The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

All things related to the Centroid Acorn CNC Controller

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cnckeith
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by cnckeith »

pescadoman wrote: Tue Nov 01, 2022 7:10 pm
tblough wrote: Tue Nov 01, 2022 5:58 pm If you don't work in tenths, and work with wood and plastic, the you don't need scales at all. The point being is the Acorn is a micrometer, and you want to add a tape measure adjust it's position to machine material that grows by fractions of inches when the humidity changes.
Except that it would compensate for backlash and machine "slop" when doing intricate inlaying....right?

I would find that useful.

In case anyone is wondering. HAAS linear scales start at 18,895.00
Yes, scale for positioning is exactly that. it uses the scale reported position for the final word and adds or subtract steps to the motor commands to end up at the programmed position according to the scale.
most commonly used on very large machine tools that naturally have alot of lash and would be very expensive to correct with new Ways and ballscrews. in these cases installation of scales makes a sloppy machine perform well.
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
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by cnckeith »

draft AcornSix install manual has been uploaded.
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... manual.pdf
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
slodat
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by slodat »

Can the beta testers give some examples of AcornSix machines and how/why AcornSix is better for those applications?
suntravel
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by suntravel »

I am running my lathe with Acorn 6.

At the moment CNC12 4.99 is more advanced than 4.81 but this will change if Version 5.00 runs on all Centroid hardware.

5v drives are more convenient to wire up, because on Acorn 6 with headers

Spindle can now controlled with +-10V that makes smoother M3/M4 changes than using an output.
You can now run a second spindle for live tooling or besides the main spindle a Laser for engraving.
The use of multiple handwheels is better then the selector on the WMPG
Faster steprates than Acorn
2 axis more if you need them (5 axis milling, 4 axis lathe with one more axis for a turret, tail stock or B axis to sweep the live tooling ect.)

Uwe
Last edited by suntravel on Fri Nov 04, 2022 3:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
cnckeith
Posts: 7164
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by cnckeith »

fyi...AcornSix is now available for sale worldwide.
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
FlySox
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by FlySox »

I'm curious: If I plug my scales directly into the AcornSix, can I get rid of my dedicated scale display? Mine is a knee mill conversion, and there are times I still like to turn the handles. If I cut power to my servos to turn the handles, will the scale coordinates update in the CNC12 display or do they only do so when under power/software control?

I'd be missing out certain functions that my DRO unit has, notably the "divide by 2" function to find distance centers and bolt hole pattern coordinates. I could see a whole submenu within CNC12 for boards that have scales activated that covers all the typical functions a DRO unit has. Any plans for such?

Also, just to be clear: If I want to use "scale correction", looks like I need the Ultimate version of the software. So $1K for the board + $400 for the software = $1400. Still cheaper/easier than replacing my aging ball screws, I suppose.
cnckeith
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by cnckeith »

FlySox wrote: Sun Nov 20, 2022 3:02 pm I'm curious: If I plug my scales directly into the AcornSix, can I get rid of my dedicated scale display? Mine is a knee mill conversion, and there are times I still like to turn the handles. If I cut power to my servos to turn the handles, will the scale coordinates update in the CNC12 display or do they only do so when under power/software control? < the scales are read all the time that cnc12 is on, up and running. motors do not have to be powered to read a scale and display the scale DRO position>

I'd be missing out certain functions that my DRO unit has, notably the "divide by 2" function to find distance centers and bolt hole pattern coordinates. I could see a whole submenu within CNC12 for boards that have scales activated that covers all the typical functions a DRO unit has. Any plans for such? < no such plans at moment as our programming staff is fully tasked, but this would be a relatively easy project and could be created with our skinning app tool set >

Also, just to be clear: If I want to use "scale correction", looks like I need the Ultimate version of the software. So $1K for the board + $400 for the software = $1400. Still cheaper/easier than replacing my aging ball screws, I suppose. < correct, on small machines it usually better to spend money on good ballscrew, bearings and machine tool design. Scales have typically been used to correct positioning on Large machine tools where having a new screw made and rebuilding the ways is very expensive prospect so in these cases it is cheaper to put some scales on it than to do all that mechanical work.>
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
Upnorth
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by Upnorth »

When the Acorn 6 first came out I thought I read somewhere that there is about a $1500 paperwork charge on top of the $999 license fee to export the software license to Canada. Is this no longer the case?
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by cnckeith »

Upnorth wrote: Sun Nov 27, 2022 9:50 am When the Acorn 6 first came out I thought I read somewhere that there is about a $1500 paperwork charge on top of the $999 license fee to export the software license to Canada. Is this no longer the case?
we got the export paperwork straighten out so now there is no need for special export filings etc

therefore the cost is now the same cost for everyone. (USA and friendly countries).

to get the 5 axis + simultaneous feature set download and sign this assurance document
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... d_NEUC.pdf

and email to diysales@centroidcnc.com and purchase the "Ultimate Plus" License file.

info is here....visit and be sure to refresh your browser to see the latest updates.
https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_di ... oller.html
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
skipper616
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Re: The AcornSix CNC controller kit has been released!

Post by skipper616 »

This scale input for position correction is really interesting so can more info about it be posted? Like how often/when this correction is applied and would it work for more than 3 axis (ie, when the additional axis support is out).

Also, I'm confused with this note about "lifetime licenses": does this mean that if CNC12 v6.x comes out, the existing Pro and Ultimate licenses will not work (since this note specifically mentions v5.xx). Are there already hardware upgrades planned for AcornSix thus this specific note?

* Note: Pro, and Ultimate License files are "lifetime licenses" and will always work with the CNC12 version number they were sold with for example, any license purchased now will work with the current beta (v4.99) and then also work with the to be released official version of AcornSix CNC12 which will be numbered v5.0 and then any subsequent v5.xx releases.
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