Light movers

thebaldeagle · 06-29-09, 00:51

I am getting conflicting info about light movers. Do the increase yield, or just spread the light more evenly? Anyone with experience with these please let me know what you think.

Thanks,
TBE

kcmoxtractor · 06-29-09, 01:03

Help to distribute heat and light better... from what I have seen they are a plus. That's just through other peoples recommendation though.

Indonesia · 06-29-09, 10:37

Increase yield through better canopy penetration, lower heat, lamp closer to plants(more lumens), and can cover more space with one lamp. think about what outdoor plants are like compared to indoor. the sun is kinda like a huge bulb on a mover and outdoors the lower buds usually have the same density as the tops.

plantman21 · 06-29-09, 11:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indonesia

Increase yield through better canopy penetration, lower heat, lamp closer to plants(more lumens), and can cover more space with one lamp. think about what outdoor plants are like compared to indoor. the sun is kinda like a huge bulb on a mover and outdoors the lower buds usually have the same density as the tops.

that make perfect sence to me. I'm placing that bit of knowlege in my mental library.
Plantman

ShroomGuerilla · 06-29-09, 12:35

Light movers are great.
Increase yields and all that jazz said above.

I never really got into them. Personally.
For an extra $500 bucks, I rather add another cooltube 1000w.
to my room than a mover.

I think the key with light movers ( the rail types )
is not to have the distance the light travells too long.
If it travels too big a distance then one end gets very dim (too dim) .
About 1/2 a meter of travel would be ideal.

plantman21 · 06-29-09, 15:06

what about one of them that have 5 arms and spins or along those peramiters.
Plantman

ShroomGuerilla · 06-29-09, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by plantman21

what about one of them that have 5 arms and spins or along those peramiters.
Plantman

Does such a thing exist?
or is this just a stoned idea of yours?

Foster · 06-29-09, 20:10

Right on SG and Indo. Linear light rails rock imo

. As said above it will not only provide better penetration through the entire canopy, it will increase yield as well.
Also agree, the shorter the better. A 1k on a 6ft rail will cover an 8 ft length but will lose intensity on the dark end. I'd prefer to go with a 1k on a shortened 4ft rail over a 6 ft area/length. (4x6 works well)

This way your not wasting light by having the bulb stop right over the edge of the area.
A good investment imo. Maybe not as good as adding a second light. But good none the less.
Only problem is cooling. Its tough to setup a vented system on a moving light, but with retractable hangers and flex duct it is possible.
Yeah those exist, like the sun circle movers. There are a couple brands out there, never seen one in use though.

plantman21 · 06-30-09, 09:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShroomGuerilla

Does such a thing exist?
or is this just a stoned idea of yours?

No, it does exist. I have seen them in some of my hydroponic mags that I get. I cant come up with the name right now....Sunsystem or something like that? I'll get back to you on that one though.
Plantman

Here we go the mag is called eco enterprises. and I have seen that setup ain a couple of different ones.
Plantman

thebaldeagle · 07-01-09, 23:51

I've seen them too. suntwist is what is think they are called. I thought it only had 4 arms, but didn't pay that much attention. I'm interested in the rail mover myself.

TBE

plantman21 · 07-02-09, 09:15

I think it has 4 arms as well but one hangs from the center too, I think.
Plantman

procell · 07-02-09, 23:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebaldeagle

I am getting conflicting info about light movers. Do the increase yield, or just spread the light more evenly? Anyone with experience with these please let me know what you think.

Well, a buddy had one in his bedroom closet and to this day he talks about the
BUZZZZZZZZZ, CLICK, , ,CLICK,,BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
So they add to the noise issue, better just to have the correct lighting for the space. If you are experiencing uneven growth add a few CFLs around the edges . . .

DrDee · 07-09-09, 09:54

Hi Guys,
Better late then never! I've used light movers for over 20 years. My current unit is a Gualala Robotics light rail that I picked up used for just over $100 and then I bought an extra trolley that allows hanging multiple lights. You get better coverage from different angles so light penetration is excellent.

The manufacturer states a 1.6 efficiency factor. That may be a little high and biassed due to self-interest...but definitely is an advantage. Foster made some excellent points that I totally agree with. If you're maxed out on lights due to electrical usage...a mover can definitely be a bonus.
Peace,
Dee

PS: My unit has a slow geared motor riding on rubber wheels on a steel rail and is totally silent. No added noise whatsoever.

whatchamacallit · 07-09-09, 16:20

SWIm used light movers in the veg room and it helped improve veg rates compared to stationary lights, for sure. Definitely can be useful in increasing yield and light coverage.

Jose_sixpac · 08-02-09, 22:14

A Foaf uses a recipricating fan unit for each light, and swears by the system (the movers and the shakers he calls them) says the fans help keep the temp down and his HVAC un burdened in the hot daze of summer.

-j-

greenie · 08-02-09, 22:34

they will give you more pot per watt of electricity. they allow a light to cover more area efficiently. as was said, dont make em move too far

DrDee · 08-03-09, 16:44

Hi Guys,
I saw that this thread has been bumped so I thought I'd add a little more. I'm currently trying to engineer the best way to hang multiple lamps without buying the companies add-a-lamp kit.

My Light Rail unit doesn't handle asymetrical loads at all well. Everything needs to be very balanced. And it can only support a maximum of 70 pounds (they have a larger unit that is OK for 100 or more) Point being...all weight needs to be carefully balanced on centerline.

So they are a little tricky at times and hard to use cooling but I persist...
Dee

greenie · 08-03-09, 16:47

can you take some pics for us docdee? id love to expand my rail without paying 75 bucks for a trolley...

DrDee · 08-03-09, 18:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenie

can you take some pics for us docdee? id love to expand my rail without paying 75 bucks for a trolley...

Hi Greenie,
I took down the whole fandangle that I'd created. I was just using wood for construction, but like I mentioned above...you have to avoid lateral loads which I was not. So I don't have a new picture yet since it isn't built.

Here's a shot of my mover on location. If you look carefully, to the left of the motor is the trolley I bought. The trolley alone which is just a bracket and wheels plus a hanging eye hook is only $30. The whole add-a-lamp kit includes the trolley, a threaded rod to connect to the motor and some arms to hang the two lamps.

So where I'm at right now is I bought a piece of 3/8" threaded rod which I'll use to connect the trolley to the motor. Then I'll hang one light below the trolley and one below the motor. I'm giving up on hanging three lights. Too heavy and too many complications.

So for perhaps $40 you could add a trolley with hardware and stick a second light up. Or for about $400 you could get a 5.5 light rail and light arms and the full monty and hang half-a-dozen lights! lol

Peace,
Dee

DrDee · 08-13-09, 22:40

Pix for Greenie...
This is how Gualala recommends adding a second light to the 3.5 light rail and after trying to Mickey Mouse one, I finally just did it like they recommend. About an extra $40. $30 for the trolley and the rest for a threaded rod and hardware. Hope that helps. I left my rod full length in case i want to increase the distance between trolley and motor.
Peace,
Dee

PS: In case someone asks. The cheapo shop lights hanging on the wall contain mercury vapor reptile lights to add UVB to the plants. Boosts THC.

Foster · 08-14-09, 23:28

Very nice DrDee.

That is a quality mover. I really like the silent running. Please post up a pic when you get the lights all attached and ready to move.

This rail is the old chain drive style. Yes they do have a bit of noise/vibration.
Got it cheap, found cheap replacement parts, and figure its just a bonus.
Didn't cost much, and gets the job done.

Dank Side Of The Shroom · 08-14-09, 23:39

light movers are the shit. we used them all the time out west. gets real good light coverage so u can stick more plants under 1 light too. we had 4 on track at the last one. can get pricey though.

DrDee · 08-24-09, 15:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foster

Very nice DrDee.

That is a quality mover. I really like the silent running. Please post up a pic when you get the lights all attached and ready to move.

This rail is the old chain drive style. Yes they do have a bit of noise/vibration.
Got it cheap, found cheap replacement parts, and figure its just a bonus.
Didn't cost much, and gets the job done.

Sorry to take so long getting back on this. Actually the pictures above have the lights attached. They're merely hanging on the threaded rod via chains. Here's the two Sun reflectors that are riding on the mover now. On the back-side (L in the pix) I have a lightweight aluminum "U" beam attached to keep the lights aligned.

