I have been researching this and IMO this is way too expensive...
3200.00 Wow! I do installations of fiberoptic ceilings all over the country and for that size you could afford to fly me out to the job and do it for you . including all the materials .lol. BTW I am not soliciting the job just offering an opinion on the price

This thread is great! I am excited about installing a starfield either in my sons room ceiling or my basement HT or both.

Here is my question or two: My basement has low ceilings and is finished. If i want the lowest profile starfield ceiling to be installed over the sheetrock, what do you suggest and what would the overall thickness of the added starfield be? That is how skinny can i go?

Second, there are 6 hihats in the ceiling already that i rarely use. Can the starfield cover the ceiling and then i lower (or recess) the hihats through the ceiling? Or maybe remove the hithats and use that elec power for the starfield?

Lastly are people happy using the rigid insulation? i would prefer that for the lightness and easier working since i am not that woodworking savvy.
I would say to get rid of the hi hats because they take away from the effect of a star ceiling.As to the spacing issue it depends on which company you buy the fibers from. Some have a round semi rigid jacket and it is not known for its bending quality. However you can get raw fiber (this can become a mess and once fiber gets tangled you will go crazy trying to untangle it) there are some companies that have a flat vinyl case that lays as flat as the fiber will allow so you could actually have less than a half inch of space for all your fibers if you mount the illuminator in a remote location

Hi Guys
I,m new to the forum , and wanted to say how impressed with all your work, so much so that I just have to build one off the Star Panel,s!!!!
They just look stunning.

I,ve decided on an 8 x 4 panel , to start with anyway.

I think I want to use the LED Kit offered by Starceiling-Designer , the
DIY Animated Star Ceiling Kit, its says 12 x 6 coverage , but would it be to much for an 8 x 4 panel ?

Have a few other questions.

I want to keep it light, and make it like a tray so that I can include a Blue led rope light , inside the tray , so that when i mount it say an inch off the ceiling I can have a concealed lighting source as well as the fibers

Question is what would be strong and yet light enough ?
I was thinking 1 x 2,s for a frame , and the Styrafoam 8 x 4 sheet covered in black cloth .

How much depth would i need to leave to allow the led fiber units and control pcb to be mounted on the foam ?

Any suggestions greatly accepted :-)
would you consider LED lights for the tray? Rope lights tend to throw shadows and the bulbs burn out much quicker than LED's. Another thing to consider is the distance from the tray to the reflected surface that your lights will be aimed at. To close and you will have hot spots and shadows .

Thanx rob k, for the help in answering the questions :)

U have send me PM , where is the gallery where u have my pictures posted?

Anyway, some news on the side here is picture of the all-in-one unit what is out now, there is nothing what this thing cant do. Shooting star, color, twinkle, moon mode, USB inside, and all in a flat housing what fits in the 2x2 framing. Like u see it has 15 light ports, 9 white for shooting star, constellation show or moon mode. 3 White for twinkle or constellation and 3 RGB ports for milky way, satellite blinking, and so on. this thing can do anything. And if not we make it work. like usual.

http://www.starceiling-designer.com/catalog/P6071220.JPG

And the second is our smallest and simple system but it has automatic color change and Twinkle in 2 speeds and solid white. But no Remote, just plug it in switch it on and enjoy.

http://www.starceiling-designer.com/catalog/P6071225.JPG


Best regards Stardesigner

Do you have a photo of the unit with fiber attached? I'm trying to get a visual on how this set up works.

Thanks,

Do you have a photo of the unit with fiber attached? I'm trying to get a visual on how this set up works.

Thanks,

which one u mean ? big or small ?

Big, please....

Thanks,

Big, please....

Thanks,

Here u can see how the fibers will be inserted, its just a example ,
what i just made for u
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/catalog/P6111254.JPG

U also can see the usb cable plugged in the right side.

oh and here is a close up of the ports.
From left to right:
DipSwitch to select pre mode, Extension port , IR Sensor Port, USB Port

http://www.starceiling-designer.com/catalog/USB%20Closeup.JPG

And one more where u can see the 3 color channels all have a different color.
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/catalog/2010rgb.JPG

Best regards
StarDesigner.

Excellent follow up! Thanks. The reason I ask is if I decide later to "upgrade" my panels, I wanted to know if I could just plug my fiber into your unit and take advantage of the added features. I have three 4X8 foot panels with the fiber bundles exiting at the end. I have access to all of my jacketed fiber bundles. I am not a fan of colored stars, but am interested in the potential of shooting stars.

Thanks again for taking the time to post your unit with fibers installed. A picture is worth a thousand words :)

StarDesiger,

That all-in-one unit looks amazing! I've sent ya an email...

Greg

StarDesiger,

That all-in-one unit looks amazing! I've sent ya an email...

Greg

i got ure email, and i will get back to u later on tonight or tomorrow, since i work right now a fiber calculator what u can use then as a guni pig : )

If u dont mind...

best regards
StarDesigner

I see your website says you have a starfield calculator coming soon. If you have a version you would like tested, I would be happy to do so.

Greg

stardesigner, I have planned on using your system once I finish my theater. Since my ceiling will be 8x13.5, I will need to have 4 pannels. I liked how you could just daisy chain link each pannel by just a cat 5 cable on the old system. With this new system, would I need to have this controller in the middle of the 4 pannels and run all the fibers to it from each pannel, or can you remotely control some lights with the old systems illuminator and link it to the new system?

Thanks.

Here is the calculator as a beta test version, it is still a lot to do,
but square ceilings works ok , i think.

I am not so a good windows programmer, i love more the hardware.
And the software should update it self when i have new releases on the server
And nice ceiling, by the way..

Best regards
Anubisbot

stardesigner, I have planned on using your system once I finish my theater. Since my ceiling will be 8x13.5, I will need to have 4 pannels. I liked how you could just daisy chain link each pannel by just a cat 5 cable on the old system. With this new system, would I need to have this controller in the middle of the 4 pannels and run all the fibers to it from each pannel, or can you remotely control some lights with the old systems illuminator and link it to the new system?

Thanks.

I have the same question planning on ordering next month and will have 9 panels. Loved the idea of having cat 5 plug in at every panel not having to fish fiber everywhere.

Thanks
Todd

I have the same question planning on ordering next month and will have 9 panels. Loved the idea of having cat 5 plug in at every panel not having to fish fiber everywhere.

Thanks
Todd

Hi Todd,

the new system 2010 is in a center place in the ceiling.
And so it uses some more fiber, but less hardware, and the installation
is far less complicated than the old system.And from the functions, it has more setup options than ever. And the most important thing is it is in a enclosure.

I have found out that the most broken light units what i had for replacement
where due to no enclosure and wrong handling while installing.

The 2010 is not for monster ceilings over 150 sq ft, and for that i still make custom jobs, but for 90% the 2010 is the way to go.

And the fiber installation is almost as simple as before.

And to use multiple panels is no bigi, just mount the 2010 in the center of the ceiling framing. Then u measure the distance to each panels outside, add 2-3 feet for the later routing of the fiber bundle.

Then cut the fiber into bundles with the amount of stars needed for each of the panels.

Then u prep the panels with the fiber, glue, trim and then mount it on the ceiling , take screw able cable ties and route the fiber bundle along the framing to the center and the 2010 unit. repeat the last steps for the other panels.

And for the question if u can use old together with the new one, no.
Do i still have the old kits ? Yes, but i don't sell them any more soldered up.
I will offer them as PCB's Set(Controller, 4 light units, USB dongle, incl parts list for digikey.com) So u can solder ures up and save big.

But there will be no support for it, and no warrenty.

On the other side the 2010 and 2009 are now with 5 year warrenty.
The longest in this price class. What u will find.



But over all that, u know for $$$ we do everything : )

Best regards
StarDesigner

Hi folks. I got my parts for my star ceiling yesterday. I'm wonder if there's an easy way to unscrew the light unit if you've attempted to screw it to your fiber. Mine click in place and I haven't figured out how to unscrew. I'd like to build a prototype of a panel first, which probably means I'll need to unscrew what I have at least once. Hopefully this is simply and I'm missing something obvious. StarDesigner, or one of the other owners - can you enlighten me? Thanks,

-Ryan

Hi folks. I got my parts for my star ceiling yesterday. I'm wonder if there's an easy way to unscrew the light unit if you've attempted to screw it to your fiber. Mine click in place and I haven't figured out how to unscrew. I'd like to build a prototype of a panel first, which probably means I'll need to unscrew what I have at least once. Hopefully this is simply and I'm missing something obvious. StarDesigner, or one of the other owners - can you enlighten me? Thanks,

-Ryan

Hi, yes the new caps have lock grid inside , so when u screw them tight they stay tight.

But u can unscrew them. For that use a plummer wrench and hold with it the bottom part of the screw cap, and then use a second wrench or ure hands to unscrew, it will make some noise, but thats not bad.

But please dont hold it on the rear end of the light unit, or u will twist more the pcb the green board, and will damage the light unit.

So unly hold it on the top plastic part.

I hope that helps, let me know

Best regards StarDesigner.

Hi, yes the new caps have lock grid inside , so when u screw them tight they stay tight.

But u can unscrew them. For that use a plummer wrench and hold with it the bottom part of the screw cap, and then use a second wrench or ure hands to unscrew, it will make some noise, but thats not bad.

But please dont hold it on the rear end of the light unit, or u will twist more the pcb the green board, and will damage the light unit.

So unly hold it on the top plastic part.

I hope that helps, let me know

Best regards StarDesigner.

That makes perfect sense and worked great. Thanks! Now I need to build a panel and play around with a design to get it on the ceiling. I'll report back with progress as I go forward.

-Ryan

Hi, i just want to let all know, from the 18.th to the 25th. of Jun i will be on a trip in the USA, and as soon i am back i will start to work myself through all the mails then.

So all of u how want some more info before that or need assistance in design , write me a mail.

