Phantom Lighting System

Labels: Agents Factory Lighting, Art Lighting Manufacturers, Fine Art Light, Lightfair Light Fair

posted by xinger  # 5:46 PM

I am trying to understand how the Phantom Contour Projector technically works. Do you have a section or cut away illustration showing all the internal components of the lighting fixture, especially the lenses in the optical chamber? Thanks

The PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR utilizes a 75-watt MR16/FO lamp designed originally for the fiber optic industry. This lamp produces a 13mm diameter circle of light at the focal point roughly 40mm from the lamp. The highly concentrated halogen light then passes through a 13mm aperture basically removing any stray light created by the lamp reflector and redirecting it inside the projector housing.

This focused light then passes through two Pyrex glass condenser lenses. The first lens is a 60mm, 75fl BCX (bi-convex) lens. The second lens is a 60mm, 150fl PCX (plano-convex) lens. Both condenser lenses collect the light and magnify the intensity of the light as it travels through the condenser assembly.

After passing through the masking ring, which holds the shutters or confinement plate, the light is then reprocessed and distributed to the art by one or more 39mm, 75fl Pyrex glass focal lenses. The focal lenses are the one variable in the system that allow the installer to manipulate the beam of light from a spot to a flood. All other lenses are fixed. The lighting designers at Phantom Lighting System have been awarded a US PATENT for innovation and design.

Now you see why this type of equipment is so specialized and not marketed by every lighting manufacturer. Here at Phantom Lighting System, we are committed to producing only finest lighting instruments designed specifically for illuminating art. Check out our website at http://www.phantomlighting.com/ for more technical information of selecting focal lenses, determining where to mount the projector and photometric data.

Our lighting manufacturing plant is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Long Beach California, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles California.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact Tom Kretzschmar at 800-863-1184. Mr. Kretzschmar would be happy to answer any questions you have regarding the optical projector from Phantom Lighting System.

Labels: Art Lighting Manufacturers, Art Museum Lighting Fixtures, Fine Art Lighting Products, Optical Projector Lighting, Phantom Contour Projectors

posted by xinger  # 3:18 PM

I am trying to light an expensive oil painting that is installed above a fireplace in my study. I currently have an eyeball light that was installed by the builder that is horrible. The artist chose to seal the work with a varnish coat which reflects light. Since the art is installed above eye level, all I can see is glare when I view the art from my desk. Is there a light that won't reflect or some words of wisdom that you can share with me? The painting is very dark and must be lit to see the detail.

Unfortunately, glare is a very common problem when lighting art if the surface is reflective. There is a simple solution if you understand what is really happening. You have to understand that light travels in a straight line, as does the reflection. So it's not the light source, it the angle by which the light source is aimed. This is a phenomena called the angle of incidence, which is defined as the angle of incidence of a ray or beam is the angle measured from the ray to the surface normal. In other words, when light is pointed at a reflective surface the light or glare is reflected at the exact opposite angle.

By moving the light source forward or back, left or right you can redirect the glare out of your normal viewing angle. So if your viewing angle at your desk is left of the art, mount the projector to the left of your painting. Likewise, if your viewing angle at the desk is right of the art, mount the projector to the right of your painting. If you want proof or to test the theory, have someone hold up a flashlight from several angles while you are sitting at your desk. When the glare is squarely in your eyes, you are sitting in the angle of incidence.

Labels: Art Lighting Experts, Art Lighting Fixtures, Art Lighting Manufacturers, Art Museum Picture Lights, Art Projector Lighting, Fine art lighting

posted by xinger  # 8:00 AM

Labels: Art Lighting Manufacturers, Cabinet Lighting Manufacturer, Light Fair International, lightfair

posted by xinger  # 3:31 PM

I am interested in purchasing several of your Phantom Contour Projectors. However, I am confused by all the different housings that you offer. Which recessed model do I need for a clean ceiling appearance?

