Page 1 Acorn Communications Bench Testing Spindle Bench Testing Procedure Electrical Cabinet Layout Axis Motor Wiring Acorn CNC configuration Wizard Machine Motion Tuning Appendix A: Windows 10 Appendix B: Troubleshooting Appendix C: CNC Support Acorn CNC Installation Manual rev5 7-7-21 Copyright © 2021 CENTROID www.centroidcnc.com...
Page 2 As CNC control products from CENTROID can be installed on a wide variety of machine tools NOT sold or supported by CENTROID, you MUST consult and follow all safety instructions provided by your machine tool manufacturer regarding the safe operation of your machine and unique application.
Page 3 Circuit Board Safety and Handling Minimize handling circuit boards as much as possible. If you must hold a circuit board, grasp it by the edges as shown below. Before picking up a circuit board, always discharge any static buildup you may have by touching a grounded surface .
Page 4: Document Conventions
About This Manual This manual describes how to install the Centroid CNC Acorn Step and Direction Motion Controller. The Acorn system provides up to four axes of step and direction interpolated motion, controlled by industry standard G and M Codes.
Page 5 Acorn CNC Knowledge base Videos: http://centroidcncforum.com/viewforum.php?f=61 Acorn CNC Tech Tips Knowledge: http://centroidcncforum.com/viewforum.php?f=63 Centroid’s YouTube Channel: Centroid CNC Technical Support https://www.youtube.com/user/CentroidSupport/videos Martyscncgarage YouTube video playlist: Centroid CNC Acorn Playlist https://tinyurl.com/ascxfev4 Free Centroid Community CNC Support Forum https://centroidcncforum.com/viewforum.php?f=20 Centroid Acorn and its CNC Accessories: https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/acorn_cnc_controller.html Centroid CNC Components: http://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/cnc_components.html...
Page 6 Where to find support Sign up for free tech support here: https://centroidcncforum.com/index.php How to find answers on the Tech Support Forum and Knowledge base. 1.) Review “Acorn CNC Knowledge Base Videos” and the “Acorn CNC Tech Tips Knowledge Base” before posting questions as almost every novice question has been answered here.
Page 7 Chapter 1 Acorn CNC Control Kit Congratulations on your Acorn CNC control kit purchase! The Acorn is a step and direction motion control solution. Providing up to 4 axes of step and direction signal outputs and full Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). Make sure your kit is complete and has not been visibly damaged in shipment.
Page 8 Do not use fabric covered surfaces as it may cause ESD (electrostatic discharge) damage. A wooden surface is an ideal test bench location. • A Windows 10 PC with an internet connection that meets the Centroid CNCPC minimum performance specifications, or a Centroid supplied CNCPC.
Page 9 2.2 Acorn Bench Test Setup Accompanying Bench test video for this section is on this page. Connect the relay board: Use the included flat white 10 conductor cable to plug the relay board into the Acorn. Connect the power supply to the Acorn: Leaving the Meanwell power supply disconnected from 110VAC, Plug the 5-pin terminal block into H9.
Page 10 Plug in Meanwell power supply. The Acorn comes pre-wired to plug into 110VAC US outlet. When you are finished, the Acorn should be wired as shown in the image below. Note: the power supply will also work with up to 240VAC supply. Acorn controller powered up and ready for bench testing Apply power to the power supply and the Acorn will power up.
Page 11 Beagle Bone Green (BBG) Heartbeat LED If the Acorn Power LED is not on or Heartbeat LED is not blinking properly, see: Centroid Community CNC Support Forum Centroid Acorn Ethernet and Firmware Heartbeat status LED lights are explained in detail: https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=1460...
Page 12 1. If you have purchased CNCPC from Centroid, it comes with Windows 10 properly configured for CNC control use and the CNC12 software pre-installed so you can skip this section. If you bought or built your own computer, it must meet the prerequisites listed on the Centroid Website http://www.centroidcnc.com/cnc_pc_performance_requirements.html Accompanying Bench test video for this section is step 3 on this page.
Page 13 5. If “User Account Control” is enabled, Windows will ask “Do you want to allow the following program from an unknown publisher to make changes on this computer?”. Click “Yes”. Windows 10 systems may pop up a Windows Defender SmartScreen showing “Windows Defender SmartScreen prevented an unrecognized app from starting.
Page 14 Machine Type Selection 8. Select the default machine units, Imperial or Metric. Then click “Install” Units Selection 9. CNC12 will be installed. Click “Next” in the “Installation Complete” window to continue. 10. Network Adapter Setup: (IMPORTANT: The PC and the Acorn MUST be powered up and connected to the CNC PC’s onboard Ethernet port via the provided shielded Ethernet Cable) while the installation process is going on.
Page 15 Network Adapter Selection NOTE: Centroid recommends using a computer with two Ethernet ports. That way one Ethernet port is used for Acorn while the second is used for internet access (Windows updates, software updates, TeamViewer Remote access etc.) If you do have two built in Ethernet ports, install the CNC12 software using the Ethernet port that indicates no network access.
Page 16 Click "Open". CNC12 will then respond with a message stating that the license was successfully imported. Trouble shooting License Issues: Centroid Community CNC Support Forum: Error message: “Serial number and license file does not match this system” https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=63&t=3882 3.4 CNC control configuration Reports...
Page 17 NOTE: Once the machine is configured and running, Create a backup copy of the report.zip file on a USB memory stick (or network drive) and save it in a safe location. Video on Creating and Restoring a Report file: https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=3216 NOTE: It is a good idea to keep the USB memory stick in a safe location.
Page 18: Chapter 4 Bench Testing
Chapter 4 Bench Testing 4.1 CNC12 Software Configuration Verify that the Acorn CNC control is powered on and the Ethernet cable connected to the CNC PC. Double click the CNC12 Icon on the desktop. The main screen of Acorn CNC12 will appear: Page 17...
Page 19 If CNC12 does not start because it timed out with the pictured message below, see the Acorn Communications Troubleshooting section in appendix B The image above will appear for a number of reasons. See this post for more information NOTE: Do not attempt to run the Windows 10 Network Troubleshooter on it. HINT: From now on when using CNC12, you can always go up (back) one menu level by pressing the escape key (ESC).
Page 20 4.2 Acorn Spindle Bench Test Start CNC12 with the Acorn Powered up. Once CNC12 is running you should see this display: Press the RESET Button on the Virtual Control Panel. Your screen should look like this: Page 19...
Page 21 Set Home by pressing Cycle Start. The XYZ Digital Read Out (DRO) will now look this with 0.0000 for XYZ: Load the G&M code program called “spindlebenchtest.cnc”: Click Load (F2) A windows dialog box for C:/cncm/ncfiles will open Page 20...
Page 22 Look for spindlebenchtest.cnc (see below) Highlight the file Click Open Spindlebenchtest.cnc should appear as the job name at the upper right corner of the CNC12 window: Press Cycle Start (Keyboard shortcut alt+s) or the Virtual Control Panel Cycle Start button start the Spindle Bench test program Video showing the spindle analog output bench test procedure: https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?
Page 23 Testing the analog output for the spindle: Acorn provides a 0 to +10VDC analog output to provide programmable spindle speed control using a VFD (variable frequency drive). The default max spindle speed specified in the Control Configuration is 3000rpm. This configures the control to scale the 0 to +10VDC from 0- 3000rpm.
Page 24 5. Enter the voltage readings when prompted in the Voltage reading box. Press Cycle Start to continue. Spindlebenchtest.cnc will display an error if the spindle does not output as expected. Continue to press cycle start as requested until the program is finished. The program will exit, and the status window will say “Job finished”...
Page 25 5.1 Introduction to Electrical Cabinet Layout and Drive Type connections. Now that CNCPC to Acorn communication has been confirmed it is time to think about electrical cabinet installation and basic axis motor drive type connections. Stepper Drives connect to the DB25 port, most common method is to use a DB25 breakout connector board as seen below.
Page 26 Related post on the Centroid Community CNC Support Forum: Control Box Building Tips https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=2443&sid=00f5418e46966cadb26ca1f3b6567b17 Centroid provided Hookup Schematic sets are provided as a guide and may be found here: https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/schematics/pbrowse.php Suggested layout for the major components of the electrical panel:...
Page 27 Use Snubbers on Contactors and Solenoids. Contactor blocks, solenoids and relays need a snubber across the coil. Centroid recommends using Quencharc snubber networks (Centroid PART# 1819). This reduces electrical noise. If you are new to using snubbers more information can be found in Technical Bulletin #206, the latest version can be found here.
Page 28 Keep the cabinet maintainable and easily serviceable.  Centroid can provide electrical cabinet materials such as contactors blocks, time delay contactor blocks, relays, fuse blocks, din rails, overload relay with fuses, din rail end stops, terminal blocks, etc. for purchase: https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/cnc_components.html...
Page 29  Keep the schematic attached to the cabinet somewhere so it does not get lost. Use the correct wire gauge.  22 Gauge stranded is suitable for signal wires such as limit switches and VFD inputs and outputs. A twisted pair cable is ideal for devices like limit switches with one signal and one return wire. ...
Page 30 Common Wiring Problems The following information is also covered in Technical Bulletin #78 which can be found here. http://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersupport/tech_bulletins/uploads/78.pdf Figure 5.1.2 Common Wiring Problems Page 29...
Page 31 5.2 Acorn Inputs The inputs of the Acorn are SOURCING 24VDC. That is, the Acorn supplies 24VDC at the input and they must be “SINKed” to COMmon to activate them. 24VDC is supplied via 24IN on H4 or H5. These terminals are connected internally. Inputs 1-8 can be connected to home switches, drives, inverters, probes and other sensors and switches which sink the input to 0VDC COM.
Page 32 5.3 Acorn Outputs Centroid Acorn is equipped with 8 relay outputs. Each Acorn output toggles one SPDT relay. Acorn board with Output Relay Module and DB25 Breakout installed 5.4 Wiring +24VDC jumper to inputs. Install a jumper from the spare +24VDC terminal H9 and run it to either H1 OR H4 24V IN. (they are internally tied together on the Acorn).
Page 33 5.5 Wiring E-Stop Circuit Basic Bench Test Estop Circuit wiring schematic S14954 Acorn Schematic: S14954 Acorn Limit, Home and E Stop wiring example E-Stop Basics  The required emergency-stop (or E-stop) circuit is a safety mechanism used to shut off the machine during an emergency.
Page 34 E-stop switches, so that if any of the E-stop switches are tripped the Acorn PLC knows that the E-stop switch is engaged.  Any Acorn Output can be used to energize an Estop Contactor. Centroid typically uses Acorn Output 1 for Estop duty. The Acorn PLC output designation for the Estop circuit is “NoFaultOut”. ...
Page 35 Contactor with snubber installed across the coil Testing the E-Stop Wiring  Power up the system  Start CNC12  In the main menu press alt+i, to bring up the real time I/O display. Using the arrow keys, move your cursor to the top row of virtual LED’s (inputs).
Page 36 Real time I/O display Estop input 8 is green indicating the Estop has been released. The Estop Input 8 LED will change states (Red to Green) when the E-Stop button is pressed (button IN = Red) and released (button OUT = Green). Real time I/O display Input 8 is RED indicating the Estop button has been depressed.
Page 37 5.6 Wiring Axis Motor Drives Each Centroid Acorn drive schematic has a corresponding “Drive Type” found in the Wizard. Choose a schematic that matches your drive type, and select that same drive type in the Wizard and the Wizard will automatically configure CNC12 to match the schematic.
Page 38 Stepper motor driver wiring to Acorn using the DB25 connector. Schematic S14975 of a typical Leadshine stepper drive wiring Page 37...
Page 39 That information can be found here: https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=5531 Centroid has created example schematics for many popular axis motor drives. Search “Acorn” on the Centroid schematic page to see all Acorn schematic. As of this writing Acorn to: Yaskawa, Estun, Delta, Clearpath, Leadshine, Stepper Online, GeckoDrive, Centroid Micro 1, DMM.
Page 40 5.7 Wiring Home and Limit Switches All inputs used for Limit and Home switches should be of the normally closed type switch. The switch should be closed when the machine is in its operational state. Note: Using Normally Open switches for Limit or Home switches is dangerous as the machine will not stop in the event of a wire break or switch failure.
Page 41 Martyscncgarage: Centroid Acorn CNC Basics - N.O. vs. N.C. Switches & E-stop Contacts https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3VPnozuuug Special cases such as axis pairing and auto squaring refer to the Centroid Acorn CNC12 Axis Pairing and Squaring Manul which has detailed home switch wiring examples.
Page 42 Connect three phase directly to an induction spindle motor using contactor(s) as shown in this example: Hooking the three phases directly saves costs, but prevents the Centroid CNC software from being able to control the speed of the spindle. The spindle speed will have to be controlled by mechanical methods such as pulleys.
Page 43 Spindle VFD Controller example Note: “Inverter”, “AC Drive”, and “VFD” (Variable Frequency Drive) are terms that are used interchangeably and refer to the spindle controller. Centroid does not provide spindle controllers and recommends:  Delta Products VFDs  Automation Direct GS2 and GS3 AC drives ...
Page 44 REMINDER! All contactors need snubbers! Centroid recommends using the Quencharc snubber network (Centroid PART# 1819) on the coil of the contactor. This reduces electrical noise when the spindle is turned off and on. Contactor with snubber installed across the coil...
Page 45 Acorn. A 1000-line encoder count is suitable for a spindle. Be sure to check the specifications of the encoder to ensure it will operate at the highest spindle RPM. The following link lists encoders and premade encoder cables available through Centroid. http://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/cnc_components.html...
Page 46 Characteristic Minimum Typical Maximum Unit Encoder channel low level Encoder channel high level Wiring Code: Wire the encoder according to the diagram and the table shown below. Refer to the encoder manufacturer’s data sheet for the wiring color code. Note: The +5V is an output provided by the ALLIN1DC. Pin Quadrature Not used Common...
Page 47  Homing routines  Axis Pairing  Step Rate  Spindle configuration  Touch Device (Tool Touch off Probes and Probes)  Input Devices such as Wireless Manual Pulse Generator (MPG), Keyboard Emulators  DB25 Signal Mapping  CNC Control and Wizard Preferences. Lets start at the top of the Navigation tree and work our way down through it.
Page 48 CNC12 Utility Menu 6.2 Primary System Axis Drive Type Wizard Axis Motor Drive Type Menu Page 47...
Page 49 This screen allows you to manage and select and even create “drive types” A “drive type” is a pre set configuration for a given make and model of axis motor drive. The drive type was create to make configuration of the Acorn system easy with its matching schematic. Select the drive type and wire the system according to the match schematics.
Page 50 6.3 Primary Input Definitions Wizard Inputs Dialog: Mill example (yours will be different)  Use the sort drop down list to select the machine type on the Input Type Drop down box shown above. (Alternatively, select ALL to see ALL the inputs ...
Page 51 6.4 Primary System Output Definitions Wizard Outputs dialog Mill example (yours will be different)  Use the sort drop down list to select the machine type on the Output Type Drop down box shown above. (Alternatively, select ALL to see ALL the Outputs. Example shown above of a currently configured milling machine, yours will be different.
Page 52 6.5 Axis Configuration Wizard Axis Configuration menu Note: 4 axis simultaneous motion is not included in the free version of CNC12, a Pro license is required for four axis interpolated simultaneous movement. CNC12 "Free" is limited to 3 axis simultaneous moves with single axis 4th axis moves.
Page 53 It is important to note, ONLY the number of steps it takes to turn the motor ONE full revolution goes in the Steps/Revolution Field! This field must MATCH the settings on the drive, do not adjust this field to adjust the commanded distance.
Page 54 CNC12 defaults to an acceleration of 0.5 this number is used for both acceleration and deceleration. Acceleration tuning is a fairly subjective process. What might be acceptable for one person or machine might be unacceptable for another person or machine. Often the limiting factors are the amount of mechanical stress that the machine can handle and the amount of current that can be provided to the motors.
Page 55: Home Program
HOME PROGRAM: CNC12 Generates a .HOM file automatically. IF you have a custom .HOM file, then change Home file to: “Custom User Defined”. Otherwise leave it to the default of Wizard Generated. A “.hom” file is simply a G code program that defines how the machine will “home out” based on the selections made in this menu.
Page 56 MACHINE PARKING: Parking the machine before shut down is not necessary but is useful. When parking before “Shut Down” of the machine, all axes will travel to a predetermined position  By default, “PARKing” the machine will send all axis near, but not tripping, the home switch so that the next time the machine is powered up, it will not take so long for the machine to find its home position ...
Page 57 Axis to pair with 4th Axis  Select axis for Software Pairing. Reverse direction of 4th axis motor  Setting this to “Yes” will reverse the direction of the 4th axis motor relative the master axis. For when the two paired motors are mounted in such a way that they have to spin in opposite directions to produce the same axis movement.
Page 58 6.8 Advanced Axis Configuration In general changes to settings in this section are usually not required. Only make changes when advised to Wizard Advanced Axis Configuration dialog Axis Signal Inversion  Invert the Step, Direction, or Enable signal for each individual axis. Sometimes required depending on type of drives used.
Page 59 6.9 SPINDLE (Setup Mill) Wizard Spindle Setup menu - Mill example Mill: Spindle Encoder  Is there a Spindle Encoder connected to the Acorn? If Yes, click on the button to move it to YES. Spindle Encoder Counts  Encoder Counts per Revolution of the spindle. This value will be the line number on the encoder multiplied by 4.
Page 60 negative value. For our example if the gear range mechanically reverses direction of the spindle enter Low range spindle speed ratio  Low gear ratio (Low max rpm divided by high max rpm). For example, if the Max RPM is 3000 and them Max RPM in Low range Low range is 500, then enter .166.
Page 61 Spindle Encoder Counts  Encoder Counts per Revolution of the spindle. This value will be the line number of the encoder multiplied by 4. For example, for a “1000-line” encoder, enter a value of 4000 counts per revolution. Spindle max speed in high range ...
Page 62  Centroid Technical Support Bulletin: Acorn CNC Spindle Speed Calibration with VFD Hz Adjustment & Rigid Tapping setup must be done before proceeding with the section. See https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersupport/tech_bulletins/uploads/304.pdf  Section 5.9 for wiring the encoder  Rigid tapping also requires PRO License. Do not enable and test Rigid Tapping until have completely configured, setup and tested your machine! 6.12 Spindle (PWM Setup)
Page 63 Search “Acorn Laser” on this page to see all the Acorn to Laser hook up schematics. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/schematics/pbrowse.php Note: PWM output is located on DB25 connector, Output #2, Pin 14. When PWM is employed it ‘takes over’ output #2 which can not be used for any other purpose. The output ribbon cable to the relay board must be modified to cut the output #2 signal to the relay when PWM is used.
Page 64  The Acorn input number used as the ProbeTripped input, as set in the Input Definitions. Probe type  Choose the type of probe being used. Centroid DP-4, Centroid KP-3, or 3rd party Mechanical/Conductive. Input state when tripped  The state of the input when the probe is tripped.
Page 65  This feature requires that the probe to has a detect signal and the input Probe Detect assigned in Input Definitions. All Centroid supplied probes have a detect signal so CNC12 knows when a probe is in use.  By default it is set to “Yes” for Mills and “No” for Lathes.
Page 66 The Acorn input number used as the ToolTouchOffTriggered input, as set in the Input Definitions. Tool Touch Off Type  Choose the type of TT being used. Centroid’s TT-1, TT-2 or 3rd party Mechanical/Conductive. Input state when triggered  The state of the input when the tool touch off device is triggered ...
Page 67 Use Tool Touch Off device to set Z reference  Use the top of the TT device as the Tool Height measurement reference location when measuring tool heights automatically.  Typically used when top of TT is a fixed Z position to measure all tool heights from. Commonly found on routers and bed mills.
Page 68 6.16 Control Peripheral Wireless MPG Configuration Wizard Wireless MPG Configuration Menu Wireless MPG Configuration.  Centroid Wireless MPG . Select the correct MPG model  MPG Performance allows user to change the reaction speed of the MPG.  Macro Button Configuration. User defined Macros used on the WMPG. Click on buttons 1-4 to Edit each Button Macro and program them for a custom use.
