SoLux Technology

What is SoLux?
How accurately does SoLux simulate daylight?

Color Rendering Index (CRI) is one indicator of that ability, and a CRI of 100 is considered perfect. SoLux bulbs have virtually perfect CRIs of over 98 and 99. This makes SoLux the best light available for seeing true colors. (Click on the above banner to see technical proof from a spectral plot.)

What about Ultraviolet (UV) and Infra-Red (IR) light?

In addition to the superior color rendering abilities, SoLux has been engineered to have very low heat (IR) output and ultra-low UV output. That combined aspect of extremely high color rendering and extremely low UV and low IR is extraordinary. It means that with SoLux, you will have the brilliance of daylight without the negatives aspects of UV and IR. The result is a superior presentation that won’t cook or bleach the subject being illuminated.

Does SoLux filter out the UV and IR?

Yes, SoLux filters out the harmful UV and IR radiation leaving only pure daylight. Famous paintings around the world by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Rembrandt are illuminated with SoLux safely and brilliantly! UV Article

How much does it cost to run SoLux?

A 50 watt SoLux bulb costs approximately $0.03 to run continuously for a typical 8 hour day. A single bulb is all that is required to properly light a typical work area. No other product provides so much pleasure for so little.

Why is it better then halogen bulbs?

Simply, SoLux unlike regular halogen lights emits a daylight spectrum that is pure white, not yellow. It’s like comparing an economy car to a luxury car. All will provide light, some will do it less expensively but the quality of light will be far superior. All halogen bulbs have the advantages of having a long life, The SoLux bulbs are rated to last 4000 hours.

Why is the SoLux full spectrum bulb superior to all other products that are labeled as full-spectrum?

Full-spectrum can be a misleading term - technically a candle can be considered full-spectrum. What is implied is that the light provides ideal light for rendering colors. This can only really be determined by looking at the spectral power distribution graphs for a given light source. SoLux is the only daylight simulation product that emits a full and even spectral power distribution equivalent to daylight.

Uses of SoLux

Who uses SoLux?

Can I use SoLux in my home?

Yes, SoLux can be used in the home with track lighting fixtures or recessed lighting fixtures. These fixtures need to be specified as low voltage fixtures which are carried by most hardware and lighting stores. You also have the option of using an adapter fixture that allows you to screw SoLux into a standard lamp socket.

Personal Benefits

Does SoLux work for Seasonal Affective Disorders?

SAD is a condition that typically occurs in winter and is very closely tied to the lack of exposure to daylight. Light therapy is the most effective way to treat this disorder. SoLux goes one step further to providing bright light, it simulates the full range of qualities that daylight has.

For many years, people associated bright lights with daylight. This simply is not true. Daylight has a quality all its own, and natural daylight is considered to be the best light source for treating seasonal effective disorder. The light emitted by SoLux is the closest simulation to natural daylight money can buy. SoLux is so unique it is patented. If you are not convinced SoLux is the very best light source in the world, show us a better quality light source and we'll refund your money.

Is using SoLux an effective way to treat SAD?

Yes, using SoLux can be an effective way to treat SAD. Please click to learn more about SoLux in treating SAD.

Is Solux better than a bright fluorescent "daylight" light in treating SAD?

We maintain a light source that replicates Daylight more accurately is more effective in treating SAD.

Learning

Independent Studies have confirmed higher scores that equate to a full grade point increase, yes, you read that right, one full grade point in math and reading for students who are exposed to a naturally lit environment.

Selecting Products

How do I know that I am ordering the right product?

Please review our help topics to best select the products to fit your needs and head to the on-line store. You can always talk to one of our sales representatives by emailing us at sales@calintec.com  to help make your selections and pace your order. If you are interested in design services please let us know at the same number.

What is the difference between using a low voltage and line voltage?

In the US, most of your standard wall electrical outlets are rated at 120 or 130 volts. In order to use SoLux products the power has to go through a transformer to reduce it to 12 volts. Each track fixture and all our other fixtures such as task lamps have a transformer within it to allow it to use the SoLux bulb.

Selecting Bulbs

Why don't you have 100-watt or 75-watt bulbs?