Thank you for your interest in our Phantom lighting projector. I am more than happy to discuss the various housings we offer and assist you in ordering the right fine art lighting equipment.

Basically, we have four different Phantom Contour Projector housings:

RM SERIES
The remodel housing is designed for adding the projector light without damage to the ceiling. For example, you can replace an old eyeball fixture or accent light with one of these housings. You simple enlarge the existing hole, remove the old recessed lighting fixture and install the new Phantom remodel housing. The remodel housing has a discrete round white ceiling plate with a 1/8" tapered beveled edge.

FF SERIES
The float finish housing is designed for the most attractive and discrete ceiling appearance. The 1/8" machined flange is securely attached to the ceiling during installation and then floated and textured and painted to match the ceiling. These trims can be wallpaper, faux painted or fabricated to match the ceiling finish.

TA SERIES
The top access housing is designed for commercial jobs or residences where is in not practical to install or service the light. This housing eliminates the need for scaffolding or man lifts to access the equipment. A special elongated trim is provided with the housing to finish off the ceiling penetration. Although convenient for tall ceilings, this particular housing is the most challenging when it comes to adjusting the projector.

NC SERIES
The new construction housing is designed for new work and old work if attic access is available. The housing comes with heavy duty fixture bars for installation during the framing stage. Just like the remodel housing the NC Series has the same discrete round white ceiling plate with a 1/8" tapered beveled edge.

The float finish housing is by far the most attractive and least obvious of the ceiling trims. If you go with the new construction housing or the remodeler housing, the ceiling plates look the same should you decide to add more in the future. Some people are funny about seeing ceiling plates and they tolerate speakers, smoke detectors and sprinkler heads. Ultimately, the decision is up to you. If it were my house, the FF Series is the way I would go.

For more information or to request a color brochure please visit our website http://www.phantomlighting.com/ or call us toll free 800-863-1184.

Our lighting manufacturing facility is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Long Beach California, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles California.

Labels: Art Lighting Experts, Fine Art Lighting Products, Phantom Contour Projectors, Picture Lighting

posted by xinger  # 2:21 PM

I am considering installing some new recessed art lighting fixtures in my home. The idea of a remodel housing and trim is very intriguing to me. How does your light fixture compare with other art lights on the market?

When you are talking about art lighting fixtures, you really have to break them down into three categories: Picture lights, accent lights and framing projectors.

Picture Lights
Surface mounted picture lights are the simplest form on art lighting used by galleries, consultants and homeowners. Picture lights are attached to the frame or wall and cords are either exposed or concealed behind the frame depending on the location of the receptacle. The picture light floods the art and produces heat that may be harmful to works of art. They are available in several styles and lengths to fit most art. Costs for this form of lighting is minimal.

Accent Lighting
Recessed accent light fixtures, typically MR16 fixtures, can be quite effective for illuminating art. The small aperture and high output of these lights makes them a favorite in both commercial and residential settings. The low voltage halogen light produces a good color and can be controlled to spot light or flood an object with light. MR16 lamps because of their dichroic reflectors are "Cool Beam" lamps and do not create harmful UV or infrared rays that damage art. Accent lights come in many shapes and sizes and are made by many manufacturers. Cost for this form of lighting is moderate.

Framing Projectors
Recessed optical framing projectors are by far the most dramatic and effective way to illuminate art or sculpture. Optical framing projectors produce a very high intensity focused light that can be manipulated to fit the exact contour of the object. Only a few companies promote optical framing projectors because they are so specialized and tedious to install. Some companies make simple framing projectors that must conform to a rigid formula and can only do square or rectangular art, masking the light with shutters. Others, are more complex and require a trained technician to hand cut templates masking the light to any shape. Costs for this form of lighting pictures can be high and does vary by manufacturer.

PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTORS are designed by a professional installer and have been engineered so a novice, do it yourselfer or qualified electrician can successfully illuminate art. The patented mounting method, simplified optical system and the ability to use both shutters and custom templates make this one of the most versatile and awesome fixtures on the market today. By shaping the light to only the canvas, the art takes on a "Lighted from within" look that can only be seen to appreciate.

Labels: Art Lighting Manufacturers, Art Museum Lighting Fixtures, Fine Art Light, Phantom Contour Optical Projectors, Picture Lighting

posted by xinger  # 11:49 AM

I am trying to calculate loads and select a transformer for a cove lighting job using your strip lights. I want to be sure that I am using the right size wire and fuses. Can you give me some pointers on what to do?

If you are not an electrician calculating wire size, amperage and fusing can be quite confusing. Let's take a look at calculating wire size first. All PHANTOM STRIP LIGHTS are fabricated with 16 gauge wire and have a maximum feed through capacity of 13.33 amps in a free air environment. In other words, it is not in a conduit with other wires that can entrap heat and affect the ampacity of the wire.

What amperage a wire can handle is decided by the wire size. Here are some examples:

• 16 gauge wire is rated for up to 10 amps
• 14 gauge wire is rated for up to 15 amps
• 12 gauge wire is rated for up to 20 amps
• 10 gauge wire is rated for up to 30 amps
• 8 gauge wire is rated for up to 40 amps

Labels: Cabinet Lighting, Fine art lighting equipmemt, Linear Strip Lighting Manufacturer, Low Voltage Display Lights, Phantom Lighting Strip Lights

posted by xinger  # 10:18 AM

My builder is suggesting that I use rope lighting in a large dining room cove. I am concerned that the light output will not be adequate to fill the entire ceiling. What assistance can you provide me on building the cove and the light source?

Rope lighting is a very effective way to illuminate small to medium sized coves. It's fairly inexpensive and for the most part does a very good job. However, for large coves in big rooms it is not what you need.

PHANTOM COVE LIGHTING STRIPS are commercial grade lighting strips that work well in both residential and commercial applications. They are available with LED energy saving lights, Xenon and Incandescent lamps up to 10 watts. Typical lamp spacing is 4" on center, so that can give you up to 30 watts per linear foot. Compare that to light rope at 5 watts a foot and you can easily see why Phantom cove lighting strips are much more high performance for large rooms. Phantom cove lights can also be field cut to fit radius coves.

One of the major mistakes that most builders make is fabricating the cove too small. This prevents the light from spreading out into the center of the room and creates hot spots from the lamps. Nothing looks worse than being able to count the number of LED light bulbs in the cove. A cove should resemble the size of a common rain gutter. Roughly 4" out from the wall and 4" down from the ceiling, and 2" deep are the minimum dimensions. The farther out from the wall and down from the ceiling the better the light distribution. If the cove is too deep it will create a shadow and prevent the light from spreading. By installing blocks and shimming the light up or down during the cove or cabinet lighting installation, you can fine tune it to perfection. Make sure the cove is continuous and not full of supports that would be in the way of the Phantom light fixtures.

Another common mistake that interior designer's and home owner's make for rooms with lighted coves is using a lacquer finish or reflective wallpaper on the ceiling. The results are disastrous! Always use a matte finish paint or non reflective material when selecting your finishes.

Cove lighting should not be used as the only light source in the room. Other lights in the room should be placed on separate dimmer switches creating a layered approach. Since the cove light is indirect, it is more of an LED accent lighting source than a general lighting source. Properly designed cove lighting can be a wonderful addition to any room or living space. It accents architecture, hand painted ceilings and provides a soft indirect light source.

Thank you for contacting Phantom Lighting System with your questions. We are here to help. Please contact us toll free at 800-863-1184 or visit our lighting blog or mobile website at for specification sheets, installation instructions, and general information.

Our lighting manufacturing plant is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents positioned throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Long Beach California, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles California.

