Would be nice to have some updates on acorn, or small extended boards to buy where we can upgrade our systems to get closer to industrial style...
I'd argue that the MPG is exactly the answer. But then you observe:
Well if your time and tools are free, you can build yourself almost anything for much less, including an MPG-like speed controller.But at home it would mean spend another 400 €
Finally you seem to suggest that an app screen change would suffice?
Which makes me really puzzled.Thats why small UI change...
A small UI change in the WIndows app has nothing to with the Acorn board and of course does not involve potentiometers.
I am only guessing how the CNC12 app is structured but chances are all of the control is on the Windows side as that is where the VCP lives, and that's where the MPG is connected. So modifying or even just involving the Acorn board is likely not a good solution.
There may be a solution to your problem, but you may need to communicate more clearly what your constraints are.
Cheers
BTW, we have replaced [real physical] potentiometers in digital applications with rotary encoders many years ago.