Bluetooth adapter is good but can be improved

[jt073]

The new Bluetooth adapter for the CT vacs is very good - it is really convenient to have hose end control of the vac when you are just vacuuming or using a cordless tool. So I did not have too much agonising over the £70 odd for the sethttp://www.powertool-supplies.co.uk...x6T0r4zD8C7oLRnihoC-h0QAvD_BwE#/product/50689

It all works seamlessly once fitted into the auxiliary module on the fascia of the CT vac. The only drawback is that then means you cannot fit another auxiliary module. My set up is to use the auxiliary module for a second power outlet that has a (nice green) Plug-it cord fitted permanently, leaving the no 1 outlet for other machines (I only use one at a time, but this saves a lot of faffing about with plugs and cords).

Looking at the connections behind the auxiliary module, the Bluetooth connection uses a 4 pin Molex(?) connection quite separate from the mains power connections for the no 2 power outlet. So I figured I could have both. The results are shown below:
[attachimg=2]

The fascia of the Bluetooth module was trimmed to fit the available space behind the main fascia, so that the Bluetooth button would locate behind one of the blanks in the main fascia. The Bluetooth module was then glued with solvent cement to the back of the fascia. The three wires to the Bluetooth unit were lengthened by soldering in some additional wire (of the same gauge) and thencovered in two layers of protective heat shrink. The photo below shows a little corner cut out for the cable to the Bluetooth unit to fit in out of the way. (Much use of my Dremel type Bosch rotary tool).

Hopefully future Vac models will come with the Bluetooth fully integrated, but this one should now do me for a while yet!

Note also the nice new slinky hose upgraded to old style connector

Cheers

 

[Gregor]

Great operation, I like it!

 

[Bohdan]

Once again the customer shows Festool how it should be done.  [embarassed]

 

[Shane Holland]

There are few coincidences when it comes to Festool's design and engineering. I'll bet the diameter of the bluetooth button is the same as the blanks on the front of the CT for a reason... future vacs will likely have this pre-installed either as an option or standard feature and not require the module.

I think the module was a nice convenient way to retro-fit this capability on existing units and make installation super easy for anyone. Let's remember to give credit where it's due to [member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member] who came up with this solution with his MAX-SYS.

Edit - For those in North America, the second power outlet is not an option, FYI.

Shane

 

[Frank-Jan]

Those are some upgrades I see in my vacs future; thanks for sharing. (The loss of the second outlet putt me off the bluetooth module; but I prefer the non-auto second outlet myself)

 

[semenza]

[member=2839]scholar[/member]

    How did you swap out the hose connector?  I was under the impression that those were not swapable.

Seth

 

[pingvinlakrits]

Might do this myself, thanks for sharing!

I relly like the on/off BT button on the hose end - makes it all so much easier to just pick up the hose and tidy up.
I did keep my old nozzles too, prefer them.

 

[promark747]

From what I've read, there seem to be a couple differences between the new bluetooth module and the Max-Sys module:

1. New Festool module is bluetooth, while Max-Sys is radio frequency
2. Festool remote has a single button which toggles between on and off, while Max-Sys has separate on/off buttons
3. Festool remote has a clip to attach to hose (I assume will it work with older hoses), while Maxsys must be taped, velcroed, or attached by some other means if you wish to use it that way (I use a slice of bicycle inner tube near the hose end)

Does that sound right?  Functionally, I think they work the same, but would like confirmation that when the vac is off, the remote button will start it up (for hand vacuuming etc).  And then if you turn off the vac with the remote, but then trigger a connected tool, the vac will auto-start.

Thanks!

 

[ben_r_]

Man! Cant wait till my Bluetooth remote set ships! Few more weeks to go!

LOVE the mod too! That looks clean!

 

[Shane Holland]

[member=7714]promark747[/member], yes, looks about right. And, the price is lower on the Festool option.

And, yes, you can swap freely between the remote and bluetooth-enabled cordless tools.

 

[rljatl]

Does that sound right?  Functionally, I think they work the same, but would like confirmation that when the vac is off, the remote button will start it up (for hand vacuuming etc).  And then if you turn off the vac with the remote, but then trigger a connected tool, the vac will auto-start.

Thanks!

I am not so sure about this.  Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I believe if the switch on the vac is in the OFF position, no remote will turn it on.  The switch on the vac has to be in the AUTO position.

 

[promark747]

Does that sound right?  Functionally, I think they work the same, but would like confirmation that when the vac is off, the remote button will start it up (for hand vacuuming etc).  And then if you turn off the vac with the remote, but then trigger a connected tool, the vac will auto-start.