Basically - there is very little demand for the higher watt bulbs. MR-16 bulbs like SoLux are a "directional bulb". It’s beam is concentrated rather than providing a diffuse globe of light like a regular household light bulb, so less energy is needed to provide more intense light. 100 - wattMR-16 bulbs aren’t even manufactured because the bulb itself would become too hot and it would not be energy efficient. Few fixtures are manufactured that can handle the heat of a 75-watt MR-16 bulb.

Do you have screw-in bulbs for regular household lamp-fixtures that have the SoLux technology?

Not yet - keep tuned. We have been working on the technology necessary to make it happen for over three years. In the mean time you can use a retro- adapter fixture, a device that can screw into a line voltage fixture like a recessed apparatus that the MR-16 can then be used in.

In selecting a bulb to order, determine your needs.

To order a SoLux bulb you must specify the color temperature, beam spread and wattage of the bulb. What you select is ultimately a matter of your personal preference but the following can give you an idea of how to get the effect you want. Color temperature, in particular, seems to be very individualized. You may want to order one of each color temperature to test out your own preference before placing your full order or email us at sales@calintec.com and ask for help.

• What objects/space lighting
• What are the dominant colors in the setting or objects?
• What are their dimensions if you want spot lighting or to focus on certain sections?
• Are you lighting a large space or highlighting certain areas?
• Color Temperature: 3500K, 4100K and 4700K
• Pick the color temperature that will give you the look you want
• In general warmer colors like red or orange look best under 3500K, cooler 4100K or 4700K
• 4100K and 4700K tend to give a more "modern look"
• Beamspread: SoLux bulbs currently are available in 10º, 17º, 24º or 36º beamspreads, also referred to as narrow-spot, spot, narrow-flood and flood respectively.
• Pick the beamspread that will give you the width of beam diameter you need. Look at the Technical Specifications charts to determine what beamspread will give you what diameter at the distance you plan to mount the fixture.
• Wattage: You can choose either a 50-watt or 35-watt.
• Make sure the fixture you have planned to use is rated for the wattage you select.

Track Lighting

Different Types of Track

Not all tracks are the same. We carry "Halo" or grounded track. If you look on the inside you will see that there are 3 floating copper wires (2 on one side, 1 on the other). These "buss bars" are what make contact with the tabs on a fixture. Grounded track is recommended by most electricians and is a requirement for many trade shows. Unless you specify otherwise, our fixtures are compatible with Halo track.

Will my track work with your fixtures?

If you already have track, check to see what kind you have. If it has the 3 buss bars, you probably have grounded track. If you only have 2, you may have Juno or Lightolier track. If you don not want to change your track we may still be able to accommodate you. You can order Juno compatible fixtures if needed. Never force a fixture into a track. A fixture should set into a track easily and swivel into place with an easy click. If you are forcing it you will bend the tabs and not make the kind of connection necessary for optimal performance of your system.

How do I order track?

Shipping Considerations

If you have in your design track lengths of 6 and 8 or longer, consider joining 2 or 3 shorter lengths with mini-joiners. Unless you are ordering at least 8 pieces of the longer track lengths, there is a risk that they will bent in shipping. Also the shipping charges are higher because of the odd shape. Mini-joiners are an almost seamless way of bringing together track lengths. TLI reserves the right to adjust shipping charges based on orders that require multiple packages or oversized packages. If a shipping charge adjustment is made, TLI will notify the customer to authorize the new amount.

Fixtures
How many fixtures can go on a track?

This depends on the amp rating for the circuit breaker powering your track. Each fixture with a 50 watt bulb will draw about a ½ amp so assuming there is no other draw on that circuit breaker you could put up to 30 fixtures. This allows for a healthy safety margin. We suggest you have a qualified electrician advise you before installing a lot of track and fixtures. Physically - you can fit 6-7 track fixtures on a 4-foot length of track. You may want to do this for a trade show where you are pointing the heads in different directions and do not want a complicated set-up. However, for most purposes you will want to space them out more in accordance with the beamspread of the bulb, distance to objects being lit and effect you are trying to get.

Other Fixtures

Task Lamps

Our different task lamps are ideal for reading, artistic and handiwork. Choose between the table, floor and rolling-floor models.

Clip On

These are a great choice when you have limited space or want to change your light a lot - good for dorm rooms, bedrooms, trade shows.