Announcing: MAXSYS Wireless Remote for CT-vacs

[Rick Christopherson]

The secrecy has been killing me, but I'm excited to finally announce completion of the Maxsys wireless remote control for the CT-series of Festool dust extractors. Maxsys is not just an in-line outlet, but is custom engineered to communicate directly with the vacuum's internal control board, and fully utilize the existing, yet hidden, capabilities of the CT-Series vacuums.

Do you own a cordless TSC55 track saw, or cordless PSC420 Carvex, or any other power tool that can't automatically trigger your vac? Do you have your vac tied in to your tablesaw, or to multiple tools throughout your shop? Or do you simply have times you wish you could trigger the vac without having to walk over to it?

Well that's exactly what the Maxsys wireless remote is designed for. But most importantly of all, it doesn't interfere with any of the normal functions of your CT-vac. It will passively sit dormant and hidden, until you need it. Your power tools will still trigger the vac as normal. The Auto/Manual/Off switch still works the same as it always has. The only change to your vac is that you now have a new function that it didn't have before....wireless activation.

Maxsys talks directly with the CT-vac control board to activate the built-in autostart function, and installs in seconds. Maxsys is completely self-contained and integrated inside the existing accessory module bay, so you never have to remember to bring it with you or plug it in.

Maxsys is compatible with all Festool CT-xx series dust extractors throughout the world, regardless of voltage. (Maxsys is not available for CT-Mini/Midi extractors. Nor will it fit into CT22/33 without the accessory module bay.)

As with any RTS Engineering product, Maxsys exceeds the quality expectations that Festool owners demand. The heavy-duty remote keyfob uses a polished aluminum subframe and brushed aluminum face for durability in a rugged workshop environment, and has a protective slide cover over the buttons to prevent inadvertent activation while in your pocket. The fob is very compact, and even includes a small lanyard hook, so you can slip it in your pocket, or hang it from your tool.

Quality Control:
As with all RTS Engineering products, I perform 100% sample-rate testing. Every Maxsys module that ships will be actively tested in a live CT-vac before it ships.

Status/Pre-Order:
All research, design, testing, and prototyping is complete, and Maxsys is ready to enter the production phase. Initial orders are expected to be ready to ship within a month. The cost for Maxsys is $129.

Initial demand is expected to be high. So I will be accepting pre-orders now to get the first orders complete as quickly as possible. To get yours before the rush, visit rts-engineering.com

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask here or by emailing maxsys@rts-engineering.com.

 

[GarryMartin]

This looks great. Just one question; does installation invalidate the Festool warranty on the extractor?

 

[neeleman]

Does it only switch ON/OFF or also the Auto/Man?

A wireless automated outlet switch is way cheaper then.
I've got this one and it only cost €30.

 

[rvieceli]

Very nice Rick... what kind of range does it have?

custom engineered to communicate directly with the vacuum's internal control board, and fully utilize the existing, yet hidden, capabilities of the CT-Series vacuums.

What does this mean?

Thanks

 

[GarryMartin]

Does it only switch ON/OFF or also the Auto/Man?

From what I understood from the text, it doesn't interfere with the normal AUTO working of the standard outlet whereas your wireless switch would. It's a *supplement* to the standard operation allowing you to also switch the extractor on remotely.

 

[joiner1970]

What would be better is a wireless signal from all cordless tools that triggers the extractor. Trouble is Festool would have to do that

 

[RJNeal]

Sweet Rick. Nice add on. Been wanting one for awhile.
Rick

 

[ajones]

Very nice Rick... what kind of range does it have?

custom engineered to communicate directly with the vacuum's internal control board, and fully utilize the existing, yet hidden, capabilities of the CT-Series vacuums.

What does this mean?

Thanks

It means under the cover and part of the festools circuit board are two pins which are connected together by a simple relay which forms part of the aftermarket receiver.

 

[RKA]

I poke myself in the gut with the sliding table components on my CMS every time I'm reaching around to switch from tool activated mode to manual. I picked up a remote switch, but this is even better for the CT.  Looking forward to it!

 

[Stoli]

From what I understood from the text, it doesn't interfere with the normal AUTO working of the standard outlet whereas your wireless switch would. It's a *supplement* to the standard operation allowing you to also switch the extractor on remotely.

Why not run a line from the vac to a user made duplex outlet, plug your normal tool into one half, then the remote into the other.  Finally, plug a lamp into the remote outlet to simulate a load.  This seems a lot cheaper.  (BTW, I think I first saw Peter Parfait do this).

It is what I'll have to do, since I have a midi.

