Content Preview
Centroid USB Operators Control Panel OPCON User Manual
Centroid OPCON USB Operators Control Panel
Last updated 01/26/2024 km ak rev7
Overview
Centroid’s OPCON is a CNC machine tool operator control panel that connects to the CNCPC via a USB port This is a new
paradigm for adding physical controls to a Centroid equipped CNC machine tool The OPCON is intended to be an affordable
reliable alternative to traditional methods of adding CNC control operators panels The OPCON provides the basic commonly
used operator controls in a package that installs in quickly with minimal fuss saving on wiring/installation labor and CNC
controller inputs It features three rotary encoders four backlit push buttons and an E stop button The OPCON can be used
in conjunction with Centroid’s popular Virtual Control Panel or without
With Acorn and AcornSix CNC12 v5 08 the OPCON is plug and play with preprogrammed button and knob functionality
Cycle Cancel Tool Check Feed Hold and Cycle Start along with Rapid Override Spindle Speed Override and Feedrate
Override are the default pre programmed functions
In addition to these pre programmed controls all seven controls are user configurable through Centroid’s CNC PLC language
so user can customize both the button or knob functionality to suit their application and tastes
Common uses
• Physical buttons and knobs for core/common operator functions without the need for an entire hard operator console
• Supplement Centroid Virtual Control Panel with physical controls without using up any CNC control board inputs
• Add separate Rapid Override to Centroid Legacy control systems that did not have this feature
A Plug and Play Hardware Control Panel that can be customized for specialty applications
• Additional operator control stations locations for larger machines
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 1 of 15
Table of Contents
Overview 1
OPCON Specification Overview 3
Kit Contents 3
System Compatibility Notes 3
Setup 4
System Wiring Schematics 4
Acorn/AcornSix First Time Setup And Bench Test 4
Permanent Installation 5
Customizing Button Functionality 6
Button Graphic Label Sizes 10
Specifications 11
OPCON Specifications 11
System Timing Specifications 11
Troubleshooting 12
OPCON Troubleshooting 12
Error Messages 12
Appendix A Additional Diagrams 13
Mounting Pattern 13
Revision History 14
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 2 of 15
OPCON Specification Overview
Rotary Encoders 3
Pushbuttons 4
Default Encoder Functions Feed rate spindle speed and rapid rate overrides
Default Button Functions Cycle start and stop feed hold and tool check
Software Compatibility CNC12 V5 08+
# of OPCON Supported by
CNC12 2 may increase in later software updates
Weight 16 oz
Dimensions W*D*H 9 685 * 3 386 * 3 160 inches
Kit Contents
• OPCON Assembly P/N 15374
• 6 ft USB A to Micro B cable P/N ?
System Compatibility Notes
OPCON is compatible with all Centroid CNC controllers capable of running from CNC12 V5 08 and newer
This includes Acorn AcornSix HICKORY ALLIN1DC OAK and MPU11
Acorn and AcornSix with v5 08 is plug and play
HICKORY ALLIN1DC OAK and MPU11 with v5 08 will need logic added to the PLC program for the OPCON to function
Up to two OPCON boards may be connected to a system Functionality can be assigned separately for each OPCON i e the
buttons on one unit do not have to do the same thing as on the other
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 3 of 15
Setup
System Wiring Schematics
Refer to schematic number S15190 or S15191 for additional E Stop switch wiring
Acorn/AcornSix First Time Setup And Bench Test
1 Turn on the CNCPC with CNC12 v5 08 or newer installed and start up CNC12 Choose to use a VCP skin with the word
“Rapid” in it
2 Remove the OPCON from its packaging Use the provided USB A to Micro B cable to connect OPCON to the CNCPC
Next open Device Manager and expand Ports COM & LPT Find “USB Serial Device” in the list and identify its COM port
number
In the example above Com 6 appears when OPCON panel is plugged in and disappears with OPCON panel is unplugged
Determine the OPCON COM port number by unplugging the device and observing it disappear from the list COM6 in the
example above
Plug the OPCON back in before proceeding
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 4 of 15
Return to CNC12 and enter this COM port number into parameter 496 F1 Setup F3 config F3 Parameters Save the
parameters list and exit CNC12
3 Now Restart CNC12 and observe the OPCON The four buttons on the front will emit white light when it is communicating
with CNC12 If the buttons do not light up verify you have the correct COM port number entered in parameter 496
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 5 of 15
Permanent Installation
Install the OPCON to a suitable position using four #8 32 or M3 screws through the holes on the panel
Protect the PC board from chips dust coolant and oil
A 6 foot USB A to Micro B cable is provided There are several options if the provided cable is too short
• Use a longer USB A to Micro B cable Up to 15 ft length cables are readily available for USB 2 0
• Use the provided cable and an unpowered or passive extension cable for runs up to 15 ft
• You must use an externally powered or internally powered active extension cable for runs longer than 15 ft
The following USB extension cable has been successfully tested with OPCON https //amzn to/48QtEOS
USB cable guidance Keep USB cabling away from all sources of noise Do not place USB cabling in the same tracks as VFD
or axis motor wiring Pay particular attention to strain relief at the USB Micro B connector An easy method is to ensure the
plug is straight and give a suitable amount of slack to keep the strain away from the connector then fix the cable in place to
the unused mounting hole on the OPCON PCB with a cable tie
To save space you may use a right angle Micro B USB cable such as this unit https //amzn to/47xRRZi
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 6 of 15
Customizing Button Functionality
Assigning functionality in PLC
ALL OPCON button and knob functions can be modified by the PLC In this example we will change the “F eed Hold” button
on the OPCON to perform the actions of an Aux1 key
