Centroid USB-BOB User Manual

For use with cnc12 v5.19 rev2+ beta software

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Centroid USB-BOB User Manual for use with CNC12 v5.19 rev2+ Beta software

USB-BOB USB Operators Control Panel

Updated: 8-8-24 , documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt

Overview

The Centroid USB Operator Control Panel Interface Board (aka "USB-BOB") is a CNC machine tool operator control panel

interface board that connects to the CNCPC via a USB port.

The Operator Control Panel Interface Board is an affordable, reliable, alternative to traditional methods of building CNC

control operator control consoles and panels. The USB-BOB provides inputs for the most common operator controls in a

package that installs quickly with minimal fuss—saving on wiring/installation labor and CNC controller inputs. It features inputs

for three standard rotary encoders with integrated pushbutton, three MPG handwheel encoders, 12 optically isolated switch

inputs, and 12 open collector LED outputs. The USB-BOB can be used in conjunction with Centroid's popular Virtual Control

Panel or without.

Starting with Acorn, AcornSix and Hickory CNC12 v5.20 the USB-BOB Operator Control Panel Interface Board is plug and

play with pre-programmed button and knob functionality using a Wizard setup menu. Many common functions like Cycle

Cancel, Tool Check, Feed Hold and Cycle Start along with Rapid Override, Spindle Speed Override, and Feedrate Override

preprogrammed and user selectable with easy drag and drop installation. Centroid Oak and Allin1DC CNC controller boards

are also compatible but do not have a USB BOB configuration Wizard. USB-BOB setup for Oak and Allin1DC is done the old

fashioned way with parameters and PLC program logic edits to add the functionality.

In addition to these pre-programmed canned operator control functions, all control functions are user-configurable using

Centroid's CNC PLC language In situations where desired functionality is not present in the canned list, a user can customize

both the button or knob functionality to suit their particular application and tastes while not being limited by the Centroid

supplied canned functionality.

Common uses:

•

Use physical buttons and knobs for core/common operator functions with custom CNC machine panels and consoles.

•

Supplement Centroid's Virtual Control Panel with physical controls without using up any CNC control board inputs.

•

Add a dedicated Rapid Override knob to Centroid Legacy control systems that did not have this feature.

Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt

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Summary of Contents for Centroid USB-BOB

