View source for Barudan BENT-ZQ-201U Embroidery Machine

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=Overview=

The Barudan BENT-ZQ-201U "Elite" is a 15 needle single head professional embroidery machine - this means you can have 15 colors in a design without stopping to change thread colors - but only do one garment, hat, etc. at a time. (Barudan also makes multiple head machines that can embroider multiple pieces of art at the same time)
*When we called shopBarudan, they pronounce the name BEAR - EWW - DAN
*BENT designates the electronics - series and model of the machine - The BENT has a built-in driver box and a monochrome graphic LCD "automat"
*ZQ is the head style designator ZQ is a 15 needle inline geometry with individual takeup
*201  indicates this model has a ositive Drive presser foot lift mechanism"
*U is an option code for the "Under-thread Sensor Mechanism" or UTSM. This sensor detects thread breaks and stops stitching.
*This model is also sometimes called "Tanto"
*These machines were manufactured between 1997 and 2003
*Reference - [http://wiki.makerfx.org/images/f/f6/Barudan_KBModelDecode.pdf Barudan Model Decoder (PDF)]
*[https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/sets/72157662287271457 Our photo album for the Barudan Elite on Flickr]

[[File:Barudan_side.jpg | 400px | An example of the BENT-ZQ-201U]]  

An example of the BENT-ZQ-201U

= Current State = 
*We've verified that the machine functions, and can embroider. (YAY!!) All 15 needles are currently operational. About half of the thread break sensors are not detecting breaks. If a thread breaks while stitching the machine may continue to stitch without thread. Thread breaks are fairly common for various reasons (on any embroidery machine). So, do not leave the machine unattended as you may end up with a project that is only hole-punched.
*The cap frame has been verified as functional! :)
*Software available is Embrilliance on the embroidery computer. Demo versions can be downloaded for practice and learning that are fully functional but will not save. [http://embrilliance.com/demonstration-versions Embrilliance Demo]

=Items to Fix or Purchase=
*Ribbon Cable mounting to head - Barudan sells a clip that holds the cable to the back of the head for $5ish
*Broken - Barudan LA250051 Head Cover HQ ([http://www.shopbarudan.com/p-2338-la250051-head-cover-zq.aspx LA200051])   - $45.88
*Broken - Barudan P732014 Cover (E-stop) - [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/38598386315/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic] - ([http://www.shopbarudan.com/p-2429-p732014-cover-end-r-whole-mf250120.aspx P732014]) - $36.90
*Plastics are yellowed - [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Retr0bright Retr0bright] might be a good project to restore the color
*Thread break sensors - Need help from someone good with electronics. Contact Lucy.


= Completed Items = 
*Graphic LCD (Hitachi LMG6911RPBC-00T ([http://www.displaysscreen.com/original-lmg6911rpbc00t-hitachi-screen-57-320%C3%97240-lmg6911rpbc00t-display-p-1528.html specs]) was not working due to a bad -24 inverter power supply. Neil made a small PS board and mounted it inside the electronic chassis. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39626219002 Pic 1] [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/25784980908/ Pic 2] [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39626218102/ Pic 3]
*Needle Change Errors - The machine needed a full degreasing, cleaning and lubrication. We'd purchased stepper motor drivers in the event they needed to be replaced, they will now be stored as parts. [http://www.bdent.com/mtd2001-shindengen-zip27-integrated-circuit.html MTD2001] - Replacement ordered (qty 2). [http://datasheet.octopart.com/MTD2001-Shindengen-datasheet-105416.pdf Datasheet]
*Lithium battery - Internal memory is good, the machine had stored stitch files
* [http://www.shopbarudan.com/p-3354-nb10035-elite-bent-training-cd.aspx Training CD (NB10035)] - Obtained; to be loaded on device to stay near machine
* Operators Manual (B8300) ordered from shopBarudan on 1/08/2017 - Obtained; will be located with machine; later found the originals (they are older version?) in the bottom of the thread box
*Replaced - Baruan Needle Clamp Screw (KF230240) - 4 are broken - [http://www.shopbarudan.com/p-2166-kf230240c-needle-clamp-screw-silver-sm-964-40x6.aspx shopBarudan] -  $.041 - Ian ordered 20 from SewManyParts, they are now in the parts bin.
*Helpful - Thread Tension Gauge (top thread) - [https://allstitch.net/product/embroidery-thread-tension-gauge-4005.cfm Allstitch embroidery] - $19.75 - received
*Helpful - Bobbin Tension Gauge - [https://www.amazon.com/Towa-M-Style-Sewing-Thread-Tension/dp/B00MFS2APS/ Amazon] - $54.95 - received
*Fixed- Tension Post Sensor Wheels (HT240290) are cracking / broken. Ian ordered a new set (18) from China. [https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20180108072239&SearchText=HT240290 AliExpress - Tension Post Sensor Wheel HT240290 for Barudan embroidery] - The parts have arrived, but it is a good bit of work to replace them, so we are going to keep moving for now, then do a teardown at a later date. At the moment only needle #15 is broken beyond use.
*Tension spring #4 warped - Spring item #HT240094 ordered and replaced.