Page 69 6.17 DB25 Connector selection and optional Mapping Step and direction output  Selection between “Screw Terminal” OR DB25 Port. Wizard DB25 setlection and optional Signal Mapping Menu Screw Terminal step and direction output Screw Terminal Step and Direction outputs are designed for AC servo motor drives that accept 24 volt open collector signals.
Page 70 Enable DB25 use default pin mapping OR create a custom DB25 pin map  The default DB25 pin configuration uses the long time Gecko G540/Mach3 standard This is what most users will use. The Acorn Wizard allows the user to change the pin out (which pins do what) of the DB25 connector via software therefore saving on custom cable or adapter creation for connection to non standard pin out drives and breakout boards.
Page 71 6.18 CNC Control Preferences Wizard CNC Control Preferences menu CNC12 Configuration Menu password  Set Password to access CNC12 Configuration menus. Prevents accidental editing of the CNC12 configuration menu by operators.  Default password is 137, you can change it or eliminate it ...
Page 72 Minimum percentage to invoke Feed Hold  Feed hold will be active when Feedrate override is below this value. This is a nice feature when used in conjunction with the Wireless MPG as turning the MPG knob will down to slow down the machine will put the machine into feed hold mode automatically once the feedrate override goes below this threshold.
Page 73  Automatically retracts the pop up pins when cycle start is pressed. This prevents tools from crashing into the pop up pins if the operator/programmer forgot to retract the pins in the G code program. Disable Worklight on Startup  Most machines are setup so that the worklight is ON when the machine is on by default.
Page 74  Yes/No Custom PLC  If a custom PLC program is in use, use this selection to let the Wizard know not to overwrite the custom PLC program. Ask for password when opening Wizard  Locks user out of Wizard unless password is entered ...
Page 75 6.21 Lube Pump Preferences Wizard Lube Pump Menu Lube Pump Type and Functionality Define Lube Pump type, Mechanical, Direct Controlled, Electronic, or Custom.  Mechanical: The Lube Pump Output is on at all times when CNC12 is running job or in MDI mode. This is used for Lube Pumps with their own timer.
Page 76 DISABLE the drive under Acorn control. This can be setup later after motor is moving under CNC12 control (If these tips do not resolve the issue, visit the Centroid Acorn User Forums: and be sure to follow this post explicitly about how to request support : The more information you can provide, the better suggestion we can make.
Page 77 Mechanically connect the axis motors to the machine, allowing the motors to control the movement of the machine. Power up the machine. Release E-stop to provide power to the axis motors 10 Check home configuration: Make sure in the Wizard (F7 Utility, F10 Wizard), you have SIMPLE HOME selected next to Homing Type.
Page 78 NOTE: For machines that move the table while the tool remains stationary such as the X & Y axes on a typical Bridgeport type knee mill, the table motion is the opposite of the “tool motion”. For machines that move the tool, such as the quill on a knee mill, axis motion is the same as the tool motion.
Page 79 7.2 Coarse configuration of commanded movement vs actual/DRO display. For imperial machine configurations the “Overall Turns Ratio” is the number of motor revolutions required to move an axis 1” For metric machine configurations the “Overall Turns Ratio” is the number of mm's traveled during one revolution of the motor.
Page 80 into MDI was 7.5”, then: 7.5/6 = 1.25, if the current Overall Turns Ratio is 5.000 * 1.25 = 6.25 is the new value to enter in the Overall Turns Ratio field. Using Metric Units To calculate the value to be entered in the overall turns ratio, when using metric the units are mm/revolution of the motor.
Page 81 Test Fixture The gage block should be appropriately 6 inches to 12 inches in length. A longer standard will give you better accuracy. (alternatively several 1-2-3 blocks can be measured and used in place of the gauge block shown. It is important the exact dimensions are known of the gauge block being used.) Secure the test fixture so that it runs parallel to the axis being tested.
Page 82 Zero the DRO position in CNC12. From the main menu, press F1 – Setup → F1 Part → F10 Set Zero for the given axis you are working on: Page 81...
Page 83 Setting Part Zero Raise the spindle axis: Move the axis that the indicator is on so that it is away from the text fixture. If we are configuring the X or Y axis we need to the raise the Z-axis and jog the indicator towards the base of the “L”.
Page 84 Imperial Units: To calculate the new overall turns ratio for inch units, divide the distance moved (Digital Read Out value) by the distance that the axis actually moved (the dimension of the standard). Multiply this result by the current value in the Overall Turns Ratio field for the axis you are working on. This the new value to be entered in the Overall Turns Ratio field.
Page 85 compensating for backlash! Enter the Wizard. F7 Utility, F10 Wizard. Proceed to the Axis Configuration Screen. Zero out any backlash values that was previously entered into the Lash Comp fields save the zero settings with “write settings to cnc control” and confirm changes were made.
Page 86 Now press the incremental jog button 10 times in the opposite direction. Page 85...
Page 87 The dial indicator will do one of two things, it will return to the observed and remembered starting location (in this case “21”) or it will ‘fall short’ of the observed position of 21, the amount that it falls short is the mechanical backlash of the axis.
Page 88 7.5 Software Travel Limits Relevant Video: Setting Software Travel Limits https://youtu.be/X7i4bKGLwVQ NOTICE: Without software travel limits the machine can go maximum speed until a limit switch is tripped as shown below. Sometimes there is not enough time to decelerate the axis after the limit switch is tripped causing the machine to crash into the hard stop.
Page 89 to .37” . Now note the distance displayed on the DRO for the axis being set. This DRO position will be the software travel limit for that axis. (Note: Some values may be a negative number, (it all depends on where you decided to set the home position) record the negative number) Repeat and write down the values for each individual axis.
Page 90 Appendix A Windows 10 Configuration Windows 10 configuration for use with Centroid CNC software and hardware. This procedure is outlined here on this page.https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/acorn_quick_start_guide.html and in TB#309 https://www.centroidcnc.com/dealersupport/tech_bulletins/uploads/309.pdf Page 89...
Page 91: Appendix B Troubleshooting
Appendix B Troubleshooting CNC12 Acorn Communication Time Out If you received the message in the screen below: Manually check the Ipv4 Settings for the Ethernet adapter being used with Acorn. Ethernet adapter used with Acorn should have IPv4 manually configured: ...
Page 92 Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall off” for both Public and Private networks Windows defender is now off. Now check the CNCPC for Antivirus or Antispyware software. These software programs will block CNC12. Sometimes these programs will allow CNC12 to run however, the program will slow communication between CNC12 and the Acorn causing inconsistent performance.
Page 93 PLC Diagnostic Screen From the main program window press alt+i, to bring up the real time I/O (input output ) display.  Using the four arrow keys on the keyboard, you can move your cursor from row to row and within the row to select the item you want to use.
Page 94 Alternatively, Factory Direct Technical Support is available. Purchase here. https://www.centroidcnc.com/centroid_diy/purchase_tech_support.html Centroid Community CNC Support Forum: Quick Tip: Setting up TeamViewer for remote technical support https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=1448 Centroid Community CNC Support Forum: Quick Tip: Creating and Restoring from a Report file https://centroidcncforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=61&t=3216...
Page 95 ACORN CNC controller _rev4 Specifications Manual For Revision 190201 Updated 9/16/19 Overview ACORN is technically a breakout board for the BeagleBone Green or BeagleBone Black embedded computer. The remainder of this document will refer to the breakout board with BeagleBone installed as ACORN. It is a low cost motion control processor, PLC, and drive interface board.
Page 96 Typical Connections Connections Two connection methods are available. A female DB25 connector is available that can mate with many stepper control units with a straight through cable. The inputs and outputs are 5V compatible. Check the DB25 pinout and circuit descriptions to determine if it is compatible with a particular control unit.
Page 97 DB25 (H6) Signals Out put 1 Out put 2 St ep 1 Input 5 Direct ion 1 Out put 3 St ep 2 Out put 4 Direct ion 2 St ep 3 Direct ion 3 St ep 4 Direct ion 4 Input 1 Input 2 Input 3...