Labels: Cove Light Rope, Cove Lighting Products, Lighting Manufacturer, Lightrope, Rope Lighting Fixtures

posted by xinger  # 8:48 AM

I am interested in lighting an antique cabinet. However, I do not want to see the lights or modify my cabinet to fit the lights. Can the lights be mounted vertically without damage to the cabinet?

PHANTOM STRIP LIGHTS can most certainly be installed in a vertical mounting position without having to modify the cabinet.

We have a special vertical trim that has a custom glare shield designed for just this type of application. The glare shield blocks your view of the light bulbs from angles up to 90 degrees. That means even from the most severe angles, you will not see the lamp but, enjoy the objects that are being illuminated.

The VM Series or Vertical Mount Series is a custom built low voltage lighting fixture that can be installed in cabinets with fixed or adjustable shelves. Whether you have wood shelves or glass shelves, the lights can be fabricated for a perfect fit. The metal trim can be field notched to clear the shelves and the lamps can be custom spaced for uniformity and even illumination. Small low voltage transformers power the lights and can be hidden either above or below the cabinet and used in combination with a dimmer control, the lighting is magical.

VM SERIES FEATURES

• Solid metal trim with glare shield specifically designed for vertical applications
• Designed for fixed wiring applications such as free standing furniture and antiques
• Perfect for retrofit or remodel applications
• Maximum shielding from extreme side view angles
• Multiple trim shapes available to seamlessly direct the light for custom applications
• ETL Approved

Phantom lighting is all about hiding the light source and installation techniques vary by wiring methods. Rather than take a stock fixture and modify it to fit your cabinet, we manufacture a custom fixture that is made especially for your job. So if you want to illuminate a cabinet, breakfront, armories or adjustable shelves, Phantom Lighting is right for you!

For more information on CUSTOM SHELF LIGHTING or ART LIGHTING PRODUCTS visit our website at http://www.phantomlighting.com/ or call toll free 800-863-1184 for product assistance or a color brochure.

Our lighting manufacturing operation is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Long Beach California, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles California.

Labels: Agents Factory Lighting, Cabinet Light, Cabinet Lighting, Low Voltage Display Lights, Phantom Lighting Strip Lights, Phantom Shelf Lighting Strips

posted by xinger  # 7:57 AM

My contractor suggested that I take a look at your adjustable shelf lighting system for some bookcases he is building for me. Can you please direct me to the right product for a new construction project. Thanks

PHANTOM STRIP LIGHTING SYSTEM can be installed in many different ways. For adjustable shelves, what you are looking for, the strip lighting system can be installed using two distinct wiring methods. The Phantom fixtures are the same, it is just the way the power is distributed to the individual shelves. The wiring method is so unique, that we were awarded a US Patent for the design and it carries an ETL Listing for safety and design. Here are links to both methods:

PHANTOM AE SERIES

Labels: Display Lights, Low Voltage Cabinet Lighting, Phantom Lighting System, Under Cabinet Lighting Manufacturer

posted by xinger  # 5:31 PM

I was doing some research on the web and to my pleasant surprise I discovered your Phantom Lighting System. I have never seen a picture light like this before. It is exactly the kind of lighting fixture I am looking for to highlight a very large contemporary work in my home.

Do you have any examples of installations that you have done with two or more Contour Projectors? I want to just light the art and not the wall around it. Can you send me a cut sheet on the lighting fixture that I can give to my electrician? Thanks for your help!

Shaping the light to fit the exact contour of the art is exactly what you can do with one or more CONTOUR PROJECTOR BY PHANTOM LIGHTING SYSTEM. Actually, lighting really large works of art is just one of the many benefits of using an optical framing projector such as the Phantom Contour Projector over other light sources. For example, you can't really do this with MR16 accent light and keep the light off the wall. At best, you can spot the art very nicely, but you will always have some spill light or shadows cast on the wall from the light source.

