How to trigger CT auto on when using hose (no tool)?

[JesseC]

In order to use my CT with several tools in my shop I created, for lack of better description a multi outlet extension cord. I built a few outlets into my table that instead of being hard wired to the panel have an extension cord powering them that I run to the CT. This way whenever a tool that is plugged into one of the outlets is turned on it triggers the vacuum (I am the only one using this setup so I do not have to worry about multiple tools running off of the CT). I am in the process of designing the plumbing for the vacuum hose so that I can have blast gates going to each of the tools and open and close them at the tool so that I do not need to move the hose from tool to tool. I would like to add the functionality of a dedicated vacuum hose blast gate that I can use for cleaning up what the vacuum does not get at the tool. I was thinking a light switch with a bulb, that way when the switch is turned on it should trigger the auto on and I can use the hose without having to turn on a tool or go to the vacuum and manually turn it on.

Does anyone have any ideas about a better way of accomplishing this without having to purchase one of the remote dust collector systems with a remote? I would rather not have a bulb around my work space that could be bumped and broken, but it is the cheapest/easiest idea that I could come up with.

Thanks for the feedback,

Jesse

 

[Stone Message]

Hi Jesse

Yes, I have come up with a solution which I use with my Dust Hub.

Take a look at this video, from about 7 minutes 30 seconds although watching it from the start will put everything into context.


You can get the radio remote switches in the UK for about $20 for a set of 3 and so they must be available in NA too.

Peter

 

[Holmz]

 

[nickao]

That vid at 7:30 doesn't solve the issue, it changes where you have to walk to, over to the wall switch.  Not much different from walking to the vac itself.

What I want is a switch at the end of the hose so I don't have to move from my work table one inch! Mostly I just tap the trigger on my sander and use the sander like a vacuum and that works pretty well for most dust left on the table, but not to clean other areas. 

I would love if the combo vac hose elec cord item from Festool(that I spent 375.00 on) had a little switch at the tool connecting hose end that activated the CT when I didn't have a tool plugged in to the hose/cord end.  I can think of a few ways they could incorporate this cheaply from start of manufacturing. One idea is  a little light inline with the elec cord. It would  be enough to turn on the vac and give some light for whatever was being sucked up.

 

[JesseC]

Peter,

Thanks for sharing the video. That is more or less what I have in place for power and am thinking of doing with the dust collection. I was just hoping for a more elegant solution than turning on/off a light.

Holmz,

The remote solution is an interesting idea, but not one that sounds appealing to me, at least in this configuration. I do not want to have to use the remote to power the vacuum before I use one of my tools. I would like to continue to use the vacuums auto feature so that it turns on with any current draw. If the remote could be plugged into the vacuum and used to turn the vacuum on and off then we would be onto something. I guess this is a good wish list feature, adding remote capabilities to the CT extractors.

 

[Bohdan]

Festool have an accessory module to trigger the CT when used with the big boom and air tools. It is fitted to the extra spot on the CT, it is part #496143. A cable plugs into this and can control the CT remotely via a switch however it is, as usual, lots of $$$$.

 

[JesseC]

Thanks for the idea, it looks like it is NAINA.

 

[nickao]

Festool have an accessory module to trigger the CT when used with the big boom and air tools. It is fitted to the extra spot on the CT, it is part #496143. A cable plugs into this and can control the CT remotely via a switch however it is, as usual, lots of $$$$.

That appears to be what I want, cant find it in US though.

 

[antss]

$2500 +/- would hire you someone on a temp basis to go and turn on and off the vac for you whenever you asked.

Besides, that unit still does nothing for you control wise at the end of the hose without a tool.

A savvy electrical eng. should be able to sketch you a plan to add and extension 3 way switch switch via the $50  #496143 interface. 

 

[Luzzy]

Peter,

Thanks for sharing the video. That is more or less what I have in place for power and am thinking of doing with the dust collection. I was just hoping for a more elegant solution than turning on/off a light.

