around to writing up the install as I was going to take more pictures when I replaced one of the dimmers (it whines).

However there are more pictures in the thread linked below regarding moving the One Connect module.

https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/showthread.php/42103-2022-2600-RB-where-s-the-Lippert-OneControl-Box

I am also happy to answer any questions here or in a PM.

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Toy4Rick · Jul 4, 2022

Quick question

For the high side dimmer, does it go behind the Compass Connect panel or after the Control Unit before the lights?

At my Control unit, I don't have a bundle of common ground wires

Haven't yet taken the Compass Connect out to see what is there, any tricks to get the face plate off w/o breaking it?

Thanks, Rick

FlyStar · Jul 4, 2022

Toy4Rick

The dimmer must be wired into the wires that go to the lights. This is downstream of all electronics. In my case, downstream of the one connect unity board. So. Basically, find the wires that go to the lights. Thanks n my case has t was a two conductor lamp cord type wire where one conductor was power and one was ground. So, for me, easy to find the ground.

No faceplate pulling here. Find the info mitt board and wire in your dimmer between that and the lights.

Hope this helps. The dimmer capability has been essential to our enjoyment of the coach.

Toy4Rick · Jul 5, 2022

FlyStar said:
Toy4Rick

The dimmer must be wired into the wires that go to the lights. This is downstream of all electronics. In my case, downstream of the one connect unity board. So. Basically, find the wires that go to the lights. Thanks n my case has t was a two conductor lamp cord type wire where one conductor was power and one was ground. So, for me, easy to find the ground.

No faceplate pulling here. Find the info mitt board and wire in your dimmer between that and the lights.

Hope this helps. The dimmer capability has been essential to our enjoyment of the coach.

Thanks for the update, this helps...

Since my control unit is near mid trailer and the Compass Connect is rear trailer, to get a dimmer at the Compass Connect I would have to pull a new wire, not ideal but might be doable, I'll look into it

Thanks again
Rick

WakMakr · Aug 26, 2022

Dimmers on 2500RL

I did the dimmer install on the 2500RL this past weekend. Figured I would post here as a followup for Toy4Rick and whoever lands on this thread. I know Rick doesn't like the knob dimmers but the install should be similar without having to pull the wires. I installed dimmers on the awning lights and the ceiling lights. I located the control panel in same location in the cabinet above the sink behind a false panel. I used the high side dimmers and wired them back to control unit using the common ground on the unit. I have labeled the pics below. I used 14 gauge 3-conductor extension cord wire to simplify pulling the wires and help in identifying the correct circuits. I ran the wires by exposing the chase behind the TV and microwave. The microwave is easy to pull out by removing the 4 screws through the face plate. To identify the circuits I just used a volt meter on each of the terminals and turned the lights on and off. Removing the wires from the control unit is easy but not intuitive. The little black lever needs to be pulled/pushed away from the unit with a cam action to take pressure off the wire clamp. I hope the pics are self explanatory.