Directional
Lamp Selection & Spacing
(Inverse
Square Law & Beam Angle)
Probably the most important method when it comes to directional
lighting (i.e., flood, spot, PAR, MR16, etc.) is the Inverse Square
Law. LightCalc makes its use a snap.
The designer simply enters the room and counter heights and the program instantly provides the CandlePower necessary to provide the desired footcandle level.
Enter the beam angle of the lamp you want to use and LightCalc creates a section view of the cones of light correctly spaced and dimensioned.
Change the ceiling height and the cones of light are redrawn and redimensioned for you. and the CandlePower recalculated.
You can insert a section of cabinetry and the cones of light are shifted and redimensioned to prevent unsightly scallops and shadows.
You won't believe how easy it is to determine the appropriate fixtures and lamps with LightCalc!!
Vaulted
Ceiling
(Inverse
Square Law)
LightCalc
will compare lamps at various heights, footcandle levels and lamp
candlepower.
Pendants
(islands, etc.)
(Inverse
Square Law & Beam Angle)
Sometimes it is necessary to drop the lamps from the ceilings;
islands, vaulted ceilings, etc. LightCalc allows the designer
to set the ceiling at any height and drop the lamps to any height
above the workplane (counter). LightCalc will dimension and do
all the calculations as in the "Directional Lamp Selection &
Spacing" section above.
General
Lighting (Lumen Method)
For fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps, LightCalc will
determine the number of lamps needed and their spacing using the
Lumen Method (a cumbersome trial and error method by hand). The
program will even suggest a ceiling layout so you can get a fast
start on your reflected ceiling plan.
Art
Lighting
(Inverse Square Law)
Trying to
predetermine the amount of coverage on a piece of artwork has always
been hit and miss. With LightCalc, the designer sizes and
places the artwork on the wall, places the lamp any dimension out
from the wall and LightCalc will draw the ellipse of light
created by one or multiple lamps. All necessary dimensions are given.
Change the beam angle and the ellipse changes instantly to preview
the change.
FootCandles and the CandlePower necessary are given at every change.
If you have the book, "Kitchen & Bath Lighting... made easy," the new art window is like Chapter 7 on steroids!
Finally, the visually oriented designer can see what they are actually going to get prior to installation..
Color
& Reflectance
Light
reflecting from the materials and colors in a room adds to the
illumination provided by the lamps. The darker the colors in the
room, the more powerful the lamps need to be to provide the necessary
illumination (FootCandle level).
You simply click the colors found in the room and LightCalc will calculate the overall reflectance and automatically adjust the FootCandle level. If the colors have not been selected, LightCalc will assume an appropriate average.
FootCandle
The
appropriate light level will be different for various tasks. It takes
more light to thread a needle than to have a conversation for
example. The IES has set recommended levels for these tasks and the
rooms in which they occur. LightCalc determines the correct
lighting level for any room and any activity by simply clicking on a
room (kitchen, bath, office, etc.) or activity (sewing, reading,
painting, etc.). If the designer has identified the colors to be used
in the room, LightCalc adjusts for the reflectance and
provides the FootCandle level for general, task and art.
For universal design purposes, LightCalc adjusts for clients over 55 years of age who require more light. Of course, the lighting designer may override this feature if desired.
Lux to
FootCandle Conversion
LightCalc
allows the designer to quickly convert from Lux to FootCandles and
back again. If you have ever used European light fixtures, you will
realize how much time this can save. Manufacturers of such fixtures
are: Hafele, Hera, Hettich, etc.
CandlePower
The
Art , General
& Task ,
Pendant ,
and Vaulted
Ceilings
features are all based on the Inverse Square Law. When the
lamp is moved up or down, the CandlePower necessary to provide the
desired FootCandle level is automatically recalculated so the
appropriate lamp can be selected.
On-line
Help
LightCalc
comes complete with an on-line help system that takes you, step by
step, through the use of the program and your lighting plan. Included
with the help file are: