EASY CNC router upgrade - No re-wiring required - FoxAlien Smart Relay

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

IMPORTANT - the Makita 702 model will not work with this. If a router has anti stop start, these smart switches will not work. I have the 701 which works fine and pretty much any router without anti stop/start will also work fine FoxAlien Smart Relay - bit.ly/434mTaI

[@ericilett3801]

I tried to buy one of these from Foxalien, I'm in Australia and the price in Aus is $A90.10 Now for the shock, they want $A300 for freight from Hong Kong. Needless to say I won't be buying one.

[@waynekozak3121]

Thanks James! I just Got my notification today that the relay is being shipped, can't wait!

[@foxalien_official]

Thanks for sharing, James! Hope this smart relay module help the CNC users' life much easier.🤗

[@FuzzyScaredyCat]

It would be much nicer if one of the sockets (for vacuum) had a 5-10 seconds power off delay to ensure that the dust and chippings are cleared out of the vacuum hose.

[@squeezle100]

Cheers James for the review. This looks like the ideal solution for controlling the power to the cnc plasma cutter i plan on building

[@jonwoodworker]

That's a nice offering from FA and at a fair price. I need one for my Yorahome Silverback also.

[@JustSomeVideos0]

Agree, they need to change those "universal electrocution" sockets. Very unsafe. It's a simple bit of kit and if the price point was maximum £15-20 it'd be tempting but $50? That's a lot for what is basically a simple bit of electronics. It's not like it's rpm matching or anything complicated. It's essentially just detecting the spindle signal and switching a relay. Doesn't even need to use frequency to voltage converter or anything that complicated- a homebrew version would cost about a fiver to make. Nice unit but crazy high price point considering what it is. The homebrew wouldn't necessarily have an overcurrent but that could just be a fuse- not as easy to reactivate but realistically how often will the overcurrent be triggered?? It feels like FA are charging a lot for the convenience of something that works out of the box. It would be interesting to see what Big Clive makes of the internals- see what the seperation is like between the mains side and the low volt side. Even if they're changing out those uni sockets the fact they've even considered using them makes me twitchy as it smacks of jank. Mains power going up into the spindle control board could be somewhat suboptimal, especially for the PC plugged into the USB socket!!! Useful product, bad price point IMHO.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

I dont think it's really targeted at those who are competent at building their own. Completely agree, yes the components will not amount to the same as the cost but for your average person they would need to find the right components (of the correct ratings), order them, build it before even putting it into a nice housing. With the time ordering, then assembling youre talking 1-2 hours, then add that to the cost of components. The cost is essentially for ease and convenience. But if you think this is expensive then the Yorahome one which is $90 will really make your eyes water 🤣

[@JustSomeVideos0]

@@JamesDeanDesigns Very true James! Home brew electronics involving mains electricity could have unexpected costs I guess due to risk of fires / electrocution- e.g. costs being life, the workshop / house etc! For convenience and ability to sleep at night it's a good price 😃I guess it suits someone doing CNC when making stuff via CNC is the goal- for me the joy is modding and creating the CNC machine itself- if I was CNCing professionally I would have gone bust a long time ago!! Great channel BTW!

[@andredart6190]

I have the Gen 4040 pro. It does not have connectors that will fit. Has anyone changed the cable ends

[@MisterDeets]

For some of us, the convenience of not having to wire it up and make an enclosure is worth the extra. Time is money...

[@AndrewTugwell]

So I have just got one, but it will not turn on dewalt router. I guess because it has some sort of safety switch on the motor. If I start the job and then turn it on after relay has switched it will switch off at end of job. But cannot start it, only the leds come on on the router. Any ideas how to overcome this?

[@kennykincaid770]

Same exact issue I’m having! Have you gained any insight as to wether or not this is a fixable issue or is this think junk?

[@mikeserago3949]

Will the IOT switch work for a Genmitsu 4040 Pro?

[@lateforwork2922]

What i did is i mounted a power strip somewhere in my machine with a stick to poke the on off switch and modified my post processor to go to the location and turn it on or off.

