ncRapidChangeAir

A wireless module for the RapidChange ATC magazine. It sends the tool-length sensor and IR tool-detection signals to ncSender without cables, and opens and closes the dust cover at every tool change.

Comes as a kit with the ncSender Wireless Receiver, which it needs to work. US orders include the battery. International orders ship without it (lithium can't go by international mail), so you'll need a 1S LiPo with a Molex / JST 1.25 mm 2-pin connector.

Not made or endorsed by RapidChange. Designed to work with it.

Back this project

Price: $199.99
Backed: 0 of 10
Waiting: 1
Opens: 5 days
Ships: Late Dec to early Jan (estimate)

Where it stands

The first PCB is being made. The circuit design and board layout are done, and the first firmware compiles. Next: bring-up on real hardware, checking the connectors against real RapidChange cables, servo calibration, radio range at the magazine, battery-life measurement, and the enclosure.

Backing opens November 11, 2026.

No cables to the magazine

RapidChange's tool-length sensor and IR tool detection normally need signal cables running from the magazine back to the controller. ncRapidChangeAir plugs into those sensors at the magazine and sends them over the air to the ncSender Wireless Receiver, which drives your controller's wired probe/TLS input as if the cable were still there.

On a RapidChange Premium it also drives the dust cover servo. ncSender wakes the module at the start of a tool change, opens the cover, and closes it again when the change is done. A button on the side opens or closes the cover by hand.

Specifications (design targets)

Compatibility

Tool changer	RapidChange ATC Pro and PremiumDust cover control is Premium only. The tool-length sensor is optional.
Controller	Any controller with a probe/TLS input, run from ncSender
Software	ncSender

Connections

Sensors and servo	RapidChange servo, TLS and IR cables plug straight in (3-pin, 2.54 mm)
Wireless link	ESP-NOW to the ncSender Wireless Receiver (included)
Output modes	TLS only on the wire with IR handled in ncSender, or TLS-or-IR on the wire

Power

Battery	1S LiPo (3.7 V), charged over USB-CIncluded for US orders. International orders ship without it.
Battery connector	Molex / JST 1.25 mm, 2-pinCheck the polarity of a battery you source yourself before plugging it in. Wires are not always in the same order.
Standby	Sleeps between tool changes and wakes within about 2 seconds
Battery life	To be measured on the prototype

Other

Processor	ESP32-S3
Status	RGB status LED, side button for the cover
Updates	Firmware updates over the air
In the kit	ncRapidChangeAir module, ncSender Wireless Receiver, and a LiPo battery (US orders only)Enclosure and final contents still being designed.

Backing questions

Why back it instead of waiting?

It's a niche product, and the first production run is the expensive part. Backing pays for that run. If enough people back it, it gets made, and backers get theirs first.

What happens if the goal isn't reached?

Everyone is refunded in full to the card or PayPal account they paid with. It's all or nothing.

When will it ship?

Late December 2026 to early January 2027, once backing closes successfully on December 15. Progress updates are posted on this page and emailed to every backer along the way.

Do I need anything else?

A RapidChange ATC and ncSender. The Wireless Receiver comes in the kit, and so does the battery for US orders. Outside the US you'll need your own 1S LiPo battery (see below).

Why is there no battery in international orders?

Lithium batteries can't go by international mail without dangerous-goods handling, so kits shipped outside the US come without one. You'll need a 1S LiPo (3.7 V) with a Molex / JST 1.25 mm 2-pin connector, which most hobby and drone shops sell. Check the polarity before plugging it in, because wire order varies between suppliers.

Is this a RapidChange product?

No. It's made by FrancisCreation to work with RapidChange's tool changer. It isn't affiliated with or endorsed by RapidChange.

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