Best regards
StarDesigner.

Thanks for answering my questions.

Now for more questions each of my tiles are apx. 4x5 feet which puts me at under 200 square feet. Could I just get two of the new units and divide the ceiling 4 tiles on one 5 on the other. Would also like to mount the control unit right next to the ceiling not in it so if it needs service would be easer to get to would that be a problem longest fiber run should not be more then 10'. Do you thank this will work.


Todd

Thanks for answering my questions.

Now for more questions each of my tiles are apx. 4x5 feet which puts me at under 200 square feet. Could I just get two of the new units and divide the ceiling 4 tiles on one 5 on the other. Would also like to mount the control unit right next to the ceiling not in it so if it needs service would be easer to get to would that be a problem longest fiber run should not be more then 10'. Do you thank this will work.


Todd

It will be posible to link 2 light units together, but , the software for that, is not written, jet, and will take some time over the summer.

But as soon i am back i will start producing extension units for the 2010.
They will have each 4 light terminals. so u have 3 white and 1 color.
and they will look like the small light unit what i have posted in one of the last posts.

They will act in sync with the 2010 then to increase the fiber amount what can be used or to cover bigger ceilings.

Best regards StarDesigner

That sound great.:D I am not in that big of a hurry. Would like to start make panels sometime before the end of August. I will what for word on your thread. Thanks again for your quick answers looking forward to seeing the final product.

Todd

Hi, this files will allow the beta software to update it self, from my webserver .
This is the star field calculator and Unit Control.

are the stars supposed to be turned off after the movie begins?

just wondering what effect they have on image quality

are the stars supposed to be turned off after the movie begins?

just wondering what effect they have on image quality

The stars can be dimmed with the remote, so they are not so bright.

StarDesigner, Your new product looks fantastic. Very nice. What I have is sufficient for my need but if I hadn't bought yet I would have definately jumped on this.

Let me ask for those of us that bought your 1st Generation product, I know you recently released the dongle for us to be able to do firmware updates. Will there be any furter support for that, or is the last update that you did basically it? I haven't bought the dongle yet as I have not installed my Star Ceiling yet but when I do I want to make sure the dongle will be available for my needs of tweaking some of the settings. Thanks.

StarDesigner, Your new product looks fantastic. Very nice. What I have is sufficient for my need but if I hadn't bought yet I would have definately jumped on this.

Let me ask for those of us that bought your 1st Generation product, I know you recently released the dongle for us to be able to do firmware updates. Will there be any furter support for that, or is the last update that you did basically it? I haven't bought the dongle yet as I have not installed my Star Ceiling yet but when I do I want to make sure the dongle will be available for my needs of tweaking some of the settings. Thanks.

Hi, the dongle will be still avalible, and i will still support the old system.
Those how have a dongle, i made custom changes for to tweak the ceiling
for there needs.

So when u are ready with installing , and need a dongle now problem.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Since StarDesigner is out of town, I figured I'd post here. I have one of the "old" kits from him. This consists of the previous main controller, 6 drivers, fiber, etc. He included the USB dongle and universal remote in my shipment. I'm trying to get the remote working in my prototype setup and I'm not getting any response at all. I'm wondering how to proceed from here. The remote is one he sent, so I figured it was already setup, but perhaps I need to do some setup first?

-Ryan

Since StarDesigner is out of town, I figured I'd post here. I have one of the "old" kits from him. This consists of the previous main controller, 6 drivers, fiber, etc. He included the USB dongle and universal remote in my shipment. I'm trying to get the remote working in my prototype setup and I'm not getting any response at all. I'm wondering how to proceed from here. The remote is one he sent, so I figured it was already setup, but perhaps I need to do some setup first?

-Ryan

Hi,

since the new post law does not allow me to send the remote with battery's,
so i can not pre programm them. But thats simple.

Press the white TV button
Press and hold Code Search button until the red light stays on
press 0414 and the red light on the remote will go off

I also send u a pdf with the functions.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Hi,

since the new post law does not allow me to send the remote with battery's,
so i can not pre programm them. But thats simple.

Press the white TV button
Press and hold Code Search button until the red light stays on
press 0414 and the red light on the remote will go off

I also send u a pdf with the functions.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Thanks again for the quick response! I got the remote working (at least sort of - I can change colors, but didn't get the dimming figured out.) I attempted to download the firmware software from your site, but the link is broken. Can you send me that or let me know where to download?

I'm using 2" thick insulation (at least in my prototype) and my small 1/16" drill bit wasn't long enough to drill holes tonight. I'll try to get a longer one tomorrow and see how that goes.

-Ryan

Thanks again for the quick response! I got the remote working (at least sort of - I can change colors, but didn't get the dimming figured out.) I attempted to download the firmware software from your site, but the link is broken. Can you send me that or let me know where to download?

I'm using 2" thick insulation (at least in my prototype) and my small 1/16" drill bit wasn't long enough to drill holes tonight. I'll try to get a longer one tomorrow and see how that goes.

-Ryan

Hi,
u have already the new firmware on the controller.
For dimming, the stars, use the volume +- and channel +-

Below u find the pdf with more info .
Best regards
StarDesigner

Hi,
u have already the new firmware on the controller.
For dimming, the stars, use the volume +- and channel +-

Below u find the pdf with more info .
Best regards
StarDesigner

That helps - I was looking at your SCD Install V2.pdf which has different remote commands so I was confused. I'll check out the dimming - I wasn't sure if that was working last night, but I'll try again later today. Thanks again,

-Ryan

The design I'm working on will attach insulation panels with furring strips to my ceiling - probably using velcro. My first pass is a 2" furring strip adhered to the insulation and then all covered in fabric. I chose 2" based on notes I've seen from StarDesigner, but I'm wondering if I can use a smaller distance to help minimize weight. The light emitters are just about 1", so I'm hoping that 1 1/2" or 1 1/4" are enough. Is there any reason I must use a 2" clearance or is that more of a recommendation that a requirement? Thanks,

-Ryan

The design I'm working on will attach insulation panels with furring strips to my ceiling - probably using velcro. My first pass is a 2" furring strip adhered to the insulation and then all covered in fabric. I chose 2" based on notes I've seen from StarDesigner, but I'm wondering if I can use a smaller distance to help minimize weight. The light emitters are just about 1", so I'm hoping that 1 1/2" or 1 1/4" are enough. Is there any reason I must use a 2" clearance or is that more of a recommendation that a requirement? Thanks,

-Ryan

The 2" inch is needed for the controller card, if u have the card beside the ceiling, 1-1/4 ok.

All new system need 2" inch !!

Best regards
StarDesigner

Just getting caught up in this thread. Very cool stuff.
I like the new 4-port SCD 2009. But it doesn't have a remote? That's a bummer. How would you dim it the stars?

I'm in the middle of my prototype effort and I've documented it in my build thread. Instead of posting all that in two places, here's a link to that post if you're interested.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14151445#post14151445

-Ryan

Im about to get started on my star ceiling and im trying to decide what fabric to use. I am using dazian celtic cloth on the front wall and could order it for the star ceiling as well. If i did this it would come in 122' width which would do my entire ceiling with no seems. However, im slowly realizing that trying to do such a big panel would be very difficult. StarDesigner linked me a while back to some stretch velveteen and I was thinking of using that with just one seem. Are people able to see the seems or should i just stop worrying about them and go ahead with it.

Im about to get started on my star ceiling and im trying to decide what fabric to use. I am using dazian celtic cloth on the front wall and could order it for the star ceiling as well. If i did this it would come in 122' width which would do my entire ceiling with no seems. However, im slowly realizing that trying to do such a big panel would be very difficult. StarDesigner linked me a while back to some stretch velveteen and I was thinking of using that with just one seem. Are people able to see the seems or should i just stop worrying about them and go ahead with it.

dont worry, the 1 seam u will have when using velveteen, dont show.
So, u can go ahead.

Best regards
StarDesigner

I had the same question as Andy238 about the remote for the new version. Thinking on it further, I would also like to use fiber optics for my bar located in the back of the theater. For this reason, I'm thinking that it would be best for me to use the old version that can be 'daisy chained' with cat 5.

I saw the post earlier that you'd be willing to sell the pcb's and parts list for the older version. Is this still a possibility? Or, I don't mind buying two of the new version controllers if there'd be a remote option available.

I had the same question as Andy238 about the remote for the new version. Thinking on it further, I would also like to use fiber optics for my bar located in the back of the theater. For this reason, I'm thinking that it would be best for me to use the old version that can be 'daisy chained' with cat 5.

I saw the post earlier that you'd be willing to sell the pcb's and parts list for the older version. Is this still a possibility? Or, I don't mind buying two of the new version controllers if there'd be a remote option available.

No the last 10 i have sold to a guy in italy . and now i only have a few left for replacement if a customer units should brake down.

The 2010 has full ir support.

Best regards
StarDesigner

OK. I think the 2010 would be overkill for my application, and it still wouldn't get me to the bar (unless i got really long fiber, which i suppose, could be an option). Maybe I could control the 2009 via a controllable electrical outlet. Dimming is probably overrated anyway ;)

Im about to get started on my star ceiling and im trying to decide what fabric to use. I am using dazian celtic cloth on the front wall and could order it for the star ceiling as well. If i did this it would come in 122' width which would do my entire ceiling with no seems. However, im slowly realizing that trying to do such a big panel would be very difficult. StarDesigner linked me a while back to some stretch velveteen and I was thinking of using that with just one seem. Are people able to see the seems or should i just stop worrying about them and go ahead with it.

