Daily Deal - Get It Before It’s Gone from Tactics.com! We Search top stores daily so you don't have to.
okto.com - Powered by Service

OKTO.com

You are here:Home»OKTO.com - OKTO.com




Lightings: Track Lighting

Lightings: Track Lighting

Build Your Own Residential and Commercial Track Lighting System
Track Lighting's versatility and adaptability remains the key to its popularity. Browse our selection of kits, or build your own track system for a great alternative to general room lighting, wall washing, or accent lighting. Our selection will work well in both a residential and commercial setting. Overwhelmed by all the options? Take some time to read through our guide, we'll help piece together the best configuration for you.
When building your own track lighting system, there are a few factors to keep in mind:
  • ut Plan
  • Track Sections
  • Track Heads

    Typical Layout Plan Combinations
    The first thing to consider is your track lighting's location and the shape of the room. The most popular layout plans are:
  • Straight Runs
  • "L" Layout
  • Flex Connector
  • Cross Layout
  • Grid Layout
  • "T" Layout
  • "H" Layout
  • Dog Leg Layout
  • Modified Grid Layout

    Straight Runs: Straight Runs are the most basic form of track lighting. Link together track sections with a straight connector and piece together a simple track lighting system.
    "L" Layout: Construct an "L" Layout with an "L" Connector to piece together your track sections. There are two types of "L" Connectors: Inside Polarity and Outside Polarity. The Inside Polarity is generally the most popular choice. To identify polarity, orient the connector to "L" shape and the polarity grooves will intersect where indicated.
    Flex Connector: Create a unique track lighting system by joining track sections with a flex connectory. A Flex Connector permits a variety of track layouts at almost any angle and variation of planes, including wall-to-ceiling or even cathedral ceilings. These connectors can flex up to 90 degrees.
    Cross Layout: Cross Layouts are a great option for a room's complete coverage. Use the cross connector to piece sections together.
    Grid Layout: Create a grid for the ultimate in track lighting. Use "T" Connectors and Cross Connectors to link track sections.
    "T" Layout: Construct a simple "T" Layout with the "T" Connector.
    "H" Layout: Create an "H" Layout by using "T" Connectors. There are two types of polarity for these connectors: Inside-Right and Inside-Left Polarity. The Inside-Right Polarity type connector is most often used. To identify polarity, orient the connector to "T" shape and the polarity grooves will intersect where indicated.
    Dog Leg Layout: Piece together a Dog Leg Layout by using both Inside Polarity and Outside Polarity "L" Connectors.
    Modified Grid Layout: Use both Inside Polarity and Outside Polarity "L" Connectors to create a modified grid layout.

    Progress Lighting has "put a twist" on the traditional track selection with their Illuma-Flex track system. Illuma-Flex is functional low voltage track lighting that allows unparalled simplicity and flexibility for general and accent illumination. The flexible tracks can be twisted and curved to create expressive alluring forms.
    Illuma-Flex features colorful glass mini-pendants combined with adjustable track heads. You can mix and match pieces on the same track to create any combination you can imagine. The adjustable heads and pendants come in many sizes, making it possible to tailor the Illuma-Flex system to the needs of any room.

    Track Sections
    Track is a surface mounted channel that holds the Track Heads. Mount the tracks directly to the ceiling, on the wall, or with pendants or cables for higher and sloped ceilings. (If you have higher ceilings, remember to place the tracks further away from the walls.) Keep in mind that track systems are normally only compatible with a given product line.
    Our selection of track sections range from 2' to 12' sections. Combine any amount of sections together for your ideal arrangement. Use the suggested layouts listed above, or put together your own unique system. Power supply is available anywhere along the track, so position Track Heads wherever you need them! Use End Feeds, Canopies, "Anywhere" Power Feeds, or a Cord and Plug as your energy source.

    Track Heads:
    Track Heads come in all different types and styles. Whether you're looking for a more decorative track system, a powerful light source to showcase artwork, or an unobtrusive lighting option, we have a wide selection of Track Heads to choose from. When browsing through our selection, consider the following:
    - Low Voltage: These track heads are usually 12 or 24 volts, consume less energry and are less expensive to maintain. (Transformer required) Line Voltage: These track heads operate at 120 volts. (Transformer not required)
    PAR Lamps: PAR lamps are line voltage halogen, energy efficient, have good optics, and excellent color quality.
    MR-16: MR-16 bulbs are low voltage halogen lamps. Their precise beam control makes them a great choice for accent lighting. MR-16 lamps may cause shadows, so they may not be the best choice for task or general lighting.
    Fluorescent: Fluorescent lights are also a great alternative. They're quite cost-effective for commercial settings because of their long hours of operations.

    It's important to remember that track lighting is simply a masked and glorified lamp. Decorative, round back, and flat back track heads are usually all offered with the above voltages and lamp types. Determine you're lighting needs first, choose a lamp or voltage, and then base your track head's style around your decision.

