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Welcome to the openBlastGate wiki!

This project is a combination of software and hardware to automate opening woodshop blast gates and turn a dust collector on and off. It implements a WiFi mesh (painlessMesh) network to communicate between devices to cut down on number of wires strung around the shop. It can control commercial and DIY gates. Gate opening devices that use stepper motors, servos, pneumatic cylinders, or manual gates. Dust collectors from a shopVac to a contractor controlled 240 volt system can be used. The system can be controlled with buttons or three types of current sensors.

Software is designed to run on inexpensive Wemos D1 mini microcontrollers using the painlessMesh library to allow communication between gates and dust collectors.

OpenSCAD files for 3D printing, CNC router, or CNC plasma cutting parts. Files are all adjustable using the free openSCAD software so you can create parts that match your ductwork.

Hardware includes Wemos D1 mini and various add on shields. DIY blast gates and commercial gates of various sizes and designs. Hardware to automatically open the gates. Current sensors and buttons to control the hardware to open the gates and turn the dust collector on.