Automatic Devices Company

A Track & Machine
For Every Purpose

Tracks FAQ

CWANA

Complete With All Necessary Accessories - Any track system that is ordered CWANA will be shipped with:

  • Track
  • Single-carriers
  • Master-carriers
  • Live-end pulley
  • Dead-end pulley
  • Lap-clamp (if suspended bi-parting operation)
  • End stops
  • Hanging or ceiling clamps
  • Splice clamps ( if needed)
  • Operating cord (for manual systems) or cable (for motorized systems)
  • Floor pulley (if manual operation)

CWANA packages for Models 140, 140R, 240, 240R, 420, 420R do not include spindles and idlers which would be required for curved systems.

Walk draw systems do not require end pulleys, floor pulleys or operating cord.

Please see the Track Selector Guide, which is accessible from the Home Page.

When is factory curving included?

Factory curving is included in CWANA pricing when the following track systems are ordered CWANA:

  • 500 Patriarc®
  • For all other curve-able track systems, track curving is provided at an additional cost.

What do I need I to furnish in order to have a track factory curved?

For factory curving, we must have one of the following:

  • Plan view scaled drawing of the track.
  • Full size template for the track.

Only the following tracks are available curved:

  • 130 Flex-I-Trac®
  • 140 Rig-I-Flex®
  • 420 Tripl-I-Trac®
  • 500 Patriarc®
  • 113A Specifine® (walk-along operation only)

Only the Model 500 Patriarc® can be reverse curved for cord or motorized operation.

Pre-formed curved sections of 1700 steel channel are available for Besteel® model 173 track systems, walk-draw only. See catalog 52, page 26 for product information.

What additional items are needed for curved track systems?

  • The Model 113A (walk-along operation only) requires no additional components.
  • The 132 series track systems are walk-along operation only and require no additional components.
  • The Model 140 track system requires the addition of 1458, 1459, 1460, & 1460A spindle and idlers.
  • The Model 420 track system requires the addition of 4258, 4259, & 4260 spindle and idlers.
  • The Model 500 series track includes cable guides in its CWANA pricing.

What is the minimum curving radius for tracks?

The smaller the radii, the more difficult the operation. Radii should be as large as possible to help limit the operating load of track systems.

  • Models 500, 420, 140, 130 - minimum radius is 2 feet.

Why use ball-bearing equipped carriers?

There are 4 distinct advantages to using ball-bearing equipped carriers.

  • They increase the per-foot load rating of the track system.
  • They provide quieter operation.
  • They make the operation of the track system easier.
  • They are more durable than non-ball-bearing equipped carriers.

Whenever ball-bearing carriers are used, a choice between nylon-tired and neoprene-tired wheels is generally available.

The advantage of neoprene-tired carriers is that they provide a quieter operation, especially when going over splices in the track. One possible disadvantage is that if the curtain is heavy and if it is left in one position for a long period of time, the neoprene carriers may flatten a bit due to the static load. This will cause the carrier to vibrate and create a slight noise when they operate.

Nylon-tired carriers do not flatten out and still provide a higher per foot load rating. The hard nylon tires provide years of service, but are a bit noisier going over splices.

When should larger than standard end pulleys be used?

The larger the live & dead end pulleys, the easier the track system will operate. Silent Steel® track systems with long runs or with heavy curtains should be equipped with these larger pulleys.

What tracks are available with a black finish?

All aluminum tracks are available with a black anodize or powder-coated black finish.

  • Models 2800ABL and 1700ABL aluminum channel tracks are furnished standard with a black anodized finish.
  • Models 2800BL and 1700BL steel channel tracks are furnished standard with a black powder coat finish.
  • Models 1400BL, 4200BL and 5000BL aluminum I-beam tracks are black anodized.
  • Models 1300BL, 2200BL and 1100ABL are furnished standard with a black powder coat finish.
  • ADC track models that are not stocked in black can be black powder coated as a custom up-charge order.
  • ADC track and hardware can be powder coated to virtually any color as a custom order, upon request.  There is an additional charge for this service and the lead-time can be extended by a week or two.

Which tracks can be reverse-curved?

Only the following track Models can be used in reverse-curved layout for machine or cord operation:

  • Model 500 Patriarc (minimum radius 24 inches)
  • Models 502, 422, 142, 132, and 113A can be reverse curved for walk-draw operation only.

What are Back-Pack® guides?

Back-Pack® guides are special plates that attach to a track's single carriers and provide a sliding door or panel effect when the curtain opens. The curtain remains flat as the curtain opens and begins to stack when it gets to the end of the track.  Back-Pack® guides prevent the curtain from "bunching up" on stage as it opens.  They can also aid in stacking a curtain into a narrow pocket by keeping the curtain flat as it enters the pocket's opening.

Note that using Back-Packs® makes the track more difficult to operate and increases the load to the curtain machine if one is used. Also, the use of Back-Packs® causes premature wear of the operating cord or cable.

Which tracks can be equipped with Back-Pack® guides?

Only Model 280 Silent Steel® and Model 170 Besteel® can be equipped with Back-Pack® guides.

On which side of the carriers should the Back-Packs® be located?

Back-Packs® need to be located on the stack side of the single carriers, or the side that faces the end pulleys.

DO NOT ATTACH BACK-PACKS® TO THE LAST SINGLE CARRIERS OR TO THE MASTER CARRIERS.

Are Pipe Clamps included with CWANA track systems?

No. Pipe clamps must be ordered separately for all track systems. The size (inside diameter) of the pipe must be specified at time or order. We always assume schedule 40 pipe is being used.

When should I use a pipe batten?

  • Pipe battens should be used with suspended track systems that need additional structural support.
  • Pipe battens should always be used with suspended curved track systems to provide additional support to the aluminum track.
  • Pipe battens can also be used with straight steel track systems that have long runs or heavy curtains.

What is the default carrier spacing for ADC track systems?

All track systems except Models 220, 113 & 160 use 12-inch carrier spacing.

Models 220, 113, & 160 use 6-inch carrier spacing.

Can I add more carriers to the system?

Carriers can be added to the systems, but the addition of carriers will make the operation of the track system more difficult, and will increase the amount of room needed to stack the curtain.

How much replacement cable/cord should I order?

Machine operated tracks (drum drive):

  • 2.5 times the track width + 2 times the track height + 10 feet.
    Machine operated tracks (wheel drive):
  • 2 times the track width + 2 times the track height + 10 feet.
    Manual track systems:
  • 2 times the track width + 2 times the track height + 10 feet.

Should I lubricate the carrier and pulleys?

No. The addition of lubricant to the bearings or bushings will attract lint and dirt, which will cause problems with the components.

Can I mule the operating lines of the track to remote room or location?

The operating lines of the track system can be muled or re-routed, however it must be noted that the operation of the system will be effected by this modification. The difficulty of operation of the system will increase for each curve that is added to the operating line path, particularly with manually operated systems.

Also, be sure and use the largest diameter pulley possible to help limit the difficulty of operation. A good rule of thumb is to use a pulley with a diameter equal to 40 times the diameter of the operating cord or cable.