====== How to add dimming functionality to a solar lighting system ======

===== Benefits of dimming =====

  * Energy consumption can be substantially reduced by light-dimming when appropriate.
  * Lower energy consumption will reduce overall system cost, and increase light availability even when the battery has only been partially charged due to bad weather.
 
 ===== Cable required for dimming =====

Use the [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve.direct-tx-digital-output-cable|VE.Direct TX digital output cable]] ASS030550500 (previously called PWM light dimming cable) which can then be used together with an MPPT 75/10, 75/15 or 100/15.

  * This cable is intended for solar lighting applications (more applications may follow later).
  * The TX cable connects the TX pin on the VE.Direct connector of an MPPT 75/15 or 100/15 to the PWM light dimming input of a LED driver.
{{ :drafts:ve-direct-tx-digital-output-cable.png?nolink&400 |}}
===== Firmware and software requirements =====

  * The MPPT solar charge controller must have firmware version V1.15 or higher.
  * An MPPT with an older version can be upgraded with [[https://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/software#ve-power-setup|VE Power Setup]].
  * The latest firmware can be requested from [[service@victronenergy.com]]
  * A [[https://www.victronenergy.com/accessories/ve-direct-to-usb-interface|VE.Direct to USB interface]] (ASS030530000) is needed to connect the MPPT controller to a computer.
  * To configure the MPPT controller, download [[https://www.victronenergy.com/support-and-downloads/software#victronconnect-app|VictronConnect]].

===== Tested LED drivers =====

The dimming function has been tested
with the following LED drivers:
  * RECOM RBD-12
  * Glacial Power GP-LD7048-0B
  * Glacial Power GP-LD3548-0B
  * MEAN WELL LDH-45