= Parts = 
* Cap Frames - [https://www.shopbarudan.com/c-85-advantage-cap-frames.aspx Cap Frames at shopBarudan] - [http://www.barudanamerica.com/assets/files/advantage-cap-frame-parts_r2.pdf Barudan Cap Frame parts manual] 
** Advantage Cap Frame Drive Unit ("original") EFP008126 - [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/24627980477/in/album-72157662287271457 Pic 1] - [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/38598366055/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic 2] - [https://www.shopbarudan.com/c-86-advantage-orig-drive.aspx shopBarudan]
** Advantage Cap Frame Only - [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39464703962/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic 1] - [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/25624802588/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic 2] - [https://www.shopbarudan.com/c-94-cap-frame.aspx shopBarudan]
* Hoops - There are a number of hoops with the machine, need to inventory and check condition of frames. [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39464706532/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic] [https://www.shopbarudan.com/c-6-blue-standard-hoops.aspx Blue Hoops at shopBarudan]  
* [http://www.shopbarudan.com/ Barudan Parts Store Online] - Looks like great parts availablity
* [https://www.aliexpress.com/wholesale?catId=0&initiative_id=SB_20180108073551&SearchText=barudan AliExpress - Barudan parts]

= Consumables = 
* There is a box of L-sized pre-wound white thread bobbins with the machine (they are marked L-120) [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/38598381295/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic]
* There is a box of various embroidery thread cones with the machine [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39495056871/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic]
* There is a box of various embroidery backing with the machine [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39464722142/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic]
* Bobbin Cases - These break occasionally, need to keep some on-hand. [https://www.amazon.com/Cutex-Sewing-Pig-tail-Embroidery-Machines/dp/B01B16G33E/ Amazon]  Roughly $28 for 6.

= To Research = 
* Floppy Drive emulator - [https://www.plrelectronics.com/xcart/floppy-drive-upgrade-to-usb-drive-standard-3-5-inch.html PLR Electronics - $325] [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EQ1R5YI Amazon - $55.00]
* [https://www.plrelectronics.com/usb-reader/ "Black Box" USB reader & file transmission (serial) to Barudan Embroidery Machines] - [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnxHvEnnOLw Demo Video] - $585 (yikes!) - Time for Octoprint for Embroidery...this is a perfect maker project...
* [http://www.shopbarudan.com/p-3054-a100625-usb-serial-adapter.aspx Barudan Serial Adapter] - $48.25

= Floppy Drive Replacement = 
* Gotek brand drive - Purchased, but have not decided to install - [https://www.amazon.com/Gotek-SFR1M44-U100-1-44MB-Floppy-Emulator/dp/B0762NCHC6 Amazon link]
* [https://github.com/keirf/FlashFloppy Flashfloppy] - better software for the gotek drives.