I'm using the dazian celtic for the same reasons - I used it on my soffits and screen wall as well. The seams are really hidden in low light and you don't see them. There is a bit of a sheen and seemingly a direction to the weave of the fabric. Randy (HeyNow - I think) posted about his experience with the fabric too. He didn't recommend it but I already have mine so that's way I'm going. I'm also concerned about sound treatment and using a velvet or velveteen has absorption qualities that will affect your room. Just a thought,

-Ryan

Hey TedX,

I asked Stardesigner about dimming the 2009 unit and he said it can't be done with IR. He did say it can be plugged in to an X10 outlet to turn it on/off though (no dimming).

For me not having IR dimming is a deal breaker. And, like you, the 2010 unit is waaay overkill for my 6x8 area and my wallet. So I had to go elsewhere for my dimmable illuminator.

Stardesigner, your products and services are awesome but, this is just my opinion, I think it wasn't a good move to only offer IR dimming control on your highest end unit. Seems like you have the $100 2009 unit with great features but no IR and a $300 unit with every feature under the sun including IR. There is no middle ground mid-priced ($150-ish) option. If you had a 2009 unit with IR for $150, I would've bought it in a heartbeat.

Keep up the good work.

Hi, i know and i already started on the drawings for the 2009/IR version.

I hope they will be ready for shipping in about 3-4 weeks.:D

But i will add them to my shop as a pre-order item tonight .
The price will be around 169$ for the light unit incl a remote.

The functions will be on/off, dimming,twinkle, color select and automatic color change.

Then i should have my product line complete soon.

Like always ure feedback is important for me , so i can develop what is needed most.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Hi StarDesigner,

Sent you a PM.

Thanks,

Greg

Hi StarDesigner,

Sent you a PM.

Thanks,

Greg

The power supply's cord is about 5 'ft to the controller.
So u should have ure power outlet in a 5'ft radius to the controller.

Best regards
StarDesigner

interested in this but i suck at building anything. are you ever in the nyc area? i'll pay for your labor of course :)

Well shoot, StarDesigner! :eek: We didn't you say so earlier?

Too late for me since I already bought another one. BUT if you need someone to review/beta test/try out your new design I'd be more than happy to help you out. Just shoot me a PM ;)

Andy

Thanks StarDesigner! Can you give us the dimensions for the controller (LxWXH) as well? Can it be mounted vertically on a wall with screws?

Greg

Thanks StarDesigner! Can you give us the dimensions for the controller (LxWXH) as well? Can it be mounted vertically on a wall with screws?

Greg

The 2010 is
L 9" x W 8" x H 1.8"

It can be mounted with screws on the wall or ceiling.

Best regards
StarDesigner

hey star,

sent you another email but if you didn't recieve it , isent a pm with the whole message....

thank you

Well shoot, StarDesigner! :eek: We didn't you say so earlier?

Too late for me since I already bought another one. BUT if you need someone to review/beta test/try out your new design I'd be more than happy to help you out. Just shoot me a PM ;)

Andy

Now, you should have known StarDesigner would come through. He alway does :)

Well, I guess another upgrade path isn't all bad :D

You said that the 2010 is 1.8" thick. I thought it was going to be 1.5" thick which would fit under 1/2" MDF on a 2 x 2 mounted to the ceiling. Since the 2 x 2 is actually 1.5" thick, any ideas of what to use to get the 1.8" thickness under the MDF, other than using firing strips on the 2 x2's?

I don't know what you call it exactly, craft wood maybe? Anyway, Lowes has a nice selection of thin cut wood in various widths and thicknesses. Anywhere from 1/8 to 3/4 inch thick and 1-4 foot lengths. It's in the moulding area near the oak and poplar wood.

I suppose you could use that as a shim so to speak under the 2x2s. Just a thought.

I know I could always use 1/4 inch plywood cut as a shim. But with a ceiling height of only 7' 5", I just don't want to give anything up, or make more work for myself.

Also, I thought this new system was designed to fit between 2x2's. I guess I am wrong.

Hi,

The 2x2 is working good.
When i buy here at my local wood store 2x2, i get 2" inch by 2" inch.
Not 1.5 or so. Just let the guy how sells the wood know what u exact want.

Oh and the height is 1.675 inch to be correct :cool:


Best regards
StarDesigner

hey star,

sent you another email but if you didn't recieve it , isent a pm with the whole message....

thank you

hey star,

sent you another email but if you didn't recieve it , isent a pm with the whole message....

thank you

sorry didnt got ure email, i think, i get around 200 a day : )
And please include in the email the forum name so i can match the emails

So please send it again or pm

Best regards
StarDesigner

sorry didnt got ure email, i think, i get around 200 a day : )
And please include in the email the forum name so i can match the emails

So please send it again or pm

Best regards
StarDesigner

pmed you again.. thank you

I have a quick question for those of you who have installed your fiber already. I have a low-temperature glue gun which I plan to use to glue the fibers to my board. Is this what others have done? My prototype just used blue painter's tape - but I've seen glue elsewhere and I wanted to check here first before I start gluing later tonight. :)

-Ryan

I have a quick question for those of you who have installed your fiber already. I have a low-temperature glue gun which I plan to use to glue the fibers to my board. Is this what others have done? My prototype just used blue painter's tape - but I've seen glue elsewhere and I wanted to check here first before I start gluing later tonight. :)

-Ryan

Hi, glue guns, are not good, eaven if its a low temp.
It my melt the fiber, but just give it a try, on a scrap piece.
Let the gun heat up for 5 minutes and then try it.

Other wise epoxy glue or wood glue work.
Silicone and acrylic clacking work.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Thanks - I'll stick with wood glue and painter's tape then.

Does anyone know how to determine if you have a dead light emitter? I had one which worked on my panel, but then I put the panel up and it isn't working now. It doesn't seem to matter which cables are plugged into port 1 and port 4 on the controller, nor which is plugged into the emitter - my loop simply stops at that "bad" emitter and no longer works. Help!

-Ryan

Does anyone know how to determine if you have a dead light emitter? I had one which worked on my panel, but then I put the panel up and it isn't working now. It doesn't seem to matter which cables are plugged into port 1 and port 4 on the controller, nor which is plugged into the emitter - my loop simply stops at that "bad" emitter and no longer works. Help!

-Ryan

Hi,
sounds like one has gone bad from screwing.
But no problem send me the broken one and i send u a new one.
But the rest works ? when hocked up?

Bets regards
StarDesigner

Hi,
sounds like one has gone bad from screwing.
But no problem send me the broken one and i send u a new one.
But the rest works ? when hocked up?

Bets regards
StarDesigner

Thanks for the quick response (again!) It turned out to be a false alarm. I had not gotten a good connection on the end of my ethernet cable in that location. I simply replaced it and I was off and running. I'm very happy with the outcome - my ceiling looks great!

-Ryan

Thanks for the quick response (again!) It turned out to be a false alarm. I had not gotten a good connection on the end of my ethernet cable in that location. I simply replaced it and I was off and running. I'm very happy with the outcome - my ceiling looks great!

-Ryan

Great to hear that. When u have time please post some pictures.
Best regards
StarDesigner

Where Can I Get More Info About A Star Field Cieling?

Where Can I Get More Info About A Star Field Cieling?

Here on the 11 pages, or just ask what u want to know, and i will be happy to answer all questions.

Best regards
StarDesigner

So is the Velvet or velveteen the way to go for the darkest effect.

Its a dedicated theater and I just want to make sure I get these panels as dark as I can

Thanks
Richard

Yes the velveteen is the darkest, and most light absorbent material u can buy.
Best regards
StarDesigner

I would disagree with that statement, but there may be a difference in terms. I have tried both Velvet and Velveteen, and Velvet absorbs much more lite that the Velveteen. At least the stuff I tested did.

You can look at SandmanX's thread. He has pics of how much light black Fedilo (SP) velvet sucks up.

Hi folks,

I was wondering if anyone has connected one of their units to a grafik eye and used it as a dimmer. damnsam77 is inquiring if one of the units would work with this way.

FYI a grafik eye is multi zone dimmer comprising of either 2,3,4 of 6 zones.

I just noticed Stardesigners website says no dimmer for the 2009, probably the same for 2010?

You can set the starfield as one of the zones on your Grafik Eye, but you have to set the zone to be an on/off load (non dimming). First-on/last-off.

something i may have missed but is this led driven approach anywhere near as bright as a traditional light box? i keep hearing about super bright led's but i have yet to see anything that puts out light like a halogen bulb.

also, does the dimmer just cut to the new level or does it fade like my grafikeye?
\
thanks,

greg

LEDs don't turn yellow like Halogen bulbs. LED's last around 50,000 hours. Halogen around 5 PERCENT OR LESS OF THAT.

thanks john. i definitely understand that led's last longer. my question was about light output.

greg

thanks john. i definitely understand that led's last longer. my question was about light output.

greg

Hi,

The led i use for the kits are 70.000 mcd white leds.
They are so bright that most of the cinema folks need to dim them.
And leds dont waste 95% of energy to heat, and not used light rays.
And of course a way longer life time. And for those how think thats not bright
, there are led,s coming with 100.000 mcd.

The reason people think that led,s are not good is, that most of my competitors use cheap 5.000 to 20.000 mcd led,s.

And i made expiremnts with lasers, and the funny thing is, that the laser output from the fiber ends was not that much brighter, than the one of the white leds.

And to recreate a nightsky stars, we dont need so much light output.
Or do u get blinded at night ???

And the dimming is smooth PWM controlled dimming with 250 steps resolution.
The same i use for the automatic smooth color mixing.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Hi,
the software is almost done and ready for release.

Here are a few screen shots of the software bundle for the 2010.

All is included :
Updater: This module allows to update the firmware in a easy way.
PC Remote: U can control all form a pc. Or u can control the pc over IR, all is possible and designed for media pc owner. ( incl x10 control for lights, popcorn maker and so on)
Star calculator: This is for all of those in the planing phase and will show u what u need.


There are so much functions and things to see, that it would take a bit to write, so i will make later a demo video and post it here, where u can see what u can do with it .

Best regards
Anubisbot

Looks really cool. This is what the USB dongle will be used with?

