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Makita Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS, 2017‒), Festool Autostart (2018‒) and Bosch Wireless Auto-Start (2024‒) are Bluetooth-based systems for remotely starting industrial vacuum cleaners from power tools. Several power tools, cordless battery packs, and industrial vacuum cleaners ship with wireless connectivity, mostly using Bluetooth Low Energy to communicate, but as of 2024 the systems remained incompatible between different brands.

Initial support in 2007 was for data logging monitored torque values; followed in 2015 by adding Bluetooth low energy beacons into power tools for asset tracking, battery status monitoring, and configuration via a mobile app.[1] Since 2017 onwards various power tools have added support for remote starting or stopping of a dust collector (vacuum cleaner) via Bluetooth; although only between tools from the same manufacturer or group of companies.

Vacuum control

[edit]

Brand names for the remote starting of a vacuum cleaner include Makita Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS), and DeWalt Wireless Tool Control;[2] plus designs from Festool, and HiKoki. Metabo and Flex use the Cordless Control proprietary standard originally developed by Starmix.

Overview

[edit]

Although power tools may advertise some form of wireless or Bluetooth support, this may only be a limited subset of features, such as only for configuration or asset tracking, or only for remote control of dust extraction.

Wireless support in Power Tools (2021)
Vendor Branding Radio Functions Remote start/stop
Activation Dust extractor (vacuum)
Makita Torque Tracer Bluetooth Data logging Tool trigger (integrated)
Auto-start Wireless System Bluetooth Low Energy Remote start/stop (+WUT01 module) Tool trigger
  • Vacuum (+WUT01 module)
  • WUT02 resistive load
Festool Autostart Bluetooth Low Energy Remote start/stop
  • 18V battery
  • Manual remote (CT-F)
  • Integrated
  • Retro-fit control panel
Configuration, battery status
HiKoki Wireless Linking Bluetooth Low Energy Remote start/stop
  • 18V/36V battery (BSL36A18B, BSL36B18B)
  • Tool trigger (C3605DA, C3605DYA)
 Integrated (RP3608DB)
Bosch Connected-Ready Bluetooth Low Energy Configuration, status (+GCY30-4 module)
Tool-to-Tool Remote start/stop (+GCY42 module) Tool trigger
Wireless Auto-Start Remote start/stop Vibration trigger (GCT 30-42)
  • Integrated (GAS 18V-12 MC)
  • Resistive load (GCA 30-42)
Milwaukee One-Key Bluetooth Low Energy Configuration, status, asset tracking, locking
Black+Decker SmarTech Bluetooth Low Energy Battery status, locking
Ridgid Octane Bluetooth Low Energy Battery status, locking
Hilti Bluetooth Low Energy Remote start/stop Manual toggle (IC-RM)[3] Retro-fit control panel (IC-RC)[4]
DeWalt Tool Connect Bluetooth Low Energy Configuration, status, asset tracking
Wireless Tool Connect 433 MHz Remote start/stop
  • Tool trigger (integrated)
  • Keyfob
 Integrated
Starmix
(Electrostar) 		Cordless Control 2.4 GHz (Zigbee) Remote start/stop
  • Vibration trigger
  • Manual toggle
  • Mains relay
  • Retro-fit control panel
Metabo
Flex
VCE CControl Mains relay

As of 2021, the Bluetooth systems were incompatible between manufacturers, with each brand requiring its own application to be downloaded and no support for cross-vendor applications.

Implementations

[edit]

Black & Decker

[edit]

In 2016 Black & Decker announced the introduction of Bluetooth support in battery packs.[5] These Black & Decker Smartech batteries feature a Bluetooth connection that allows remotely displaying the charge level, locating, or locking a battery pack.[6]

Bosch

[edit]

Bosch Professional series power tools ending with "C" (for Connectivity) in the model name feature a removable circular opening into which a Bluetooth module can be fitted. As of 2021 two add-on Bluetooth modules were available:

  • GCY 30-4 module (supporting Bluetooth 4.1)
  • GCY 42 upgraded module (supporting Bluetooth 4.2),[7] including Tool-to-Tool communication.[8]

In 2015 Bosch had released an attachable tracking beacon called TrackTag.[9]

Dewalt

[edit]

DeWalt have shipped two separate and incompatible wireless systems: one for status, tracking and configuration; and one for remote vacuum activation.

