HEADER
------
G21 ; select metric units
G90 ; absolute positioning
G0 X0 Y0 ; rapid to X0Y0
Z0 ; Move to Z zero
G37 ON ; Auto Laser power Velocity Modulation ON
M3S0 ; Laser power off
M37 ; Laser on

MULTIPLE PASSES
--------------
;(Uncomment if you want to sink Z axis)
;G91 (use relative coordinates)
;G0 Z-1 (sinks the Z axis, 1mm)
;G90 (use absolute coordinates)

FOOTER
------
S0
G90 ; Absolute positioning
M38 ; Laser cool down time
;END

Sample G code

G21 ; select metric units
G90 ; absolute positioning
G0 X0 Y0 ; rapid to X0Y0
Z0 ; Move to Z zero
G37 ON ; PWM Laser Power Velocity Modulation ON
M3S0 ; Laser power off
M37 ; Laser on
G0 X-74 Y-36.5 F2000
M3 S0
G1 X-73.833 S207
X-73.667 S203
X-73.333 S201
X-73.167 S203
X-73 S209
X-72.667 S213
X-72.5 S211
X-72.333 S215
X-72.167 S217
X-71.833 S215
X-71.667 S213
X-71.5 S205
X-71.333 S211
X-71.167 S207
X-71 S200
X-70.667 S203
X-70.5 S196
X-70.333 S190
X-70.167 S192
X-70 S194
X-69.333 S200
X-69.167 S198
X-69 S196
X-68.833 S198
X-68.667 S203
X-68.5 S207
X-68.333 S205

Richards Wrote.

Yesterday, I received a model 4 Acorn and an extra relay board for my model 3 Acorn that I bought almost a year ago. Opening that package reminded me of the care and concern that Centroid has for its customers. The power supply was pre-wired for the Acorn. The instruction sheet is comprehensive. The backside of the instruction sheet that shows a connection schematic that should make initial connections fool-proof. I just noticed that even those schematics are printed in color. (My eyes have serious problems.) The new schematics that Keith notified us of have fixed all of the connection problems that I've experienced with ClearPath servos, Gecko G203 drives, and Leadshine (clone) drives. Those problems were not Centroid's fault. (The older schematics followed wiring diagrams from other manufacturers that were somewhat lacking. I've read Teknic's manual carefully about the fault signal. The older schematics followed the Teknic manual. Keith and Gary solved that problem months ago, but because I had a work-around, I didn't carefully read the revised schematic that Centroid published months ago.) I was able to work around those problems; but the new schematics make those work-arounds obsolete. It amazes me that Centroid is willing to spend money on so many do-it-yourself motors, drivers, spindles, VFDs and other non-Centroid products, test those products, draw up schematics to use those products and still sell the Acorn for $299 with the amazing Centroid software.

Next, the forum along with YouTube videos are great. Keith, Marty, Gary and Franco not only show how to use the Acorn, but teach general principles about CNC machining. Late last night when I couldn't sleep, I watched a video where Keith showed how to use a vertical mill. The video contained everything that anyone would need to see how to use Centroid products to make their equipment work. Clicking on "Acorn User Videos" from the Acorn page shows a list of videos that show how to use the Acorn. Going on YouTube and searching "Marty CNC" brings up Marty's channel with a comprehensive list of how-to videos. Searching "Gary Campbell CNC" brings up Gary's channel and his expertly produced videos. (Gary and I go back decades to my Shopbot days when I constantly used his advice to solve my problems.) Clicking on "Centroid CNCKeith" brings up Keith's videos. His knowledge and easy-going style should make anyone comfortable in trying an Acorn. One of his videos was with "MecTechMike". Mike's mill and lathe conversions should impress everyone. He surely impressed me and gave me ideas that will take at least a year to try. There are many, many others who have taken the time to post videos showing how they use the Acorn and other Centroid products.

The forum is invaluable. Questions are answered expertly (in most cases). Since I tend to be disruptive in some of my posts (unintentionally - I like to think outside the box and try things that might seem to be controversial), I expected harsh feedback or even censoring, but I've been treated with respect and courtesy. More, importantly, by reading what others are doing, I get ideas that would take a life-time to implement.

Thanks Centroid and thanks to all of you in the Acorn community for your help.M Richards