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Number 014 | March 31, 2000
© 2000 Designer Blinds

A split stack Luminette generally shows 
a bit of a light gap in the center. By using 
two tracks to simulate a split stack, the 
gap can be significantly reduced.

Figure 1 - A normal Split Stack has vanes 
rotated in the same direction which can cause 
a small light gap between the fabric panels.

Figure 2 - A "Simulated Split Stack" uses two 
independent tracks.  By rotating vanes in 
opposite directions the light gap is virtually
eliminated.
Figure 3 - When two passive end caps are 
abutted, a separation of 1˝" between end 
caps is necessary to allow for proper 
operation

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Simulated Split Stack 
Reducing Center Gap For Luminette® Privacy Sheers

If you've installed a split stack Luminette®, you've probably seen that there is usually a bit of a light gap between the two individual panels of fabric.  Recent design changes have reduced this light gap somewhat, but you should still expect a slight gap between the fabrics –this is normal.  There is a technique for using two separate tracks to simulate a split stack look and significantly reduce the light gap.

Simulated Split Stack Design
By using two separate tracks, your customers can gain more control over how they want the window to appear.  Each track has its own controls for rotating or drawing the vanes.  

A simulated split stack is the same as a passive/passive side-by-side installation. For BEST APPEARANCE  when using a simulated split stack design, the sheers should be drawn open or closed the same distance on each side. In addition, the vanes should be rotated to the same direction at the same angle.  

For BEST CLOSURE, however, the vanes should be rotated in opposite directions (Fig. 2). This minimizes the light gap in the center. The beauty of the simulated split stack is that it gives the user total control over how the shadings will be used.  The downside is that it takes a bit more effort to operate, since there are two controls instead of one.  

Keep in mind, if you use this approach, that  simulated split stacks cannot operate, nor will they appear, exactly like a split stack design.

Measuring Considerations
Measuring for a split stack design is relatively easy. In the Reference guide the approach is the same for using any two tracks together that are meeting with both tracks on the passive (non-control) side.  

For side-by-side installations, spacing between the end caps should be 1˝" when two passive end caps meet (Fig. 3). The spacing allows the clearance needed for proper operation of the swivel arm.

Be sure to measure the spacing from end cap to end cap — not from the swivel arms.

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