Installation of Ultimate Air Assist

[Robert Loesch]

I decided to implement Russ's Ultimate Air Assist for by BCL0605MU. There was plenty of room on the right side to mount both the air solenoid valve (which is screwed down from underneath) along with room on the rail for the power relay where the AC outlet for the WiFi AP is mounted. I removed the airline from inside the rear penetration and there was enough slack to route it to the solenoid outlet. A new line was run from the inside connection to the solenoid inlet. That way, I didn't have to do any cutting of the airline which Bodor runs inside track to the laser head. The only thing I didn't do was install the manual switch because I'm waiting to see if I really need it.

As set up, the air pump is always off unless a job is being run. If the "air assist" is turned on for that layer, you get full air flow for cutting. If the air assist is turned off, then a slow flow is maintained to keep any smoke or debris out of the nozzle.

Next job will be to install a 4PDT switch and some 4-pin DIN connectors for the rotary attachment.

[Pete Cyr]

Nice job - looks good.

[Gene Uselman]

Very professional looking job- the parts look like what Cloudray sells? https://www.cloudraylaser.com/products/ ... assist-set

This is one of the best modifications that I have done. Gene

[Brandon Monnig]

I purchased the Cloudray kit. I'll be installing it on my Redsail 600 x 900. Instead of the aquarium pump, I use an external compressor. Do I still use the pump relay, and just not wire to mains power / pump power?

[Robert Loesch]

Brandon, the purpose of the pump relay to so that the pump is not running except when you are running a job. If the external compressor you will be using is the type with tank storage, then you probably don't need it as the air is available with it running. Also, compressors use much more current than the aquarium pumps and you would have to make sure that any relay you use (if you decide to do so) is properly rated to handle the current. Hope this helps.

[Gene Uselman]

Bob, the relay would not toggle on/off the compresser, just interrupt the air flow to the laser.

[Jerome Telovar]

Hello,
I'm curious as to use the diode or not? found a video at mwlaser where the guy use it but Russ doesn't seem to put it in it's installation... Though it's mentioned in the BOM so it's little bit confusing... Do you guys put diode before the solenoid and the relay?
Thanks

[Tim Mellor]

Hi Jerome,

the diode is a protection device for the controller in this case but it is placed ACROSS THE COIL winding. There is no issue with turning on a relay to either the controller or supply. The problem is when you remove the power the energy stored in the coil (inductor) runs out instantly and generally has a reverse voltage spike that can damage electronics. This is just a rough simple explanation of what happens but there is plenty of detailed information out there.

This link goes into it a lot further https://www.4qd.co.uk/docs/catching-diode/

IUn5v.png

[Jerome Telovar]

Hi Tim
(nice to catch up here after our FB discussion in furtherfab group
So I must put this diode on my airassist; will have to order again is the value important? I might have some spare on arduino kit somewhere...

[Tim Mellor]

Shame about Farcebook and me being to radical with my 300mm expansion on the Y1200 to be allowed to remain posted but that bridge is burnt while the current arrangement remains in place.

Generally for these smaller solenoids and relays a 1N4001 or 4002 will be perfect. You should be able to get them just about anywhere as they are a really common thing even if you have a local repairing Car Audio or appliances should have some and be happy to sell you a couple.