Thanks!

I am not so sure about this.  Somebody correct me if I am wrong, but I believe if the switch on the vac is in the OFF position, no remote will turn it on.  The switch on the vac has to be in the AUTO position.

Yes, I meant when the vac is in auto mode but is currently not running.

 

[Shane Holland]

Yes, I meant when the vac is in auto mode but is currently not running.

Good, that's what I figured you meant.  [wink]

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

I installed my Bluetooth module and the remote on my CT26 this week and I can confirm that the remote will only trigger the CT when the switch is in Auto mode.

One thing I have noticed though, is that the CT takes another second or two longer to stop than it does without using the Remote.
It seems to slow down then pause for a bit longer before stopping.

 

[jt073]

[member=2839]scholar[/member]

    How did you swap out the hose connector?  I was under the impression that those were not swapable.

Seth

The hose connector is in three parts - push in the two tabs to release the collar - this just leaves the central piece that is a reverse thread screw onto the hose itself. The new piece and the old piece are different so you do need to remove it - it is a tight fit as the hose wrap material is trapped in the thread.

View attachment 1

The old connector does swivel slightly less freely (due to the hose wrap) but at least it does not drive me insane like the new “Cleantec” (not) connector that takes the Incredible Hulk to fit on the tool. I will probably try grinding off a little of the inside of the locking collar to fix that.

Cheers

PS Just checked - the new collar is 36mm ID vs 35mm on the old one the wall of the collar is approx 1.75mm thick, so it should take a bit of judicious adjustment.

Update

I just widened the collar piece to about 35.7mm - that now swivels fine.

[attachimg=2]

 

[ben_r_]

One thing I have noticed though, is that the CT takes another second or two longer to stop than it does without using the Remote.
It seems to slow down then pause for a bit longer before stopping.

I like that actually! I usually do wish the vacuum ran for a second or two longer after the tool powers down, so that sounds good to me!

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

One thing I have noticed though, is that the CT takes another second or two longer to stop than it does without using the Remote.
It seems to slow down then pause for a bit longer before stopping.

I like that actually! I usually do wish the vacuum ran for a second or two longer after the tool powers down, so that sounds good to me!

Yes, I don't have a problem with the very slight additional delay in it shutting down. I have my CT26 connected to a 7mtr x 36mm hose via a boom arm, so the additional run on of the motor can only help to clear the longer hose....

 

[Rick Christopherson]

I installed my Bluetooth module and the remote on my CT26 this week and I can confirm that the remote will only trigger the CT when the switch is in Auto mode.

One thing I have noticed though, is that the CT takes another second or two longer to stop than it does without using the Remote.
It seems to slow down then pause for a bit longer before stopping.

I'm curious what kind of range the bluetooth system has? There are 3 classes of bluetooth, and each one has different range. Obviously it's not a big deal with a standard hose, but might be with a longer hose or big boom arm in the shop.

 

[Distinctive Interiors]

I installed my Bluetooth module and the remote on my CT26 this week and I can confirm that the remote will only trigger the CT when the switch is in Auto mode.

One thing I have noticed though, is that the CT takes another second or two longer to stop than it does without using the Remote.
It seems to slow down then pause for a bit longer before stopping.

I'm curious what kind of range the bluetooth system has? There are 3 classes of bluetooth, and each one has different range. Obviously it's not a big deal with a standard hose, but might be with a longer hose or big boom arm in the shop.

Hi Rick,

I can not remember where I read it at the moment,....but I'm pretty sure I remember reading that the remote has a range of
10 mtrs...??? Does that sound right?

Edit. Found it, I was correct, it states it has a range of 10 mtrs.
https://www.festool.co.uk/accessory/202097---ct-f-btm-set#Overview

Tim.

 

[ben_r_]

I installed my Bluetooth module and the remote on my CT26 this week and I can confirm that the remote will only trigger the CT when the switch is in Auto mode.

One thing I have noticed though, is that the CT takes another second or two longer to stop than it does without using the Remote.
It seems to slow down then pause for a bit longer before stopping.

I'm curious what kind of range the bluetooth system has? There are 3 classes of bluetooth, and each one has different range. Obviously it's not a big deal with a standard hose, but might be with a longer hose or big boom arm in the shop.

Pretty standard that a distance of approx 30FT is rated for consumer Bluetooth devices. Exactly what "3 classes" of Bluetooth are you referring to?