A dimmer control system has a communication control loop that connects a
master unit in series with a plurality of remote units, and it is
superimposed in series on the dimmer load line so as to allow two-way
communication between the master unit and remote units without affecting
the operation of the load. Communications from the master to the remote
units are encoded in loop current fluctuations, whereas communications
from any remote to the master unit are encoded in loop voltage
fluctuations. The master unit has a switched power supply, for use during
normal LOAD ON operation, in tandem with a capacitive power supply, for
use during LOAD OFF operation of the control units so as to minimize hum.
The master unit power supply circuit provides an output rail voltage
comprised of a reference voltage for the load superimposed with a control
loop voltage for the voltage drop across the series-connected remote
units. The master unit has a POWER OFF detection circuit and a
non-volatile memory for storing system status information, so that when
power is restored, the system can be restored to its former power level.
The switch units are formed with a cover frame mounting a switch plate on
a hinge axis allowing ON/OFF movement of an opposing side thereof. An
array of LED light pipes is mounted in the switch plate aligned with the
hinge axis, in order to minimize displacement of the light pipes during
actuator movement.