But, a few questions for Rick:
1) Why exclude the mini and midi?  Do they not have the module bay?
2) Is there an option to purchase extra remotes?  I could envision wanting to leave one at specific tools, and having one in my shop apron.
3) There appears to be an "A" and a "B" switch.  Could you control 2 items if an extra CT module was purchased, or is this set up as "off/on"?  In my case, I have both a CT and a full on DC, so I would love to have a remote the could interact with either.  Of course, I'd have to wire up my own relay for the DC, but could use your switch.
4) Could I complete the above by purchasing 2 sets?  This would mean that I'd somehow need to get in and hack at the frequencies.

 

[mike_aa]

Looks like a nice solution.  Will you also be coming out with something similar for the Midi?

Mike A.

 

[bkharman]

Hey [member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member] ,

I went ahead and ordered one for the simple fact that it will look seamless when installed.  I was looking at some other units that needed one part plugged in and one remote which would absolutely work, but look a bit clunky.  Glad I waited a few days!

One suggestion maybe for round two, but perhaps you could engineer the remote into a velcro sleeve like the one here.  I really like that as it would be "one less thing to misplace".  I am sure I can jerry-rig something in the meantime.

Look forward to getting this and immediately put it to use!

Cheers.  Bryan.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

But, a few questions for Rick:
1) Why exclude the mini and midi?  Do they not have the module bay?
2) Is there an option to purchase extra remotes?  I could envision wanting to leave one at specific tools, and having one in my shop apron.
3) There appears to be an "A" and a "B" switch.  Could you control 2 items if an extra CT module was purchased, or is this set up as "off/on"?  In my case, I have both a CT and a full on DC, so I would love to have a remote the could interact with either.  Of course, I'd have to wire up my own relay for the DC, but could use your switch.
4) Could I complete the above by purchasing 2 sets?  This would mean that I'd somehow need to get in and hack at the frequencies.

1) Unfortunately, the Mini/Midi control board is not designed for remote activation.

2) I'll have to double check. I'm not sure that the receiver can pair to more than one remote at a time.

3) Interesting question. Yes, by default one button starts the vac and the other button turns it off. However, it can be changed with a jumper, so the same button toggles the output on/off. I'd have to experiment to see if I can pair one button to one receiver and the other button to another receiver. However, I can get a 4-button remote for you. I would have to test whether I can pair separate buttons to separate receivers. I could set up receiver to handle you dust collector.

4) No hacking required. The receivers can be paired to fobs easily.

 

[rvieceli]

Rick - So with my CT22 there is no accessory module but the control board does have the pins for the activator for the air module. SO is it fairly easy plug and play to install your receiver? Is there a spot to install the receiver securely in the CT22?

thanks Ron

 

[Rick Christopherson]

This looks great. Just one question; does installation invalidate the Festool warranty on the extractor?

No. You're not modifying the vac in any way. Opening the module accessory bay is not a modification, as Festool already sells accessories for this bay.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

One suggestion maybe for round two, but perhaps you could engineer the remote into a velcro sleeve like the one here.  I really like that as it would be "one less thing to misplace".  I am sure I can jerry-rig something in the meantime.

Interesting Idea. I've got a friend that is doing a few things in that type of industry. He is actually looking for a product idea like the one you just mentioned. So I'll pass it along to him.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Rick - So with my CT22 there is no accessory module but the control board does have the pins for the activator for the air module. SO is it fairly easy plug and play to install your receiver? Is there a spot to install the receiver securely in the CT22?

thanks Ron

Without a module bay, I can't specifically produce a Maxsys for the CT22. However, I have a CT22 myself, so I could look into it privately for you.

 

[rvieceli]

Thanks, but not necessary...Yet...

You might want to change the wording on your description to make sure that folks understand that your product is designed for the CT models that have the accessory module bay. So those would be the current generation of CTs... the 26,36 and the 48 BUT not the prior CT22 and CT33.

Ron

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Does it only switch ON/OFF or also the Auto/Man?

A wireless automated outlet switch is way cheaper then.
I've got this one and it only cost €30.

Yes, there are a lot of plug-in products like that. The problem with them is that you lose all other functionality of your vac. You can no longer use tool-activated auto start, or even manual start. The only control you have is with the remote.

Maxsys works in conjunction with the CT's built-in functions. So you could literally start the vac using a TS55, and while the saw was running, press the remote, and the remote would continue to operate the vac until the other button was pressed.

Here's an example that I run into all the time: I'm running the router ploughing out dados, or something, and after a pass, I want to vacuum up the stray sawdust. So I pull the hose off the router, and then have to pull the trigger on the router to make the vacuum run. That's not very safe. With Maxsys, I can run the vac in tool-mode, and without having to change anything, I can press the button and trigger the vac without needing to turn the router on.  [thumbs up]

 

[Rick Christopherson]

You might want to change the wording on your description to make sure that folks understand that your product is designed for the CT models that have the accessory module bay. So those would be the current generation of CTs... the 26,36 and the 48 BUT not the prior CT22 and CT33.

Thanks for pointing that out. I modified my original post to reflect this.