maxdim replacement for the panel dimmer

[marks]

Guys, I have been looking for an alternative for my panel dimmer. Does anyone have any information on the MaxDim. I found them here http://www.maxpulsemaxdim.com . I sent an email to the website about the 170 and was guaranteed that the 170 is indeed on the new STC. This looks like a great replacement. But I was wondering.
thanks in advance

[lowNslow]

Sounds very interesting. On the pricey side at $133 bucks but not to bad. The Maxpulse landing light pulser looks interesting as well.

[blueldr]

If you have a yen for alternating pulsing landing lights and are into small "bootleg" modifications, a company named "Galls" makes a unit used on police cars that sells for about $30. Works great!

[GAHorn]

Guys, I have been looking for an alternative for my panel dimmer. ...

Why do you want an alternative? Do you have alternative lighting?

Devil's advocate:
What will you do when the company goes away and your new device fails? One of the pitfalls of STC's is when the holder falls out of contact/dies and the aircraft can no longer meet it's type design or approved suplemental type design (STC)...or cannot be determined to do so with documentation.
We are seeing more and more of this problem all the time, and any alteration of the aircraft should have a good reason. The original Ohmite rheostat still works for 60+ years and is still commonly available for about $25 new and $2 surplus, with no need for additional documentation or support.

Gadget-freak advocate:
This looks like a nice, compact alternative if different lighting has been installed that needs dimming (such as LEDs, etc. I would not recommend it for halogen like the STC holder suggests. Halogen lamps work at high-temperatures and will have a short life if dimmed.)

[marks]

Thanks for the feedback. I purchased the maxdim and replaced the rheostat. It works perfectly. Runs absolutely cool, no heat at all, much lighter, very easy install. The nice thing is it feels so smooth. Not like you are grinding some coffee behind the panel .. I know the rheostat has been around for years and so has my airplane. I have often wondered how many rheostats it has seen. I don't see the worry about the vendor taking a hike and my having a failure. The specs. indicate a long life for it. Well I guess we will see. I'm guessing it will be working in my plane after I'm long gone
Now for the pulser.
Thanks again for your advise and input.