I have never tried Centroid so i can not comment on it. I have used Mach3 for a long time and Mach4 recently....not a fan of Mach4. My own machine uses uccnc and i am reasonably happy:)
Printable View
I have never tried Centroid so i can not comment on it. I have used Mach3 for a long time and Mach4 recently....not a fan of Mach4. My own machine uses uccnc and i am reasonably happy:)
islaww has nothing to do with centroid he is just a user installer and has installed and used UCCNC as well and as he said did not work as well as Acorn which I have found to be the case also, none of these controls are perfect they are hobby level controls and that about sums it up
As usual though you don't know what you are talking about you can add more motors if you need 2 motors for a Gantry you only need ( 1 ) port so you can use any step/Dir output like this some Boards already have this built in for Gantry Control from 1 Axes output signal driving 2 Drives so the 4 axes board can do 4 + 1 and more if you need it :)
What button do you need to add that it does not have
There new 720 with the Breakout board is very good I'm just waiting for the Encoder up date on this new 720 Board I have the CPU5A model have been waiting for the 720 to happen the CPU5A will do any Stepper machine get it with the Breakout Board it just make it easier to connect everything but the 720 is it right now or the 760 if you need more axes, the control software is very easy to use as well
Yes I have no affiliation with anyone in the cnc industry. I just got into the "hobby" market about a year ago when I needed something for the home shop. I personally looked at everything available and chose Centroid based on the fact that they build industrial controllers as well as industrial machines. They've been doing it for a long time and I understand that you don't stay in business that long if you build junk. I also gravitated to the new entry level controller due to the fact you get the same software that their industrial units run on. If you have any professional grade software you will understand my reasoning. I personally saw the value of the controller and it has lived up to my expectations. It just works and I'm making the parts I want to make. I just set up my material upload my cnc file hit cycle start and everything does what it should. I know people say nothing is perfect but for me the Acorn and cnc12 have been perfect for my application.
So once again I am just a guy who likes the Acorn controller that I paid full price for just a happy customer. Trust me if it wasn't great or I was having issues with it I wouldn't be shy about letting anyone and everyone know about it.
This is what I ran into when looking at all the controllers, there are a lot of good options but I think when you compare price, the Acorn wins every time. The 720 might be a great option but it starts at $440 and you have to add a BOB, relay board, power supply, software and you are way over the cost of the Acorn kit at $299 that includes all of that. Now if another board does something you need that the Acorn won't, then Acorn isn't an option at any price. I've been cutting on my router for a few weeks now. Thrilled I didn't spend more when everything works as needed and advertised with the Acorn.
I think for anyone who is looking for CNC controls you have to do your homework and list out all of the features you need for your specific machine to function how you need it to and make sure that whatever electronics you buy that it supports what you require and you have verified proof based on other customer reviews that those features actually work. If you can successfully do that while spending the least amount of money, you win.
Just a quick throw in of my .02.
(Note, NOT an employee of Centroid, but liked what I saw enough to become a Tech Rep in Arizona. I turned my +15 year long hobby into a part time business in my retirement)
1) The reason I chose and like Centroid is that they didn't pop up over night. Hardware and software come from the same manufacturer, whose sole business is and has been CNC Machine motion control for over 30 years.
2) In the 26 months that Acorn has been released, they have sold nearly 3000 units. (I don't think those are all contractors ;-), they have had 4 hardware revision improvements based on feedback from users, I've lost track of the software enhancements they have done.
3) True spindle encoder input for Threading, Constant Surface speed, Rigid Tapping, which includes peck tapping and retapping the same hole and not tearing out the threads!
4) They listen to the users and incorporate features.
5) They are constantly improving their hardware and software line.
6) Centroid User Forums where peers help each other 24/7. Centroid Staff also monitor the forums
https://centroidcncforum.com/viewforum.php?f=60
Countless more....
Acorn is not a toy. Its hardware and software are based on the same proven technology in their Servo based motion controllers. The same that runs their 5 axis machining center:
https://youtu.be/0L6xqU0KOrE
https://youtu.be/Ez20PFZyjBk
Just search Centroid CNC on YouTube. Hard not to want to use the same motion control software and hardware running those types of machines on your machine.
One thing I would like to mention. Its a great time to be in the DIY CNC hobby, with so many options to choose from (both hardware and software). Pioneers like Art Fernerty and Mach, EMC (Now Linux CNC) helped get all of us where we are at today. Making it possible to have CNC machines in our home shops. I respect everyone's choice to choose what works best for them. I am happy with Centroid, I have had the benefit of meeting the people at Centroid, had experience doing quite a number of retrofits with Acorn, Centroid All in One DC and OAK. Solid hardware and software. It has to be given what they control. If there is an issue discovered, it get's addressed. I spend A LOT of my personal time trying to help support other users venturing into using Centroid. I'm no expert by any means, but I have been known to run out and make a quickie video at 8pm on a weekend to help another user get through their stumbling block.
As long as you have some basic electrical or electronic experiece, and using the schematics available, use good cnc wiring techniques, you should be able to get up and running.
Here is a link to the Acorn resource page, it includes information about Acorn, various licenses available, schematics you can dowload and review, all there to help make your decision:
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid...ontroller.html
Whatever you do, whose ever control you choose, enjoy the build.
Marty
martyscncgarage on YouTube
NOT an employee of Centroid, but liked what I saw enough to become a Tech Rep in Arizona. I turned my h
What you have listed are all true for other controllers too like UCCNC, PlanetCNC, EdingCNC etc.. The hardware and software come from the same company. They continously improving their products. All have great customer support. And their products are more mature, PlanetCNC and EdingCNC are like 10 years old and UCCNC is like 5 years old. Acorn is around 1.5 years only.
Also the mentioned controllers and softwares are highly customisable with more features much more than the acorn for less money.
Considering that they're using a BeagleBone, I wonder if they're packaging Machinekit similar to how Tormach packages LinuxCNC to make pathpilot.