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ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 1:35 pm
by Gary Campbell
We have been bench testing these for a bit now, and this new version is currently shipping. Some really nice improvements:

Green and Red LED on all inputs and outputs ( that match the Alt i screen!)
Green and Red LED on Enable signals
Plug and play, Direct connection to Relay Module via ribbon cable. (no other wires needed to connect to relay board)
Zener diode added to analog output to help with noise filtering
Filtering also added to Encoder port to help with noise reduction
relay board and ribbon cable is included with the Acorn kit.
same mounting hole locations.

2nd heart beat LED added on Acorn to make heartbeat easier to see

Not a good pic, but see below.
Second pic is my bench test I/O tester
Acorn 2 Rev 4.jpg
Test Panel 2.jpg

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 2:03 pm
by cncman172
Gary,
Thanks for sharing. Wow the LEDs and the Ribbon connector for the relay board are really nice enhancements. It just keeps getting better and better.

Russ

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 2:10 pm
by Gary Campbell
Russ..
That pic was taken with the existing relay board. When they come in, the newer version will have the green/red LED's just like the Acorn board. You are correct, when it comes to both hardware and software development, the "kids" at Centroid are top shelf.

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 2:47 pm
by cncman172
Gary,
Your company makes some very nice cabinets and you have some really nice machines. They are all very smooth and quiet. You guys crank out some first class hardware. You are making it super easy for those guys with legacy machines to upgrade in a flash. Nice stuff.

Russ

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 3:06 pm
by slodat
I bought a new board a week ago. Doesn't have any of these improvements. :(

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 3:09 pm
by cbb1962
Gary,

I read on another thread that there is an Ethernet relay board (8 inputs & 8 outputs) scheduled for release with V4.16, have you got a peek at that one yet?

Clint

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 3:36 pm
by cnckeith
i just updated the website with Acorn_rev4 images.. clear browser image cache to see the updated images.
and the Acorn_rev4 spec manual is here... http://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy ... manual.pdf
fresh Acorn_rev4 schematics are on the way (same hookups as rev3 boards except relay 1 and 2 are now on the relay module not on the Acorn board.)
acorn_control_kit_1600.jpg
acorn_rev4_800.png

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 4:56 pm
by DLAM
I just bought a ACORN board last month in preparation for a build as soon as the I/O expansion is released. I see that there has been a diode added to analog output for Noise filtering as well as filtering for the encoder port. Should I add something to the version 3 that I currently have sitting NIB? When I do this build I want to do it right the first time. I am currently collecting items while I patiently wait for the release of the I/O Expansion board.

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 5:45 pm
by Gary Campbell
slodat wrote: Wed Feb 20, 2019 3:06 pm I bought a new board a week ago. Doesn't have any of these improvements. :(
I just bought 5. Close the control box door, no one will ever know! :lol:

Re: ACORN Rev 4 Controller Board

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2019 5:57 pm
by cnckeith
DLAM wrote: Wed Feb 20, 2019 4:56 pm I just bought a ACORN board last month in preparation for a build as soon as the I/O expansion is released. I see that there has been a diode added to analog output for Noise filtering as well as filtering for the encoder port. Should I add something to the version 3 that I currently have sitting NIB? When I do this build I want to do it right the first time. I am currently collecting items while I patiently wait for the release of the I/O Expansion board.
there is nothing wrong with a _rev3 board.. hook it up and get the machine going!

the diode helps with noise, if you have a good clean install with good grounding you don't need it. if you do its easy to add.

viewtopic.php?f=63&t=2188&p=15234&hilit=zener#p15234