Replies

1. 
   neilpuck | Sep 08, 2006 04:55pm | #1

   You could look into x-10 or insteon controls.  They send a signal across the electrical wires to trigger modules that power the lights.  You can actually control any light from any switch in the house without rewiring.  Each Fixture, or group of lights is assigned a code such as 'a-1' and each x-10 enabled switch can be set to trigger that code.   They have 6 and 8 button models.  Each button can be programmed to trigger a single light or a scene.  It's not very expensive, and it's pretty cool to boot.  ALso have software for a PC that hooks into the electrical system and can program and control commands to trigger actions at a preprogrammed time. 

   Check the home automation sites and suppliers.  http://www.homecontrols.com http://www.smarthome.com among others.  My description here is a bit oversimplified, but it's a pretty cool technology which will allow you to do what you want without breaking the bank.  Good luck!

2. 
   Gene_Davis | Sep 08, 2006 05:15pm | #2

   We have done three installations with Lutron's Grafik Eye system.  I would recommend it.

    

3. 
   Frankie | Sep 08, 2006 05:27pm | #3

   Lutron's Grafik Eye is tops. Look no further. It is more $$ but not as much as you might think when you compare the cost of having to buy and install a bank of 5 dimmers. You will then have the option of preset lighting scenes and remote control - very smooooth.

   And banks of dimmers are so unsightly.

   F

   Experiment with the placing of the ingredients on the plate. Try the mozzarella on the left, the tomato in the middle, the avocado on the right. Have fun. Then decide it goes tomato, mozzarella, avocado. Anything else looks stupid.

   Richard E. Grant as Simon Marchmont - Posh Nosh