Damm its so neat.
now i feel like a slob.
lol
I had started on a wireless dust collection setup at one point, but never finished it.
I was using a current sensor and a esp32 to send an update to a mqtt server running on a pi zero. The pi zero monitored the mqtt thread and would turn the dust collector on as needed.
The local esp32 used a stepper controller to open/close a custom blast gate made out of plywood and masonite.
Other blast gates could be put inline with the end device and set to subscribe to the MQTT updates also. So, turning on the table saw, would open all the blast gates between it and the dust collector.
Turning off the table saw would cause the dust collector to turn off after a few seconds and all the blast gates would close.
The stepper took a few seconds to open/close the blast gates.
I had most of the software working when I stopped working on the project. I just needed to finish designing and building the blast gates.
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Great minds think alike! I did this too…
This thread made me go look at the wireless on/off relays designed for shop vac. I was surprised that most of them are only designed for up to 1.5hp dust collectors.
I need to go measure how large of a spike mine actually draws when first turning on. I’m currently running it on a dedicated 30a 120vac circuit.
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I have a 2.5hp set up. Mostly our mains outlets are 10a 240V and it does push the limit on startup (I’m guessing there’s a fair margin for surge - but if anything else is running it trips). The Tablesaw has a much smaller motor but needs a 15a circuit. On a 10a circuit it definitely doesn’t like starting - I suppose one day I should learn why,
I had all my breakers in the shop changed to breakers that are not that fussy with energy surges. Needed it after my planer did not have a soft start and would trip the breaker every second use.
That might be how they cope with my dust collector startup.