HF Dust Collector Remote Alternative

[Bob Haskett]

The HF Dust Collection Remote System is discontinued. Does anyone know the most economical alternative?

[Ryan Eldridge]

The remote I use for my delta dust collector was very economical, I have a long stick that usually sits under the right hand side of my table saw and when I want the DC on I pick it up and use it to flick the switch on the DC. Had not failed me yet.

Probably not the answer you wanted but it is SO approved due to cost savings.

[Bob Haskett]

Lol, I actually am looking for the remote more to save the switch on the HF unit than I am for convienence. I have heard the switch failures are pretty common.

[Myk Rian]

I wired a switch with outlet to the wall. Lot easier to reach than bending down to get to the one on the DC.

[Mark Engel]

I use X10 remotes.

[Alan Schwabacher]

An inexpensive solution that I think is more convenient than a remote is to use a relay like this:
http://search.digikey.com/scripts/DkSearch/dksus.dll?Detail&name=PB1009-ND
It can power on and off a 30 amp 240 V circuit, more than required for the HF DC. This one costs $11.76, and there are lots of other options. Just search for "power relay".

Since it can be switched on and off using 12 v DC, you can cheaply and safely wire switches all over your shop near each stationary machine. If you use three conductor wiring, with 3-way switches at the start and end of the run, with 4-way switches in between, you can turn the DC on or off with any switch at any time. If there is any question of how the wiring would work, here's an animation:
http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/misc/switches/4WayAnimation.html (http://www.wfu.edu/%7Ematthews/misc/switches/4WayAnimation.html)

I don't like remotes because they are yet another thing to keep track of. I like that switches stay where I put them. I used doorbell wire for the 12 v switches around my shop. I have a separate switch to turn on the power, so the relay can't accidentally be turned on.

[Ben Hatcher]

When I did my Christmas lights this year I saw a remote unit that was rated for 15 amps at 120v and had a 30 yard range. You didn't say how much your DC draws, but at ~$20 it wouldn't hurt to try if you can find one.

[Neil Brooks]

When I did my Christmas lights this year I saw a remote unit that was rated for 15 amps at 120v and had a 30 yard range. You didn't say how much your DC draws, but at ~$20 it wouldn't hurt to try if you can find one.

1hp = 746 watts (+/-)

Divide your total wattage by 110 (volts). That gives you amperage.

My (rated) 2HP comes out to 13.6A, but ... a cushion of about 20% is recommended, particularly for things like startup surge.

[Bob Haskett]

Does anyone know what the HF unit cost when it was an active SKU?

[Lee Bidwell]

Does anyone know what the HF unit cost when it was an active SKU?

I bought this one (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=97097&CategoryName=&SubCategoryName=)about 6 months ago for about 7 or 8 bucks.

[Bob Haskett]

I bought this one (http://www.harborfreightusa.com/usa/itemdisplay/displayItem.do?itemid=97097&CategoryName=&SubCategoryName=)about 6 months ago for about 7 or 8 bucks.

Yup thats the one. They no longer sell it...Dang thats cheap.

[Bill White]

I have replaced the switch on the HF DC motor once. Shipping was as much as the switch. :mad: The DC unit will be switched on the wall in the new shop. No more gettin' on the knees to turn the DC off and on, and no lookin' for the remote.
Bill

[Dave Sweeney]

I use this one, Woods 32555 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001Q9EFUK/ref=s9_simi_gw_s2_p60_i1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=0GFYG1T5TFHATM76Q2MN&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846), which I got at the local farm & barn store for about $9. That was a few years back but I can't believe they've more than doubled in price. I've never looked there for one but possibly HF or Lowes has something very similar.