Tool Connect

[edit]

The first system called Tool Connect was released in 2015 and uses Bluetooth Low Energy for asset tracking, configuration of tools and monitoring of battery state.[1][10] Bluetooth design and application development was undertaken by Laird Connectivity.[11]

DeWalt produced two battery designs with Tool Connect Bluetooth transmitters built in.[12] This allow allows reading battery status, temperature, firmware/hardware version, and to control locking/disabling when out of range.[13]

DeWalt additionally produced three models of drills (DCD792, DCD797, DCD997)[12] and two impact drivers (DCF888, DCF906)[12] with a Bluetooth module built-in allowing user configuration of maximum RPM (rotation speed) and LED illumination.[13]

For tracking, Dewalt added a retro-fit add-on pass-through "shoe" that connected between the battery and tool (DCE040), plus screw-on external tags (DCE041) with a plan from 2022 to move to a built-in slot for adding a Bluetooth tracking module (DCE042).[13]

Wireless Tool Connect

[edit]

The second Dewalt system is branded as Wireless Tool Control and uses a 433 MHz transmitter inside tools, or a wrist-mounted remote control in combination with a built-in receiver on some vacuum cleaners.[14] Only one tool or remote can be paired to a vacuum cleaner at a time, previous pairings are overridden.

As of 2020 the range of compatible tools included a 60-volt SDS drill which could be remotely linked to a vacuum cleaner.[15]

The DeWalt WTC operates at ~433.92 MHz in the LPD433 band[16]—the same ISM radio band also used for remote keyless systems and remote door locks.

Festool

[edit]

In April 2018 Festool released a system that uses a Bluetooth-based control panel that is retro-fitted into vacuum cleaners.[17] The vacuum dust extractor is then activated by special batteries packs which can receive the tool run status from compatible tools and forward this over Bluetooth.[18] The Festool system can also be activated by a small remote transmitter that is affixed to the end of the vacuum hose, allowing operation with all brands of power tools.[18]

Hikoki

[edit]

As of 2019, Hikoki had announced the RP3608DB vacuum cleaner, and a circular saw that could communicate via Bluetooth.[19]

Hilti

[edit]

Hilti produce a series of construction vacuum cleaners with optional remote control via Bluetooth.[20][21]

Makita

[edit]

Torque Tracer

[edit]

By 2010 Makita was producing a series of Bluetooth-equipped assembly tools marketed as Torque Tracer capable of transmitting the measured torque and angle applied to each fastening.[22] Makita had applied for the Torque Tracer trademark in 2007.[23]

Auto-Start Wireless System

[edit]

Makita Auto-Start Wireless System (AWS) is a wireless communication method used between power tools and dust collection devices/vacuum cleaners, released by Makita in 2017.[24]

The system uses Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). Tool and vacuum devices must first paired, but can also later be unpaired.[25]

As of 2017, a miter saw, plunge saw, rotary hammer drill, and an angle grinder were available that could send triggers via AWS.[26] By 2019, a drywall sander was available.[27]

Beginning in 2019, Makita started produce a universal adaptor that could be connected to the automatic pass-through AC mains electricity port of existing vacuum cleaners.[28]

Implementation
[edit]

The same WUT01 Bluetooth module is used in all tools. When inserted into a compatible vacuum cleaner, or the WUT02 "Universal" resistive-load adapter the module same invisible, in listening mode.

When the WUT01 Bluetooth module is inserted into a compatible tool, a Bluetooth Low Energy advertising message is broadcast approximately ten times per second; this contains the status of the tool inserted into a manufacturer specific packet:

Makita Bluetooth advertisements
Manufacturer specific State Notes Module LED status
05 FF FC 33 03 05 poweron after power on, before Bluetooth activation none
05 FF FD 33 06 06 initialised slow blinking blue, first click only blue (flashing)
05 FF FC 33 03 06 waiting slow blinking blue - normal status quo blue (flashing)
05 FF FD AA 03 06 trigger tool activated blue (solid)
05 FF FF 33 0C 07 pairing flashing green green (flashing)
05 FF EF 33 18 08 unpair flashing red, then press red (flashing)

During pairing, the tool-side module must advertise an Generic Attribute Profile (GATT) endpoint used to exchange MAC addresses during the pairing process.