Page 1 Centroid Oak and Allin1DC CNC controller boards are also compatible but do not have a USB BOB configuration Wizard. USB-BOB setup for Oak and Allin1DC is done the old fashioned way with parameters and PLC program logic edits to add the functionality.
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Table of Contents Overview..................................1 USB-BOB kit................................... 3 Kit (P/N: 15380) Contents...............................3 USB-BOB Operator Control Panel Interface Board Specification Overview................4 System Compatibility Notes..............................4 USB BOB Bench Test...............................8 Acorn/AcornSix/Hickory First Time Setup And Communications Bench Test.................9 Permanent Installation............................25 Wiring Button Inputs................................26 Rotary Encoder..................................
Page 3: Usb-Bob Kit
USB-BOB kit Kit (P/N: 15380) Contents • Operator Control Panel Interface Board Assembly (P/N: 15398) • Rotary Encoder Assembly (P/N: 15399) x 3 • Knob (P/N: 9964) x 3 • 6 Pin Ribbon Cable (P/N: 9967) x 3, 30cm long •...
Page 4: Usb-Bob Operator Control Panel Interface Board Specification Overview
Acorn, AcornSix, and Hickory with CNC12 v5.20+ is plug and play using drag and drop Wizard menu for common operator panel input definitions. ALLIN1DC, OAK, and MPU11 with v5.20 will need logic added to the PLC program for the USB-BOB Operator Control Panel Interface Board to function.
Page 5 : Mounting configurations for USB-BOB placement within the CNC Control system. The preferred method is to install both the CNCPC and the USB-BOB inside the same CNC console. This keeps the cables that are most vulnerable to EMI noise as short as possible, inside a metal box, and away from the main CNC control cabinet.
Page 6 While certain types of USB Extender cables can be used we do not recommended this unless absolutely necessary. The following USB extension cable has been successfully tested with Operator Control Panel Interface Board but your mileage may vary: https://amzn.to/48QtEOS Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 6 of 38...
Page 7 If you must use or make longer cables for any of the inputs we advise using shielded cable of at least 24 gauge (heavier gauge wire is ok, just don’t go smaller). See information specific to lengthening the Rapid/Feed/Spindle Encoder cable in that section below. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 7 of 38...
Page 8: Usb Bob Bench Test
A supplemental 5 VDC power terminal is provided on the USB-BOB. This is provided for cases in which the total of the current draw of any connected LEDs approaches or exceeds the USB provided current limit of 500 mA. The USB-BOB input optocouplers draw up to 240 mA which leaves roughly 240 mA for any external LEDs powered from the on-board provided 5V DC.
Page 9: Acorn/Acornsix/Hickory First Time Setup And Communications Bench Test
DO NOT use a USB HUB or Extension cable for this first time connection. Turn on the CNCPC. The green heartbeat LED on the USB-BOB will begin to blink once per second after it has booted up. Start CNC12 v5.20+, and open the setup Wizard (Utility Menu → Wizard).
Page 10 Open the USB-BOB configuration page. Toggle the slider to “Yes”. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 10 of 38...
Page 11 Press the “Write Settings to CNC Control” button and follow the instructions on the screen. Click OK and Close the Wizard. Then close CNC12, F10 Shut down menu. Then F9 Exit CNC12. Re-start CNC12. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 11 of 38...
Page 12 The USB-BOB LED will go SOLID when it has successfully connected to CNC12. Note: The first time Auto Detect may take a minute or more. Open the Wizard, navigate to the USB-BOB setup page. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 12 of 38...
Page 13 Select from any of the canned operator console functions and assign any function to any input number by drag and dropping the function name to the USB-BOB Input definitions table. The circle indicating the input number is also a button, which provided a way to invert the expected input state for a given function.
Page 14 Therefore the input circle is set to red. The current state of the USB-BOB inputs can be seen live in CNC12 using the PLC diagnostic tool. Press Alt-I from the main menu of CNC12 and the PLC diagnostic tool windows appears.
Page 15 Now you can exercise the buttons and knobs connected to USB-BOB inputs, observe their state in real-time, and test the function of the switches you have connected. The function assigned to each input number is also listed (use the mouse to click on the corresponding state indicator circle, or use the arrow keys to navigate).
Page 16 Input is inverted and OPEN There is continuity across switch. No continuity across switch. Red circle with line above it indicates the USB BOB input is set to match a switch that closes the input. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 16 of 38...
Page 17 Use “4 Terminal” MPG wheels with A/ B / 0V / Vcc connections. https://amzn.to/3WWCY0T Choose an axis for each MPG connection to control. For example, H8 = Axis 1, H9= Axis 2, etc. when using a dedicated MPG wheel for each axis. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 17 of 38...
Page 18 The example below shows three MPG wheels in use, one MPG wheel for each axis. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 18 of 38...
Page 19 For example: The following setup uses one MPG wheel with a FOUR position axis selector switch and assigning inputs 9,10 and 11 to axis selection 1,2, and 3 respectively. Note: the fourth position on the switch is MPG OFF and is not wired to anything! Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 19 of 38...
Page 20 Inputs KB 13,14, and 15 are momentary button inputs that are built into the Centroid supplied encoder knobs! Push the knob in and you will feel a distinct detent click. Header H5 on the USB-BOB is assigned to the Feedrate Override Knob, H6 to the Spindle Speed Override Knob, H7 to the Rapid Rate Override Knob...
