1982 201 panel dimmer knob stopped working

[lotsofgadgets]

Now that it is getting dark earlier i find myself using the panel lights more often.  On my last flight I went to turn on the panel lights which also dims the Avidyne displays.  No Click on the right hand knob , the panel lights don't turn on and the screens stay bright.  The glareshield lights work normally.  I am assuming the rheostat in the dimmer box broke.  Does anyone have a source for replacement Rheostats, or do I have to look for a used dimmer?  

 

[carusoam]

The click is part of the switch... sounds like something isn’t working correctly...

Great observation, that should get you to the next step...

PP thoughts only, not an EE or mechanic..

Best regards,

-a-

[KB4]

Little pricey, maybe check with @Alan Fox

[laytonl]

I would suggest moving to something like this.  

https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/elpages/maxDimUnit.php

Lee

 

[CaptRJM]

You can go with a MaxDim and get rid of the factory dimmers. STC’ed for Mooney. 

[lotsofgadgets]

I located a secondhand dimmer assembly and swapped it.  Everything works now.   I like the idea of the MaxDim, but I couldn't justify $280+ per dimmer.  Maybe by the time these rheostats go south there will be a more cost effective alternative.

[jetdriven]

there are two small FM01 fuses at the back of the dimmer, those may be the problem