Centroid Acorn Controller - Has anyone tried one?

[m_c]

ATCs is where the Acorn board may struggle for IO.

Taking a Triac ATC, it needs 5 inputs (Carousel In, Out, Up, Down, and index sensor) and 5 outputs (Carousel CW, CCW, In, Down, and drawbar) for the ATC alone.

That only leaves 3 and 3.
Input wise, allow one for E-stop/limits (combined on Triac's), one drive fault, one for a probe, and you're out of inputs.
Where do you connect the homing switches/sensors?

Output wise, spindle CW, CCW, coolant, and you're out of outputs.
I'm assuming the drive enables are a separate output on the step/dir headers, if not you're definitely short on outputs.

I will say the software does look good, and it could be the best software in the world, but if you can't get enough inputs and outputs, it's useless.

[battwell]

hmmm- that could be a sticking point then. wonder if their add on boards work?- but then its becoming an expensive system.
some of my machines ive converted have over 110 i/o in use . thats always been the crunch to what controller can be used .
does it suport modbus? if so i have arduino megas running here for extra i/o (ive had 6 running 300 i/o no problem with uccnc and mach3)

[m_c]

From what I've read, the Acorn does not allow for any expansion, which is how they've limited it's usability.

To get IO expansion, you've got to buy one of their other controllers, which the next cheapest one is the Oak, at just a shade under $1600, but looking at the overview/comparison table I'm not sure if it's step/dir capable, or some combination of step/dir and analogue.

[battwell]

yup- saw the oak- but thats way too expensive for a hobby control in my opinion. even the oak- the expansion cards cost loads !

[Ger21]

I've heard very good things about the acorn, and if you can live with the limited I/O, and 4 axis, it may be the best hobby level control there is. Especially for lathe users.
It just doesn't have enough customization features for my needs.

[JAZZCNC]

It just doesn't have enough customization features for my needs.

Visually not so much but don't judge a book by it's cover.!! The built-in PLC is a very powerful tool and along with macros can pretty much make it do whatever you want.!... Provided you speak the Lingo.!!

Must admit thou shame about only 4 axis. I/O can be got around but not # axis.!!

[Chaz]

So I bought one of these and have replaced this Pokeys on my CNC lathe. Happy this far, anyone know how to do code up an ATC 'macro' for Centroid?

[JAZZCNC]

I will say the software does look good, and it could be the best software in the world, but if you can't get enough inputs and outputs, it's useless.

Always ways around this stuff and £140 buys you PLC with 32 I/O for the simple in/out/up/down/spin etc stuff.

Just like many other boards which come with restricted I/O then it starts costing you for more with expansion cards so not much difference really.
Main and BIG Difference is the software is Rock Solid and is supported by people who know what there doing.

http://www.audon.co.uk/cubloc_plc/MSB764T.html