    The basics of kayaking - Types of kayaks

    The basics of kayaking - Types of kayaks

    The basics of kayaking - Types of kayaks As the sport of kayaking grows and more people take up the sport, the question arises:what type of kayak should I buy? Learn here!
  • The sport of kayaking is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports in America. With the advent of ESPN and the extreme sport films more and more people are deciding to take up kayaking. However, many people are at a loss when trying to decide what type of kayak is right for them. In this article, we shall look at the different major types and what they for. You, the paddler, must examine what you are interested in and what level of excitement you are seeking.
  • The first place to go to decide on a kayak is your local sporting goods store. Even Sam?s Club offers a recreation type of kayak, albeit, a low end type. It works fine,
  • if you are just beginning to paddle. Quite a few canoe and kayak shops offer what are called "Demo Days," where you can actually try out several different types of kayaks on the water to get a feel before you buy. Sometimes, they also carry used kayaks which can be a real bargain for the beginning kayaker. You can also use the liveries, in streams, that rent kayaks for trips. Usually, they will carry several different brands of kayaks, mostly beginner types, that you can try on local streams. It is usually good to try before you buy. This way you have some idea of the comfort, agility, stability and tracking of the kayak.

  • The second thing to consider is what type of paddling do you expect to do? Are you interested in learning about whitewater kayaking? Do you expect to mostly paddle flatwater streams, with perhaps a little Class 1+ to 2 type water? Are you going to paddle lakes and bays of the ocean, which are primarily wide open spaces of water? Are you interested in paddling in the ocean, either island to island or playing in the surf? Do you want to play in rapids under waterfalls? There are many types of paddling experiences and boats to go with each. Many times, you start out with one type of kayak and venture on to another for a different type of paddling. You may predominantly paddle flat water, but occasionally take a trip on slightly faster water. You may enjoy it, as your adrenaline starts pumping, and decide to take up whitewater.
  • In deciding to learn whitewater kayaking, it is generally a good idea to start at a kayak shop that specializes in teaching whitewater kayaking. They can provide you with an idea of what type of eqipement you will need. Many YMCA?s also offer classes as do many of the kayaking clubs that are found all over the country. Whitewater kayaking is exciting, but also can be dangerous, so the expense of lessons is well spent. A good teacher will put you in the type of kayak you need and show you what to look for when you buy your own. Whitewater kayaks are extremely agile but also very tippy. They are made to provide quick turns and maneuverability because the type of water they will be used in is rough and fast moving. They are also quite tight around the body and are supposed to be that way so that the paddler becomes "one with the boat" and can move easier in the water, as in doing Eskimo rolls and escape maneuvers. They is also a sub-class of whitewater kayaks called play boats which are used by "rodeo" kayakers and for trick paddling.
  • The next type of kayak is the recreation boat. This is usually a very stabile, easily paddled boat that seats either one or two people and is usually where most people start out. They are used for flatwater and small lakes, and can be made out of a variety of materials: plastic, wood, fiberglass and kevlar. Kevlar is the lightest material, but also the most expensive. It is usually not used in the general recreation kayak. Kevlar and fiberglass are usually used more in the high end recreation or touring kayaks. These kayaks are the most pleasant for quiet waters in streams and marshes. They provide a stable platform for relaxing and enjoying the outside. They usually provide some space for day tripping equipement like lunch and cameras. Again, there is a variety of sizes and fits and you need to try sitting in one before you buy. Another good way to try out boats is by joining a club that has trips to different streams. These are usually rated by ability level and is a good place to learn about any information regarding kayaking.

  • One step up is the touring kayak. These can also vary in size, shape and cost. They are generally longer and sleeker. This contributes to a better tracking ability that helps during a long paddle. They usually have spaces in the hull for camping equipement and other odds and ends for a trip. The lightest ones are also made of kevlar. The ocean going kayaks are considered touring kayaks and sometimes will have a rudder attachment for controlling direction in the seas. They are usually moderately stable and again will be for either one or two paddlers. They are not quite so good for small streams because of their length, but a good paddler can usually navigate one of them through a moderately small stream.
  • Sit on top kayaks are another class which has become more popular over the past few years. These are exactly what they are called. You sit on top. They can be a fun boat for surfing and paddling, since some people prefer not to be enclosed in a kayak out of fear of being caught in the boat. However, you are exposed to the water and will more than likely have to invest in a wet suit to keep warm when the weather and water run to the chilly side. They also tend to be a little more unstable as the center of balance is higher. This is balanced by the ease of getting back on, since you don?t have to contend with climbing into and over the side of the passenger compartment.
  • As you can see, the variety of boats is high. The best way is to try, try, try the boats out, until you find one that you find most comfortable for you and your needs. There is no point to having a whitewater kayak if all you do is paddle around a lake. Use the right kayak for the type of paddling you do, and you will enjoy kayaking for many years to come. Of course, you may end up with a garage full of different kayaks, but that?s a subject for another time!
    • You are here: Home

    We search top stores daily so you don't have to.

    For personal non-commercial use only; please check stores for current prices and exact amounts. Product specifications are obtained from merchants or third parties. Although we make every effort to present accurate information, Okto is not responsible for inaccuracies. Store ratings and product reviews are submitted by online shoppers; they do not reflect our opinions and we have no responsibility for their content.

    OKto.com - 4283 Express Lane, SUITE 003-239, Sarasota, FL 34238, p: (941) 538-6941, f: 8154253395, e: support [at] okto.com

    As remuneration for time and research involved to provide quality links, we generally use affiliate links when we can. Whenever we link to something not our own, you should assume they are affiliate links or that we benefit in some way.