Tell me again...

....what do I need to look for in a lighting dimmer?

Michael, You want a variable transformer, not a solid state (SCR) dimmer. See my "Hum and buzz" article listed here: www.ethanwiner.com/articles.html --Ethan

So far, I'd have to agree with Ethan - I went looking for variable DC lighting systems briefly after our last foray into this, and if what I found were gasoline, there wouldn't be enough for a piss-ant to ride his motorcycle halfway around a Cheerio... The downside of the Autotransformer routine is the bulk and non-remote-able part - I still think variable DC lighting would work, but I've yet to find anyone offering such a system - maybe that's a new "profit center" to be looked into... Steve