Centroid Community CNC Support Forum

Hi there all. I’m waiting for an Acorn/PC package to arrive for a retrofit of an Axiom AR8 router which currently runs off a RichAuto DSP. While waiting I thought I ask for advice/help...... novice alert ! The machine works fine but the DSP is problematic so I’m keen to upgrade the control to something reliable with more control.

Specs for the machine:
Axiom AR8Pro 36x48 3 axis
Richauto DSP Controller/breakout board
220v
Delta VFD 015M21A 1.5KW 220v single phase
2hp 2.2kw 7A 20000rpm water cooled spindle
Troy 2 phase steppers Nema 23
24v Troy Drivers
48v & 12v power supplies ( separate ) far as I can tell the only purpose of the 12v is for the spindle coolant pump.

I’ll be replacing the Board with Acorn and drivers with a Gecko 540 and keeping the Delta VFD and Power Supplies. Adding a 4th axis also.

Most of the connections I get but not sure about a couple of things.

The E stop on the current set up opens the AC side of things but I noticed that acorn does this on the DC side. Just curious why and whether one is better over another ?

The control inputs to the VFD run though a 24v relay activated by an output from the breakout. I’ve looked over Centroids Generic VFD schematic and presumably the acorn board will now handles this ?? Advice on the connections and parameters for the VFD/Acorn hook up would be much appreciated !

I’ve attached to what I think might be the relevant data in this post, and uploaded Photos and lots more data here:
[https://www.dropbox.com/sh/jwm0jqk4lfrr ... F19Na?dl=0]


Thanks !!!

Inik..
Let me take a whack at your questions...

The E stop on the current set up opens the AC side of things but I noticed that acorn does this on the DC side. Just curious why and whether one is better over another ?
There are numerous ways to do this. In many cases the imports simply cut power with the estop. Usually to save $ US controls more typically use low voltage switches that cut contactors that will disrupt line voltage during an estop.


The control inputs to the VFD run though a 24v relay activated by an output from the breakout. I’ve looked over Centroids Generic VFD schematic and presumably the acorn board will now handles this ?? Advice on the connections and parameters for the VFD/Acorn hook up would be much appreciated !
If you are referring to the spindle logic (on/off), Acorn has 2 relays, either of which can be used to close the "spindle forward" circuit. If you are referring to a relay that provides power to the VFD, then an Acorn relay that is configured "driveok" will be needed.

I also question running a 2.2kw spindle on a 1.5kw rated drive. You do know its derated to 1.5kw?

Thanks Gary.

Honestly I didn't notice the difference in the rating, been so wrapped up in trying figure out the VFD. This is the OEM setup and I'm wondering why.

I came across another thread dealing with the same questions I have. Not sure how it ended up so I've PMd the guy to see how he made out.
Cheers
Phil

viewtopic.php?f=60&t=1432&p=8678&hilit=delta+vfd#p8678

Phil...
Just keep after it. I wish someone that wants to convert an Axiom to Acorn was near here. I would like to pin one out and make a manual. I almost bought one a while back but it sold before I got there.

That's too bad, they're nice machines. Shame about the control tho !

I'll be back with an update when I figure it out.
Cheers

Hi Inuk

I have a 4'x8' double head cnc router that also has the Rich auto DSP controller that I am going to retrofit to Acorn. I will start a new thread for my retrofit. I wired up the machine last night so I could get a feel for how it runs on the DSP control. I can tell it has some quirks, especially with the Z axis. when Jogging, it starts out at first really rough and slow (maybe stalling) but then it runs fine. it does this whether going up or down. Does not do that on either the x or y-axis. I'm not going to get too wrapped up in troubleshooting the control issues and will just get straight to the retrofit.
If you want to collaborate please feel free to PM me and we can exchange contact info.



Photos of the machine can be found here:

Video: https://youtu.be/Glpf_A4uTy0

regards

Bill Griffin

Hi Bill, I’m a novice at this retrofit business, stumbling though it so I’m not sure how much help I can be. I’ve manage to complete the conversion, the machine works but am still working though set up of the machine parameters with the help of Centroid.

When I know everything is correct I’ll post the schematic for my set up.

Phil