Hello, I am very new (other than lurking :)) to forum and thread. I am doing my homework now on creating a star ceiling. With regard to the new 2010 system, I have a few questions:

1) If I go with a 2010, this would be mounted above my panels, most likely in the center of ALL of the panels to reduce the fibre runs? It seems like this could make hanging multiple panels difficult.
2) I think the system is powered by a 12V transformer, so I would need an AC outlet nearby - how long is the power cable?
3) System is controlled by IR, and the sensor can be mounted away from the unit. How long is the IR eye cable?
4) Some people have talked about Cat5 cable, and I am not sure where this would be necessary with this unit.
5) I notice in there was a screenshow for controlling the unit by PC? How will this be accomplished?
6) What is "the extension port for custom hardware like Power Ports for led spot lights, or rim lights for sunset or sunrise? I am assuming this means for led rope-like lighting for lining perhaps a crown molding tray that can be color controlled by this unit?

Sorry for all the questions, but thanks!

Hi,
1. using this method is not difficult, u just need to start with the outer panels rig them up and mount them, then go ahead and do the same with the rest.
2. The normal length is 6 ft, but u can extend or when u order just give us a note and we can extend it to what ever u want.
3. The same is with the IR cable.
4. This new kits dont use cat 5 cable. The old system did.
5. Plug the unit via USB in to the pc. Install our beta software and there u go .
6. The extension port is for extension modules what will come soon, and it can be used to link 2 units together.

If u have more questions
office@starceiling-designer.com

Best regards
Stardesigner

Thank you for the response. For my proposed application, I would like to fully integrate control within my Home Theater PC. Since the IR codes are available, I think I could control the unit with IR that my HTPC can generate through USBUIRT device.

Is it planned for the software to have an API, i.e. instead of having to use your graphical user interface to push a button to "dim" the stars, would there be a way to invoke a Windows command line entry to do this, or even get the software to recognize windows messages? (I know this is only beta software, but I would assume that if people are using a PC to control the stars, they are probably using it to control much more :))

Hi, yes it is planed to have later in the release a .dll what u can call. U can already use a IR
from a pc, the ir codes for normal operation are set. But it will not give u full control, like the usb interface does. Since the usb is 2 way com. But thats the reason we are working on integrating as much software api's as possible, right now u can use already x10 active home to control over our software outlets and lights. Also we are integrating the windows media player api. And more will come . Right now the software is based on .net3.5 but i am working on a side release with native windows code so no framework is needed.

we also will make up a SDK when we have time. So other can use it to make there own software.

There is also a multitouch version paned for our new Multitouch displays what come out soon. Its a microsoft surface kida Multitouch Box what can be used in a wall installation or as table.

What else do u plan on controlling with your HCPC.

Currently I am controlling my tv, cable box, receiver, DVD player and CD player using my HTPC (all through IR distribution). I use Xlobby front end software with USBUIRT plugin. This allows me to learn IR remote codes, then play them back when I press buttons on the xlobby interface. You can also do things like set up macros, timers, etc. So when I press the "Play" button on HTPC, it can dim certain lighting zones, dim the starfield, then start the movie. Xlobby is nice because it can generate Windows events to other running windows processes... .so when I press "Fast Forward" in Xlobby, it sends a windows event to my software dvd player (I believe it emulates a keyboard keystroke, which causes the actual action within Zoomplayer).

I haven't implemented lighting yet, and am not sure if I will be going x10, or possibly lutron grafik eye. I am looking at a new receiver that would be controlled through RS232.

I guess the USB interface is better than IR for your device because I could query the current system state. With current IR devices, I create variables to keep track of state... i.e. the Xlobby software knows not to send an IR command to turn on my receiver if it is already on.

StarDesigner Did you get the email I sent you on 10/29.

do you guys know of a place to get velvet in larger widths than 58-60. I know of syfabrics, but they dont have it in larger widths. I need to cover a 5x10 sheet of 1/2 mdf. My total ceiling dimensions is 9ft wide x 15ft long so 5x10 was going to be perfect size for building. I know it also stretches so would it possibly stretch wide enough to make it around the 60'' width?

Hi, yes it is planed to have later in the release a .dll what u can call. U can already use a IR
from a pc, the ir codes for normal operation are set. But it will not give u full control, like the usb interface does. Since the usb is 2 way com. But thats the reason we are working on integrating as much software api's as possible, right now u can use already x10 active home to control over our software outlets and lights. Also we are integrating the windows media player api. And more will come . Right now the software is based on .net3.5 but i am working on a side release with native windows code so no framework is needed.

we also will make up a SDK when we have time. So other can use it to make there own software.

There is also a multitouch version paned for our new Multitouch displays what come out soon. Its a microsoft surface kida Multitouch Box what can be used in a wall installation or as table.

What else do u plan on controlling with your HCPC.

SD,

I'm new to this thread and am very interested in a very sophisticated installation. Suggestion: IMHO Why not write or have written a 3rd party plug-in for Homeseer http://homeseer.com/ . HS already has X-10, Insteon, UPB, touchscreen, Main Lobby, RF, etc. interfaces already written. This would let you concentrate on what you do best and not get bogged down on every automation interface? Plus it would expose your great products to a new potential customer base. Just my 2$ and suggestion is worth what you paid for it.
Any update on a laser product you hinted at a while ago?

Scanr

First off I am really glad for this product, finally I'll be able to make a starry sky without going broke paying for a $3,000 panel. But having little experience with LED's and Fiber optic rods I have a few 'dumb' questions. I am currently looking at the 2009 Started Kit.

1. The kit comes with 500 ft. of fiber and its cuttable (for lack of a better term) but what tools would you use to do it properly?
2. In a line of fibers, how many strands are there?
3. Home many strands fit into a socket?

These might be sort of dumb questions but I am sort of confused about cutting the fibers and the lenghts and plugging it all into a light unit. Clarification would be helpful.

Thanks in Advance!

whatever happened to the 2009/ir version?

What are some good ideas of getting the templates on the fiber board?
I am having sort of a hard time calculating what segment of the sky to put up. Is there something where I can figure out how many stars are on a segment and how much fiber optic I will need?

rockstar0215,

I belive stardesingner has a calculator on his website that you can download to help figure out how much fiber you need.

With the website on this link you can put in your city and it will show you the stars over you at any given time that you put in. Pretty cool. Go to the first box and click "set for nearby city" Good luck.
http://www.fourmilab.ch/yoursky/

For everyone else I have finally finished my star panel and put it in place. I have to still do some finish trim which will be crown all around, but it is functional and it looks great.

Panel in place
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2683.jpg

all trimmed out starting to trim the fibers
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2686.jpg

Lights off
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2688.jpg

The units I bought are the RGB type which provide multiple colors. I like the blue and blue white. I need to get the dongle from stardesigner so I can create some custom programs with the colors I prefer and the twinkle effect.
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2690.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2693.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2694.jpg
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2696.jpg

View from the back row loveseat
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2698.jpg

Sorry their a little fuzzy, tough to get these shots.

Nice work. How long did that take you?

As far as a timeline it was probably like a total of 2 weeks for everything. My biggest problem was my procastination of actually mounting up the panel. I had done the inside frame which was attached to the ceiling as well as the actual star panel quite some time ago. I matched my ceiling to the color of the panel fabric which I bought. I used a midnight blue fabric and matched the paint at Lowes called Blue coal.

The actual colors of the ceiling and trim are actually much darker in real life. The part that really took the longest was threading all the fibers through the panel. Since I used an insulation board from Lowes I was able to literally use a large needle from walmart to thread the fibers. Once it poked thru I used needle nose pliers to pull it out. Fun project overall and feels great leaning backing and having it light up.

Oman--I must be stalking you!

All--Does anyone have a detailed buildout of one of these star fields utilizing OC or Mineral Wool? I really want to use some acoustical panels to kill some of the slap echo I am experiencing, and am at a loss how to get the panels on the ceiling without having major coverage gaps due to supports.

Any idea-ers?

Stalk if you must...:D

Check out Swithey's build. He did a hanging star field using half hard material and half OC I believe. Also check out Bud's (Chinadog's) build. He bought made panels but I believe they are made out of OC and they use these clamps which turn into the sheetrock above.

They use something like these.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.atsacoustics.com/media/images/product_detail/rotofast_anchor_parts.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.atsacoustics.com/item--Rotofast-Insulation-Board-Anchors--rotofast.html&usg=__-umNY6sBr_gODkNYw0GNhx2JOE8=&h=200&w=300&sz=24&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=QjVZyOdjJQHYnM:&tbnh=77&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dowens%2Bcorning%2Bpanel%2Banchor%26um%3D1%26hl% 3Den

Oman--I must be stalking you!

All--Does anyone have a detailed buildout of one of these star fields utilizing OC or Mineral Wool? I really want to use some acoustical panels to kill some of the slap echo I am experiencing, and am at a loss how to get the panels on the ceiling without having major coverage gaps due to supports.

Any idea-ers?

I used a product called z-clips http://www.monarchmetal.com/. It enables me to butt each panel rightly to the next without visible support or gaps

I used a product called z-clips http://www.monarchmetal.com/. It enables me to butt each panel rightly to the next without visible support or gaps

That doesn't look too bad, but I don't know how you would attach those to the OC with a screw. Additionally, I don't know how they would hold on the ceiling...they look great for wall mounts, but I'd be afraid if I didn't laterally support the panels from sliding out (crown moulding?).

Also check out Bud's (Chinadog's) build. He bought made panels but I believe they are made out of OC and they use these clamps which turn into the sheetrock above.

