{"id":20261,"date":"2025-07-11T09:02:05","date_gmt":"2025-07-11T15:02:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/support.epiloglaser.com\/staging\/?p=20261"},"modified":"2026-03-16T13:48:32","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:48:32","slug":"filter-control-connection-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/support.epiloglaser.com\/staging\/laser-machine\/fusion-ascent\/system-requirements-setup\/filter-control-connection-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Filter Control – Connection Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

\nEpilog Fusion Maker, Edge, Pro, and Galvo laser systems include a DB9 port on the right side of the control panel for managing external filtration systems. These signals are automatically assigned based on the selected filter type in the Epilog control panel.\n<\/p>\n

\nCurrently, Epilog officially supports two filtration systems: Filtrabox<\/strong> and BOFA<\/strong>. Other filter systems may be compatible as long as you know the pin requirements and wiring logic of the unit you’re integrating.\n<\/p>\n

Connector Pinout and Layout<\/h3>\n
\n

\nEach pin on the DB9 port is labeled 1\u20139, with functions that change based on the selected filter type.\n<\/p>\n

\n\"DB9\n<\/p>\n

DB9 Pin Reference Table (General)<\/h2>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Pin<\/th>\nSignal Name<\/th>\nType<\/th>\nTypical Usage (Varies by Configuration)<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
1<\/td>\nInput 1 (IN1+)<\/td>\nInput<\/td>\nCritical Error or “System Failure” input from filter (e.g. BOFA)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2<\/td>\nInput 1 Return (IN1\u2212)<\/td>\nInput GND<\/td>\nReturn for Input 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
3<\/td>\nN\/C<\/td>\nReserved<\/td>\nDo Not Connect<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4<\/td>\nOutput 1 (OUT1+)<\/td>\nOutput<\/td>\nStart filter signal (e.g. Filtrabox \/ BOFA start command)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
5<\/td>\nOutput 1 Return (OUT1\u2212)<\/td>\nOutput GND<\/td>\nReturn for Output 1<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6<\/td>\nOutput 2 (OUT2+)<\/td>\nOutput<\/td>\nOptional\/custom use output<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
7<\/td>\nOutput 2 Return (OUT2\u2212)<\/td>\nOutput GND<\/td>\nReturn for Output 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8<\/td>\nInput 2 (IN2+)<\/td>\nInput<\/td>\nLow Pressure Detected or \u201cCheck Filter\u201d signal (e.g. Filtrabox \/ BOFA)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
9<\/td>\nInput 2 Return (IN2\u2212)<\/td>\nInput GND<\/td>\nReturn for Input 2<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\n Note:<\/strong> Signal directions are relative to the Epilog system. Assignments change based on the selected filter type.\n<\/p>\n

\n

Warning:<\/strong> Do not apply voltage to any of the input pins<\/strong> on the DB9 connector. These are monitored by the laser system using low-current sensing circuits. Applying external voltage may cause permanent damage.<\/p>\n

\n The output pins<\/strong> are controlled by internal relay contacts (EE2-5NU). These contacts are rated for low-voltage control signals. To prevent damage and ensure reliable operation, do not exceed 24V AC\/DC<\/strong> and 100 mA<\/strong> across any output pin pair.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n

Wiring Diagram \u2013 Epilog Controller<\/h3>\n
\n

\n \"DB9
\n\"DB9<\/p>\n

Filter-Specific Pin Configurations<\/h2>\n

Filtrabox and BOFA<\/h3>\n

Both Filtrabox and BOFA filtration systems use the same pin assignments for filter activation and status monitoring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Pin Pair<\/th>\nFunction<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
1 & 2<\/span><\/td>\n\u201cCritical Error\u201d signal to Epilog (connected together when filter needs attention)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4 & 5<\/span><\/td>\nStart filter (closed when job begins)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
6 & 7<\/td>\nReserved output pins (not used by BOFA or Filtrabox systems)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
8 & 9<\/span><\/td>\n\u201cLow Pressure\u201d signal to Epilog (connected together when filter needs attention)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

\n\"Filtrabox\n<\/p>\n

Selecting Filter Type in the Epilog Control Panel<\/h2>\n

Follow these steps to configure your machine for external filter control:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. \n

    From the home screen, tap the Gear<\/strong> icon <\/span> to open Settings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Select the Gear + Wrench<\/strong> <\/span>+<\/i> icon.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Select System<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Select Filter Control Status<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Select Disabled<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. \n

    Select Filter Type<\/strong> from the list of options.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  7. \n

    The system will apply the correct pin configuration for the selected model.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    \n\"Epilog\n<\/p>\n

    Behavior and Timing<\/h2>\n
      \n
    • \n

      When a job starts, pins 4 & 5<\/span> close to start the filter.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      When the job ends or is canceled, the connection opens to shut the filter off.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n

      In the same settings menu, you can configure a Filter Control Delay<\/strong> to run the filter before\/after jobs.<\/p>\n

      \"Filter\n <\/li>\n

    • \n

      When a filter issue is detected, the filtration unit will connect pins 8 & 9<\/span>, triggering a \u201cLow Pressure Detected\u201d message on the Epilog UI.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n \"Check\n <\/li>\n
    • \n

      When a filter failure is detected, the filtration unit will connect pins 1 & 2<\/span>, triggering a \u201cCritical Error\u201d message on the Epilog UI.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    • \n \"Critical\n <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\r\n\t\t\t
      \r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t
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      Was this helpful?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t
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