automatic dust collection

There is a company called EcoGate (ecogate.com) that makes an automatic dust collection system. Basically you hook up an electric blast gate and a sensor to each machine, then when you switch that machine on, the blast gate opens and the dust collector starts. Shut off the machine and the dust collection shuts off a few seconds later. This is great if you have a smallish dust collector and want to direct the suction to one machine at a time, let alone the convenience of not having to turn the dust collector on every time.

Unfortunately, they aren’t making the EcoGate anymore and try as I may, I can’t find anybody selling them new, used or otherwise. Grizzly has some of the parts, but not the main controller.

Does anybody know of a comparable system out there at a reasonable price? The EcoGate system retailed for around $500 which is the most I would consider spending on something like this. There are industrial systems out there, but one air-activated blast gate alone could cost you $500.

I’m not sure why they stopped manufacturing what sounds like a pretty cool system. The company told me they are coming out with a new system in a few months, but who knows if that will be within my budget.

Any ideas anyone?

-- Dan, San Diego, CA