They use something like these.
http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.atsacoustics.com/media/images/product_detail/rotofast_anchor_parts.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.atsacoustics.com/item--Rotofast-Insulation-Board-Anchors--rotofast.html&usg=__-umNY6sBr_gODkNYw0GNhx2JOE8=&h=200&w=300&sz=24&hl=en&start=2&um=1&tbnid=QjVZyOdjJQHYnM:&tbnh=77&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dowens%2Bcorning%2Bpanel%2Banchor%26um%3D1%26hl% 3Den


Buds panels were 1" thick acoustic fiberglass panels wrapped in Guilford FR701 from Numinus. Those Rotofast anchors are what he used. They work great with the yellow fiberglass panels.

Hi all, i hope all had a good start in the new year?
We here @ www.starceiling-designer.com had a great start, and some good news. We are now in our planing and design stage for some new products,
since our 2010 light unit was such a great success, we want to step up a bit and go wireless , that means we will take the idea form our first system we had
what was totally modular based. but connected with to many wires for data transfer. Our new system will be modular , so you have a main controller(Standalone or PC) and several small but power full light units.
what will be connected via wireless protocol, so the only wires to the light unit will be power cables +-. This brings us to the point where we can control up to
256 nodes (light units). This system will be for high end HT where a multi touch console will handle all the input needs for the cinema like lights, star ceiling, HTPC, blinds, screen masking system and so on . We will team up with some other manufacturer to bring the ultimate system.

We hope to be ready for beta production after the sommer 2009.

Beside the high end toys we will also bring out some new stuff for the
low price sector, but it still will be far ahead from our completion.
It will be a kit for simple and fast panels creations.
So you get your self the worlds best cinema tiles from our supplier in the us.
They are designed for the pure cinema use so all sound quality i s guarantied.
And it also has the THX certificate you want for your Ht build :)

Then you spike them up with our kit what will give you plenty stars in white and color, and also shooting stars. For a fraction of the price you would spend
on numinus premade panels. and the installation is simple just get 4x4 or 4x8
panels from http://iscsupply.com/id66.html?gclid=COTN6unAnZgCFShRagodbD3oYw

and spike the fiber though , glue the fiber with epoxy and hoock up the power cable to the panels light unit. hang the panel in the support frame what can be made out of all diffrent materials. And your done...



This way u save a lot of $$ and a 4x8 panel takes not longer than 45 minutes to make :) wow thats fast....

And to make a realy good impression you can use one of our 2010 units to make a superb 4x8 panel with a shooting star and colored milky way.
and of course a lot of twinkling stars all over the place..

Since we get around 100 emails a day, and and that is about 50% junk mail, we are sorry, but to answer each mail and give support for each customer it may take up to 48 hours for a email response, but most of the time we keep it faster.

We are proud to say that we now have customers around the world.
Canada, USA, Spain, China, Singapore, France, Italy, UK, Finland, Iceland, Mexico, and Germany.

Than ks all for the good 2008 and we are looking forward to all your ideas what we can make better and create. We are only as good as the feedback we get :)

Best regards
Stardesigner

Hi
I stumbled across this thread whilst looking for other stuff in the accessories section.
A couple of quick questions for you.

Im in Australia, and looking at a star ceiling for a future theatre build.
Do you supply/ship downunder?
Do your star calculator use meters/centimeters? or just feet/inch?
Can your units handle 240V? As opposed to American 110V.

Look forward to using your products in the future :)

J

Howdy great thread with good follow up from Star Designer. However I'm not seeing very much info on what panels to use and how to mount them. It appears that there are several ways to put things together but mostly all I'm seeing is "This looks Cool" or "turned out Cool" and not much do A and B get our Kit and boom your done. The posting above by Star Designer mentioned buying panels and even had a link but seriously they sell many different types of panels. Star designer more pictures more how to's,... or how it's been done's would be most helpful. Me I have a 11x17 room I want to hang stars panel(s) from ceiling with a one to three inch drop from ceiling with a foot or so away from walls to have the ability to have glowing blue on the edges. I'm also installing can lights in the room. We need like a sticky thats says go to url for night sky use X, Y or Z for panels drill or poke through then mount with chain bolts screws or who knows to ceiling etc. Long winded I know and appologize.

"we want to step up a bit and go wireless , that means we will take the idea form our first system we had what was totally modular based. but connected with to many wires for data transfer. Our new system will be modular , so you have a main controller(Standalone or PC) and several small but power full light units.
what will be connected via wireless protocol, so the only wires to the light unit will be power cables +-. This brings us to the point where we can control up to 256 nodes (light units). This system will be for high end HT where a multi touch console will handle all the input needs for the cinema like lights, star ceiling, HTPC, blinds, screen masking system and so on . We will team up with some other manufacturer to bring the ultimate system."

Wireless as in 802.11 or UPB, X10 etc.? UPB would be excellent.

Scanr

Star Designhttp://www.disco-designer.com/RETRO_MODERN_FURNITURE_IMG_3369%20copy.jpger's solution is not, but iSkyPanel's is.

The retail for iSkyPanel's solutoin is like $4500 for 8x8! Gimmie a break.

Of a kit kat bar.:o:p:o:(

Hello guys,
here some cool ceiling panels for club and bar application

best
tony

Hello guys,
here some cool ceiling panels for club and bar application

best
tony


Interesting:rolleyes:

This stuff is DMX controlled and creates very cool Sound to Light effects. Also it creates something like 16 Million color combinations, mixing RGB (Red Green Blue).
Awesome!

SCD Starlight 2009 is there going to be an ir model like this .......

There was hope way back when for an IR 2009 unit.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=14189373#post14189373

Don't know what happened to it.

thank you for your reply, i've been with this thread for since the start i remember that he had one in the works but never head anything yet ...so star, was this project trashed.....

Has anyone bought from: http://www.virtualvillage.com as they have as kit for about $60 and accept paypal? This is cheap and affordable but again is it too good to be true?

Could soemone explain this to me: I see various dealers and online shops selling the fiber optic bundles BUT if I buy a kit, how do I know that I can run all the fiber I buy in the little box that lights up the fibers? Isn't the hole only so big and can only handle so many fibers?
From the looks of it, this seems like a realitvely simple job but I want to keep it inexpensive and nice looking and have seen kits on line and on ebay for cheap.

Now the 2009IR is not trashed ,but on its way, together with the new 2.4ghz system what is like our first one but better and now wireless control of the modules. So i hope to have in about 3-4 weeks the maybe 5 the new systems for beta testing here, and online for sale. We will offer 10 systems to beta tester
for a reduced price.

Also in 2-3 weeks the 2010 will go out from beta testing and will release the new software based now on c++. and fully in English : )

Ok have to work, we are already on backorder, and so much work and only 24 Hours a day. damm we need 48 Hours days :)

Best regards StarDesigner

Could soemone explain this to me: I see various dealers and online shops selling the fiber optic bundles BUT if I buy a kit, how do I know that I can run all the fiber I buy in the little box that lights up the fibers? Isn't the hole only so big and can only handle so many fibers?
From the looks of it, this seems like a realitvely simple job but I want to keep it inexpensive and nice looking and have seen kits on line and on ebay for cheap.

Our 2009 light unit has 4 ports to hold fiber.
each port can hold 120x 0.5mm fibers.
or 60x 0.75mm fibers
or 30x 1mm fibers.

And it depends on the fiber, you use.
We use medium grade fiber, since that allows for more light that
the cheap fiber that u see in Cheap kit manufactured in china.

So you could use our fibers for Audio transfer.
Sure we could make it cheaper, use the less power full leds and lower grade fiber, what is ok for ceiling not bigger as 8x8 when you have the unit in the middle. But as soon you have longer fiber runs you will see the difference.

Stardesigner what is the most affordable basic setup you sell? I am looking for an area of about 4feet by 12feet. Thank you.

Any word on the new model? I'm ready to buy a kit now but want the reviesed model.

Hello,

I have the 2010 unit but I have no manual, I have got the unit working from the PC but I cannot get the remote control to work... can you send me or post the instructions for setting up the remote??

Thanks!
Steve

stevecornell,

If it is the same as before(which I believe it is), any universal remote with a Sony tv code should work. You may need to try a couple of different Sony tv codes.

I just tried to look at Stardesigner's website and it's coming up "404 Error, Server not found" I hope everything is ok, I exchanged email with as recent as 2 weeks ago. I bought a dongle from him to do some program changes and he said it would be about a week before he could get to the firmware update. I emailed him last Monday to see how it was going, but didn't get a response. I didn't think much of it since he told he was really busy with some major projects, but would get to it.

Hope everything is ok Stardesigner.

I just tried to email Star Designer to place an order, and got a return reply stating (reason: 550 Host unknown):confused:

Has anyone been in contact with him recently? Any idea if he's still doing the star ceiling kits? Any ideas how to contact him?

I contacted him a few days ago. He said there will be some new products on the site about now-ish. He said the site is being re-designed at the moment.

That's certainly good to hear and confirms the conversation we had as well. Looking foward to seeing his new products.

Oman321,

Thanks for the reply, I can't seem to find the "magical number" to get the remote to work, on some of the codes I can push 1 and get the manual shooting star to fire but that all I can get it to do.
I can program the unit from my computer and all works fine but when I unplug it I have to reprogram it to get it to work again.

I too was concerned when I tried to go to Star Designers website and it appears to be gone, hopefully everything is ok with him and he checks in here soon and lets us know all is well.

Steve

Steve, hopefully this might help if you are using a Harmony remote.

This is the model number that I programmed my Harmony to work with.
SonyKV--27FS120

With the firmware that I have I use the channel up button to go from one color scene to the next. I use the volume up and down to control sparkle effect on the scenes which have that effect. The number buttons for me are to control the led ports which are on the control card for the first gen. product. Mute I believe resets for me.

So while the control commands might be different if I recall correctly, you can hopefully use that serial number if you are using a harmony or some other Univ. remote which is programmable by model number. Good luck.

Hi,
yes we are still there , and still working our buds off.

Sorry for the scare, but we just changed the Internet Service Provider
And it took a while to get all sorted out, since our old provider (Prostores.com)
Makes it really hard and complicated to change.

