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Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Fri Sep 28, 2018 4:43 pm
by Gary Campbell
For those that don't have the time, knowledge or ambition to learn how to assemble, wire and build an Acorn control system, here is an opportunity to exchange your time and frustration for a few bucks.

Custom controls, built to your specs, including control PC, setup for your machine. The pics below show an example of a ~4 amp 60 volt system that has shipped out as a replacement for a ShopBot controller. This is a basic system for a machine that has a PC router and a dust control relay. Comes complete with connection instructions, operation instructions, a plug and play system. Control PC included add your monitor, connect your motors, verify step resolution is accurate.... and run within an hour. Complete systems start around $2k and increase based on price of your desired components.

Contact Gary at GCnC411@gmail.com

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Mon Oct 01, 2018 11:33 am
by martyscncgarage
Gary is a sharp straight up guy, very knowlegable.
Marty

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:10 pm
by cnckeith
nice looking build!

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Wed Oct 03, 2018 9:48 pm
by Gary Campbell
Thanks Keith.

These are basic controls as many of the older shopbots didn't even use limit/home switches. There are about 5-6000 of these machines that seriously need a new controller. It's up and running, I'll get the report card in a few days.

As you can see by the attached pic of my current build, which (so far) has 70 discreet wires I'm patiently waiting on the Acorn's big brother! :)
ATC Board.jpg

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2018 10:59 am
by robtown
following up on a conversation started elsewhere.
for my 2004 PRT will this upgrade also require new stepper motors or gearboxes to achieve my stated goals? (better resolution and smoother cuts)

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2018 2:51 pm
by Gary Campbell
Rob...
Assuming your original motors gearboxes are not worn and showing excessive backlash, there is no need to change them. These are the same components that were spec'd for a ShopBot approved system a couple years back, I have simply replaced their controller and IO board with the Centroid Acorn board and have added a setup and connected computer (for ~$200 less, by the way)

That said, adding new motors and gearboxes will improve cut quality and speed in most cases and drastically improve cut quality unless there is backlash in the existing motors. Resolution will increase from the 600-1300 range up to ~2900-3600 steps per inch. The SB controller is not fast enough to use resolution that high and rapid at normal speeds.

I have attached a doc I generated a few years back that shows how to use a dial indicator to measure the backlash. It was done on a PRS, but the same principles apply to the older PRT models.

Dial Indicator to Check Pinion Play.pdf
(317.75 KiB) Downloaded 353 times

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 9:04 am
by Gary Campbell
I've had a number of questions regarding operational differences between controllers, mostly ShopBot users as very few have ever seen Gcode. Seems odd that one would set out to train folks for the world dominated by gcode, then teach them a different language.

I have prepped a doc that shows how easy Centroid VCP operation is. It may be of use to other new users as well.

REZ for Acorn Startup and Operation.pdf
(1.05 MiB) Downloaded 404 times

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2018 6:53 pm
by martyscncgarage
Gary Campbell wrote: Wed Oct 17, 2018 9:04 am I've had a number of questions regarding operational differences between controllers, mostly ShopBot users as very few have ever seen Gcode. Seems odd that one would set out to train folks for the world dominated by gcode, then teach them a different language.

I have prepped a doc that shows how easy Centroid VCP operation is. It may be of use to other new users as well.


REZ for Acorn Startup and Operation.pdf
Nice work Gary...
Marty

ShopBot Replacement Controller

Posted: Tue Oct 23, 2018 10:27 pm
by Gary Campbell
COMING SOON!!!
2 Versions of ShopBot controller replacement.

Version 1) Centroid Acorn based, 48v, 4.5A max, 4 axis, spindle speed control. Includes Lenovo Win10Pro computer. Tested, setup $1795 shipped to conus. Compatible with any existing PR, PRT or PRS standard.

Version 2) Centroid Acorn based, Teknic ClearPath servos, 5:1 planetary gearboxes, motor wiring, spindle speed. Options too numerous to list here

GCnC411@gmail.com for more info

Re: Custom Acorn Controller

Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2018 11:12 am
by Chuckb
I have had a Shopbot since 2000 doing light commercial projects mostly prototype work. We had a plug problem with a x motor and it took out our control system. After working with Shopbot I looked into different control systems. We also do laser work and get much more control with that controller. That is how I found Gary and the Acorn system. I can not say enough about the easy installation and the control options the Acorn had. My wife works in the shop and was always afraid to run the Shopbot because you always had to pull in programs to do much, unlike the Acorn that provides buttons to most of the setup. Gary has been super for support and setup. Coming from the Shopbot control we did run into a few things that needed to be dial in the machine and Gray jumped right in and we got all up and working. If I were a hobbyist or light commercial like us I would not go to any other control then the Acorn because of the easy operations and options that you can use and the quality support from Gary. I understand that there is talk about a less expensive control but as a hobbyist you want to turn out high quality work in a reasonable time then I would stay with the Acorn. If I had to do it over today I would buy the Acorn control from Gary in a heartbeat. The support from Gary is worth the gold. If you have any questions email me at cboden@linkmfg.com