LaserUser.com Forum (formerly RDWorksLab)

The Cloudray diagram throws some Pneumatic symbols in which doesn't help the clarity. It also shows the Relay supplied in the kit only being used to switch the Air Pump on or off and the Solonoid/Air Assist powered directly from the controller. So it is a one relay solution. The only real relevant part of the right hand side of the diagram is the section H which shows the diode and beside it a coil symbol the rest is just Pneumatics.

My solution and electrically preferred one as per the model is a two relay solution if you are switching the Air Pump via the controller or external switch. If you want to use the supplied relay then follow it more closely rather than the Cloudray diagram. I am yet to get to writing a description and reasoning for this but it will form a seperate thread here when I do viewforum.php?f=160

** This reminds me on a list of tweaks to my model I still need to add Diodes

Okay, that first pic was dual relays, or was that Tim's pic?

I would get back to basics first. Disconnect everything and hook just the solenoid and diode to your controller, verify that functions with the controller.

Then wire one side of the switch between the GND and WIND. Make sure you can turn the air assist on independent of the controller, but it still functions with the controller when not in override.

Next hook up the compressor relay and diode to the STATUS terminal and +24, but not the wires to the switch. Verify the compressor relay and the air assist fire with the controller, but only the air assist fires with the over ride.

Make the last connection from the switch to the STATUS terminal and verify that both the relay and the solenoid energize with the switch, and that when not in override the controller operates both.

Russ' diagram shows the electrical connections, but not the actual wiring. When you are finished, you should have one wire in the GND to both sides of the switch, two wires in STATUS - one to the relay and one to the switch, two wires in WIND - one to the other side of the switch and one to the solenoid, and two wires in +24 - one each to the relay and the solenoid.

If it makes more sense to you, the one from the GND to both sides of the switch can be two wires, one to each side of the switch. Electrically it makes no difference.

Operationally you have the relay hooked to the STATUS, and the solenoid connected to the WIND. The DPST switch and diodes do externally what the controller does internally, and connect the STATUS and WIND to ground. The diodes keep one from back feeding the other. They operate in different modes. The STATUS for the compressor comes on as soon as the job starts, the WIND comes on and off with grouping or layers depending on your firmware.

The dual relay stack was just a generic one of mine I shot yesterday for this topic viewtopic.php?f=160&t=4884 and has nothing directly to do with a Laser. It was only added to try and give some clarity to Brians photo you seemed confused by what it was. His photo with annotations is of a relay base and terminals.


EDIT Model now amended with Diodes included on all Relays and the Air Assist Coil.

Okay, the light does come on here, eve if a bit dimly once in a while.

Tim, off subject. I believe it was you that mentioned doing the cleaning of coolant systems with Citric Acid. What dilution would you recommend? I've seen any where from 1/2 to a full tsp per qt.

With Citric acid I vary a LOT depending on the state of calcification but somewhere around the levels you mention for a general cleanup will be fine. For heavy crud build up I would be using more like a tablespoon per qt/500ml and heating the solution to speed up it's use.

Re Lightbulb moments as I age they seem to get more dim and require the occasional jolt too This is part of the problem I am hoping to make easier over time for all as circuit diagrams are not useful to those without a background and muddled confused terms make it harder to sort out the problems of others for those of us with some knowledge.

Hi Dave .... Shop Air Solenoid works from the Controller no problem .... as far as the wiring goes .... I have exactly the Switch Grounded both sides ....one wire to to Status from the switch and one wire to Status from the Relay .... one wire from the Switch to Wind and one wire from the 3 way Solenoid to Wind .... one wire from the 3 way Solenoid to 24v and one wire from the Relay to 24v and the toggle operates both 3 way Solenoid and Relay .... they become energized.

My Dilemma is the Air Solenoid for the Shop Air .... I don't know what terminals to attach the 2 wires from that .... I need that to controlled by the toggle switch as well as the relay .... I sure do hope all of this makes sense to you .... as at the moment I am completely at a loss

I can provide pictures if that helps you to help me with my dilemma

Brian

Okay, first some clarity. Shop air solenoid. Are you using a relay to control the power to the compressor, or are you powering an air solenoid that in turn feeds the air assist solenoid?

If I understand you, the one you are having a problem with is the one that energizes the power to the shop compressor.

First off, that solenoid is DC, so polarity is key. as is the diode.

The compressor solenoid connections are to the +24 and the STATUS, either at the controller or off the switch at the other end of the wire. The wiring diagram shows a splice in the STATUS and +24 wires, but they can just as well go to either end.

Is there a chance you have the relay activation polarity reversed?

Hi Dave .... if you look at the picture on page one .... that is the setup I am trying to control by the relay .... it is inline with Compressor Air and doesn't control the Compressor itself ....

.... how I ended up with the wiring is through this Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNEYCQQ8PZU&t=415s .... he explains in detail how to wire everything but a solenoid on Shop Air line ..... I just don't know where the wires go for the Solenoid to be controlled by the relay for the Solenoid on the airline from the compressor.

Brian

Yeah, Matt does things a bit different being upside down on the world... LOL

Drop him a line down under, he will get back to you fairly quickly. His email is in the description of the video. matt@mwlaser.com.au

I set mine up like Russ' but I use my diaphragm compressor so I don't have that relay, and only a SPST switch for the Air Assist solenoid. Matt's a good guy and will get you going. You may be a bit off with the time zone differences, but he will get back.

Hi Dave Thank You for trying to help me ... I did send him an email yesterday so I'm hoping he will reply soon

Thanx again Take Care and Stay Safe

Brian