[@craigscnc6528]

You done it to me again 😂 just order one to replace my ssr as it bit me the other day

[@darrylsooknanan904]

What is the dust extractor component that you are using with the Makita 701? Thanks

[@mohammedalsamin2299]

Finallyyyyy, thank you

[@allenjames2053]

So, I bought one and it does turn on the router (MAKITA) to start the job just fine, but when time for a tool change it does NOT turn off the router. Nor does it turn off the router when a job is complete. I have Genmitsu PROVER xl 6050 Plus. Oh, and I'm running UGS.Is this all this thing is good for, "turning on?"

[@crystalrabbon]

So, will not work for the Sainsmart 4040 Pro then without cutting wires.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Multiple ways around it but the easiest would be how I did it on the ProverXL 4030 V2 towards the end where I just connected straight to the existing spindle cable

[@crystalrabbon]

@@JamesDeanDesigns Thank you James. I'd probably try it but first would want to get an extra cable for back up. LOL

[@brianmatsuo1032]

@@crystalrabbon I wired up the Sainsmart 4040 pro without wire cutting. Blades, like those found on the standard spindle, are readily available at, of course Amazon, or even your local auto parts store. One word of note: polarity does matter. I had them switched for a moment and found the power supply on the 4040 pro disables itself as an overcurrent protection device. Reset this condition by unplugging the power supply then plug it back in. Best of luck! Love the convenience of router and vac auto on/off for the jobs.

[@davidkiefer1748]

@@JamesDeanDesigns problem with this approach is that my Genmitsu cable failed, which is one reason why I went with an external router. Now I need to get a replacement from Genmitsu as well...

[@J87513]

One issue I have with my FoxAlien 3020 is that when I try to run a cnc operation using UGS the Z axis just jumps straight up and reaches the Z limit. Any anwers?

[@bobestes2261]

What's the difference between these 2: BD-Relay-4030V2US vs CNC-Relay-Socket-US

[@bigbeartn]

Where can the vise be bought from while milling the brass in this video?

[@ericeinsmann5559]

Nice! I don't think the average shop vac and makita router would come close to 12amps. You could add a power strip with surge protection and get some extra plugs for other things thanks!

[@IceCreams62]

Hi James. Why there are two Input ports in this smart relay ? Is it able to manage two different inputs from the control board ?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

I've not personally tested it, but I believe so

[@IceCreams62]

@@JamesDeanDesigns Thanks in any case 🙂

[@andrewgayton]

Hi for some reason when I press go on the job the router doesn’t start up on its own despite changing the settings in Easel. I can over come this problem by manually turning the router off and back on again as it’s travelling to its start point (not ideal). Have you any advice on this? Thanks

[@OregonBladez]

Does this work with the 6050 plus?

[@danmatthew1720]

will this work on x carve thanks

[@davefreeman4680]

Hi James just got the genmitsu 1.25 router and fox alien relay , but for the life of me cannot see where it connects to control box , any help appreciated

[@markgiessinger1833]

I also am having an this issue. I believe the Genmitsu 4040 Pro Spindle Output is a different pin connector than the extra wires that came with Fox Alien IO relay. Q) Has anybody found the correct connectors for sale?

[@jamesbowden212]

Connecting the Fox Alien to my 4030. How do you control the RPM's? Is it controlled by the software as before? I'm adding a Makita RT0701C to mine.

[@Caiothian]

You don’t, the makita has a knob control for rpm. You just set it on the makita itself. Whatever you set your rpm in your software won’t matter. It will just give you an idea for chip load

[@chrish9003]

Hi James, I connected this to my Sainsmart 4040 and Makita RT0702CX4 router. However, the router will not turn on, the light on top flashes red. According to the Makita manual, this is a safety feature that prevents automatic starting. The unit will turn the router off when I turn the spindle off in the software, but I have to manually turn it on to start a job. I wondered if you have a solution/thoughts on this and if anyone else has the same problem. Thanks, Chris.

