CT Remote control

[michelg34]

Hi

I just want to share my custom remote control for my CTL26 vacuum cleaner.

I have seen various solutions, like the MAXSYS one and the new bluetooth remote control of Festool CT F I/M.

Remote control is very useful with a 10m suction hose when the CTL26 is far from job.
But the current remote controls (either MAXSYS or new Festool) use the accessory module slot and mine is already fitted with a second power outlet that I want to keep. (same as http://www.festoolownersgroup.com/festool-how-to/ct26-secondary-power-outlet-installation/

That why I looked for another solution. I share it now, as festool solution seems available, so if you don't feel confident in DIY electricity, you can buy some ready to use solutions...

First, I have tried to discover the functionality of internal connectors in module slot extension.
There are 2 connectors, at top a power connector, where is connected my power outlet and a bottom connector, 4pins with a 3.96mm pitch. On this connector, after experimentation, I discover we have from top to bottom:
1) 5V (internal resistance seems around 10ohms, so it could probably source some tenth of mA),
2) command input, with an internal pull-up. When this input is connected to 0V (pin 4, at bottom), my CTL26 (in Auto mode) starts. When this pin is released (disconnected), my CTL26 stops after a few seconds.
3) I don't understand the functionality of this pin. But I don't use it.
4) 0V, the reference ground.
[attachimg=1]

Secondly, I have to find a remote control. I use the "Yasorn Relay Switch DC 12V Wireless RF Remote Control Switch 433Mhz One 1-channel With Two Transmitters" from amazon. The design quality is not great, but it is OK.
The design uses 12V and I have only 5V in CTL26. But 12V is only used to power a relay, and internal RF transceiver uses 5V after a linear regulator. So I modify a bit the Yasorn Receiver...
[attachimg=2]
On top, 1) I remove the 12V relay and connect the relay command (an open collector output, exactly was is needed to drive the Festool command) to the connector. and 2) I replace the input diode by a small inductor (but just a wire should be enough too). I put a small inductor to add some filtering to minimize RF receiver disturbance. Probably not needed.
[attachimg=3]
On Bottom, I short-circuit the linear 5V regulator (a 3 pins 78L05 like). This regulator was used to produce 5V from 12V input, but as Festool directly provides 5V, the diode and the regulator shall be short circuited to still have 5V at the RF receiver.

The 3.96mm connector enables me not to modify CTL26, but the wires could be directly soldered on the Festool connector...

[attachimg=4]
Then I put all in CTL26, there just enough room, close the front panel, quickly fixed the remote control with tape...
[attachimg=5]
and it works !!! For less than 20$.

Surely, such DIY requires some electronics knowledge, and to be very carefull against dangerous high voltage.

But now I am happy to have 2 power outlets on my CTL26 with also a remote control.

 

[Michael Kellough]

This is an awesome first post Michel!

Since it’s your first you might not be aware that Festool does not allow posting modifications of their tools on this forum. Especially (it seems) electrical mods.

I’d like this info to stay here long enough to really understand it but it will probably be removed shortly. It might be okay to post your work somewhere else and provide a link here to that external place. The moderators will let you know soon.

Welcome to the forum and thanks again for sharing.

 

[JFelchlin]

That’s a terrific “hookup” Michel. And... An apt observation, Michael.  [unsure]
Unfortunately, I - And I’d bet most other Woodworkers - Aren’t electronically gifted enough to do that kind of thing.

Like Michel, I also looked at Festool’s “stock” products - Both great wireless solutions.
Festool Bluetooth Remote Control Set for CT 26/36/48 Dust Extractors: $80
And, MAXSYS Wireless Remote for Festool CT Dust Extractors: $129 (prices as of today)

If I was buying the “new style” hoses today - I’d probably be looking at one or the other.
But I, - And I’d bet many other Festool Woodworkers - Already have a hefty investment in a half dozen, or more, ”old style” hoses - Which still work just fine.

Not wanting to replace or retrofit each hose - I found several reasonably priced solutions -
That work with - Any/all of my hoses - And any/all of my tools - Festool and otherwise.

I chose - And highly recommend - The following:
PSI Woodworking LR110-3 110-Volt Long Ranger Dust Collector Switch - Amazon $64.95 Prime. Also comes in a 220-Volt version - $72.37 Prime (prices as of today).
It has a 50’ range - And works from anywhere in my shop (regardless of line of sight).
I plug my Festool CT 26 Dust Extractor’s plug into the switch - And the switch into an electric outlet. Then set the Dust Extractor to “manual”.
I hook the switch’s remote on my back pocket. Yes, I have to remember to turn it on.
But... It’s a single solution - For all of my hoses and tools.

Disclaimer:
I bought/paid for the above product - And am not being paid for this endorsement.

 

[ChuckM]

Snipe

Unfortunately, I - And I’d bet most other Woodworkers - Aren’t electronically gifted enough to do that kind of thing.

Count me in as one of them. It took me quite a while before I could figure out how to run a 20A circuit wire from my panel and install an outlet in the shop (which had only 15A outlets)!

When it comes to electronics, I depend on "plug in" solutions.

 

[JFelchlin]

I “hear you” Chuck. I can do some DIY electrical work.
But... When I wanted to put a 7,500 watt/220V electric heater in my shop -
I was lucky enough to have a buddy who did it for free.
He’s a licensed, commercial electrician. So... I hung the heater.
He wired it - After putting in a 50 amp circuit. He installed a separate 220V outlet, as well.
I was then able to buy/hook up a Powermatic 220V 60HH 8" Jointer.
Some days are just better than others. 

 

[ChuckM]

Snipe

I was lucky enough to have a buddy who did it for free.

That would be a $450 - $500 Cdn job here -- give-or take -- including supplies.

 

[jt073]

It is possible to fit the Festool Bluetooth module and still have a second socket on the CT vacs. See herehttp://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...good-but-can-be-improved/msg540957/#msg540957

This was achieved without any electrical modification, other than splicing in some longer wires; it just involved some trimming of plastic parts.

Incidentally, if you look at the photo in my original post in the above thread, the Festool Bluetooth module uses terminals 1,3 and 4 (I did not try to establish what each of them does) whereas the OP’s solution appears to use 1,2 and 4.

Slightly more expensive than the OP’s solution, but requires no electrical expertise, other than soldering in the extensions to three low voltage wires. Worth every penny IMO.

Cheers

 

[James Biddle]

I was talking with someone the other day who said he used something like this and just turned the switch to manual and turned the whole vac on and off. It's rated at 1800W.  Amazon Wireless Remote Control

 

[ben_r_]

Yep! Nicely done! Thats all the MaxSYS one is. You can find the parts used in that one off eBay for $20-30 and then a nice plastic mount/cover was made for it along with some convenient connectors but you can certainly make your own custom deal. Seems youve figured out another route. Well done!