Pairing
[edit]

Multiple tools can be paired to a single vacuum cleaner; if any of the paired tools are used, the vacuum cleaner will start-up, even if the vacuum hose is not connected to that tool.[25] The same replaceable communications module is used for both ends of the connection.[28]

Pairing between a tool and dust extraction is achieved by pressing a button on both devices for 3 seconds.[25] Unpairing a specific pair of devices is achieved by pressing a button on both devices for 6 seconds.[25] Resetting an individual AWS transmitter/receiver by removing all previous pairings is achieved by pressing the same button for 6 seconds, twice.[25]

Milwaukee

[edit]

By the end of 2015 Milwaukee Electric Tool were supplying tools and battery packs with One-key support, allowing monitoring of battery status and custom tool settings configuration.[1]

By 2016, three tools were being offered with Bluetooth tracking built-in, for approximately €20 extra per tool.[29]

Ridgid

[edit]

During 2018 Ridgid started selling Octane battery packs with Bluetooth transmitters built-in. The battery packs can transmit the battery charge percentage status and temperature.[30][31] Battery capacities are 3.0 Ah (AC840088), 6.0 Ah (R8400806) and 9.0 Ah (R8400809).

References

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  1. ^ a b c Dahl, Timothy (2015-12-22). "Two Big Ways Cordless Power Tools Are About To Get Even Better". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 2021-12-29. Dewalt and Milwaukee Tool have introduced lines of Bluetooth enabled batteries, though for different purposes. … turn … Dewalt Bluetooth batteries on or off at once, and monitor battery charge level too. … Milwaukee Tool has taken the connected battery even further with One-Key system, which helps with tool inventory management and provides precision tool control. … Apply specific settings for speed and torque
  2. ^ Koehler, Kenny (2021-02-09). "Makita Vs DeWalt: Brand is Better in 2021?". Pro Tool Reviews. Retrieved 2021-11-24. Makita pioneered AWS—Auto-start Wireless System. With compatible cordless tools and vacs, pulling the tool trigger automatically kicks on the vacuum so you don't have to hit it manually. DeWalt has a remote control-based system for their cordless FlexVolt vacuum and a Wireless Tool Control system, though there aren't any circular saws enabled for it currently.
  3. ^ Hilti IC-RM (Bluetooth Remote). Hilti. August 2021. FFE: 2293644 … Contains IC: 12208A-09 … Contains FCC IC: 2AA9B09
  4. ^ Hilti IC-RC (Bluetooth Receiver). Hilti. August 2021. FFE: 2293515 … Contains IC: 12208A-04 … Contains FCC ID: 2AA9B04
  5. ^ Dahl, Timothy (2016-05-18). "Black & Decker Adds Bluetooth to Their 20V Battery, but Do We Need It?". Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 2021-11-16. Smartech battery features include: … disable the battery, view the percent … charge, … locate feature … or activate the battery's integrated USB port.
  6. ^ Beacham, Bob (2021-01-06). "The best Black+Decker drill". Best Reviews. Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2021-12-19. The Smartech battery system is a recent innovation. Units are Bluetooth-enabled … possible to check charge levels, lock batteries to prevent unauthorized use, and locate them if they go missing.
  7. ^ Bosch Experten-Team (2020-01-08). "Unterschied Connectivity-Module GCY30-4 und GCY42 i.V.m. GAL18V-160C" [Difference between connectivity modules GCY30-4 and GCY42 when using a GAL18V-160C tool]. BOB Community. Retrieved 2021-11-29. GCY 42: … Tool to Tool Technologie : Z.B. kann ein Staubsauger mit den angeschlossenen Tool gestartet werden … Bei Biturbo Geräten ist das GCY 42 zwingend
  8. ^ EP 3313621B1, "Handwerkzeugmaschine, Insbesondere Elektrohandwerkzeugmaschine" 
  9. ^ Deutsch, Stuart (2015-09-08). "Bosch TrackTag, a Bluetooth Tracking Device You Attach to Your Tools". Toolguyd. Retrieved 2021-12-29. Bosch has come out with the TrackTag (Europe model no. GCC 30), a Bluetooth module that you attach to your tools, … transmit a low energy Bluetooth signal every 8 seconds.
