Announcing: MAXSYS Wireless Remote for CT-vacs

[rmwarren]

When this was first posted I thought "Great idea, certainly will be flawless design knowing Rick, but not something I need in my little shop" (10' by 12'). Then I spent the weekend working in it and realized how often I bend and reach over something else to turn on the vac for a bit of clean up. I very seldom use tools that won't trigger the vac, but I do use it to clean up a lot.

Long story short - pre-ordered.

RMW 

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Long story short - pre-ordered.

RMW

[thumbs up] LOL, I thought I recognized your name pop up in my email about 3 minutes ago.

The previous discussion about working on ladders while cleaning was another interesting revelation, too. I suspect there's going to be a few more of these ideas popping up in the coming days as people consider how often they use their extractors for more than just corded tools.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

By the way, to all those that have already ordered, I haven't been acknowledging the order emails yet. I was going to do that when the first components showed up, so that I can also provide a reasonable ETA for a shipping date. The custom circuit boards will have the longest lead time, but I'm hoping to see them in 1 to 2 weeks, if all goes well.

 

[rmwarren]

Long story short - pre-ordered.

RMW

[thumbs up] LOL, I thought I recognized your name pop up in my email about 3 minutes ago.

The previous discussion about working on ladders while cleaning was another interesting revelation, too. I suspect there's going to be a few more of these ideas popping up in the coming days as people consider how often they use their extractors for more than just corded tools.

So, I'm not the only guy would could not sleep and hit the office early... [doh]

RMW

 

[RKA]

I'm refinishing a room in my house, including remediating some termite damage.  I can't count how many times I've gone back to the DE to turn it on and off.  Currently I've sanding down the compound using an HSK block attached to the DE.  The hose gives me 16 ft of length so I just leave it running while I inspect the finish with a light.  By the time I'm done, the MaxSys should be here!    But it will come in handy the next time.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Well, I guess I can kiss my weekend goodbye.  [crying]
The connector bodies showed up this afternoon.......Some assembly required.  [scared]
With the daunting amount of wire stripping I'm about to do, I decided to shell out the cash to get one of the fancier wire strippers to preserve my sanity.

But at least I've got the Ninja Kitty to help.  Surely plastic things with tails won't distract him much. [unsure]

[attachimg=1]

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Everything is progressing on schedule. All of the electronics showed up today, and it gave me the opportunity to experiment with multiple Maxsys modules and multiple key fobs. So this will answer some of the questions I have been getting.

To avoid confusion, I'll first explain again how a single Maxsys system works by default. Each Maxsys module comes with a 2-button remote. Pressing button-A turns the vac on, and pressing button-B turns the vac off.

I've had some customers asking whether a single remote could operate 2 Maxsys modules. I didn't think so, so I ordered some extra 4-button remotes to experiment with. In the process, I discovered that the 2-button remotes can already do that.  [cool] Here's the rest of what I learned:

• I have confirmed that 1 Maxsys module will pair with multiple keyfobs. This is handy if you wanted to leave an extra remote at each tool station to control the vac. I paired 6 remotes to a single Maxsys, but I don't know what the maximum might be, probably 10.
• With a simple jumper change on the Maxsys modules, 1 remote can operate 2 separate Maxsys modules. Button-A will control vac 1 and Button-B will control vac 2.
  
• Similarly, because every Maxsys module comes with its own remote, you'll have 2 of them for 2 Maxsys modules. You can set up both of your remotes to operate both of the Maxsys modules. Either remote can turn on/off either vac.
  
• I only ordered 10 of the 4-button remotes so I could experiment with them. They work a little differently than I was expecting. A 4-button remote can operate up to 4 Maxsys modules. One Maxsys per button.

For anyone ordering more than 1 Maxsys system, I will pre-configure their modules and remotes to operate in the mode they choose. The process is very simple, and will also be explained in the manual.

 

[rljatl]

Thanks for the update, Rick.  I know you are very busy assembling the first run, but I am interested to hear more about the Maxsys working with a 2hp dust collector.  Any news about that, yet?

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Thanks for the update, Rick.  I know you are very busy assembling the first run, but I am interested to hear more about the Maxsys working with a 2hp dust collector.  Any news about that, yet?

I didn't realize more people were interested in that. I'd been discussing it in PMs. Yes, it can be done, and the same would apply for using multiple Maxsys/fobs would apply to your dust collector too.

When used in a CT-vac, no power passes through Maxsys. However, as a standalone, Maxsys itself is rated for a 1hp load (but I don't recommend running a dust collector straight off Maxsys). To operate a dust collector, it should have an external motor contactor/relay. So electrically, it's a piece of cake. I just need to know what voltage your motor operates at to find the correct contactor. (Maxsys is universal power, but relays aren't.)

