After much research (including this channel!), this DIY'er has determined that Volt is the way to go. As noted in the video, very easy website to navigate. Maybe even too many options, particularly with bulb wattage. I'd rather go too dim (lower wattage) versus too bright so I choose a lower wattage bulb more often. All depends on your application I suppose.
Ever considered using blue loctite on the allen machine screw to stop it from backing out? Pretty sure that would fix any issues like that from happening.
Have a more detailed question and figured it’s easier to ask a professional. I purchased the Costco 6 light kit (100watt transformer and 2 hubs), 4 light expansion (1 hub), and 2 additional lights (no hub). I have enough hubs (can connect up to 5 lights to a hub) and since these are 5 watt bulbs, the transformer should have no problem handling 12 lights. My problem is that no matter where I place a hub, I will have one light that will need longer than the 25’ wire provided/recommended. The run is about 35’…will splicing and adding 10 more feet of 18/2 wire cause too much of a voltage drop for the light to work? I can only find information about 16gauge wire and thicker.
Justin, my opinion is that the extra 10 feet won't add too much more resistance to the line. If, after setting up, the longest fixture appears dimmer, you could try to decrease the gauge/increase the wire thickness to 14 or 12 but I'd bet the voltage drop isn't perceptible.
Do you ever recommend using smaller MR11 spotlights, or just sticking to MR16s? I like how compact the MR11 ones are, but I think they have fewer lamp options in terms of brightness, beam angle, color temp, etc.
I recommend always going with the MR16 because they are more common, brighter, more durable, and like you mentioned there are less options. That doesn't mean you shouldn't install them.
I'm guessing all these are low voltage? I am planning a tree lighting project that will need about 10 different programable stations. I need to buy a control center that I can program each of the stations to independent start/stop times. Any knowledge on those? Thx
I bought the top dog without knowing wtf I was doing. Was planning the set up and bought a single gang outdoor box and my brother found out what I was planning and stopped me from making a huge mistake. These lights require a transformer. It’s not 12 volts DC it’s VAC and not 120 VAC. Huge difference. Deadly type difference. If you don’t know what you are doing. Stop. Get an electrician.
Sounds this is a propaganda channel to keep him in business. For example according to your own words, how is the $50 each light purchased at Home Depot bad? $150 to get a new outlet installed that will later cause all kinds of problems. … nah.
Fxl makes the best value. The rs up light, the spa path , the pb wall wash . $50 each of you know where to get them . Volt is just a private label china light . I know 10 brands that sell the same fixture.
After much research (including this channel!), this DIY'er has determined that Volt is the way to go. As noted in the video, very easy website to navigate. Maybe even too many options, particularly with bulb wattage. I'd rather go too dim (lower wattage) versus too bright so I choose a lower wattage bulb more often. All depends on your application I suppose.
You could add some threadlock to that hinge on the allen wrench hinge
Thanks Adam. Very helpful.
This is great information and overview. thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Ever considered using blue loctite on the allen machine screw to stop it from backing out? Pretty sure that would fix any issues like that from happening.
Have you tried this to check if it works?
Awesome Job!
Thanks!
Can you do a video for Harscape lights?
Which brands are better than volt, and where can I get them ? Thanks
low strength loctite..... also thanks for the info
Hey AK,
Thanks for the great video reviews and advice. Any suggestions on non-Volt MR16 bulbs that fit the Volt Top Dog?
Anyone know how to convert the Costco version posts (w/set screw stake) so it can use the threaded stakes (1/2" NPSM)?
Have a more detailed question and figured it’s easier to ask a professional. I purchased the Costco 6 light kit (100watt transformer and 2 hubs), 4 light expansion (1 hub), and 2 additional lights (no hub). I have enough hubs (can connect up to 5 lights to a hub) and since these are 5 watt bulbs, the transformer should have no problem handling 12 lights.
My problem is that no matter where I place a hub, I will have one light that will need longer than the 25’ wire provided/recommended. The run is about 35’…will splicing and adding 10 more feet of 18/2 wire cause too much of a voltage drop for the light to work?
I can only find information about 16gauge wire and thicker.
Justin, my opinion is that the extra 10 feet won't add too much more resistance to the line. If, after setting up, the longest fixture appears dimmer, you could try to decrease the gauge/increase the wire thickness to 14 or 12 but I'd bet the voltage drop isn't perceptible.
I'd use 16 min to add to a fixture lead or 14 depending on length
What do you think of Gardenreet low voltage lighting?
Do you ever recommend using smaller MR11 spotlights, or just sticking to MR16s?
I like how compact the MR11 ones are, but I think they have fewer lamp options in terms of brightness, beam angle, color temp, etc.
I recommend always going with the MR16 because they are more common, brighter, more durable, and like you mentioned there are less options. That doesn't mean you shouldn't install them.
Many MR11s are durable, the main downside is depending on what you are lighting with them, lamps for an MR11 aren't bright enough for many situations
How about the other more expensive lighting brands compared to the volt? Thanks!
That video is coming on the 15th.
Can you do something with bulbs? The differences they have where to get them how much that they cost. Cooling, adjustability, foods per bulb and such.
Yes, I can add that to the list. Thanks for the video suggestion.
Would the Top Dog be good for coastal areas?
I'm guessing all these are low voltage? I am planning a tree lighting project that will need about 10 different programable stations. I need to buy a control center that I can program each of the stations to independent start/stop times. Any knowledge on those? Thx
Can you recommend a spot light like this but one that is solar powered and rgb option?
I didn’t see any product links. What’s the product link or brand and model for the “Top Dog” spotlight?
Is there a tester for only low voltage that you can recommend ?
If they call for a magnetic driver what will a electronic driver do? Negative affects?
Costco with a larger steak=win. Check!!
Yup! But sadly you can't put a larger stake on the Costco lights. I wish they would change that.
I bought the top dog without knowing wtf I was doing. Was planning the set up and bought a single gang outdoor box and my brother found out what I was planning and stopped me from making a huge mistake. These lights require a transformer. It’s not 12 volts DC it’s VAC and not 120 VAC. Huge difference. Deadly type difference. If you don’t know what you are doing. Stop. Get an electrician.
So its either 12v or 120v.. what other kinds can there be at volt?
You shouldn't really be doing anything if you screwed this up.
😂😂
"High Quality" and "Volt Lighting" discount this video. You can do much better.
Volt is trash, so much better options on the market…
Any suggestions ?
Sounds this is a propaganda channel to keep him in business. For example according to your own words, how is the $50 each light purchased at Home Depot bad? $150 to get a new outlet installed that will later cause all kinds of problems. … nah.
You comment doesn't make any sense at all, I have no idea what you are even trying to say.
Fxl makes the best value. The rs up light, the spa path , the pb wall wash . $50 each of you know where to get them . Volt is just a private label china light . I know 10 brands that sell the same fixture.