The kits consist of a pre-made fiber harness and light source. The end user or contractor is responsible for designing the star field, bringing power to the LS, installing the fiber and wiring the light source. Kits are convenient. Because they are pre-made, the terminations are high quality (far less likely to burn or melt), and there is no measuring, or cutting (so far fewer mistakes are likely) However, kits are restrictive, making them limited in application to smaller room areas (10x10 maximum) in most cases)

Still other suppliers, including FTI, offer a pre drilled/pre-installed fiber in 2x2’ or 2x4’ ceiling or acoustic panels per architect's spec. Customer or contractor is required to create the common end, make the connections, and wire the LS.

A 4th approach consists of a pre-made and hung panel, suspended from the ceiling, or inserted into the ceiling (a dome, for example). The fiber supplier may drill and install the star field, but fabricating and hanging the panel, and bringing power to the light source are customer’s (Contractor's) responsibilities.

FTI offers a hybrid system combining the convenience of a kit, with the versatility of a custom installation.

TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Fiber
Almost all designs use plastic (PMMA) fiber in several diameters.

.75mm fiber is the base size for the star field effect. Using various diameters, as well as varying the fiber-end distance from the ceiling improves realism. The recommended sizes are 5mm, .75mm, 1.5mm, and 3mm.

Typically unjacketed fiber is used. If the ceiling is translucent (perforated, for example) it would be wise to use jacketed fiber to prevent the ceiling from glowing.

Sometimes, acrylic shapes are side lit to create certain shapes (the rings of Saturn, for example)

Light source
In kits, the light source of choice is the low wattage quartz halogen LS. Semi-custom kits use Quartz Halogen or HID. LED light sources are also available. Please visit our light source page for general light source information and view our complete selection.

Heat and lamp maintenance are the major “design challenges” to overcome when using Quartz Halogen or HID lighting. Typically, the light source is installed in the ceiling, requiring additional electrical outlets or wiring the LS directly into an existing light circuit. As a matter of convenience, the LS should be located in a closet (for convenient lamp changing) but this limits the pattern coverage when using an off-the-shelf kit; unless an extension bundle is used, or the user opts for a custom installation.

Design
In real life, the distribution of stars in any given field of view is random. However, we tend to be uneasy with large voids and have an urge to balance the star effect, which reduces realism. This urge must be avoided. Take a look at the night sky; you’ll see clusters of stars and large distances of open space. This is the approach you should execute for the most pleasing effect. Of course, if your goal is a commercial lighting effect for visual interest, feel free to experiment.

Many people envision a duplicate of the sky, or hope to approximate constellations. Patterns can be used for this approach, but the effort is typically not worth the extra time and cost investment, as the scale of most installations is too small (Ceiling too close, star area too small) for the effect to be easily recognizable. However, the one exception is the big dipper, which can be easily managed and recognized.

If you’re reluctant to take on the challenge of star field layout, Sandy Jeakins, a trained engineer and Starscape customer developed a layout idea that works well for ceilings (with access from above) already in place. She placed dimes and pennies on the floor, experimenting with the layout until it looked right.

Even though the size differential of the penny and dime does not equate directly to fiber size (which created some clutter on the floor) she was able to compensate in her mind. Once satisfied, she made a simple fixture to hold a laser pointer, which she then placed over each coin. This located the drill point on the ceiling, which was then drilled and fiber inserted.

Site location is an important consideration. In the city, fewer stars are seen by the observer than compared to looking at the same sky in the suburbs or a rural area. For general consideration, 1-3 stars per square foot can be seen from a city perspective, 3-4 stars per square foot from the suburbs and much higher densities (5-7 stars per square foot) in rural areas.

Most installations use 3-4 stars per square foot to simulate a night sky. This number can also vary with the type of light source used, ambient lighting in the space, the distance of the star field from the viewer and the desired effect. That is, to create the illusion of a galaxy, densities 2-3x the above are required. To see an example of different star densities, click here.

Motion can be created by a special placement of the fibers in the common end (known as mapping), combined with the use of electronic control. DMX (Digital multiplexing) control is a serial communication technique used to remotely manage light output (dimming, on/off) of several light sources. In addition, color/twinkle wheels are also controlled…their speed, direction, and start/stop times are controlled thru a “DMX” controller. Shooting stars and spinning nebulae effects can be achieved. Most home star ceilings do not use DMX.

Need more information? Contact Zach Morin. Or call us toll free at 1.800.433.5248