Xkeys USB Keypad Operator Control Panel for Centroid CNC

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cnckeith
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Xkeys USB Keypad Operator Control Panel for Centroid CNC

Post by cnckeith »

The Centroid CNC control has a "keyboard jogging” feature built into the Centroid CNC11 software. This allows a regular PC keyboard to be able to control axis jogging and other machine tool functions. So while its nice to have the Centroid CNC operators panel (part # 11077) as part of the CNC control system, whether its mounted in the Pendant (M39 style) or in the Console (M400 style) or Panel mount, for those CNC DIY'er that are on a budget you can use a plain old PC keyboard to control Axis Jogging and other machine functions. The “keyboard jogging” feature is much more than just machine tool axis jogging as you can also control Spindle ON/OFF, FWD Reverse, speed UP/DN, Coolant control for Flood and Mist, Feedrate Override, Cycle Canel, Tool Check, Feed Hold, Cycle Start, and a bunch of other machine tool functions which you can customize using the nine available auxiliary keys!

Another more convenient option is to use a dedicated USB Keypad like the Xkeys pad. Found here on amazon. https://www.amazon.com/XK-24-USB-Progra ... ords=xkeys

The Xkeys pad can be programmed to match the keystrokes needed for the Centroid “keyboard jogging” feature which makes things simple and easy with one button press of clearly labeled keys for common operator machine tool functions. Attached to this email are the Xkeys setup files that we created to program a 24 key xkeys pad to be compatible with a Centroid Milling machine CNC control along with the key label graphics sized correctly for the Xkeys software and in high resolution so they print nicely. You can download the Xkeys programming software for free here at their website. http://xkeys.com/PISupport/Software.php

Link to the webpage that contains the Xkeys setup files and images we created to program the Xkeys pad to be compatible with Centroid keyboard jogging.
http://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy ... ntrol.html
Attachments
DSC03840.jpg
Need support? READ THIS POST first. http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1043
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sandcrab123
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Re: USB Keypad Operator Control Panel for Centroid CNC

Post by sandcrab123 »

Wow, this looks like exactly what I need to start using CNC11. I've been using Mach3 since me retrofit several years ago and have finally decided enough is enough. Thanks for looking after us DIY'ers. Now how about a similar solution for a pendent with and MPG? Or has someone already come up with one? Thanks again team.

Dan
cnckeith
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Re: USB Keypad Operator Control Panel for Centroid CNC

Post by cnckeith »

Dan,
Hello. Yeah the xkey pad is pretty cool to setup for use with the Centroid CNC software as the control panel and its easy to customize for a particular machine tools functions. on the usb mpg, Centroid is looking into several USB MPG's that are available and will be testing compatibility and performance so, hopefully in the future i'll be posting info on that!
Need support? READ THIS POST first. http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1043
All Acorn Documentation is located here: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397
Answers to common questions: viewforum.php?f=63
and here viewforum.php?f=61
Gear we use but don't sell. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _gear.html
cnckeith
Posts: 7164
Joined: Wed Mar 03, 2010 4:23 pm
Acorn CNC Controller: Yes
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Oak CNC controller: Yes
CNC Control System Serial Number: none
DC3IOB: Yes
CNC11: Yes
CPU10 or CPU7: Yes
Contact:

Re: USB Keypad Operator Control Panel for Centroid CNC

Post by cnckeith »

fyi..for router customers who want to carry the xkeys pad long distances to reach tool touch off on a large machine....
if you need a longer USB cable than 15'.. , once you get over 15' you need a repeater usb cable. like this one. https://www.amazon.com/Importer520-Prem ... e+repeater
Need support? READ THIS POST first. http://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1043
All Acorn Documentation is located here: viewtopic.php?f=60&t=3397
Answers to common questions: viewforum.php?f=63
and here viewforum.php?f=61
Gear we use but don't sell. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... _gear.html
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