  10. ^ "Akku spricht mit Handy" [Battery communicates with mobile phone] (PDF). Produkte. SBZ Monteur (in German). No. 1. 2016. p. 46. Retrieved 2021-12-24. wahlweise mit 2,0 Ah (DCB183B) oder 5,0 Ah (DCB184B) [Akkus] … mittels App „Dewalt Tool Connect" … mit Smartphone oder Tablet … Ladezustand abrufbar … Aktivierung / Deaktivierung
  11. ^ Laird Connectivity. "DeWALT Success Story". Product development. Retrieved 2021-12-28. real-time battery management, battery security, and safety features … We designed an IoT platform for DeWALT that included integrating the Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) chipset directly into the battery pack, turnkey development of a Bluetooth LE tag, and developing the Android and iOS mobile apps for connectivity.
  12. ^ a b c "Tool Connect™ Tools, Batteries, Tags, and Connectors". Support. DeWalt website. 2021-11-24. Retrieved 2021-12-28. complete list of all tool connect products … complete list of Tool Connect™ tag-ready products … complete list of Tool Connect™ tag-ready products
  13. ^ a b c Koehler, Kenny (3 November 2021). "Using DeWalt Tool Connect: The Definitive Guide". ProTool Reviews. Retrieved 2021-12-26.
  14. ^ "DCV586M" (PDF) (Instructions). 2018-11-14. Retrieved 2021-11-16. Pairing the Dust Extractor with a Tool using Wireless Tool Control Mode … 1. Press the three position switch to the Wireless Tool Control position. 2. Press and hold the … pairing button on the DCV586M [dust extractor] and pull the trigger on the Wireless Tool Control equipped tool or press the button on the remote … Only one transmitter can be paired … at a time. … the previous transmitter will be overridden. … To Unpair … Press and hold the Wireless Tool Control pairing button … and pull the trigger on the Wireless Tool Control equipped tool or press the button on the remote at the same time.
  15. ^ DeBoer, Clint (2020-02-21). "DeWalt Cordless 1-3/4" Combination Hammer DCH614". Hands-on Testing. Protool Reviews. Retrieved 2021-11-24. For connectivity with a dust extractor, the DeWalt DCH614 also includes wireless tool control. This can communicate with the FlexVolt 60V Max Dust Extractor (DCV585).
  16. ^ Magdamo, Kirwan; Stanley Black & Decker. Theory of operation, WTC TX (Report). FCC ID: YJ7WTCTX. Retrieved 2021-11-27 – via FCC. self-contained 433 MHz transmitter requiring only a 5–25 VDC power input and a 5–20 VDC transmit enable signal … in power tools … indicates the run/not run status of the tool. … broadcasts a fixed pre-programmed data packet. … prefix of the data packet is the target address of the paired receiver. Receivers are paired in a manner similar to Bluetooth device pairing. … same data packet is transmitted every 10 seconds. Whenever the transmit signal is disabled, a different data packet is sent for one transmission cycle. … is intended to broadcast simple messaging from a power tool to a paired remote accessory … can indicate operation to a remote vacuum to automatically activate it when the tool is operating
  17. ^ Ermides, Chris (2018-03-26). "Festool Bluetooth Converter Kit for Dust Extractors". The Journal of Light Construction. Retrieved 2021-11-18. Bluetooth module plate replaces the cover plate that sits on the front of the CT dust extractor just next to the tool-operated power outlet. Once the Bluetooth module is installed, the vac can be turned on cordlessly either by the included remote or by a cordless power tool equipped with the new 18V Bluetooth battery. … (called the Remote Control CT-F I/M-Set) will be available [from 2018-04-02] … Bluetooth-enabled battery will be available [later] this year
  18. ^ a b Koehler, Kenny (2018-07-11). "Festool Remote Control and Bluetooth Battery". Pro Tool Reviews. Retrieved 2021-01-27. Festool's wireless tool activation system is the Festool Bluetooth Module. This installs on your current CT 26, 36, or 48 module port to communicate with the new Festool Remote Control and Bluetooth batteries. … Festool Remote Control attaches to directly to your suction hose. … can activate the vacuum even if you're not using it with a Festool product … Festool Bluetooth battery. The only function of the Bluetooth connection here is to tell your CT dust extractor to kick on when you press the tool's trigger.
