E M - 1   T r o u b l e   S h o o t i n g   G u i d e

To identify the type of machine, it has a black sewing head with one needle. The serial number will start with 881_ _ _ _ or 891_ _ _ _.

THE MACHINE WON'T COME ON. THE DISPLAY IS BLANK:

1. Check the power source. Make sure it is a working outlet.
2. Make sure it's plugged in.
3. Check to see if the fan is on at the back of the machine. If not, again check the above two items.
4. Check the Power Harness Connector in front of the Power Supply for a strong connection. It is located down inside the compartment under the Keyboard Assembly.

THE DISPLAY IS BLANK, AND THE FAN IS RUNNING:

1. Lift the Keyboard Cover to check to see if the Keyboard Ribbon Cable is connected to the bottom of the Keyboard PCB. Try adjusting the Intensity Adjustment at the right side of the Keyboard. The Keyboard Cover must be removed to see the Adjustment POT or Wheel on the PCB.
2. If none of the above fixes the problem, it is best to test the Logic Voltage at the CPU PCB under the back left cover opposite the Keyboard Cover. Remove the cover, and test the voltage at TP5 (+5V) & TP6 (GND) on the CPU with part number
3. 384993-01. The test points are located at the upper edge of the board, just right of center. Use a Digital Multi Meter to perform the test. Disconnect Computer Interface Cable before test & adjustment.
4. If the CPU- PCB has the part number 000493-01, the test points are located under the 4-RED & 1 Green LED's at the left side top of the board. There are 2 rows of GOLD PINS under the LED's. Use the first 2-pins of the second row of pins, starting on the left. The first pin is marked
5. GND, and the pin to the right of it is marked +5V. Do not cross the test leads from the meter when connecting them to the test pins on the board. It is best to use the solder connections on the back of the board for these pins to allow ease of testing. Note: The machine must be powered on for this procedure.
6. The voltage should be set at 5.00VDC to 5.03VDC. To tune the voltage have the Keyboard raised, and laying on it's face. Do Not Disconnect the Keyboard Ribbon Cable to perform the test. The adjustment Pot or Screw is on the left side of the Power Harness Connector down in front of the Power Supply. Use a small screwdriver similar to the one that is used to replace needles to make the adjustment. Turn the adjustment screw clockwise to adjust up to the required voltage (5.00VDC to 5.03VDC).
7. If there is little or no voltage showing on the Digital Volt Meter, it would be best to call your distributor for a replacement Power Supply. The part number is: 344379-01. The Technical manual has the information explaining how to replace the part. The part number for the manual is: 115075-02. See Pages: 6-16 to 6-17

THE KEYBOARD DISPLAY IS STILL BLANK:

1. If the Power Supply is replaced, and the Display is still blank, and the voltage test at the CPU reads correctly, replace the Keyboard PCB. The part number is: 384309-01. The Technical Manual has information explaining how to replace the Keyboard. The part number for the manual is: 115075-02 (pg. 6-15)
2. The Keyboard has been replaced, and the Display is still blank. Replace the CPU PCB. The part number is 384993-01. If the machine serial number starts with 881_ _ _
3. this CPU PCB must be used. If the serial number starts with 882_ _ _ _ then the above CPU can be used and also the upgrade CPU with the part number: 000493-01. Some of the 881_ _ _ _ serial number machines have been upgraded to use the newer CPU PCB when a chassis has been replaced. Check with your distributor to find out how to tell if the machine has been upgraded, as PCB availability may allow for the use of the newer CPU. One of the biggest reasons for this information is that, if another machine's spare parts kit has this CPU, it could be used to fix the older machine.
4. If the Display doesn't come on after replacing the Power Supply, Keyboard, or CPU Bd., call your distributor for a service call.

THE DISPLAY IS ON, BUT BY PRESSING ON THE KEYS NONE OF THE MENUS WILL CHANGE. THE ARROW KEYS WON'T RESPOND EITHER:

1. Try turning the machine off, and then on again.
2. If the Keyboard is still inoperable, use the information on the first three pages of this guide to try to determine the cause of the error.

