Micro Star spacing on wood deck handrail?

[Geordon]

I would like to use the Micro Star 100 (1 led) assemblies for my deck project. I have a hardwood deck with a 55' perimeter wood handrail at 36", posts spaced 54" to 58" apart (on center), and railing infill with 10 horizontal runs of 1/8" SS cable. I have seen various illumination pictures of the MicroStar track lights, but think the Model 100 might give a cleaner installation look. All I want to do is light up the cables in a downlight fashion by drilling a 1/4" hole and inserting the fixture into the bottom of the handrail. I will use similar spacing for the stairs, which will probably give me a lit walkway, too. What would you recommend for spacing?


After viewing the product images and specs, it just dawned on me that this looks like a Nichia 312BS epoxied into a wood post protector sleeve. I don't need the grommet, and I have seen the sleeves sell between $0.39 and $1.35 apiece, and the Nichia 310DS or 510DS for $0.85 shipped. Or go with the Radio Shack 5mm. If this is the case, maybe I could make my own assemblies for $2 to $3 each. Is there an advantage to 3mm or 5mm, if both fit into the sleeve? I think the 1/4" OD sleeves support a 3/16" cable.

Thank you,


Geordon

 

[Geordon]

bump...

I now have my railings up, so any guidance at this point would be appreciated. I did find out the Radio Shack 5mm LEDs won't slide into my 1/4" sleeves, as the O.D. of the the LED shoulder is greater than the I.D. of the sleeve, so if I continue with these LEDs, I will need to get a larger insert sleeve to house them. So, I am back to the question of 3mm LEDs or just spending the money on Microstars at $8 apiece.

Thanks.

 

[jason 77]

Some links to these "micro star" LEDs might help, also some pictures of your deck and these sleeves you are trying to cram 5mm LEDs into.

 

[Geordon]

Some links to these "micro star" LEDs might help, also some pictures of your deck and these sleeves you are trying to cram 5mm LEDs into.

Sorry, I thought the Suncor Microstar was a popular light. The first link has decent prices on the 24v white, while the second would be for 12v white.
http://www.pyacht.com/suncor-microstar.htm
http://www.berkeleypoint.com/products/light_fixtures/100.html

For the protector sleeves, scroll down this page:
http://www.cablerail.com/custom/nutsandbolts.shtml

These are the Radio Shack 5mm LEDs:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3060980

Deck pictures. I have not yet installed the top rail or the other 9 cable runs. The distance from the deck surface to the bottom of the subrail is 33 5/8", cable spacing is 3 1/16" on center, and the inner distance between the 4x4 posts varies from approximately 50" to 58".
http://www.mediafire.com/i/?m5u798kklcimq3d

 

[boonelumber]

When installing railings on your decks, you need to be extra careful. There are certain factors to consider before you push thru with your project. If you have kids at home that can easily fit in between railings, then make sure to build your rails close to each other to prevent anyone from falling. Also use materials that will be able to hold up in a durable manner.

 

[Geordon]

When installing railings on your decks, you need to be extra careful. There are certain factors to consider before you push thru with your project. If you have kids at home that can easily fit in between railings, then make sure to build your rails close to each other to prevent anyone from falling. Also use materials that will be able to hold up in a durable manner.

Thank you for the suggestions. I have no concerns about the durability of the materials used, and the cable spacing is well within the 4" code. I had no railings whatsoever for a year, and now have the cable pulled. My 4-year old has not tried anything dangerous. She is even able to navigate the steps, and those are barely framed in with no decking or railings.

I am going with the Nichia 310DS LEDs for my lighting projects. Using Radio Shack 5mm bulbs, I determined my spacing should not exceed 9" - 10", and not be closer than 6". I am sure this will differ from the 310DS, but, it gave me a rough guess for ordering the quantity of 3mm bulbs I may need.