  19. ^ Sharpe, J (2019-09-24). "Hikoki power tools launches two new 36V Circular Saws". Installer Online. Retrieved 2021-11-18. The C3605DYA 36V Circular Saw also features Bluetooth wireless technology, enabling wireless linking with the RP3608DB cordless cleaner.
  20. ^ "Anchoring circularity in a product range". Success stories. Hamburg: Impact Innovation. 2021-10-05. Retrieved 2021-12-30. Hilti … robust universal vacuum cleaner for the construction site … with auto-start and switching on / off via the Bluetooth® remote control.
  21. ^ New Hilti Vacuums VC-X 20/40. Hilti Great Britain. 2021-08-06. Retrieved 2021-12-30 – via Youtube. Optional Bluetooth® module
  22. ^ Camillo, Jim (2010-06-10). "What's New With Cordless Tools". Retrieved 2021-12-28. The Makita 14.4-volt DFL301RZ is a 3/8-inch square drive Torque Tracer angle nutrunner with a torque range of 16 to 30 newton-meters. It installs fasteners accurately and efficiently, with extended run time, and communicates fastening data wirelessly via Bluetooth.
  23. ^ Torque Tracer (Trademark). Trade mark information. European Union Intellectual Property Office. Retrieved 2021-12-28. Name: Torque Tracer; Filing number: 005865217; … Filing date: [2007-04-27]; Registration date: [2008-02-14]; … Organisation Makita Corporation
  24. ^ Ermides, Chris (2017-11-28). "Makita Auto-Start Technology for Cordless Tools". The Journal of Light Construction. Retrieved 2021-11-18.
  25. ^ a b c d e Wireless activation function (PDF). Cordless backpack vacuum cleaner (Manual). 2019-08-26. pp. 18‒19. Retrieved 2021-01-27. [Registration] Press the wireless activation button on the cleaner for 3 seconds … then press the wireless activation button on the tool in the same way. … When two or more tools are registered to one cleaner, the cleaner may start running … because other user is using the wireless activation function. … [Cancelling] … Press the wireless activation button on the cleaner for 6 seconds. … [Erasing] … Hold down the wireless activation button for about 6 seconds … release your finger … hold down the wireless activation button again for about 6 seconds. … all tool registrations are erased.
  26. ^ Deutsch, Stuart (2019-07-11). "New Makita Cordless Drywall Sander XLS01 is a "World's First"". ToolGuyd. Retrieved 2021-11-16. Makita has quietly announced their new 18V cordless drywall sander … and "is AWS capable." … drywall sander almost requires that the user buy deeper into the AWS system. Of course you don't have to, you can pair it with any properly-sized and featured vac, corded or cordless, but then you would have to manually operate any non-AWS vacuum
  27. ^ a b Koehler, Kenny (2019-09-24). "Makita AWS Universal Adapter WUT02U Announced!". Pro Tool Reviews. Retrieved 2021-01-27. Connects with the same AWS chip (included) as AWS tools and vacuums … Plugs into tool activation outlet on any manufacturer's vacuum … essentially the same as other AWS tool/vac pairings. Makita includes a 3-channel button to find the least congested signal.
  28. ^ Müller, Thomas (May 2016). "Wissen, wo der Hammer hängt" [Know where the hammer hangs] (PDF). Betrieb & Management. Hankwerk magazine (in German). pp. 41‒45. Das System One-Key hat als Basis zunächst drei neue Akkugeräte mit fest integriertem BluetoothModul und eine kostenlose, cloudbasierte App. … Ein Schlagschrauber mit Bluetooth-Technik ist rund 20 Euro teurer als sein Pendant ohne Schnittstelle. One-Key vereint drei wesentliche Funktionen: die Geräte-Kontrolle, ein Geräte Reporting und ein herstellerunabhängiges Bestandsmanagement.
  29. ^ Koehler, Kenny (2018-08-09). "Ridgid Octane 18V Tools and Batteries". ProTool Reviews. Retrieved 2021-12-29. Bluetooth Capability: … There's also Bluetooth communication in each of the batteries. More than a dozen functions come along with it. … the battery status. … the battery's health, … countdown while … charging—telling you exactly how much time it needs to get back to 100%.
  30. ^ Koehler, Kenny (2018-02-08). "Ridgid 18V 9.0 Amp·hour Bluetooth Battery". ProTool Reviews. Retrieved 2021-12-29. Adding Bluetooth functions to the battery … can communicate battery diagnostics such as charge level, temperature, and overall health. … can also advertise its location to the owner and can be locked out – just as long as it's in range
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