Acquired Used Dust Collector - Electrical is bit odd though

[MichaelS]

Hey folks - an update on the dust collector hunt, I found a gently used ClearVue 1800LH in San Antonio and went and picked it up today.

The previous owner didn't have filters (direct exhaust) so I'll be ordering a pair of Wynn's and the 90* return for it this weekend, plus building the wall mount and clean-out boxes for it.

Not gloat-worthy, but a fair deal @ $750 (same kit as the $1385 unit now - http://www.clearvuecyclones.com/cv1800-s...lters.html.)

So, the one bit I'm trying to figure out is the electrical. I have the relay, which was never used and could easily use that (Fasco H230B.) I can easily jig up a box and add a switch as the shop layout will be very easy to walk to a switch and turn on/off whenever needed (or I can throw on a 110v remote easy enough also.)

However, it also came with something that is beyond my electrical skills and the seller wasn't the one who had installed it originally, so only knew that it was part of the system.

It appears to be a dual relay - functionaldevices.com unit with a transformer and a very cool current trigger (http://www.veris.com/Item/H800.aspx) which appears to have worked much like a eco-gate system would (power would trigger DC to turn on and off WITH the tool, however without the cool delay controls from an eco-gate system.)

Anyway - this thing looks very cool, but I don't know if it's worth trying to figure out or not.

Parts list: 
1 x Veris Hawkeye H800 http://www.veris.com/Item/H800.aspx
2 x 20A 24Vac/dc/120 VAC Coil  http://www.functionaldevices.com/buildin...l=RIB2401B 
1 x TR20VA 001 http://www.functionaldevices.com/buildin...=TR20VA001

All of which are mounted on/in a 6x6x4" housing.

Another goofy thing is the wiring coming out of this box - it has both a 4 wire romex (H1/H2/N/G) and 2 orange legs + 2 yellow legs that are tied into those relays linked.

I can add pics if desired, but it's a bit of a rats nest in the box itself so discerning what's connected where would be challenging unless I provide a number of photo's.

It just strikes me as a very complicated approach to a relatively simple problem - but, perhaps it offers some value I can't figure out? /headscratch

Anyone know?

[blackhat]

Not sure what the original configuration was but with those as a basis you could easily set up a system to run the DC from multiple blast gates with switches, and or timers to use it as an exhaust fan (ducting and filter setup permitting) or, add a delay on break timer to get an off delay.  Useful bits to have about as you determine what your setup will be.

[Just_Dave]

You have a current sensor, a relay, and a transformer.  If I was a betting man I would bet that the current sensor was used to sense current when the connected tools were turned on.  The transformer was wired in series with the relay control through the current sensor and the relay contacts turned on the DC.

I only guess that because I used almost the same exact parts in my old shop to do just that.  I had mine set up on a single circuit that I plugged either my table saw or planer in to.  When either tool was turned on the DC started automatically.  Worked really well for that small shop.