Open the src file for your PLC found in the CNCM/CNCT directory Typically will be called “acorn_mill_plc src” or similar You
will find the following code
;
; System Variables External USB Panel
;
;Buttons
ExtUsbCycleStart_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_1 ;Cycle Start
ExtUsbFeedHold_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_2 ;Feed Hold
ExtUsbToolCheck_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_3 ;Tool Check
ExtUsbCycleCancel_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_4 ;Cycle Cancel
ExtUsbBtn5_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_5
ExtUsbBtn6_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_6
ExtUsbBtn7_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_7
ExtUsbBtn8_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_8
;FeedKnobs 32bit Word
ExtUsbFeedKnob_W IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_W_1
ExtUsbSpinKnob_W IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_W_2
ExtUsbRapidKnob_W IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_W_3
ExtUsbKnob4_W IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_W_4
ExtUsbKnob5_W IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_W_5
ExtUsbKnob6_W IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_W_6
These variables represent the first two OPCON boards connected to the system The first 4 buttons and first 3 knobs for the
first OPCON are named to their default Centroid functions We will be editing the “ExtUsbFeedHold_SV” Let’s rename it to
reflect the new function
ExtUsbAux1_SV IS SV_PC_EXT_USB_PANEL_INP_2 ;Aux 1 Key
In addition we will want to remove “ExtUsbFeedHold_SV” from any logic it was used in
; Feed Hold Mode
; Note the feedrate override values used here for testing against P146
; are those calculated in the previous scan There is no problem with that
IF FeedHoldKey || KbFeedHold_M || SkinFeedHold_M || MpgFeedHold_M ||
FeedHold2 || ExtUsbFeedHold_SV THEN FeedHoldPD
This section after removing “ExtUsbFeedHold_SV”
; Feed Hold Mode
; Note the feedrate override values used here for testing against P146
; are those calculated in the previous scan There is no problem with that
IF FeedHoldKey || KbFeedHold_M || SkinFeedHold_M || MpgFeedHold_M ||
FeedHold2 THEN FeedHoldPD
We now want to add “ExtUsbAux1_SV” to the Aux 1 Key functions First the stock PLC
IF Aux1Key || KbAux1Key_M || SkinAux1_M THEN DoAux1Key
IF Aux2Key || KbAux2Key_M || SkinAux2_M THEN DoAux2Key
IF Aux3Key || KbAux3Key_M || SkinAux3_M THEN DoAux3Key
Now with “ExtUsbAux1_SV” added
IF Aux1Key || KbAux1Key_M || SkinAux1_M || ExtUsbAux1_SV THEN DoAux1Key
Now you can save the src file and recompile the PLC Ensure to power cycle the system When you press the OPCON “Feed
Hold” Button it will now perform the actions of the Aux 1 Key
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 7 of 15
Changing Button Labels
The button labels are removable and replaceable The required tools are a pair of small flat blade screwdrivers or a single flat
blade screwdriver and some other implement that can pinch around the switch body
Use the screwdrivers or other tool to gently push the two tabs inwards and then towards the panel
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 8 of 15
Gently pull the switch cap out of the housing
Next pry out two of the retainer clip tabs from the cap body It is easiest to remove two from the same side
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 9 of 15
After that pry out the silicone pad
Lastly remove existing legend and place new graphic or text in the button cap
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 10 of 15
Please pay attention to the location of the button cap tabs when orienting the new legend
Put the silicone pad and retaining plate back into the switch cap Gently squeeze the switch cap’s tabs and insert into the
housing paying attention to the orientation of the tabs The button cap should easily click back into place
Button Graphic Label Sizes
Large Button Cycle Start = 21 mm circle
Smaller Buttons = 16 8 mm circle
Large and Small Button label SVG Graphic template download
www centroidcnc com/centroid_diy/downloads/opcon_small_large_button_label zip
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 11 of 15
Specifications
OPCON Specifications
Characteristic Min Typ Max Unit
Input Voltage 4 5 5 0 5 5 VDC
Input Current 0 5 A
Power and Data Connector Micro USB type B
Pushbutton Channels 4
Rotary Encoder Channels 3
Weight 16 oz
Size W*D*H 9 685 * 3 386 * 3 160 Inches
System Timing Specifications
Characteristic Min Typ Max Unit
End to End Button Press Delay 20 40 60 ms
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 12 of 15
Troubleshooting
OPCON Troubleshooting
Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action
Buttons not lit
CNC12 did not connect to the OPCON Check USB cable connection
Check if Parameter #496 is set to correct COM port
number
Laptop USB port has gone to sleep
Run Centroid PC Tuner to configure the PC for CNC
use
Buttons lit but nothing changes
in CNC12 Communication lost
without closing
connection Check USB cable connection
Check strain relief at OPCON end connector should
not be able to move around when cable is moved on
other side of strain relief
Laptop USB port has gone to sleep
Run Centroid PC Tuner to configure the PC for CNC
use
Error Messages
Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action
9111 USB PANEL 1 FAULT CNC12 did not
connection to the
OPCON Check USB cable connection
Check if Parameter #496 is set to correct COM port
number
CNC12 lost connection
to OPCON Laptop USB port has gone to sleep
Run Centroid PC Tuner to configure the PC for CNC
use
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 13 of 15
Appendix A Additional Diagrams
Mounting Pattern
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 14 of 15
Revision History
12/19/23 Document created
01/02/24 Some sections fleshed out
01/08/24 Diagrams and photos added to Setup Operation and App A
01/09/24 Placeholder photo added to first page customization guide added
01/09/24 km edit _rev2
01/11/24 Added new photo updated mounting pattern drawing updated timing information
01/12/24 KM edit added troubleshooting section
01/25/24 add images improved troubleshooting section
\documents\M409 CNC console\OPCON PCB\centroid_USB_opcon_user_manual_rev7 odt Page 15 of 15