The two pictures above illustrate lighting a 13' wide painting with two CONTOUR PROJECTORS before the shutters were adjusted and after the shutters were adjusted. Note that the two circles of light cover the entire piece overlapping in the middle to evenly illuminate the entire canvas. The lights are mounted roughly 10' apart and are aiming at oblique angles to the art. The results are spectacular!

To learn more about Phantom Lighting System you can visit our informative lighting blog, or our website http://www.phantomlighting.com/ where we have cut sheets and installation instructions in PDF format that you can forward to or print out for your electrician. Feel free to call us toll free at 800-863-1184 for a color brochure.

Our lighting manufacturing facility is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Reno Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Phoenix Arizona, Atlanta Georgia, and Los Angeles California.

Labels: Art Lighting Experts, Art Lighting Manufacturers, Fine art lighting equipmemt, Picture Lights

posted by xinger  # 4:16 PM

Lighting works of art is never an easy task even for design professionals. Optical framing projectors, such as the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR, is one of a few specialty lighting fixtures that lighting designers, architects and art consultants use for these types of applications. This technology has been around for many years and was first introduced by an optical scientist named Rudolph Wendel. Mr. Wendel created this magical projector light which has thrilled art connoisseurs for years and was first used in the Louvre. Mr. Wendel's creation became the standard for fine art lighting worldwide.

Mr. Wendel's optical projector has evolved over the years and moved from an incandescent pre-focus light source to a 150-watt mini-can base halogen lamp. The halogen lamp produces a very white color of light that has good color rendering and is preferred by artists and collectors. Unfortunately, the halogen light source produces a tremendous amount of heat making the housing for the equipment large and bulky. Optically, the Wendelighting® optical projector is still the same today as it was when it was created by Rudolph Wendel. With changes in the energy code, advances in light sources and optical design, the Wendelighting® optical projector is being left behind by the Phantom Contour Projector

Today's standard for fine art illumination is the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR. This high performance optical framing projector utilizes a very special 75-watt MR16 lamp that was originally designed for the fiber optic industry. Fitted inside a unique optical chamber the light is magnified and distributed through a series of lenses creating a very intense focused low voltage halogen light source. This focused light is projected onto the art and then shaped to fit the exact contour of the object, regardless of the size, creating a lighted from with look. This is done with either a basic shuttering system or a custom metal confinement plate to mask the light. It is even possible to illuminate more than one object individually, from one Phantom light by using a hand cut brass confinement plate. In fact, the Phantom Contour Project is so unique and so effective, it is was recently granted a US PATENT for innovation and design. The housing is half the size of the Wendelighting® optical projector housing and produces more light with less heat.

Phantom Lighting System is an original equipment lighting manufacturer of specialty lighting fixtures for art and display lighting. Feel free to give Tom Kretzschmar a call toll free at 800-863-1184 for assistance. Our lighting manufacturing facility is located in Houston, Texas with professional lighting sales agents located throughout the United States that enable us to service all 50 states including Washington DC, Nashville Tennessee, Las Vegas Nevada. Portland Oregon, Oklahoma City Oklahoma, Tucson Arizona, Long Beach California, Atlanta Georgia, and Wendel California.

Whether you are lighting cabinets or illuminating art, Phantom Lighting System is right for you.

WENDELIGHTING® is a registered trademark of Jacksen International, LTD.

Labels: Fine Art Lighting Products, Light Projector, Lighting Pictures, Optical Framing Projectors, Optical Projectors

posted by xinger  # 8:17 PM

I am often asked, what is the best way to illuminate art? In my opinion, the Phantom Contour Projector is superior in performance and quality to other so called specialty lights in category of projector lights or picture lights, even the legendary Wendelighting® optical projector. When I light fine art, I use the Phantom Contour Projector whenever possible.

Labels: Art Museum Lighting Fixtures, Fine art lighting, Optical Projector Lighting, Phantom Contour Projectors, Picture Lighting

posted by xinger  # 10:17 PM