Holmz,

The remote solution is an interesting idea, but not one that sounds appealing to me, at least in this configuration. I do not want to have to use the remote to power the vacuum before I use one of my tools. I would like to continue to use the vacuums auto feature so that it turns on with any current draw. If the remote could be plugged into the vacuum and used to turn the vacuum on and off then we would be onto something. I guess this is a good wish list feature, adding remote capabilities to the CT extractors.

I have the Fastcap Remote. If you leave your Vac in manual , it will start or stop with a push of that button. It's a ridiculously simple solution when using a cordless saw or the vac alone.

 

[Svar]

My $100 vac with suction and noise level comparable to that of Festool CT came equipped with remote control, suction regulator (mechanical), and a set of cleaning tools. All I had to do is replace standard filter with HEPA aftermarket.  [wink]
[poke]

 

[aptpupil]

I'm also looking for a solution to this... Got the 10m house and wish it had a switch. How much current does vac need turn on? Was thinking of a switched night light or something small like that.

 

[nickao]

http://www.rts-engineering.com/

I love mine and make use of it every day. Just get one.

Here is the link on the forum that discusses it:
http://festoolownersgroup.com/festo...nnouncing-maxsys-wireless-remote-for-ct-vacs/

 

[Rick Christopherson]

Back when this thread was created, Maxsys was still a secret, and wouldn't be released for another month. So I never posted about it. For those coming across the thread now, Maxsys solves the discussion, and is available from me or one of my distributors.

http://www.rts-engineering.com/

 

[JZ Bowmannz]

I bought one of these for about $10. It's a remote for outdoor holiday lighting.

View attachment 1

All I did was to use an "1 to 2" split, where the "plug-it" cord uses one, and the remote uses the other one. Plug a table lamp to the remote. I can be as far or high as the hose allowed, and turn on the lamp to trigger the CT. Very useful when I was up on a 10' ladder cleaning the ceiling fan.

JZ

 

[Cheese]

Back when this thread was created, Maxsys was still a secret, and wouldn't be released for another month. So I never posted about it. For those coming across the thread now, Maxsys solves the discussion, and is available from me or one of my distributors.

Hey [member=191]Rick Christopherson[/member], I love the MAXSYS on my CT 22 and am very happy with it on my Jet DC. Lately however, I've been using the MIDI a lot more than anything else, is there some kind of work-around that would allow the MAXSYS to work with the MIDI?

 

[Michael Kellough]

My $100 vac with suction and noise level comparable to that of Festool CT came equipped with remote control, suction regulator (mechanical), and a set of cleaning tools. All I had to do is replace standard filter with HEPA aftermarket.  [wink]
[poke]

What vac is that?

 

[JesseC]

As the OP I would say that Rick has a very elegant solution. I was originally hesitant to make the purchase, but after a few weeks of knowing it was available I was happy to give Rick my money. Most of my work is in my shop and I was hoping for a cheaper solution. When I began helping with a restoration project of a family members 100+ year old house Rick's solution was instantly worth its weight in gold. It only took a few times climbing up the ladder when I forgot to put the ct back on auto after using it in the manual mode to realize it's benefits. Now I never have to worry if the ct is going to kick on when I try to power one of my tools, or climb up and down a ladder to turn the ct on... it's always on auto and if all I want to do is clean up a mess all I have to do is press a button at the end of my house.

Rick, thanks for such a great solution.

Jesse

 

[erock]

[member=25829]JZ Bowmannz[/member],

Would you happen to know the amp rating for the remote your using ?

Thanks,  Eric

 

[Svar]

My $100 vac with suction and noise level comparable to that of Festool CT came equipped with remote control, suction regulator (mechanical), and a set of cleaning tools. All I had to do is replace standard filter with HEPA aftermarket.  [wink]
[poke]

What vac is that?

Kobalt 5 gal wall mountable. Its been discontinued a while ago.