THE PANTOGRAPH MOVES ON IT'S OWN, BUT ONLY FORWARD OR ONLY BACK. THE OTHER POSSIBILITY IS THAT IT MOVES ONLY LEFT OR ONLY RIGHT:

1. Replace the Keyboard PCB, as one of the keys may be sticking.

THE MACHINE WON'T STOP SEWING IF THE STOP KEY IS DEPRESSED OR FRAMES BACK ON IT'S OWN, AND WON'T STOP FRAMING BACK:

1. Turn the machine off and wait at least 15 seconds, and turn it on again. Use the Head Timing Menu to "Go to Head Up" when the machine powers up. Use the Power Fail Rescue Function in the HOME MENU to retain the design, and try to finish the design. If the machine still won't stop using the STOP Key or stop Framing Back, replace the Keyboard PCB.

THE MACHINE STARTS SEWING ON IT'S OWN:

1. If this has happened more than once replace the Keyboard PCB, as the START Key is probably engaged when it shouldn't be. Part # 384309-01
2. The Pantograph moves back and forth too fast or too slow. The X Carriage moves the hoop left & right too fast or too slow.
3. This is when the Arrow keys are used to move the pantograph when the machine is not sewing so alignment of the hoop can be changed.
4. Depress the FAST/SLOW Key to reset the pantograph jog speed so it moves slow or fast. This is not a fault of the Keyboard. It is a jog speed control for the pantograph not a sewing speed control.

THE MACHINE DISPLAY FLASHES "EPBIOS" & "UNIT NUMBER", AND THE MACHINE WON'T COME ON LINE:

1. Check the EDS system in the computer to see if the machine is still enabled.
2. If the machine is to come on line it must be enabled in EDS whether EDS2 or EDS3 is being used. If there is only one peripheral, enable a second one in peripheral menu to make sure EDS is scanning for peripherals. Use page 10-3 in the EDS2-manual, & page 11-2 in the EDS3-manual to see how to enable the machine(s).
3. Check the configuration of the machine. Use the information in the Operator's Manual (PN#114300-01). It begins on page 2-2 to re-configure the machine. If the machine type (EM1) or the Unit Number is incorrect, the machine won't even request a download to come on line.
4. Check the Interface Cable that connects the computer to the sewing peripheral for strong connection or if it is connected at all. This cable may be damaged. The part numbers for the various lengths vary. Call your distributor for information.
5. If the machine still won't come on line, call your distributor. The CPU Bd. in the sewing peripheral may be at fault. The other possibility is that if the EDS version the computer is using is EDS2, the Network Bd. may be damaged. If the EDS3 software is being used, it may be improperly configured. COM 2 should be disabled in the software. This is usually done when EDS3 is loaded prior to operating EDS3.

THE PANTAGRAPH WON'T MOVE AT ALL WHEN SETTING HOME:

1. Test the Logic Voltage as explained on pages 1 & 2 of this guide first.
2. If the Logic Voltage tests correctly, try configuring the machine again using the Operator's Manual on pages 2-2 through 2-3. Manual Part Number: 114300-01. Re-configuring the machine is a very good way of resetting the machine for most errors that are out of the norm.
3. The 24 volt source may be dead in the Power Supply. To test, use a Digital Volt Meter. Use test points TP2 & TP3 on the CPU PCB with the part number 384993-01. Use the test points P-1 & P2, (Top row of Gold Pins under LED's), on the CPU PCB with part number 000493-01.
4. If the voltage is not present or very low, replace the Power Supply (344379-01) or possibly the X/Y Amp PCB (384312-01). See the Technical Manual for replacement instructions. pp. 6-13 through 6-16
5. One or both of the motors could be damaged. Power the machine down, and remove the Electronics Cover. See page
6. 6-5 in the Technical Manual to find this cover. There are 4 red LED's & 1 Green LED in the upper left corner of the CPU PCB. Push the pantagraph towards the back and front (Y AXIS) of the machine slowly, and observe the 2 middle red LED's of the 4 to see if they light at all. Try pushing the X Carriage (Hoop Holder - X AXIS) left & right slowly to see if the same 2 LED's light at all. If they do, the motors, and wiring should be undamaged.
7. If the either of the motors fail to light the 2 middle red LED's, call your distributor for more information to determine what parts are needed. A service call may be required. The part numbers for the motors are (X Motor 000589-01) & (Y Motor 334343-01).
8. It would also be a good idea to check the X & Y Axis Motor Wiring connections.
9. The same procedures as stated on page 4 are to be used when both or only one Axis (X or Y) is not moving.
10. Use the same procedures as mentioned to test the bad motor(s).