Page 21 H6 Spindle Speed Override knob button H7 Rapid Rate Override knob button Observe that the encoder knob button (Inputs 13,14,15) input changes from red to green in the USB BOB PLC diagnostic tool, when the knob is depressed. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 21 of 38...
Page 22 There are also multiplier values to control the responsiveness of the Encoder knobs. 1= slowest response, 20 = fastest response. Only whole number 1 though 20 are accepted. Adjust to your application, Typical values are shown below. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 22 of 38...
Page 23 Once configured press the “Write Settings to CNC Control” button and follow the instructions on the screen. USB-BOB canned functionality Function Name Description Group Platform Cycle Start Uses a momentary button (aka “One Shot”) Starts a G code program or Macro.
Page 24 Tool Release Momentary button to release the tool from a pull stud spindle. Acorn, AcornSix Turret Index Momentary button to Index a turret by one position with each press of the Acorn, button. AcornSix Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 24 of 38...
Page 25 Momentary button to Defeat the Limit Tripped inputs for 5 seconds to give Acorn, you a shot at jogging an axis off a limit. AcornSix Groups = Inputs that are related and interact. Platform = Which Centroid CNC Control System this feature is available on. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 25 of 38...
Page 26: Permanent Installation
Pay particular attention to strain relief at the USB Micro B connector. An easy method is to ensure the plug is inserted straight and give a suitable amount of slack to keep the strain away from the connector then fix the cable in place several inches away from the connector. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 26 of 38...
Page 27: Wiring Button Inputs
Wiring Button Inputs The Centroid Operator Control Panel Interface Board features twelve optically isolated inputs for switches, buttons, and joysticks. The inputs are internally pulled up to 5 volts DC and therefore source the current. Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 27 of 38...
Page 28 There are three connection headers for MPG handwheel style encoders on the USB-BOB. USB-BOB is compatible with 5 volt MPG encoder wheels with single ended quadrature outputs. Commonly referred to as “4 terminal MPG”. Here is a link to the inexpensive MPG we verified will work properly: https://amzn.to/49wMwCz...
Page 29: Rotary Encoder
30 cm ribbon cables are included with the kit that connect the rotary encoders for Rapid Override, Feedrate Override and Spindle Speed Override to the USB-BOB. The cables are keyed so they can only be installed in one way. Be sure to firmly seat both connector ends fully in the socket.
Page 30 If going outside the CNC Control Console with a DIY cable it is highly recommended to use Shielded Cable with a drain wire. Use 5 conductor cable and put the shield on pin 6. When making your own cables: note the FLIP! Pin 1 on the USB-BOB connects to Pin 6 on the Rapid/Feed/Spindle encoder connector as seen in the drawing above.
Page 31: Wiring Outputs
DC. It is recommended that you use the lowest current LEDs possible if the LEDs are normally on – 20 mA is always a safe value. Do not exceed continuous 100 mA per channel and reduce the current if ambient temperature exceeds 140 °F (60 °C). Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 31 of 38...
Page 32 A single open collector output is available on H1 to indicate Centroid Operator Control Panel Interface Board connection status. This is an “All good and ready to go” status LED. This output is connected the same way as other LEDs on the USB- BOB board.
Page 33: Advanced Custom Button Functionality Programming Without Using The Wizard Canned Functions
These variables represent the first two Operator Control Panel Interface Board boards connected to the system. The first 4 buttons and first 3 knobs (for the first Operator Control Panel Interface Board) are named to their default Centroid functions. We will be editing the “ExtUsbFeedHold_SV”. Let’s rename it to reflect the new function.
Page 34: Applicable System Variables
IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_5 ExtUsbOut6_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_6 ExtUsbOut7_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_7 ExtUsbOut8_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_8 ExtUsbOut9_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_9 ExtUsbOut10_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_10 ExtUsbOut11_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_11 ExtUsbOut12_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_12 ExtUsbOut13_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_13 ExtUsbOut14_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_14 ExtUsbOut15_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_15 ExtUsbOut16_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_OUT_16 Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 34 of 38...
Page 35: Specifications
Open Collector LED Outputs Channels LED Output Voltage LED Output Current Per Channel 0.02 Weight Size (W*D*H): 7.19 * 4.40 * 1.41 Inches System Timing Specifications Characteristic Min. Typ. Max. Unit End to End Button Press Delay Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 35 of 38...
Page 36: Troubleshooting
Check if Parameter #496 is set to correct COM port Interface Board number Laptop USB port has gone to sleep. Run Centroid PC Tuner to configure the PC for CNC use. Buttons lit but nothing changes Communication lost Check USB cable connection...
Page 37: Appendix A: Additional Diagrams
Appendix A: Additional Diagrams Mounting Pattern Applies to Production PCB revision 240604 and newer: Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 37 of 38...
Page 38: Revision History
Added Ribbon cable and connector info 04/11/24 Formatting and content updates 04/29/24 Heading fixes 07/26/24 Added images 08/06/24 Added Wizard section and update to match v5.19 rev2 CNC12 software. 08/08/24 Formatting and heading fixes Public: documents\USB-BOB\centroid_USB-BOB_user_manual_rev12.odt Page 38 of 38...