The Gualala 3.5 is rated for 35# and with trolley, that doubles to 70#. I'm still contemplating moving these two lights out to the end of the rods and then hanging the third one in the middle. May give it a try.

I used a chain drive unit when I first started using movers over 20 years ago. I had two tracks and had a rod going from the motor to the second rail. So I was moving lights over two grow tables with one motor. Not all grows can use a mover, but once you're personally convinced that they're an advantage...you then just think movers when you start designing your room.

Even when I was running three 3x3 trays, I had them all lined up with a mover over them. Can't help myself...
Peace,
Dee

SlowOldGuy · 09-03-09, 16:50

I agree with SchroomGuerilla THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MORE LIGHT, all the money invested in sprays and movers would be better spent on MORE light.

SlowOldGuy · 09-03-09, 16:58

By the way, which way did you end up growing,......I mean going?

Stonehenge · 09-03-09, 18:26

I'm with sog and sg, put your money into more light and not into fancy gadgets. The manufacturor will tell you whatever you want to hear. People who bought them do not want to say they wasted money. Sure they help a little but so does more light.

BTW, has anyone worked with side lighting? You have your canopy light and then can put some lights on the sides.

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06-29-09, 00:51	#1 (permalink)
thebaldeagle Mycophiliac Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 76	Light movers I am getting conflicting info about light movers. Do the increase yield, or just spread the light more evenly? Anyone with experience with these please let me know what you think. Thanks, TBE

06-29-09, 01:03	#2 (permalink)
kcmoxtractor Satan's Helper Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 1,350	Help to distribute heat and light better... from what I have seen they are a plus. That's just through other peoples recommendation though. __________________ "It was the straying that found the path direct" - Austin Osman Spare

06-29-09, 12:35	#5 (permalink)
ShroomGuerilla Myco-Monkey Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 1,300	Light movers are great. Increase yields and all that jazz said above. I never really got into them. Personally. For an extra $500 bucks, I rather add another cooltube 1000w. to my room than a mover. I think the key with light movers ( the rail types ) is not to have the distance the light travells too long. If it travels too big a distance then one end gets very dim (too dim) . About 1/2 a meter of travel would be ideal. __________________ Revolución motha fucka, you heard of it? I light the spliff with the flag, while I'm burnin it

07-09-09, 09:54	#13 (permalink)
DrDee Mycophage Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 164	Hi Guys, Better late then never! I've used light movers for over 20 years. My current unit is a Gualala Robotics light rail that I picked up used for just over $100 and then I bought an extra trolley that allows hanging multiple lights. You get better coverage from different angles so light penetration is excellent. The manufacturer states a 1.6 efficiency factor. That may be a little high and biassed due to self-interest...but definitely is an advantage. Foster made some excellent points that I totally agree with. If you're maxed out on lights due to electrical usage...a mover can definitely be a bonus. Peace, Dee PS: My unit has a slow geared motor riding on rubber wheels on a steel rail and is totally silent. No added noise whatsoever. __________________ I believe odd things...that's my flaw

06-29-09, 10:37	#3 (permalink)
Indonesia Mycotopiate Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 220	Increase yield through better canopy penetration, lower heat, lamp closer to plants(more lumens), and can cover more space with one lamp. think about what outdoor plants are like compared to indoor. the sun is kinda like a huge bulb on a mover and outdoors the lower buds usually have the same density as the tops.

06-29-09, 15:06	#6 (permalink)
plantman21 Mycotopiate Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 384	what about one of them that have 5 arms and spins or along those peramiters. Plantman

06-29-09, 20:10	#8 (permalink)
Foster intotheoutside Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,830	Right on SG and Indo. Linear light rails rock imo . As said above it will not only provide better penetration through the entire canopy, it will increase yield as well. Also agree, the shorter the better. A 1k on a 6ft rail will cover an 8 ft length but will lose intensity on the dark end. I'd prefer to go with a 1k on a shortened 4ft rail over a 6 ft area/length. (4x6 works well) This way your not wasting light by having the bulb stop right over the edge of the area. A good investment imo. Maybe not as good as adding a second light. But good none the less. Only problem is cooling. Its tough to setup a vented system on a moving light, but with retractable hangers and flex duct it is possible. Yeah those exist, like the sun circle movers. There are a couple brands out there, never seen one in use though.

