GREMLIN
AC Controller
by HayRideFX
User Guide
What This Device Does
Gremlin is a WiFi-controlled AC light dimmer designed for scene lighting. It’s made to control standard incandescent bulbs up to 500 watts, producing customizable effect patterns, from realistic candle flames to electrical faults, lightning, and more.
Control is handled through a phone or computer browser. No internet connection is required.
Gremlin works with any standard incandescent bulbs including edison style. Standard LED bulbs/ Dimmable LED bulbs will work with varying success or damage to the bulb depending on the varying components of the many LED bulbs.
Connecting to Gremlin
Apply power to the Gremlin unit.
On your phone or computer, connect to the WiFi network:
Network: Gremlin (or GREMLIN-LOCATION if renamed)
Default Password: hayridefx
The configuration page should open automatically. If it does not, open a browser and go to http://192.168.4.1
Note: On computers, always type http://192.168.4.1 with the http:// prefix. Desktop browsers default to https and will fail to connect without it.
Using the Interface
Choosing an Effect
Effects are grouped by category in the scrollable list below the sliders. Tap any effect button to activate it immediately. The Now Active display shows the current mode.
Sliders
Three sliders control the character of the active effect:
Brightness — overall output level of the bulb
Speed — how fast the effect cycles or flickers
Depth — intensity of the variation (how dramatic the effect is)
Each slider shows an orange recommended marker and the recommended starting value for the active effect. Tap the amber number next to the slider name to snap back to the recommended value at any time.
Locking Settings
To save your current slider values for the active mode, tap the LOCK button in the Now Active panel. All three sliders will lock at their current positions and glow green.
Locked values are saved to the device and survive power cycles and reboots.
Each effect mode stores its own independent lock — you can customize and lock every mode separately.
You can still slide while locked — the new position becomes the saved value.
ON/OFF Toggle
The power toggle at the top of the interface turns the dimmer output on and off without changing the active mode or any settings.
Settings
Renaming the device
Enter the settings menu by tapping the gear icon in the interface on the top right.
If you are running multiple Gremlin units, each should have a unique WiFi name so you can tell them apart.
1. Under “WiFi NETWORK NAME” Enter a custom name (e.g. Cemetery, PumpkinPatch, Barn).
2. Tap “SAVE”.
3. Tap “REBOOT TO APPLY PASSWORD AND NETWORK NAME”
The device will rename its network to ex. GREMLIN-”CUSTOM” on the next re-boot.
Reconnect to the new network name after reboot.*
*If at any time you are having problems connecting, navigate to and choose “forget device”.
Changing the WiFi password
Enter the settings menu by tapping the gear icon in the interface on the top right.
1. Under “WIFI PASSWORD” Enter your preferred password and confirm.
2. Tap “SAVE”
3. Tap “REBOOT TO APPLY PASSWORD AND NETWORK NAME”
*If at any time you are having problems connecting, navigate to and choose “forget device” or “forget Wifi”
Forgetting your password
Enter the settings menu by tapping the gear icon in the interface on the top right.
1. Hold down the “RP’ Reset Password button for approximately 5 seconds until the red LED blinks.
2. Password will be reset to the default password of "hayridefx".
*If at any time you are having problems connecting, navigate to and choose “forget device”.
Updating the firmware
All done from a computer.
Check HayRideFX.com for updates and download the latest BIN.
2. Connect to your Gremlin Wifi Network.
3. Using any web browser type http://192.168.4.1 (the default is https, be sure to type http)
4. Enter the settings menu by tapping the gear icon in the interface on the top right.
5. Tap “CHOOSE .BIN FILE”.
6. Navigate to where you downloaded the .BIN file. (default is “Downloads Folder”)
5. Tap “UPLOAD FIRMWARE”
Troubleshooting
Page does not open after connecting
Open browser and navigate to http://192.168.4.1 — include the http:// prefix
Desktop browser fails to connect
Type http://192.168.4.1 explicitly. Chrome defaults to https which will not work
Sliders move but bulb does not change
Check that the power toggle is ON. Confirm incandescent bulbs are installed
New name won’t show/won’t connect after changing
“Forget old network” on your phone for each old or unused name
Settings reset after reboot
Lock your sliders using the LOCK button — unlocked values reset to recomended settings on reconnect
WiFi network not visible
Power cycle the device. Wait 10 seconds for the network to appear
Lights suddenly stopped working
Possible overload, Internal glass fuse needs to be soldered directly on the board. Replacement covered in warranty for 2 years.
Specifications
Input Voltage
110V-230V AC, 50/60Hz
Maximum Load
1000W
Dimming Method
Phase-cut (TRIAC)
Control
WiFi (2.4GHz 802.11 b/g/n
Processor
ESP32
Interface
Browser based, no app required
OTA Updates
Yes
Fuse
5x20mm glass fuse (internal)
Duty Cycle
Designed for continuous use
Enclosure
Flame retardant housing
Warranty
2 year replacement warranty