But we should be up and running in a few hours again.
Our email server is already running again.

Still the same good old email : Office@starceiling-designer.com

And the new webstore is also 95% finished.


@stevecornell
There will be a fix on the Wiki soon for your problem.
Its due to that once you have installed the PC firmware the IR is disabled.
The fix should be up there in a few days.



Best regards
StarDesigner

Woo hoo, glad to see everything is good StarDesigner.

Good luck on the store re-launch.

Where do you guys get your large templates for your star ceilings?

Star Designer,

Glad to hear all is well, I was able to get firmware flashed back and I guess overwrote the PC remote and now the hand held remote works ok!
It would be nice to be able to use some of the functions of the PC remote and still be able to use the hand held, I assume there's no way to have the random automatic shooting star with the hand held??

Thanks!!
Steve

Hi every one,

@stevecornel
Year i work on a version where both work together IR and PC.
I just have to find some room in the memory of the firmware.
Also i want to make the random shooting star with out the computer.
So keep checking our wiki to see if there are new features. Or Use the RSS feed from ou wiki to keep posted.


@ All
Ok the shop is now up, and should be 98% done. So if you see some funny stuff or typos let me know.

Hi every one,

@ All
Ok the shop is now up, and should be 98% done. So if you see some funny stuff or typos let me know.

Everything looks good...just need to fix your banner...Galaxies not Gallaxy's. ;)

Thank's i will fix it.
:eek:

To All Those Concerned,

I would like to say that Star Designer is a QUALITY vendor whom I would not hesitate to recommend for any of your Star Ceiling needs!:)

I have been "hounding" this guy for about a month now, asking every conceivable question about his star ceiling kits. I've changed my mind on some scenarios and he has always offered his input. Even when I have made no indication of doing ANY business with him, he has replied to my numerous questions, within minutes; always being informative and professional.
We need more vendors like him who care about customer service, before calculating the bottom line.
I have been so impressed with Star Designer, that I wanted to share my experience so far with those of you who might be thinking about doing a Star Ceiling.

P.S. I put my money where my mouth is, and just placed an order for a complete Star Ceiling Kit, with all the bells and whistles. For those interested, I will be posting my progress and experience on this thread.

P.S.S. For those cynics out there (you know who you are;)) I was not compensated in any way for this posting this about Star Designer. He's just worth telling others about!

-Giovanni

I've been waiting ages to order one of these kits but held off unit the new units came out. Unfortunatly there is no option to ship to Australia on the site :( I have sent a few emails to Oliver and i'm sure he will help me out :) I can't wait to get this up and running in my room!

Now that's quick service! He got back to me in 1 hour! :) My new kit is now ordered. Gotta love the beta tester 20% discount for the first 10 buyers :)

I have to second MonsterO's comment.

I am a first generation purchaser of Star Desingers product. He has always been very responsive with my questions and needs. Recently one of the SCD light units went bad, could have been troublesome from the beginning but since I only installed the star panel a few months ago and it is being used for longer lengths of time it became apparent.

Star Designer was on top of it and took care of my light unit free of charge... What, who does that? I'll tell you who Star Designer does.

I ordered the dongle from him so I can update my firmware and he does this as part of a package service. I never realized that he has to take time out to rewrite the firmware to meet my specific needs so I can then flash my control card. I was thinking it was basic software and I selected the changes I wanted to make and that was that. He's been great to deal with and I can't say enough good things about him and his services.

Thank you all , i did not know that my service is so valued.
I thought other would do the same, and a good support is in my eyes,
the most important thing. :cool:


Beside that, here is the new shop URL, since some have told me that the old one from the old shop ends in some cases in a page not found error. This is due to search engines, resisting and broken links.

http://www.starceiling-designer.com/main.sc?sourceCode=AVSMember

More new stuff and info will come, we also have now a wikipedia page, what slowly get some contents. We will add there Tutorials/Product info/ Software, and more. It will be getting a place where you find all info on how to build you star ceiling.

If some one has pictures of a build or a tip he would like to share, let me know and i will put it in the wiki.

About the 2009IR light unit, this will be no more produced, and will be replaced with the 2012 WiFi System.


Best regards Star Designer

StarDesigner,

In looking at your web site I am a little confused. Is there a new version of the SCD 2010 Star Ceiling Light unit? Or will all of the 2012 add on products work with it.

Thanks

Joe

StarDesigner,

In looking at your web site I am a little confused. Is there a new version of the SCD 2010 Star Ceiling Light unit? Or will all of the 2012 add on products work with it.

Thanks

Joe

Hi,

no the 2012 is a new system what only works with the 2012 modules.
The 2010 is a system for it self and the 2012 modules do not work with it.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Hi,

no the 2012 is a new system what only works with the 2012 modules.
The 2010 is a system for it self and the 2012 modules do not work with it.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Sorry, I still do not understand. Is there a 2012 module that replaced the 2010 light unit?

Joe

Hi,
the 2012 is a new system and is modular based. It has a base station and matching modules.

The 2010 is a all in one system , and is not modular.

So it depends on what you want.
If you already have fibers installed, and a re looking for a replacement,
please let me know how many fibers you have , and what size.
And what functions you are looking for?
Also what u have used untill now as light unit(Halogen /LED)?
And what is the longest fiber run in your ceiling?
Then i can tell you what system is better for you.

Just send me a email with the info's

Hi ,
to all beta tester, the shipping date is a bit of, since i totally forgot to take into account that we had easter in this time frame, and some of my supplier are a bit slower that suspected. So my new estimate is about the 5.5.2009.

We will also release then a SDK for those of you how want to hardcore integrate it in the Home control system. Or develop new plug ins. It will be simple SDK
so even newcomers to programming can give it a try.

best regards
StarDesigner

Iv'e waited this long. Another couple of weeks won't kill me.......maybe :P

thanks for the update. no problems here

How would I install it in an HT with no soffit (flat stucco ceiling) and an HVAC vent on one side? Thanks.

Has anyone used styrofoam instead of MDF?

Hi Ned,

I used a hard foam insulation board from Lowes. You can see the material early on in this thread. You can also see it in my build thread linked below. It is indexed so you will be able to find it pretty easily and I just recently finished wrapping it with crown. I'll post final pics here when I get a chance.

As I said here are some pics of my star skylight finished off with crown. I haven't had a chance to get pics with it lighted it up but you guys get the idea. If anyone wants them I will try to get ones with it lighted up.
Angle from entrance
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2891.jpg
Angle from right side of room
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2892.jpg
View from front
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2893.jpg
View from rear
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff231/oman321/DSCN2894.jpg
I still need to finish the nail holes and touch up the paint but there it is. Even though I haven't touched up in person it looks nice and now seems like a finished piece. It's magical when it lights up, especially when your seeing it for the first time.

Has anyone used styrofoam instead of MDF?

FYI, I am using 2x2 acoustic ceiling tile. I am punching small holes through the tile and inserting the fiber through them. These ceiling tiles are black and so far it is working great. I am not using a grid track but tacking the tiles directly to a set of 1x2s I put across the joists. I am butting the tiles up against each other. The track had too much reflection for my liking. The tiles are so much lighter than the mdf.

Joe

I want to use something light weight so i can possibly use industrial velcro to attach to ceiling. I was thinking about 10mm Art Board / Foamcore board. What do you think? Anyone else used this?

http://www.barrule.com/workshop/images/info/foams/big/foamboard.jpg

Nightbreed,

My panel above is made up of a similar type of product, insulation foam board. Very lightweight and easy to thread the fibers thru. I did it with oversized needles from Wal-mart.

I have the first generation product which have light units that I needed to place directly over the panel. Therefore I needed to have about a 2"-2.5" gap from the top of the panel to the ceiling. With the current units you are probably better off having them remotely and simply using long enough fiber to reach the panel. The only problem I am seeing with how you want to do it with velcro is that the fibers do need to have a little bit of room. I am not certain if the gap provided by velcro will be enough, but it may be.

Oman,

Thanks for your reply. I have a few questions:

I still couldn't figure how did the foam stay up in the frame. Did you glue/nail it?
As far as the framing is concerned, is there a lighter/easier material to get it up the ceiling.

Ed

Hi, its almost done. I have spend the last 10 Days coding the software for the new 2012 beta system. And i must say, it was more work then i thought when i made the first breadboard prototypes. But now the Hardware is ready,
and the new enclosures for the modules are all CNC cut. Mann that made a mess when i was cutting them on the cnc. Beside that , the software is also coming along better then i first thought. So we will ship to all beta tester in a 2-3 days. I will post later today some pictures here from the modules and the software.

I wish a day had 48 hours, then i would be double as fast .

Best regards
Stardesigner

Hi, its almost done. I have spend the last 10 Days coding the software for the new 2012 beta system. And i must say, it was more work then i thought when i made the first breadboard prototypes. But now the Hardware is ready,
and the new enclosures for the modules are all CNC cut. Mann that made a mess when i was cutting them on the cnc. Beside that , the software is also coming along better then i first thought. So we will ship to all beta tester in a 2-3 days. I will post later today some pictures here from the modules and the software.

I wish a day had 48 hours, then i would be double as fast .

Best regards
Stardesigner

Where can I get the 2012 system? It's not posted on your website.

Ned, my panel is held by trim on the bottom that you see in the last picture above. I made the frame so I could have the gap I needed for my light units. So a basic 2x3 rectangle the same size as the panel. Then I attached 1x4 to the sides of this frame once mounted on the ceiling. Then I am able to place the panel inside of the frame and this is enough to hold in place while I attached the bottom trim.

The panel was kind of lopsided inside of the frame, so once I attached all the trim to the 1x4's I was able to remove the back and one of the sides of 1x4's since they were secured with screws. I then shimed the panel at 2 corners to have it sit flush with the trim and re-attached the 1x4's.