[@douglaslankford7340]

I have a genmitsu 4040 pro , I am trying to find out if this relay works with my cnc machine, is that what you are using it for? if so I am wondering how you hook it up because I am not sure where it plugs in at

[@1001panoramas]

It seems obvious to me but does it take the gcode speed variation commands in count? Thanks

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

no, you cant control the speed via this device, pretty much just on and off

[@keithjohnson2668]

Digital Logger also has an IOT relay. Would you recommend FoxAlien’s IOT relay over Digital Logger’s and if so why?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

I've never tested theirs so I can't really say. I know the FoxAlien has an overload switch which I'm not sure the Digital Logger one does but the reason FoxAlien developed theirs and its been so popular is because the Digital logger one was always out of stock and the they only catered for American style plugs. Bottom line though is they both pretty much do exactly the same job

[@keithjohnson2668]

@@JamesDeanDesigns , thank you.

[@normsee3373]

Cant wait to get mine and upgrade to my makita but foxalien is so slow on shipping. Talked with them through chat telling me they had it in stock, ordered it and still nothing from over a week ago. Their response is please wait we are working on it

[@ggholliday23]

This is great and will be awesome for controlling my dust extractor. But I'm using a VFD and spindle on my Vasto, is there a way to connect that so that I can start/stop the spindle using the Vasto's controller? I've searched haven't found anything.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

There certainly will be. If you VFD is wired up to start the spindle, then it should just be a case of taping into that supply... however I am not an electrical engineer.

[@cheekyoscar1353]

Pretty good price at the moment as well just checked it out ( as of 17th july 23 ) £46.28 that includes the current promotion are offering with $6 off "2023 SUMMER MEGA SALE 10% OFF" 👍👍 including UK delivery ...

[@MadAsKiwi]

Cool idea. I am rather new to CNC'ing.. I was wondering if this would work with a OneFinity X-50 Woodworker? Thanks in advance

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

As long as the control board has some form of spindle output then yes it should work

[@FollowApollo.12]

Need me a couple of these !

[@40jn]

How to turn on the router over the phone ?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

This may help kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2GYf4dsj6qUsKM

[@joshuacochran4460]

Will this work with genmitsu?

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

@@joshuacochran4460 yes 👍

[@joshuacochran4460]

@@JamesDeanDesigns I’m seeing comments saying people are having connector issues, any word on that?

[@Ebonyqwe]

Will it work with a 3018prover v1

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Yes, will work with any machine that plugs into it 👍

[@gremlin60]

404 The page you are looking for cannot be found.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Thanks for flagging. Annoyingly FoxAlien keep changing their links without putting a forwarding address in place. New link is bit.ly/434mTaI

[@imeach2897]

Quite impressed by the price, was expecting it to be more expensive. Only running standard spindle on Genmitsu 4040 at the minute though

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Yes, for the price and how easy it is, it's a good uog

[@cpl.serpent494]

I just upgraded to the Dewalt 611. Get it! It is a new machine! Cuts that were not clean are now as smooth and clean.

[@arieldesign9642]

Thanks from panama

[@davidharris425]

Will it work with a xcarve? Thanks

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

As long as your control board has a spindle output, it should work. I'm not familiar with the control board on an Xcarve though

[@davidharris425]

@@JamesDeanDesigns thanks for your reply

[@darrenhudson-huddosdiy9695]

Will it run on 240V or is it only 110v

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

will run on both 110 and 240, youre covered in most countries :)

[@robertchircop]

Does the router keep switching on and off during 'rapids' throughout a job? Many thanks for your informative videos. Just sent you a 'coffee' via PayPal.

[@hanspijpers2100]

They don't deliver to my country

[@ralphwatson7036]

Great!

[@jamc41]

Love it, thanks, i bought this recently and i'm fresh new with CNC, bear with my questions :). In your video you connect the Makita into Spindle 1 slot of the control box, i just finished the Masuter installation with the extension and a Makita router, my brain tells me it should go on Spindle 2 since on the instructions says it should be for more powerful routers. Can you help? Makita = Spindle 1 or Spindle 2? Thanks!!

