I’m currently running a 5’x10’ Pro with the legacy CRP800 controller, NEMA 34 steppers, and an 8.6HP Hiteco spindle. Dust collection is controlled through an iVAC Pro Switch + iVAC Contactor, and I have a custom-built vacuum hold-down system that is currently operated via manual relay switches.
I just placed an order to upgrade to the EX controller, AV70S spindle, servo motors, and the new moving rack ATC system.
Since delivery is likely a couple of months out, I’d like to use this time to plan and prepare properly — particularly around:
Running and regulating control air for the ATC
Integrating dust collection control with CNC12
Integrating vacuum hold-down control into CNC12 or the pendant
My goal is:
Dust collection to start/stop automatically via CNC12 (M-code or I/O driven)
Vacuum hold-down to be controlled by a button in CNC12 or from the pendant instead of manual switches
For those who have already upgraded to the EX controller and CNC12:
How did you integrate dust collection?
Did you use a dedicated output mapped to M8/M9 or a custom M-code?
How did you handle vacuum hold-down control?
Any lessons learned regarding I/O expansion, relays, or noise isolation?
I’d appreciate any insight before I start pre-wiring and making changes.
I did not order the Auxiliary Power Relays. I think with the iVac system at least, I do not need the Auxiliary Power Relays. The way the iVac system works is you use either the iVAC Pro Tool Plus or the iVAC Pro Tool Advantage to turn the vacuum system on/off when your equipment starts. The iVac Pro Tool Plus is for dumb machines like a table saw whereas the iVac Pro Tool Advantage has the ability to be controlled external 5v signal which allows you to uses G code to trigger it. It then sends an RF signal to your iVac switch which in turn can open/close blast gates and turn on/off the vacuum system.
If you had dedicated dust collection just for the CNC, then the Auxiliary Power Relays would work great, but in my case, I am using my dust collection for the rest of the shop so, the thought process is to let the iVac do what the iVac does best.
As for the vacuum hold down, I have a custom built system that uses six 7.5A 220V whole-house vacuum motors. The Auxiliary Power Relays could not handle that kind of current. I would still need to power the motors through an additional relay so I might as well just do it myself.
Edit - I referenced the Aux Box when I meant to say Auxiliary Power Relays. I have updated the post to reflect that.