You can basically use anything you want that's strong enough to hold a panel like that. If I didn't need my spacing for the light units I could have gotten really close to the ceiling. You can probably use something like the products in the following links and forgo a frame.

http://www.monarchmetal.com/

http://www.atsacoustics.com/item--Rotofast-Insulation-Board-Anchors--rotofast.html

Oman,
Thanks for the advise. I'll try short runs of 2x4 along the inside border (to accommodate 2" between ceilings) instead of a complete frame and use the anchors or industrial velcro for a floating effect.

I may try to use aluminum or veneer for the sides to achieve a contemporary look.

Ned, I don't know that your going to need the 2" gap. StarDesigners original system had a control card which connected to the light units via cat 5. The light units were very small but still required about 2" to fit becuase of the thickness of the port where the fiber is attached.

With the new units everything is encompassed in one case. So that means you can simply place the unit at the power source and then have the fiber run to the panel. You may want to place the unit inside or above the panel if you have an outlet there, but you would certainly want to maintain access for changes or updates.

Otherwise you want to fish the fiber to a central point in your ceiling and then attach to your panel(s). If you have to open up your ceiling the best way to do it is to run a conduit to easily fish fiber once you patch it up. Depending how the joists run in your ceiling you may be able to put a hole in the center of the panels location and then get over to an area or a nearby closet to house the light unit without doing to much destruction.

Good luck, post some pics of the area your working with so we can see what you might be able to do.

Oman,

I don't have a good access to the ceiling. However I've a junction box at the center of the ceiling where I plan to tap for power source. I plan to screw the light panel on the ceiling.

I also have to hung the panel instead by hooks. Will see.

Ed

In that case take a look at Swithey's star panel in his build thread. He has photos at the beginning but it is detailed how he did it somewhere in his build. He made a nice unit which hangs down with lighting built in. Not sure if you want something that extravagent, just another direction you could head in.
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=620108

So here are the Picture of the new modules and software.

The PC User Interface beta V1:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/SCD2012Screenshot-Bv1.jpg


The Base Station:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Base.jpg


The White/Twinkle Module:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Twinkle_Moon.jpg
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Twinkle_I.jpg

The RGB XL Module:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/RGB.jpg
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/RGB_I.jpg


The Shooting Star Module:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Shooting-Star.jpg
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Shooting_I.jpg


The RGB Relay Module:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Relay-RGB.jpg
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Relay_I.jpg

The Moon Module:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Twinkle_Moon.jpg
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Moon_I.jpg

How the modules get wired for power:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/images/Chain.jpg


text and more info to come, since i am still rotating : )
Best regards StarDesigner:eek:

Wow!!!! they look great!Interface looks very slick. i can't wait to get mine! Great job!

Wow!!!! they look great!Interface looks very slick. i can't wait to get mine! Great job!

I agree. This looks fantastic!!

I am opening up a new restaurant. I just may have to use something there too.

Joe

Hi StarDesigner,

The new products look awesome. You've come a long way with this, Congrats!!

Do you have any pics of a completed moon module. I'm curious to see what it looks like and the different phases. I'm thinking a youtube video would be great:D, of course time permitting;)

Hi, i had planed to ship yesterday, but didn't recognize that we had long weekend. So i had a extra day to make some mods on the hardware.

But now all is packed and all Beta tester should receive in the next 2 hours there email with there tracking number.

1 last minute feature came on suggestion of a beta tester.
It allows to setup 254 custom IR code's. As long your remote supports that many, but also cheap 9$ universal remote will work. This way you can press
the remote button and then assign a function. So you can control
all parts via Ir as you could over the pc interface .

I also made a test and hocked up 18 modules to one power supply.
It was running on 1.3A 12V and was using 16.7 Watt.
Enough poerts to house over 12.000 Stars. But you need a big screen when the 18 interfaces pop up :). But it works like a charm.

Later as soon i have dropped the boxes of , i will post some more pic and some more info to each module and how it works.

And i will soon make a series of videos on how to make a fully loaded ceiling.
including the moon and shooting stars and shooting rim light and more ...

Also the wikipedia and the web shop will fuse into one site soon.
Where we will also provide extended knowledge base.

But like always be patient its just one person doing all : ) ( and his multiple personality's )

Best regards Stardesigner

Take your time, i'm sure it's going to be worth the wait! Looking forward to your shipping email :)

Looks like my package is on the way! :)

Ok so all beta orders are out.
Now begins the new task, to write all documents for all modules
, with setup tips and how they work. But i will give here a brief over view now.
What you can do, and how to setup some stuff.

Lets begin with the base station:
The base does most of the work , regarding to WIfI management, storing setup's and IR codes. The base conects to a pc via USB cable.So there is no need for a extra power supply for the base. But its possible to setup all modules and iR codes, and then use a special power supply with a usb plug, to power the base in places where no pc is avalible, like in a Pool area, Sauna, or elsewhere.

The software, is Running on windows, XP, Vista. Its based on Adobe AIR.
This allows to use the interface over any computer connected to your Home network as long you have the software installed on the computer, and the included USB to TCP/IP Server running on the computer or server where the base is connected to.

The Base also has the IR Sensor, what allows you to use a universal remote
set to sony TV coding to control the base station and modules. In the software interface you can setup the IR codes, and actions. By simply jholding your remote to the ir sensor and pressing the button on your remote you would like to program, As long your remote is set to Sony TV Codes.
It will show you the pressed button in the setup Interface where you can add then a action to it. Actions can be send to modules 2 ways, as broadcast or unicast. Broadcast send this command to all modules what know the chosen action. A Action can be: Port1 50% ON as broadcast it would turn on Port1
on all Twinkle /White Modules found in the network. Unicast will only turn on
the Module you have addressed. If your remote allows you , you can setup up to 253 Codes.
Next is the Moon Module :
Many have asked me how this works. The module has 10 Ports,
so you take a template of a moon. And raster it , so you have 2 Colors Black
and white. Then you make 10 equal parts of the moon , So 5 parts make up a
half moon. This allows to simulate a total of 20 Moon Phases.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143230&stc=1&d=1242826158
The software will also Chek you computer system date, and time to calculate the actual real phase, and show this on startup of the pc interface.
Also you can set a animation mode where the moon will slow or fast change
his phases, and cycle in a loop.

More to come in part 2 soon ...

1 last minute feature came on suggestion of a beta tester.It allows to setup 254 custom IR code's. As long your remote supports that many, but also cheap 9$ universal remote will work. This way you can press
the remote button and then assign a function. So you can control
all parts via Ir as you could over the pc interface .


Best regards Stardesigner

That was me ;)

Hi Oliver,

I have a question regarding programming of the base station via PC.

If the base unit is being powered by a separate power supply and not attached to the computer can it be programmed by Wi-Fi or does it have to be programmed with a direct usb connection to the computer first and then reconnected to the power supply

Thank you,

Graham

First you need to use a usb cable to the pc to setup, without a pc you can not setup the IR Codes what allow you to control the system. Once setup, you can plug in the usb power supply you got.
Also here is a pic of the drill plan for the moon. with 0.5mm fiber.
But i will offer soon a pre drilled MDF piece, what can be integrated in your ceilings.
Since a CNC Router can do it faster and nicer than by hand.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143244&stc=1&d=1242840299

Best regards StarDesigner

Looks great!

... but considering the sheer density of drill holes required, wouldn't this require some precision drilling? What is the recommended dimension for this? Also, do you have an estimate of how many holoes there are, i.e. how much fiber is required?

Looks great!

... but considering the sheer density of drill holes required, wouldn't this require some precision drilling? What is the recommended dimension for this? Also, do you have an estimate of how many holoes there are, i.e. how much fiber is required?

If you like you can count them : ) just kidding, these are 4988 Fibers,
year right , but it was the template i made for custom install last year,
i have to size it down to the 1200 o.5mm. The size will be double the size of a tennis ball. The picture is a 12x12 inch moon.

Wow.... even 1200 holes in something the double the size of tennis ball would (to me) be pretty impossible... I was thinking more like double the size of a basketball!

Just out of cusiousity, do the lights actually dim WITHIN the moon, or are the fibers on/off. (I am just wondering if it looks 'grayscale,' or truly b/w).

Great work!

Wow.... even 1200 holes in something the double the size of tennis ball would (to me) be pretty impossible... I was thinking more like double the size of a basketball!

Just out of cusiousity, do the lights actually dim WITHIN the moon, or are the fibers on/off. (I am just wondering if it looks 'grayscale,' or truly b/w).

Great work!

Hi, no the 1200 in the size of a double tennis ball (Small Bowling Ball), is not to bad to drill. The Moon is B/W style but the phases Dim in and out , in a slow motion. if you would like to have a Grey scale moon you would need 2 Modules
Since you need to have 20 Moon Parts (10 in bright and 10 in dim ).

Well, my 2012 kit arrived this morning, yay! I got 3 rolls of fiber, 2 Wifi White/Twinkle Modules and a Wifi Base Station. I can't wait to see how it all comes together. Maybe i'm missing something but i can't seem to find the software online for the units. Also, being in Australia we use 240v power, not 110v. I understand it needs 12v to power but moduals don't have a standard 12v adapter port, just 2 ports for bare wire. Do i need to worry about AMPS as well as volts?

Hi,
the software and Info can be found here:
http://www.starceiling-designer.com/kb_results.asp
I am in progress to fill the knowledge base. So when you don't see what your looking for let me know and i upload it to the knowledge base.

For best support all customers should register with my new online shop,
so i can give better support, via the new ticket system.

best regards Stardesigner.

My tracking info says mine have been stuck in customs for the last three days:mad::mad::mad:

Graham

Edit: Just checked again and my parcel has moved to 'Foreign Postal Administration'

Hi,
here is a picture on what i am working next. It will involve a fiber optic star ceiling and 1 or 2 projectors. Here you see the first test with the earth projected to a star ceiling, looks pretty cool specially when you see the earth rotate.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=143936&stc=1&d=1243619441

best regards StarDesigner.

