Materials

The basic components of a system are PMMA (Plastic) fiber in several diameters and a light source with twinkle wheel to provide random "star shimmering" effects.

More sophisticated effects are being achieved by organizing (mapping) the fiber in the input and installing multiple light sources (or circuits, when using LEDs) controlled using DMX2.

Holes drilled in the ceiling accept individual fiber strands. The other end of the fiber is collected in a common input, terminated, and inserted into a light source. The light source is placed in the ceiling or in a nearby closet. LED, Quartz halogen, and HID light sources are typical power supplies for Star Scenes.

As the star field technique gained notoriety, several manufacturers developed "kits" for sale direct (via the internet) or through distribution as DIY products.

These systems 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. The terminations are high quality (far less likely to burn or melt), and there is no measuring, or cutting.

We also offer a pre drilled/pre-installed fiber in 2x2' or 2x4' ceiling or acoustic panels per architect's spec. IC Lights Dealers 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 IC Lights Dealers' or contractor's responsibilities.

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 these systems, 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.

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 lamp changing) , but this limits the pattern coverage when using a system - unless an extension bundle is used.

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.

Site location is an important consideration. In the city, far fewer stars are seen than if the observer is in the suburbs or a rural area. For general consideration, a star density 1.5 - 3 stars per sq ft is used. This number can also vary with the type of light source used, the ambient lighting, the distance of the star field from the viewer, and the desired effect, i.e. to create the illusion of a galaxy, densities 2-3x the above are required.

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 Scenes do not use DMX.