SELECTING A HOOP SIZE:

The machine errors when doing so.

1. If "Machine Running" or "Run Job Error" shows when trying to select a hoop size, push the MENU Key until "RESET MENU" shows. Push ENTER, and "System Reset" will show. Push ENTER again to reset the machine. Push the MENU Key until reaching the Design Menu, and set up the design again.

EITHER THE X OR Y AXIS OR BOTH WON'T MOVE:

1. Use the same instructions starting on this page, and on page 4 to troubleshoot this error.

THE PANTOGRAPH UNLOCKS MID-SEWOUT:

1. Check to see if the garment has caught on any part of the machine. This will cause a Stoppage, as any hesitation in the X or Y Axis movements will cause the Pantograph or X Carriage to unlock as if the motor is turned off. It is built into the software to do so to protect the operator, and the machine from further harm or damage.
2. If the garment has gotten caught in the chassis or there is a Bird's Nest of thread under the Needle Plate, push the Stop button. If it won't stop sewing, turn the machine off. Wait 15 seconds, and power it back up again. Try a POWER FAIL RESCUE to see if you can recover the design.
3. If the error continues, and there are no apparent reasons for the stoppage in the pantograph movement, turn the machine off. Remove the Keyboard Cover, and check the Y Motor wiring connections as seen in the Technical manual on page (6-18).
4. Remove the Left Side End Cap as seen on page (6-5). Check all wiring connections at the X Interface directly under the Y Pantograph support. Check all wire connections for tightness, and also see if any are damaged. Check especially the flat cable (X Flex Cable PN# 004760-01). This cable transfers all power to the X Motor under the small cover at the left side of the Black Pantograph Bar through the X Interface PCB. If the X Axis, (left & right movement-Hoop Holder), is the only direction that won't move, replace the X Flex Cable first. If the Y Axis, (Back & Forth movement-Pantograph), is the direction that doesn't move, replace the Y Motor (PN# 334343-01).

DESIGN LOSES REGISTRATION MID-SEWOUT OR JUST SEWS ERRATICALLY.

1. Use all possible fixes listed on pages 4 & 5 of this guide. Especially try the Re-configuration in the Operator's Manual (PN# 114300-01), on pages 2-2 through 2-3 first.

X AND OR Y RACK NOT DONE:

This is the speed difference, mechanically or electronically, of the X or Y Axis that is not in accordance with that of the design information.

1. Oil the pantograph according to the information in the Operator's Manual on pages 3-12 through 3-16 first if it hasn't been done yet or lately.
2. Try a Re-configuration as outlined on pages 2-2 through 2-3 in the Operator's Manual.
3. Check all X & Y Motor wiring connections as suggested above on section #4 of this page. Look under the right end of the pantograph where the 3 oil holes are to see if the grounding nut is tight or there at all. Make sure the X & Y axis move easily when the machine is powered off. If not check both Motors, and all pulleys for free movement. The X Motor is under the small black cover on the left of the black Pantograph Bar. The Y Motor is under the Keyboard of the machine as seen on page 6-18 of the Technical Manual.
4. Test the Logic Voltage as suggested on pages 1 & 2 of this guide.
5. If the error seems to be just the X Axis (Left & Right- Hoop Holder Movement), replace the X Flex Cable (PN# 004760-01), and the X Motor next.
6. The next step would be to call your distributor for a service call.