Looks good Oliver. What type of projector is used for this.

I am still waiting for my 2012 kit to arrive. Didn't get it for this weekend :( I had to pay the customs charges first and it is being delivered on Monday.

Has anyone else had theirs and installed it yet. Please provide feedback if you have. I hope to install mine next weekend,

Cheers,

Graham

Hi StarDesigner,

This might be a bit of an obvious question, but I couldn't see anything that answered it. Is the base station mandatory in the SCD2012 setup?

Or could I just buy and use the white/twinkle module by itself?

Cheers,
Simon

Hi, yes the 2012 base is needed for all setups. The base stores the ir sensors,
and is the Wifi link to the modules.

Best regards Stardesigner

Looks good Oliver. What type of projector is used for this.

I am still waiting for my 2012 kit to arrive. Didn't get it for this weekend :( I had to pay the customs charges first and it is being delivered on Monday.

Has anyone else had theirs and installed it yet. Please provide feedback if you have. I hope to install mine next weekend,

Cheers,

Graham

I used a Sharp DLP XR32S what i had laying around for a while now.

I hope your IR Setup for the 2012 is going well ? If there are any questions let me know.

Best regards
StarDesigner

I used a Sharp DLP XR32S what i had laying around for a while now.

I hope your IR Setup for the 2012 is going well ? If there are any questions let me know.

Best regards
StarDesigner

Hi Oliver,

Still a couple of hours to go before I leave work. I will email later if I have any problems. I have enjoyed tinkering with the initial set up so far.

I will be lowering my panels and fitting the fibre this weekend

Cheers,

Graham

I used a Sharp DLP XR32S what i had laying around for a while now.

I hope your IR Setup for the 2012 is going well ? If there are any questions let me know.

Best regards
StarDesigner

That would be pretty cool with those new palm sized projectors for a discrete and quiet install.

Quick question on strand sizes.

How distinguishable are the the strand thicknesses once in the ceiling? .5mm, .75mm and 1.0mm

I'm looking at maybe 800 stars and have worked out the following break down.

50 1.0mm
125 0.75mm
600 0.5mm

I'm just wondering if there is enough of a difference visually? Or would I be better maybe using two .75mm together for a bigger star?

Cheers,
Simon

Quick question on strand sizes.

How distinguishable are the the strand thicknesses once in the ceiling? .5mm, .75mm and 1.0mm

I'm looking at maybe 800 stars and have worked out the following break down.

50 1.0mm
125 0.75mm
600 0.5mm

I'm just wondering if there is enough of a difference visually? Or would I be better maybe using two .75mm together for a bigger star?

Cheers,
Simon

HI, the mix you have is perfect, i recommend using it . To many big stars will look cloby and not so real.

Best regards StarDesigner

star,
i was on your new website but i didn't see any packages for your light units, i would like to buy the scd 2009 . are you going to offer packeges like you did ... i would like to buy it if your going to. i think before the kits where for 4/8 and thats how i built the sky for this thank you.
tony

You should really contact stardesigner via his website for these types of questions in order to keep this thread safe.

Hi, have a look here (http://www.starceiling-designer.com/product-p/scd-2009-summerkit.htm) , its our 2009 kit builder offer for the summer.

Best regards StarDesigner

Do most people dim their starfield while playing a movie or is it turned off all together ?

Also a question about the 2009 Kit - from reading the other posts its seems that the controller box has to be in close proximity to the starfield to enable the fibers to be connected - so I was thinking of using one of those IR activated power boards to turn the unit on / off - how would I do that given the power board and controller box will most likely be recessed into the ceiling - ie not in the line of sight to be IR activated by a remote.

Its a shame there is not a low priced product with IR control. I just want a very basic starfield - no shooting stars here :)

StarDEsigner - did you ever have any success with your dongle for screen masking systems ?

Has anyone installed a setup directly into the flat ceiling (drywall). I have easy attic access and prefer to have it flat if possible due to the height of the second row of theater seats.

We are using our family room as the media room. I would love to put the star ceiling but the room has Vaulted ceiling and we kinda like it. Alas... you can't have everything.

Or is there a better way to do both? ;) :D

Question about the 2009 Kit - from reading the other posts its seems that the controller box has to be in close proximity to the starfield to enable the fibers to be connected - so I was thinking of using one of those IR activated power boards to turn the unit on / off - how would I do that given the power board and controller box will most likely be recessed into the ceiling - ie not in the line of sight to be IR activated by a remote.

Its a shame there is not a low priced product with IR control. I just want a very basic starfield - no shooting stars here :)


Use a UPB controller (direct wired and switchbox units available) for power box. Very reliable power line signal controller. No IR or line of sight requirements. http://simply-automated.com/upb_technology.htm

I see the Moon module is for sale but is the 6 x 6 1,200 .5 pattern finished yet?

are these led lights ? Did you place them on the surrounding wall ? I am going to use a RGB strip, but dont know where to place it yet

could these artograph projectors be used too ?

bought a homestar from sega... projects full moon. check it out

I am building a large custom HT shortly with the help of Dennis Erskine and plan to do a starfield ceiling. I saw on some custom Installer's website that they can do ceilings that have a "dusk to dawn" feature. During the day there can be blue sky and clouds, gradually turning to crimsons and yellows towards dusk and finally to full-out night sky.

Super cool idea but they wanted like $30,000 for it :eek:
Do you have anything similar or have any ideas how to do such a thing for real world dollars and sense?

~Russ

I am building a large custom HT shortly with the help of Dennis Erskine and plan to do a starfield ceiling. I saw on some custom Installer's website that they can do ceilings that have a "dusk to dawn" feature. During the day there can be blue sky and clouds, gradually turning to crimsons and yellows towards dusk and finally to full-out night sky.

Super cool idea but they wanted like $30,000 for it :eek:
Do you have anything similar or have any ideas how to do such a thing for real world dollars and sense?

~Russ

Hi, that function, was one of our first in the first SCD System we had.
But the demand was not so great that we scrapped it out in the SCD 2012,
but sure we can re implement it. There are 2 ways how to do it .
1. By fixed time cycle, lets say 1 hour to go from clouds to stars.
2. By Light sensor, so you will have automatic real time dimming of the stars.
And of course i can do it for under 10% of the 30.000$

Best regards
Oliver
StarDesigner

That is VERY exciting Oliver. I would like to discuss all the details with you. I am not quite at the stage where I am ready to put it in (construction will first begin in 2-3 weeks) but I will be in touch with you inside of the month to go over the details and I will involve my builder.

Thanks for your response!

Russ

That is VERY exciting Oliver. I would like to discuss all the details with you. I am not quite at the stage where I am ready to put it in (construction will first begin in 2-3 weeks) but I will be in touch with you inside of the month to go over the details and I will involve my builder.

Thanks for your response!

Russ

hey Russ, the best is to discuss this furtheron my support site, register with my website, and send me a support ticket from there. Then i can send you all info you and your constructor would need.

Best regards Stardesigner

Very well, I'll head over there at some point soon and take care of that. Looking forward to working with you!

~Russ

Just opened a ticket.
~Russ

Has anyone installed a setup directly into the flat ceiling (drywall). I have easy attic access and prefer to have it flat if possible due to the height of the second row of theater seats.

I doing a 6m x 3m star ceiling at the moment. Attached to a flat drywall ceiling. Here is a link to my build thread. It's pretty long but it has all the info & pics you need :)

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=79404&st=0

this is great stuff to put onto the ceiling

http://www.iwantoneofthose.com/toys-games/moon-in-my-room/index.html

I have one myself, and it looks really astonishing on a star ceiling. My star ceiling is 4 meter on 3 meter with 1200 stars. (blue and white)

I just recently found a local art supply store that sells 1/2" thick foamboard in 4' x 8' sheets. This stuff is very light compared to MDF, and seems like it would be very easy to work with, and it is less than $30 per sheet. It is available in black and white (but the black is more expensive).

Any advice on if this would be sufficient for a star ceiling? (it will be wrapped in velvet).

This will be mounted to a drywall ceiling, so I am also looking for advice on the minimum gap that will be required for the fibers. 1/2"? 1"? 1.5"? 2"?

Thanks!

In my case it's about 3 inch... had no problems with snapping fibers.

Do you think it could be done with 1 or 2" ?

Guess 1 inch is very difficult. If there is to much tension on the fibers where you put them through the drilled holes, they could snap of break. If they are broken you don't get the illumination in at the end of the fiber, but you get the light at the place where the fiber is partially broken. Do a try out first with 5 or 10 fibers... could give you an idea. I have learned that the fibers must be long enough when you put them through the holes, and you have to avoid tension on them.

http://www.dtvforum.info/index.php?showtopic=79404&st=100

here you can find some pictures (taking pictures of a starceiling is difficult)

Here is a guide

http://www.trinorthlighting.com/Store/index.php?main_page=page&id=30&chapter=0

I have a 21 9 philips tv set with a surround system attached to it and cinema seats. People tell me I have an astonishing dedicated home theater... On the wall there is a hubble picture and on the wall's 4 wall E pictures.All these pictures have a RGB wallwasher to light them. Now i am going to make a special door with Wall E and Eve paintbrushed upon it and in the door I will install Fiber optic, so it will look as they are standing into a starry sky

Star Designer,

I have been trying to contact you via email, support ticket thru your website and now thru the forum here. Not sure what gives, but it is getting a little fustrating to not get any response from you in over 2 weeks. I just want a final resolution to the problem I've been having.

I don't want to go into further detail here about the issue. I have waited patiently and have always given you and your company praise for your product and service, so I am not sure what has changed for it to get to this point. I still hope to hear from you.

I have some color wheels and a Fiber Optic Illuminator id like to get rid of.

PM if interested;)