Specifications

74 - Hi-Glide Rail System | The Design
hi-glide rail system
You should have an idea of how long the rails
will need to be for your studio.
If you need longer rails, the fixed rails can
always be extended using Rail Joining Plates
(BW2633). Moving rails cannot be extended.
At every point where a fixed rail crosses a
moving rail you will need a Double Carriage
(BW2603) and for stability it is recommended
that you use at least one Double Carriage
with Brake (BW2620) on each moving rail.
It is very important that you use the correct
fixings for your ceiling, and that you use
enough of them to safely support the weight
of the Hi-Glide system and all the equipment
being supported.
Always attach to a load bearing part of the
structure (wall or ceiling). If the ceiling height
is too high, use the Drop Supports to lower
the height of the fixed rails so that they are at
a correct level. It is important that the fixed
rails are level when secured or the moving
rails will not stay in position.
You will have decided how many items you
are going to hang from the rails.
Everything will need a carriage to mount it
onto the rail.
For lighter weight items use a Single Carriage
(BW2604), for heavier items the 6 Wheel
Carriage (BW2628) will allow for easier, more
fluid movement.
To add items after your Hi-Glide has been
installed, you can use the Addalite Carriage
(BW2660) which can be fixed to a rail without
dismantling the whole system.
If your lights are always at the same height
then a fixed Length Extension Tube can be
used along with an additional Adaptor Spigot
(BW2652). The Litelift Pantographs allow
lights to be easily raised and lowered. Each
Litelift is supplied with type 1 & 2 springs, if
the item you are mounting weighs more than
5.4Kg you will need additional stronger type
3 & 4 springs.
If you plan to use heavy accessories on your
lighting a Centre Of Gravity Bar (BW2622)
can be used to adjust the weight balance.
Step one
(Rails)
Step two
(Fixings)
Step three
(Rail Attachments)
Step four
(Attaching Lights)
building the system
75 - Hi-Glide System | Building the System
First, check whether you have enough
clearance height for Hi-Glide to be effective.
It is recommended to have a minimum floor-
to-ceiling height of 2.8m and ideally 3.5m as
the optimum height.
Second, check the ceiling is going to be
strong enough to support the weight.
Remember that it will have to carry the
combined weight of the rail system and all of
your equipment.
If you satisfy both of these requirements then, congratulations you are Hi-Glide ready.
Remove the need for lighting stands and trailing wires.
The Hi-Glide Studio Rail System increases your shooting
space and transforms your studio into an efficient
working environment.
As well as creating a better working
environment Hi-Glide also provides incredible
lighting flexibility.
All your lights, accessories, powerpacks and
backdrops can all be suspended and
positioned exactly where you need them;
making the best use of your studio space.
Moving rails allow for quick and easy
horizontal positioning while the wide range of
adjustable mountings and extension tubes
provide full vertical height control.
Locking devices hold everything in place so
there is no chance of disturbing your carefully
created lighting set-ups.
Hi-Glide can be used in just about any studio
with a wide range of accessories to ensure
that you can create a set-up that will be
perfect for your studio.
The Design.
You will need a minimum of two fixed/static
rails which will be attached parallel to each
other on the ceiling. These should be placed
approximately 1.8m apart so that the moving
rail(s), when placed at 90° to the fixed rail,
have up to 60cm overhang at each end.
If the fixed rails are too far apart the moving
rail(s) will only be able to move at right angles
to the fixed rails.
For larger spaces, three or more fixed rails
can be used; Three fixed rails are
recommended when using 4.5m moving rails.
Consider where you want to place your lights
when drafting your design.
You may want to always shoot in the same
position; though the flexibility of Hi-Glide,
creates more adventurous set-ups.
If you draw a plan of your shooting space you
can start to design a system that will be right
for your needs. Remember that moving rails
can move beyond the fixed rails so you will
gain shooting space beyond them.
Are you Hi-Glide compatible?