What's in print?

[sitelights]

I have 8 books specifically about low voltage outdoor lighting and I have reviewed them for Amazon.com. Oddly, Amazon.com retains the copyright for my reviews: it is, as they say,"policy". I'd call it "policey" but I knew about it beforehand and clicked on "agree". Anyway 8 books make for a short shelf (I have yards of catalogs) and maybe there are more out there. Let me know. If you would like to read the reviews there a two ways to get to them: the easiest is to go to my commercial web site <http:www.sitelights.com> to the DIY page and click on the link or go to
<http:www.amazon.com> and click on books, type in "landscape lighting" and hit the "search" button.
Comments? Yes, my own: The link described does not work since Amazon changed their format

As of June 2007 there are 14 "expert opinion" reviews of books on the topic at amazon.com Click on "books" on the nav bar, search "landscape lighting" click on "The Landscape Lighting Book", scroll (a long scroll) to the bottom of the page and click on reader "reviews"; find my review (the 3rd in the short list) and click on "all reviews".

[Mike M]

How about considering review of the manufacturer's technical publications? These contain lots of methods, tips, and technical references, diagrams, etc., that didn't stand out in the Moyer design book.

I have Vista's and Cast's. They have both helped me with the basic wiring designs, calculating voltage drop, transformer capacity, amp load on wires, etc. I like the plans in the Cast book for post-mounting transformers.

I know these are biased for manufacturers, but hey, I got them for free. I wonder which other companies offer installation manuals?

Mike M

[sitelights]

Almost any equipment manufacturer that has been in the business for a few years will have detailed literature about their products and how they are to be installed; many will have detailed installer's guides or design manuals. These items in print are too numerous and change with such frequency that it is not possible to review them and stay current.

The following list does not necessarily imply an endorsement: Cast, Focus, FXL, Kichler, Hadco, Nightscaping, Unique, Vista; nor is it in any way complete. Take the time to search out their web sites; all of them maintain sites with the kind of information you seek. A sample of the type of information available is seen at www.fxl.com if you look in the contractor pages. Some freely divulge their information on design and installation recommendations; others play it a bit close to the chest and want you to register on their site or take their training seminars.

There are a number of posts related to your question. Search: seminars, training and other keywords.

[LowVoltPro]

Mike-

Unique Lighting has always in my opinion been really good if not the best about the education side of things and offering informational tools to help you with the technical side of things. If you like anything by CAST then you will love Unique , just know anything CAST was done by Unique first. CAST's whole system is a spin off of the Unique Power Management System which to me is very bullet proof in terms of producing 12 volts to each and every light on a job with about half the connections a traditional install would require. I love how the owner "Dave" of CAST says he created all of this stuff when in reality as the first Unqiue Lighting distributor on the east coast (Aquarius) he was befrieended and educated on everything landscape lighting by Nate Mullen. I know this history very well as a good friend of mine worked for Aquarius in the past when they were Unique distributors. It all started by stealing the F225 well light and then turned into CAST all while pretending to be Nate's friend!! Beware of shady buisness people. But as always becuase of Nate's brash tell it like it is attitude us Unqiue loyalists will always be considered extremists. Anyways, in regards to books, the Landscape Lighting Resource Manual is too a really educational book you will love!!!!!Good riddence CAST, Evening Lights, BQL, Bull, Alliance and all the other Unique spawn off's. Get your own ideas or atleast credit those whom you took yours from!!!

I'm in a fiesty mood this morning, good thing it's Friday!! Sorry to those who I offend here, I really enjoy this site and those who use these products I have nothing against.

[Mike M]

I have heard of Nate's book as being a good technical reference, and I will purchase it.

I will welcome a book which offers a little more practical-technical-installation stuff than Janet Moyer's book, which is awesome, but a little lacking in installation and tools (splicing techniques, etc.).

Thanks,

Mike

[LowVoltPro]

I like that description Mike!!! very well put! You will like Nate's real life stories and down to earth technical info. I refer to this book all time for design ideas and technical advice. I even started my maintenance program based off his book.

[Hadco]

If any one wants a copy of Hadco Low voltage installation guide, please PM me and I will send you a copy of the PDF. Two of the industry pioneers, Lew Waltz and Bud Austin, made the guide

[turftroll]

I checked Amazon and borders their sites say out of print or unavailable,

if anyone has either of his books they want to sell or know where I can get them please send me a pm ,

thanks

[sitelights]

http://www.uniquelighting.com

Apparently Nate has combined his two earlier publications into one volume; find it under the "Education" nav bar as the Lighting Resource Manual. If you buy it you might as well consider reviewing it.

[turftroll]

thanks, bought it, will let you know