= Software Support = 
* The Barudan Elite can consume the industry-standard .DST format (which does NOT have needle assignment), as well as the .UXY format (in the form of files named with .U01, .U02, etc.) which does support needle assignment.
* [http://www.barudanamerica.com/index/software/tes.html Barudan TES] - Full embroidery design software from Barudan. We have an older copy of TES 2.0 that is running on an old Windows XP laptop. It is functional and can serial transfer to the embroidery machine. (Could be good for reverse engineering the protocol)
* [http://www.embird.net/sw/embird/tutorial/barlnkup/barlnkup.htm Embird support for Barudan serial transfer] - [http://www.embird.net/manual/xtxtsnippet/barudandiagram.htm Embird cable wiring] (Embird has been emailed to inquire about non-profit pricing)
* [https://www.wilcom.com/en-us/gethelp/support/embroiderymachineconnection.aspx Wilcom] - Serial Connection - Note that the "Tanto" designation is used here instead of BENT or Elite - Wilcom wants $2600 for an educational institution - PER SEAT.
* [http://embrilliance.com/ Embrilliance] (used by Tiffany & Mike Smith) for windows & mac can output .DST files, but not .FMC files (quick scan of website). Embrilliance does not seem to have serial port support. [http://embrilliance.com/demonstration-versions Demo Version Downloads]
* [http://www.stitchbuddy.de/mac/ StitchBuddy for Mac] (and ios) - for editing existing designs
* [https://code.google.com/archive/p/pyembroidery/source/default/source Python Embroidery Code]
* Barudan requires color change at beginning of file, is a setting in Wilcom [https://www.wilcom.com/en-us/gethelp/support/faqs/thefirstcolourchangeismissingonmymachine.aspx Barudan Color change missing] - We've seen this behavior on some files we've created and wondered why

=Embroidery Design=
*[http://lynniepinnie.com/Good_Design.htm Anatomy of a Quality Embroidery Design] - Cute Zebra example with output from various software

= Resources = 
* [http://wiki.makerfx.org/images/f/f6/Barudan_KBModelDecode.pdf Barudan Model Decoder (PDF)]
* [http://wiki.makerfx.org/images/0/07/EDOC-0112_BENT-ZN-ZQ-201_parts_%28US%29.pdf Barudan BENT-ZQ Parts List] found [http://www.barudanamerica.com/index/tech-support/parts-books/single-head-machines.html here] - Note there are machines assembled in US and Japan with two different manuals
* [http://www.barudanamerica.com/assets/files/client_area/knowledge_base/SewingHeadManuals/TL02006zqheadmanual.pdf Barudan Technical Sewing Head Maintenance Manual] - found [http://www.barudanamerica.com/index/tech-support/technical-information/installation.html here]
* [http://www.barudanamerica.com/assets/files/client_area/knowledge_base/InstallationandMaintenance/KBIMNeedDepth.pdf Needle Depth Adjustment, ZQ/ZN sewing heads] - found [http://www.barudanamerica.com/index/tech-support/technical-information/installation.html here]
* [http://www.barudanamerica.com/assets/files/client_area/knowledge_base/InstallationandMaintenance/KBHookTiming.pdf Hook Timing, ZQ/ZN sewing heads] - found [http://www.barudanamerica.com/index/tech-support/technical-information/installation.html here]
* [http://www.barudanamerica.com/index/tech-support/software/n-series1.html BENT System Floppy Disk Images] - Current Release V2.50 R01  (posted 11//2007)
*[http://www.barudanamerica.com/assets/files/advantage-cap-frame-parts_r2.pdf Advantage Cap Frame] - Need to verify model of cap frame\
*[http://madeirausa.com/technicians Technicians] - Several listed in Orlando
*[http://www.fcslabs.com/barudan%20page.htm Barudan Board Repair]

= Internal Parts = 
* NEC 16-bit microprocessor D70236AGD-16 [http://pdf1.alldatasheet.com/datasheet-pdf/view/113217/NEC/UPD70236AGD-16-5BB.html Datasheet] [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39464714492/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic]
* NEC RS-232 Line Driver [http://www.datasheetcatalog.com/datasheets_pdf/U/P/D/4/UPD4722GS-GJG.shtml Datasheet] [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39464710682/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic]
* Mitsubishi Inverter - FR-U120S-NO.1K-28 [https://www.vfds.com/manuals/mitsubishi/mitsubishi-u100-manual.pdf Manual] - [https://www.flickr.com/photos/iancole/39495051861/in/album-72157662287271457/ Pic of label]

= Serial Communication Specs = 
These specs come from the  [https://www.wilcom.com/en-us/gethelp/support/embroiderymachineconnection.aspx Wilcom Serial Support] page
*Protocol=Standard Serial
*Baud=9600, or 38400
*Data bits=8
*Stop bits=1
*Parity=None
*Handshaking=Embroidery Machine

=DST File Format Specs=
[http://www.achatina.de/sewing/main/TECHNICL.HTM DST File Format]