Is there any news about centroids "acorn" board. Features? Specs.??
Is there any news about centroids "acorn" board. Features? Specs.??
the Acorn board is real and running on a test bed machine and a few are bench testing at Centroid HQ, also two have been sent out to Beta site testers that are just getting going with their installations. the acorn board is a 4 axis step and direction output cnc control board with its own dedicated motion control cpu, it communicates to a PC thru an ethernet cable and runs Centroid CNC software (the same software that is used on Centroid's M400 and T400 CNC controls) and is available in Lathe or Mill. The Acorn board will output a smooth step and direction output of up to 200khz! and can run stepping motors and AC brushless servo motors and drives. The Acorn board also has connections for spindle motor VFD control, encoder input, and 8 inputs and 8 outputs and is compatible with automatic tool measurement and probing devices. the price target will be under $400 for both the hardware and the software and release is set for spring of 2017.
Acorn has now run a wide variety of axis motors and drives! Clearpath, Gecko, Estun, Yaskawa...and now we are looking for a few more beta site testers.. if you have the time to work on a Acorn CNC install start to finish and have a good application we'd like to hear from you. send me a PM.
Is the spindle output analog? Are the 8 i/o expandable?
12 bit analog out 0-10vdc for vfd or DC spindle control is standard.
8 in 8 out. For the I/o. 8 inputs are optically isolated, 2 outs are relay out the other six are open collector. This first version of acorn is not expandable in the IP department. Certain Io can be Daisy chained freeing up inputs for probing, lube pump and other custom uses.
Release date has been set for April 5th. We are on beta test trials currently and getting great feedback and response. The new touch screen operator interface is getting praise from our beta testers.
I will post final specs here in two weeks and you will be able to pre order at that point.
It's been a minute since I've looked at it but that's not enough to run a tool changer correct?
Depends on The atc. If the atc is axis motor driven like many ATC turrets on lathes then no problem.. or if it is a rack mount atc on a router no problem for acorn CNC controller.
If you are looking at controlling a swing arm or umbrella ATC we suggest the oak board with its standard 16 in and 9 out. And expandable all the way up to 273 in and 272 out.
I'm definitely interested. Before I seen this I was looking at the oak board but trying to figure a way to run step/direction drives with it. I have a lathe with 12 tool turret I'm working on
Will there be support for threading on lathes ?
oscilloman, hello. Yep on threading for lathes.
I really cant wait to get my hands on one of these! I have a rebuilt cnc lathe running a pokeys controller, gecko stepper drivers, Schneider VFD for the spindel and all operated via mach4. Its works good, but threading is really sloppy. I think the Acorn will become really popular, because it is made by a company that have been in the industry for several years, and they know what works!
Good job Centroid!
MillNUT asks....."Will the Acorn fully support Intercon, DXF, DP4/TT-1, and Rigid tapping options for the Centroid software?
Also, regarding the Centroid software, do you have to install Intercon or can you POST from InventorHSM with the Centroid software as it is shipped with the board?"
MillNut, Hello. Yes on intercon, dxf, dp4,tt-1 and rtap. acorn cnc software is the same cnc software we run on our Engine Shop CNC machine tools and high end retrofits, just modified for DIY use. Intercon is included with the acorn software. You can use Intercon Or any Cad/cam system to program parts with the Acorn board. The Acron cnc software uses standard Gcodes. Most cad/cam systems already have a Centroid post. if not, it is easy to create a Centroid compatible post. Create a part program with Intercon and then look at the g code that Intercon creates. The Intercon generated Gcode gives you the proper format. Then edit the cad/cam post to make G code which matches the Intercon example and you are good to go. I'll be able to post more detailed info on Acorn very soon.
Hey Keith, do you have any updates on the Acorn board?
Thanks
Yeah.. during beta testing we decided to develop a CNC configuration Wizard to complement the Centroid CNC software for use with the new Acorn cnc controller. The new wizard allows a new user to configure machine inputs and outputs with just a few clicks along with easy axis and spindle setups. We have also been developing "canned" drive configurations and schematics for a variety of popular axis drives such as clearpath,gecko,leadshine,DMM, yaskawa,estun,and others. Its added a few weeks to the release date but we feel acorn users will appreciate the new ease of getting up and running fast.
The info page for acorn has a some information, for anybody interested.