For those that have implemented an aftermarket controller on their Onefinity, did you choose to implement independent homing on each one of the Y axis rails? I am considering changing to an aftermarket controller simply because two times in a week I’ve had a run get trashed due to the Y-axis homing out of square somehow (most likely debris). I am not the only person who operates my Onefinity and the other person did not notice the the homing error on the right hand Y rail
It seems the major drawback to implementing independent homing is the need of an additional axis and driver… I was thinking if I’d go to the level of an aftermarket controller I’d like to add a rotary axis so that would bring me to 5 total which excludes some of the more reasonably priced controllers.
I purchased the Masso G3 5 axis for this and other reasons. It is an investment to be sure, but I use 4 axes for the 1F (the two Y axes have their own driver and homing sensor, and Masso auto squares them - Y and B axis). This allowed me to experiment with a rotary axis using a 5th driver (controlled by Masso - axis A).
On both my aftermarket controllers I’ve used, I opted for manual homing where I just move the machine close to home position, then kill motor power & manually move/square the machine against solid stops & set home. On my DDCSV3.1 controller I still had to run the homing sequence, but just used a push-button switch to emulate the limit switches. On the new Acorn CNC controller, it’s even easier than that with no need to go through the motions of running the homing sequence. Simply hit the “Reset Home” button and done. I was thinking about fitting it with homing switches, but honestly, it’s so simple to home that I lost my motivation to install switches.
@TMToronto - The Masso G3 is where all my roads seem to lead me to, I find other options but then find some limitation that becomes a deal breaker. The Masso is a bit more $$ than I was looking to spend on a solution but seems to be the most flexible in the long term.
@Machinist - I hadn’t thought about a manual homing method, seems like a good approach to the complexity of adding limit switches however I’m not the only user of the Onefinity so it might be bit of a challenge for the others.
I originally narrowed it down to Centroid’s Acorn, DDCSV3.1, and Masso G3. I chose Masso for the 5 axis option, but as I had been researching and their forum for a while, I also saw other positives. They have excellent support documents (with specific wiring diagrams etc.) and videos, as well as responsive forum support. They are constantly improving their software with updates that add new features. Recently they added laser control to the basic software which is a bonus, but also added new packages for multi-head CNC, and plasma (the latter being a big focus for them, along with mill and lathe). The controller supports the G and M codes I feel I would be using/needing, and it is very user friendly - which will be of benefit when I start setting up the ATC functions. There are also many input/outputs to take advantage of as well. Lastly they also have their own supported hardware - sensors, relay module, encoder, plasma module - most recently closed loop steppers. For me, all this was worth the extra cost.
I will say now that I have no real-life experience with CNC, and am teaching myself everything as I go. So others, like @Machinist, would be better to ask what the limitations/negatives are of the Masso compared to other controllers - I just would not know what is missing.
I really liked Centroid as they are CNC focused and have been for about 3 decades, so they know what users want and have had many years to perfect their software/hardware. If they had a 5 axis ‘Acorn’ I probably would have gone that route, even if it meant being PC reliant. This gives an advantage as the PC will do the heavy lifting of processing, so they have some things that the Masso won’t do since it needs to prioritize how/where memory etc. is used. Their other offerings were out of my price range. They also have many of their own supported hardware additions - pendants, modules, motors - which is a bonus (but they can be pricey).
I am very happy that we have 1F users that are exploring both Masso and Centroid Acorn. I have come to trust the experience, recommendations, and evaluations offered by many forum members, so I feel we will all benefit as we continue to share the positives and negatives of using these controllers with our 1F CNCs.
I’m at the same crossroads, between the Centroid Acorn and the Masso G3. If there was a 5 axis Acorn or a way to reliably home the 2 independent Y axis stepper motors using only one axis on the controller I’d go with the Acorn.
To add to the complexity I suspect I’d want the flexibility to implement closed loop steppers down the road… Not that I’d probably do it but I wouldn’t want to regret later not having the ability.
There’s not much I can speak to regarding the Masso G3, other than to say I was very seriously considering that as well. @TMToronto Tom brings up a good point regarding very in-depth documentation including schematics & so forth. You will find the same level of documentation & support with the Acorn. That said, you will definitely not find any such level of support with any Chinese controller (such as my beloved DDCSV3.1, posted for sale here).
I was not keen on having a PC in the shop, but I actually love it now. I opted to buy the dedicated Intel NUC PC that was pre-configured by Centroid. Using the pre-installed “Team Viewer” app, I am able to easily transfer files & even did a full customization of my “virtual control panel” from the comfort of my laptop inside.
