The McRabbet Bin Sensor
I've not been on the site for several months due to some family illness, including me (much better now) and so I thought I'd update interested members here on my Bin Sensor system mentioned in this thread. I have recently upgraded the bin sensor design with a high quality fire alarm strobe/horn unit in a sturdy metal enclosure. I have sold and/or installed about 20 of these units on both ClearVue and Oneida Cyclones. The system features a pair of infrared safety sensors for a garage door placed each side of the flexible duct at the bin that are tied to a custom circuit board in a wall mounted enclosure that senses blockage of the dust collection bin when full. Since most ClearVue owners use a Fasco H230B 240 VAC contactor, I have a relay included with the system that connects to the 120 Volt side of that relay (the user adds a segment of 14/2 non-metallic cable between their Cyclone Control Box and my system, separated by up to 50’) and it will provide automated shutdown of the cyclone when the bin fills (this interconnect can also be done on other cyclones). Simultaneously, the strobe will flash and the horn will sound (the user can select if the horn is actuated). I include a Bypass switch that the user can move to the Bypass position to keep the cyclone running in situations where immediate shutdown is not desired – e.g., when planing a long board, one usually wants to continue collecting chips until the planer pass is completed. When the planing or other process is complete, the user can move the switch back to the Normal setting and the cyclone shuts down if it is in alarm state. Once one of these units is installed, you’ll never have an over-filled bin or a clogged filter again! The bin sensor system is $175, plus shipping and insurance cost of $15 ($35 to Canada).
The alarm units are new-in-box industrial quality fire alarm strobes with white light output and 80-90 dB audio output on the horn (i.e., bright and loud!). I've included a picture of the components that I ship with each system and a second picture that shows (1) On/Off Switch with LED; (2) Horn On/Off Button; (3) Cyclone interconnect [NM cable not included], (4) Normal/Bypass switch, and (5) Strobe/Horn unit. I can provide additional detailed pictures or address any questions by return email.