Does anyone know the best (cheapest !) way to control a dimmer switch from my ipaq 3850 (running TVRemote 5.1)?

My options as I see them are ;

1) X10 Dimmer + IR to RF converter
(i've seen an X10 Dimmer at Laser.com)

2) X10 Dimmer + RF extender for ipaq
(i've heard talk about development of an RF extender version of the PDA-ir device)

3) IR Dimmer that can be controlled by TVRemote
(don't know of a product)

Ignoring for a moment, the issue of low power output from the ipaq, does anyone have any suggestions as to which of the above would (a) work the best (b) damage my bank balance the least ?

X10 dimmer + IR-to-X10 converter.

Use the IR543 or IR543AH to send X10 powerline commands triggered by IR from your iPAQ H3850.

PDA-rf is unlikely to ever come to market. I think the costs of regulatory approvals will exceed the potential return by several orders of magnitude.

Or you could build this...

   [Link: laser.com]

and have it convert the IR to 433.92MHz RF and broadcast it to X10 RF modules like the TM13.

I would suggest shelling out £25 and getting the IR dimmer switch from Maplin.

[Link: maplin.co.uk]

Gaz
-x-

Thanks for the replies.

What's the chances of my RC5000 being able to learn the IR codes from the Maplin remote do you think ?

You may well find cheaper and better options at this page:

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Main_Index/Wiring_Accessories_Menu_Index/White_Telco_Index/Wiring_Accessories~Dimmers_5/

I have been looking for IR dimmer switches and these came the closest to what I wanted (sadly, the 250W limit for 2 gang switches is too low for my needs). IR-wise, you can program them to operate using any remote code of your choice. Another (expensive!) option would be the Lutron Telume from various dealers like this one:

http://www.cyberselect.co.uk/HomeAutomation/Products/Telume.html

you will find other nice ir-controlled dimmers at http://www.futronix-info.com/