A few more points to keep in mind when working
with EL inverters. Never, ever, apply power to the
input without the output being connected to the EL
panel. Always remove power from the input side,
never from the output side (such as with a switch).
Watch the output. Yes, it is very low current, but
it still will sting you.
And like the others have said, the easiest way
to control the brightness is by controlling the
voltage going into the input of the inverter.
HTH,
Kal