Light Rail 3.5 & 5.0, anyone using them? Magnum XXXL reflectors

[mikeross]

I have done my research on both models but can't find answers to my specific questions.

To better understand my questions here's a what I plan to do. First want to give credit to member stoney419, this is his design entirely.

I guess this picture speaks for itself...

As you can see I plan to run 4 air cooled lights in series all connected to a mover.

In the above setup the hoods are ss2 which weight 18lbs each. The Light Rail 3.5 is rated @ 30lbs weight capacity. Even though its rated @ 30LBS it has no issues moving 72+lbs plus the addition of the aluminum 1"x1" bar. This leads me to believe that the weight capacity of 30lbs refers to the weight directly under the motor and not how much weight the motor has to pull.

Anyways, my issue is I plan to run 4 Magnum xxxl hoods which weight 30lbs each.

Do you think the LR3.5 would be able to pull/push this much weight? I know it won't have any issues with the 1-30lbs reflector under the motor but can it also pull/push the other 3(90LBS) reflectors.

Now this issue could be solved by running the LR5.0 which is rated @ 100LBS. My main concern is the 6' extension rail which is needed in the above design. Everywhere I look these Light Rail extensions are for the LR3.5. I have never seen them advertised for the LR5.0 Are the tracks for the RL 3.5 and 5.0 the same size? If so that solves all my problem

I would really love to get away with just using the LR3.5 because it is offered with a 10rpm motor. If I were to step up to the 5.0 its only offered with a 4rpm motor which means the lights would be moving extremely slowly. So you guys think the 3.5 can handle the load or what.

Peace

 

[Phillthy]

the track for the light rail 5 is 8 feet long. you can buy 4 foot sections to add on. i own a light rail 5 and it is a good piece of equipment...

http://www.lightrail3.com/garden/LR5.php

 

[raphaelwilliams]

I found the torque be really low on the light rail. Is that still the case?

 

[mikeross]

I found the torque be really low on the light rail. Is that still the case?

not if you only need the 3.5 system... they have a motor rated @ 10rpm.

 

[FinestKind]

Wow, that is a kick ass setup, I never would have thought of it... nice job! I have no answers for this thread, however, just stumbling around...

 

[Dnutz]

im in the exact same position! except im running 2 lights... and according to what you are saying about the capacity, I wouldnt need the lr5. You think the lr3.5 will handle 2 of the magnum xxxl hoods??

 

[EvilTwin]

Hi MikeRoss,
I use a light rail 3.5 with a trolley carrying two lights on a 9' rail. My interpretation of the weight capacity figures is that it relates to the wheels and the bearings. So each trolley you add also adds an additional 30 pounds of weight carrying capacity.

The Gualala movers have a traction control system and I suspect that a single 3.5 motor would probably pull all that weight. I'd be very careful though of adding additional restrictions. In other words careful that the cords and any ducts aren't an extra drag.

Having said that...why not ease up and get two motors? You wouldn't be stressing things so much. I know that what you're doing is beyond what the manufacturer intended.

Now how much of a movement are you intending? Most likely only 3' or thereabouts? I'd really suggest getting the 5 motor which is a stronger unit. since you're not moving a full distance...the slower motor on the 5 would probably work better. Or at least equally good.

You asked for opinions and those are mine...
Cheers,
ET

PS: Dnutz...your system is like mine. Two lights. You'll be ok with a trolley and a rod extending between them.

 

[Dnutz]

PS: Dnutz...your system is like mine. Two lights. You'll be ok with a trolley and a rod extending between them.

I trust ya ET. Just to clarify, the lights would be in series, or one fore and aft as they say it, the 3.5 is capable of the 60lbs that the reflectors weigh with no problems yes?

PS sorry for thread jacking! didnt mean to intrude

 

[EvilTwin]

Dnutz,
I'm sure Mike won't mind. There are so few mover guys that we need to stick together. lol

To carry two lights you need to add a trolley and a rod...it's hard to explain in words but here's a few shots. Yes the lights are aligned with the rail like Mike's proposed installation.

Now Gualala also makes some more complex add-light system for the 5 which allows the lights to be spread out laterally. that's not what we're talking about.
ET

 

[Dnutz]

O sweet I see how you have it rigged! very smart! I was originally thinking of getting the 5 and doing the bar thing they come with, but if I can get away with the smaller unit then by all means I would! Thanks for clarifying dude! Helped alot!

 

[EvilTwin]

O sweet I see how you have it rigged! very smart! I was originally thinking of getting the 5 and doing the bar thing they come with, but if I can get away with the smaller unit then by all means I would! Thanks for clarifying dude! Helped alot!

No sweat Dude. This is the cheapest way to do it. What Mike is planning on doing is to sort-of duplicate this only with a long square tube extending along two rails end-to-end.

If you haven't bought a unit yet...watch eBay. Occasionally you'll find a used one for sale. I got mine for $100 there.
ET

PS: Thanks Mike...I think we're through now...