LightRail Light Movers
Created in 1986 by Gualala Robotics Inc., LightRail is an innovative lighting system that moves to more evenly distribute light to more parts of a plant’s leaves, which stimulates faster and healthier growth. The LightRail system consists of a ceiling mounted rail with an attached motor and light that moves along the rail at a set pace, distributing light to more areas of a plant’s leaves than a traditional stationary lighting system. This system imitates the sun moving across the sky, which is perfect for optimum plant growth since it imitates outdoor sunlight.
Plants only photosynthesize in the areas of their leaves that receive light, so limited light means limited photosynthesis. A traditional stationary lighting system only shines light on the parts of leaves that are directly beneath it, which can cause limited growth and even damage to the plant which is similar to sunburn. The LightRail system solves this problem by moving over the tops of plants, so that the leaves get light at different angles, activating photosynthesis on parts of the plant that would not normally get much light with a stationary system. With a stationary light system, light energy can also be lost because it cannot diversify itself in order to allow your plant to absorb it at the optimum levels. LightRail shines the correct intensity of light of the leaves for 40% of the photoperiod. This allows the plant to reach optimum Leaf Area Index, which is important for plant growth. This maximizes photosynthesis, which in turn maximizes plant growth and production.
Produced in the U.S.A. by Gualala Robotics Inc., LightRail is available in three system versions: LightRail 3.5 – Intellidrive, LightRail 4.0 – Adjust-a-drive, and LightRail 5.0 – Commercial. The Intellidrive system includes a 2 meter rail and a 10 rpm motor, and can be programmed to pause at each end of the rail for a specified time that you choose. The Intellidrive is perfect for those just starting out their indoor garden and who are looking for a lighting solution. The Adjust-a-drive kit includes a 2 meter rail and an Adjust-a-drive motor which can be programmed for variable time delay and variable speed. The Adjust-a-drive is optimum for more advanced gardeners who are looking for a more customizable LightRail system. The Commercial system includes two sections of 8 foot rail, crossbar, and an LR5 motor. The LightRail 5.0 motor is capable of moving 2-3 lights side by side or up to 9 lights with the add on accessories which are available for purchase. This system is perfect for businesses that have a large number of plants that need light. The Commercial system also comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Some additional accessories available for purchase are the Add-a-lamp kit, the Auxiliary Bar kit, the Auxiliary Trolley, various gearboxes with varying rpm, and many more accessories to customize your LightRail to fit your needs.
While a static lighting system only provides optimum lighting to a small area of your garden, the LightRail shines light on larger areas due to its movement. Stationary lights cost more money than LightRail because the plants are actually getting less usable light. Because static lights don’t provide the correct light intensity, then could actually be losing 60% of their energy, which costs you money. With the light rail, one light moving over more area provides even light coverage and maximizes the power of the bulb that you use. The best part of the LightRail system is that it saves you money- up to $300 a year! LightRail also provides the optimum leaf area index or LAI, which is the measure of the total surface area of the upper leaf exposed to direct light in relation to the space on the ground that a plant occupies. Running one light over a 6 foot rail can increase the light coverage area by 1.6, all while using less light bulbs and therefore less energy, making LightRail the green alternative.
The LightRail provides flexibility in all areas of your gardening such as plant spacing and light intensity. LightRail has many benefits such as providing even light coverage, eliminating hot spots, causing leaves to absorb more light, covering more of the plant canopy with light, maximizing bulb life, and saving your money. This system pays for itself in no time. By offering so many customization options with their products, LightRail is an investment that can be adjusted to fit any garden, whether your garden is commercial or just a hobby. Because it saves you so much money on your energy bill, LightRail is the green alternative, saving you money and energy for years to come. LightRail also has the added benefit of using less light bulbs, which can be harmful to the environment once disposed of. Whether you are a commercial grower, a serious horticulturist, or just starting your hobby of gardening indoors, LightRail is a perfect choice to optimize your plant growth and save you money.
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