Page 98 PLC Section The ACORN has 8 digital inputs, 8 digital outputs, and one analog output. Check the “ACORN I/O Map” and “ACORN Specifications” sections to determine I/O type and capability. Outputs 5V logic level relay outputs are available on the DB25 connector. 8 open collector outputs are normally wired with a ribbon cable to an external 8 relay board.
Page 99: Input Connection Examples
Input Connection Examples ACORN Inputs Switch Wiring Example External Power Supply +24 VDC 24 COM H1 or H4 ACORN Inputs Sinking (NPN) Sensor Wiring Example External Power Supply +24 VDC +24 VDC 24 COM Sensor 24 COM Notice: Do not use 2 wire sensors. The voltage drop across 2 wire sensors usually causes unreliable operation.
Page 100: Analog Output
Analog Output An analog output is provided for controlling spindle speed. The output voltage range is 0 to 10 VDC. Internal Circuitry Analog Output +24 VDC ANALOG Analog Out put Analog Comm on 24 COM Analog Output Calculations The analog output uses a 12 bit digital to analog converter (DAC) to generate analog from the DAC request sent from the PLC program.
Page 101 ACORN I/O Map Input Specification Input Location 1 Input Location 2 Numbe Connect Function Type Type Connector General Purpose Sourcing Logic w/ 5V Pullup General Purpose Sourcing Logic w/ 5V Pullup General Purpose Sourcing Logic w/ 5V Pullup General Purpose Sourcing Logic w/ 5V Pullup General Purpose...
Page 102 ACORN Connections Heartbeat (RED) Input 24 VDC +24 Power (GRN) Input 4 Input 3 In 4 Input 2 In 3 Out 1 In 2 Out 2 Input 1 In 1 Out 3 Out 4 Out 5 Out 6 Out 7 Input 4 Common Out 8...
Page 103 ACORN Mounting Footprint 5.400" (137.2mm) 4.800" (121.9mm) 4.200" (106.7mm) 3.600" (91.4mm) svn://192.168.0.222/hardware/ACORN/160520/docs/ACORN_MAN.doc Page 9 of 10...
Page 104 8 Relay Board Mounting Footprint 0.150" (3.8mm) Out 1 NC Common Out 1 NO Out 2 NC Common Out 2 NO Out 3 NC Common Out 3 NO Output 1 Out 4 NC Output 2 Common Output 3 Out 4 NO 5.669"...
Page 105: Main Features
RELAY ISO9002 1. MAIN FEATURES • Switching capacity available by 10A in spite of small size design for highdensity P.C. board mounting technique. • UL,CUL,TUV recognized. • Selection of plastic material for high temperature and better chemical solution performance. • Sealed types available. •...
Page 106: Contact Rating
6. COIL DATA CHART (AT20 C) Coil Coil Nominal Nominal Power Pull-In Drop- Out Max- Allowable Coil Voltage Voltage Current Resistance Consumption Voltage Voltage Voltage Sensitivity Code (VDC) (mA) (Ω) ±10% (VDC) (VDC) (VDC) abt. 0.36W 75%Max. 10% Min. 120% (High 71.4 Sensitivity)
Page 107 Acorn CNC control board Mounting Footprint. 5.4” 3.6” 4.2” 4.8” .150” / 3.8 mm diameter - Holes are clearence for 6-32 (.150” / 3.8 mm diameter diameter) - 6-32 metal stando s are recommended...
Page 108 Acorn CNC 8 Relay Module Mounting Footprint. 2.205” 56mm 5.354” 5.669” 136mm 144mm 1.890” 48 mm .150” / 3.8 mm diameter - Holes are clearence for 6-32 (.150” / 3.8 mm diameter) - 6-32 metal stando s are recommended The 8 Realy Module Din Rail Mounting holes accept Din Rail standard clips such as the Wago 209188 clip and alternatives.
Page 109 Data sheet | Item number: 209-188 Mounting foot; can be assembled on terminal blocks with fixing flange; gray www.wago.com/209-188 Color: Data Geometrical Data Width 5 mm / 0.197 inch Height from upper-edge of DIN-35 rail 5.1 mm / 0.201 inch Depth 42.4 mm / 1.669 inch Material Data Weight 0.96 g ...

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