07-01-09, 23:51	#10 (permalink)
thebaldeagle Mycophiliac Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 76	I've seen them too. suntwist is what is think they are called. I thought it only had 4 arms, but didn't pay that much attention. I'm interested in the rail mover myself. TBE

07-02-09, 09:15	#11 (permalink)
plantman21 Mycotopiate Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 384	I think it has 4 arms as well but one hangs from the center too, I think. Plantman

07-09-09, 16:20	#14 (permalink)
whatchamacallit Deadhead Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 1,170	SWIm used light movers in the veg room and it helped improve veg rates compared to stationary lights, for sure. Definitely can be useful in increasing yield and light coverage. __________________ I'm addicted to placebos, I could quit but it wouldn't matter.. http://deadvids.com/dv3 24/7 Dead Videos with a chatroom!

08-02-09, 22:14	#15 (permalink)
Jose_sixpac Djembe~Woof Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 298	A Foaf uses a recipricating fan unit for each light, and swears by the system (the movers and the shakers he calls them) says the fans help keep the temp down and his HVAC un burdened in the hot daze of summer. -j- __________________ E-ticket or nada.

08-02-09, 22:34	#16 (permalink)
greenie Pot Farmer Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,560	they will give you more pot per watt of electricity. they allow a light to cover more area efficiently. as was said, dont make em move too far __________________ I am not real. I am a computer program.

08-03-09, 16:44	#17 (permalink)
DrDee Mycophage Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 164	Hi Guys, I saw that this thread has been bumped so I thought I'd add a little more. I'm currently trying to engineer the best way to hang multiple lamps without buying the companies add-a-lamp kit. My Light Rail unit doesn't handle asymetrical loads at all well. Everything needs to be very balanced. And it can only support a maximum of 70 pounds (they have a larger unit that is OK for 100 or more) Point being...all weight needs to be carefully balanced on centerline. So they are a little tricky at times and hard to use cooling but I persist... Dee __________________ I believe odd things...that's my flaw

08-03-09, 16:47	#18 (permalink)
greenie Pot Farmer Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 1,560	can you take some pics for us docdee? id love to expand my rail without paying 75 bucks for a trolley... __________________ I am not real. I am a computer program.

08-13-09, 22:40	#20 (permalink)
DrDee Mycophage Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 164	Pix for Greenie... This is how Gualala recommends adding a second light to the 3.5 light rail and after trying to Mickey Mouse one, I finally just did it like they recommend. About an extra $40. $30 for the trolley and the rest for a threaded rod and hardware. Hope that helps. I left my rod full length in case i want to increase the distance between trolley and motor. Peace, Dee PS: In case someone asks. The cheapo shop lights hanging on the wall contain mercury vapor reptile lights to add UVB to the plants. Boosts THC. Attached Thumbnails __________________ I believe odd things...that's my flaw

08-14-09, 23:28	#21 (permalink)
Foster intotheoutside Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,830	Very nice DrDee. That is a quality mover. I really like the silent running. Please post up a pic when you get the lights all attached and ready to move. This rail is the old chain drive style. Yes they do have a bit of noise/vibration. Got it cheap, found cheap replacement parts, and figure its just a bonus. Didn't cost much, and gets the job done.

08-14-09, 23:39	#22 (permalink)
Dank Side Of The Shroom Mycotopiate Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 3,520	light movers are the shit. we used them all the time out west. gets real good light coverage so u can stick more plants under 1 light too. we had 4 on track at the last one. can get pricey though. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

09-03-09, 16:50	#24 (permalink)
SlowOldGuy Mycophiliac Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 36	I agree with SchroomGuerilla THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MORE LIGHT, all the money invested in sprays and movers would be better spent on MORE light.

09-03-09, 16:58	#25 (permalink)
SlowOldGuy Mycophiliac Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 36	Updates? By the way, which way did you end up growing,......I mean going?

09-03-09, 18:26	#26 (permalink)
Stonehenge Mycophage Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 111	I'm with sog and sg, put your money into more light and not into fancy gadgets. The manufacturor will tell you whatever you want to hear. People who bought them do not want to say they wasted money. Sure they help a little but so does more light. BTW, has anyone worked with side lighting? You have your canopy light and then can put some lights on the sides.

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