The only complexity is the packaging, because that can vary from person to person. I'd have to find an off-the-shelf enclosure, because the quantity isn't high enough to cover the tooling costs for custom.

I suppose in its simplest form, I could find a moderate size electrical junction box, a compact relay, and terminal bus, and the whole package could mount on the wall behind your collector. If I can locate short Male/female power cords (or cut up a short extension cord), I could even pre-install those. Surprisingly, I just found a 240 volt extension cord on eBay for around $15. So I could set it up for either 120V or 240V.

I already had found some reasonably priced compact power relays on eBay, but if you wanted a full motor contactor, those get pretty expensive.

 

[rljatl]

[member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member]  See post #57.  I am definitely interested in a combo dust collector/CT remote.  I'll send you a PM.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

[member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member]  See post #57.  I am definitely interested in a combo dust collector/CT remote.  I'll send you a PM.

Yes, go ahead and order the pair of Maxsys, and add a note to the order that you want one for a dust collector so I can flag it in the email. We'll figure out how to handle the difference separately. My initial thought is that it will just be the cost of materials.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

By the way, if there are other people interested in getting a combo setup for their dust collector or filter system, please let me know right away, so I can plan ahead when ordering the extra parts necessary to make them.

If enough people are interested in this, I may set up a kit for it. But for now, I'll just handle it on a case-by-case basis with an add-on charge for materials.

If you are interested, go ahead and place your order for 2 or more Maxsys modules, but add a note to the check-out dialog indicating you need one for a dust collector. This way I can flag the email notification to contact you for details and process the order separately.

Also, if anyone has changed their mind and wants to order another Maxsys system or spare remotes, make sure to note that in your new order, and I will refund the duplicate shipping charges on the second order.

 

[Dom]

Would it be possible to order just extra remotes

Thanks

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Would it be possible to order just extra remotes

Thanks

I'm a little confused by the question, but yes, you can order extra remotes. I just added a new button for that on the website. RTS Engineering

If you've already ordered a Maxsys and later decide to order an extra remote, I will refund the duplicate shipping charges because it will all fit in the same shipment. (I won't double-charge for shipping!!!!)

If you are asking if a Maxsys remote/fob can be purchased separately to operate some other (non-Maxsys) device, that may be possible, but I can't guarantee your receiver can pair with a Maxsys remote. Because wireless technology is fairly universal, it is likely that your existing receiver could be paired to a new Maxsys fob, but you need to accept the risk that it won't work.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Would it be possible to order just extra remotes

Thanks

By the way, out of curiosity, I decided to look through all of the pre-orders to see if you had already placed an order. What surprised me is that of all the pre-orders so far, there is only 1 from the UK (If that's you, let me know and I can flag it for you.)

But more importantly, what this just told me is that a lot of our international members may not have realized that Maxsys is universal to all countries. I normally have a much higher percentage of UK, European, and Australian sales.

So I wanted to reiterate that Maxsys is universal to all countries without modification or special order. I ship to all countries, and the shipping costs via US Postal Service is very reasonable.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

If it works as well with my workflow as I hope I'll be ordering three more for the other vacs .

Thanks again for this dom

Dom, I just found this previous posting of yours, and it deserves mention.

Anyone ordering 3 or more modules, and I will automatically flag the order to contact you regarding the 4-button remotes.

I only have a limited number of 4-button remotes on-hand, but I can order more. My thought is that I would automatically upgrade the multiple purchase to include all 4-button remotes at no additional charge (If you wished). And then I would configure all of your Maxsys modules to work with all of the remotes.

 

[Alan m]

is there any way that you could have the receiver of the vac module in such a way that the vac could be in the attic or hidden away but the remote could still work.
im thinking some kind of plug in jack point that would allow a receiver to be mounted somewhere else and be wired back to the maxsys.

 

[Rick Christopherson]

is there any way that you could have the receiver of the vac module in such a way that the vac could be in the attic or hidden away but the remote could still work.
im thinking some kind of plug in jack point that would allow a receiver to be mounted somewhere else and be wired back to the maxsys.

There's no need for that. I've been downstairs in the workshop showing someone the remote fob. They'd invariably push the buttons, and I'd hear the CT-36 test vac upstairs in my office fire up.  [big grin] The fob has more range than you'll ever need in a workshop. It's not line-of-sight; it's radio.

 

[Alan m]

thanks rick.
I thought it was line of sight

 

[nclemmons]

Rick

I did an external relay for my dust collector and just used an X10 switch years ago to activate the relay.  I've since updated from x10 to Insteon (www.insteon.com) for whole home control including lights, dust collection, and air compressor. 

So the relay box has a male plug to 110v power, a female plug to the dust collector and a male plug to the Insteon control for activating the relay, or in your case, the MaxSys.  I put a standard 110v 15a plug on it so you might consider that as a simple means of enabling the connection universally.  Just a thought.

neil