[@davidkiefer1748]

Too bad this doesn't work with Genmitsu CNC machines! Important bit of information!

[@barix9495]

You're half right - if you watch to the roughly 5 minute mark he has it connected to the ProVer 4030. It is more accurate to say it is not plug and play on genmitsu machines. You do have to do a bit of wire splicing, but it does in fact work with genmitsu.

[@somewhatarkayne1663]

OK, I used this for the first time today. Total disaster. It was going great until about five minutes into the carve, I heard an audible "pop" and the relay shut off the router and vac while the FA Vasto was still running. I had to hit the emergency stop. The Easel program then had issues finding my machine again. Once I had reset and reconnected everything, I started my Easel program again and TRIED using the previous starting point and settings to begin since my origin point had already been carved out and the I couldn't use my probe. Welllll, when I hit the carve button the original coordinates had obviously been effed up because the damn thing started carving NO WHERE NEAR the origin and totally f'ed up my whole design. I can't trust this thing anymore. It petered out within a few minutes of use and totally screwed up my carve. I'm a BIG fan of FA and have numerous lasers and products of theirs but this thing is dubious. Seriously PO'd.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Sorry to hear that. Did it trip the surge protection on the box and did you figure out what tripped it? I know it's too late for this now but may help you in the future. Always home your machine before starting and note the machine coordinates when you do the Zero. If you ever have to do something like an emergency stop or there is a fail, re run the homing and return back to your noted coordinates. This will guarantee the job starts back at the same place

[@somewhatarkayne1663]

@@JamesDeanDesigns I made several test runs and it cuts itself off about ten minutes in on EVERY carve. The problem is the over current protector is triggering. It says it will trip at over 12 amps. Well, that's a problem since my vac system is 10 amps and the router is 7 amps. Which means I can run one or the other but not both which kinda defeats the purpose. I'm in contact with FoxAlien and we're working on it. Thanks for all your vids! I've learned a lot from you and think you do a wonderful job!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

@@somewhatarkayne1663 that's sort of good to hear. First, the box is actually tripping for the reason it's meant to as opposed to just being faulty. And second, the fact FoxAlien are talking to you. Its interesting it cuts out half way through as usually to my knowledge there is more of a surge at the start but keep me updated 👍

[@somewhatarkayne1663]

They're still trying to figure it out. I have video of it triggering for no reason. My husband does some electrical work and he thinks that when the router runs for awhile (or the vac system) they start upping amperage due to heat and it is triggering current protector. If so, this isn't going to work for two separate tools. Will keep updating! @@JamesDeanDesigns

[@saltysailorboy1062]

Great idea but much lower quality than I expected for the price. The power cord falls out of the IEC320 connector. Also it is missing appropriate safety certification for use in Canada. It should have CSA standard safety certification. Also this cannot be used with a laser for air assist because it is a mechanical relay and will fail from cycling; it should have been a solid state relay. I would not recommend this product or repurchase it.

[@martyb1095]

Looked like a great deal until they added $200 for shipping!!!

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

$200 for shipping. that is crazy! Where was that to?

[@gordmills1983]

Sorry mate, I used to like this channel, but now you’re just a paid shill for this company.. all content is an advertisement.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

They put out a great product that I wanted, that helps people, that people were asking for because the only place you could get similar was American and because I've showed it I'm a paid shill. But everyone's entitled to their opinion

[@gordmills1983]

@@JamesDeanDesigns The simple fact is that you used to show technique , ideas , and examples. Now every video I see you are advertising the products and upgrades manufactured by this company. That is a fact that can be verified simply by looking at your feed.

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

@@gordmills1983 I still do show tips, techniques and other useful stuff in my videos. I openly share speeds and feed information. I also spend most of my spare time helping people out for free, solving their CNC issues but you feel free to judge me because my videos don't meet your needs 👍

[@douglaslankford7340]

will this relay work with a Genmitsu 4040 pro

[@JamesDeanDesigns]

Yes, but if using the Makita router just make sure you have the 701 or 700 model. The newer 702 has anti stop start and doesn't like this kind of smart switches. Most other routers are fine