RACK LIMIT ERROR:

The hoop has moved to close to either it's X or Y Axis limit.

1. Make sure the hoop size is selected in the Home Menu before starting the design.
2. Make sure the Trace function is used to avoid this error.

Z TIME OUT ERROR

This error means that there is a stoppage of the Z Axis movement. This means that the Take Up Lever stopped moving up & down, and the Needle bar has stopped moving up & down, and the Hook has stopped rotating. They are all part of the same movement.

1. Check the hook to see if there is any thread in or behind the Hook Assembly. If so, remove it. When the thread is removed, use the Head Timing Menu. Press Enter once when reaching the menu, and press ALT & UP ARROW simultaneously to "Go To Head Up".
2. If the error continues, remove the Retaining Finger as seen on page 3-26 of the Operator's Manual (PN# 114300-01). Remove the Bobbin Case, and try to rotate the spindle on the inside of the hook assembly. It should rotate independently of the hook assembly if the hook isn't bound by thread or a broken needle tip.
3. If the hook is bound, remove the hook from the sewing peripheral by loosening the 3 larger slotted (flat head) screws at the back of the hook assembly. See page 3-26 in the Operator's manual to find the screws. If the inner basket of the hook won't rotate by trying to turn the spindle inside, remove the curved bar on the outside of the hook. It is held on by 3 very small screws. Try to remove any thread or needle tip that may have been hidden by this bar. If the hook is still bound, replace the hook with a new one (PN# 341992-05).
4. The inner basket rotates when the Restraining Finger is removed, but the Z Time-Out Error persists. Remove the needle from the needle bar that is currently indexed. Turn the peripheral off. Remove the black cover with a red marked oil hole at each end of it.
5. This cover is on top of the sewing head behind the Thread Spool Platform. Once removed, try rotating the toothed pulley with the black rubber belt counter-clockwise to see if the Needle Bar can be raised and lowered easily.
6. If the pulley can't be rotated, remove the black cover on the face of the Sewing Head. Loosen the 2 screws to the Jump Stitch Mechanism that are used in the adjustment of the Needle Depth. Try to move the Needle bar up and down. If it moves, try rotating the pulley at the back of the sewing head again. If it still won't move try oiling all of the sewing head oil ports. Let the oil soak in for an hour. Try rotating the pulley again. If it still won't rotate, call your distributor.
7. If the pulley rotates easily through 360 degrees, do so until the Take Up Lever is even with the top Thread Tensioner. The needle will be up. Turn the machine back on. Go to the Head Timing Menu, and push ENTER. Push the ALT & UP ARROW simultaneously. The needle bar should be all of the way up, and the display should read "Go To Head Up". If the error "Z Time Out Error" still shows call your distributor as the machine may have a bad Z Encoder or Z Motor. These parts should be installed by a trained technician.

NOT AT HEAD UP ERROR:

The Z Encoder has detected that Z Drive shaft isn't in position to be at Head Up. A Take UP Lever, Needle Bar or the Hook may not be in the correct position for this to happen. All three positions have to be correct for the Z Axis to be at the head up position.

1. Use the Z Time Out Error information to try to detect the cause for this error.

MISSED HEAD UP ERROR:

1. Use the Z Time Out Error Information to try to detect cause for this error.

THE SEWING QUALITY OF THE DESIGN IS JAGGED AROUND COLUMNS, AND SOME TIMES OBJECTS ARE MALFORMED-FORMED. THE COLUMNS OR OBJECTS DON'T MEET THE FILLS OR OTHER OBJECTS IN THE DESIGN:

1. Check the hooping of the garment first. It may be too loose in the hoop. The material may be to elastic to hoop tightly, so make sure that there is enough backing being used. KK100 adhesive spray can keep the garment in place with the backing, and make it more stable.
2. Oil the pantograph at regular intervals to keep the assembly moving smoothly. See the Operator's Manual (PN# 114300-01) on pages 3-12 through 3-16 for information.
3. Check all of the X & Y Axis belts to see if they are torn or breaking. If any of the belts are, refer to the EMC6 Illustrated Part Manual (PN# 110011-02) to find the part number for the damaged belt. Call your distributor's Part's Department to replace the belt. Note: The Belt Tension Meter is needed to test the tension of the new belt(s). (PN#992165-01).
4. The X or Y belt tension may be too loose. Call your distributor if this is suspected.
5. The X Carriage or Hoop Holder Assembly may have too much play in it's rollers. Remove the slide in Table Top, and look under the Black Pantograph Bar. Hold onto the 4 corners of the X Carriage, and push towards the front, and back of the machine to see if there is any play in these directions. Refer to (Doc# 110178-01 Rev A) to see how to re-adjust the rollers.
6. Check the 2 Hoop Holder Pins on the X Carriage to see if either is loose in the plate they are mounted on. If either of them are, call your distributor as the X Carriage will have to be replaced. If either of the pins is bent to one side the X carriage will need to be replaced.
7. Check the metal hoop bracket on the hoop that is being used, as the slots that fit the pins may be worn. The bracket may be loosely mounted on the wooden part of the hoop. Try another hoop to verify a bad hoop bracket. Make sure the wooden part of the hoop isn't cracked either. Call your distributor for replacement hoops.
8. If the Full- Height Jacket -Back Hoop is being used, don't have the sewing speed set at 650 as this hoop flexes due to the weight of the hoop verses the Hoop Bracket, and the strength of the pantograph. Sewing at a slower speed can make all of the difference.
9. The pantograph may have bad bearings. If this suspected, call your distributor.
10. Make sure that the thread tension in between the Tensioners, and the Bobbin Case aren't too tight.

NO JUMP STITCH:

There are running stitches in between letters or objects in the design. The machine sews back to origin with running stitches at the end of a design, instead of one long stitch. The needle stays down at the end of a design. There is a crease down the center of large letters instead of a nice smooth column.

1. The Jump Stitch Solenoid and or the Color Change PCB are damaged.
2. Turn the machine off. Remove the Black cover with the 2 red marked oil holes. The cover is behind the Thread Spool Platform.
3. Pull the white connector out from the inside of the sewing head.
4. Disconnect the connector.
5. A Digital Volt Meter will be needed to test the resistance of the Jump Stitch Solenoid at the connector.
6. The connector will have 2 white wires, and black insulation around them. Test the across the 2 white wire connectors.
7. The meter should read 31 ohms if the solenoid is good. If it reads near 0, call your distributor to order a Jump Stitch Solenoid (PN# 340484-31), and a Color Change PCB (PN# 001309-01)Order the solenoid with 2 gold female connectors as this solenoid is used for several types of machines.
8. If the resistance tests at 31 ohms, call to replace just the Color Change PCB. To test the Jump Stitch, just sew a 5 inch Block- I. The vertical column should be smooth with no creases down the center of the column.

THE MACHINE SEWS 2 STITCHES AND COLOR CHANGES. THIS KEEPS HAPPENING FROM NEEDLE TO NEEDLE:

1. Refer to pages 1 & 2 concerning the testing & tuning of the Logic Voltage. It should be set at 5.00 to 5.03Volts DC. If the tuning isn't possible or the error persists, call your distributor to replace the Power Supply (PN# 344379-01)

THREAD BREAKS:

1. Check the Needle Depth & Hook Timing first. See the Operator's Manual on pages 3-17 through 3-31, for information on how to check & adjust the two settings.
2. Replace the current needle as the tip will flatten out after normal use. Sometimes there are burrs that form in the eye of the needle due to extended use. Try to replace it on a regular basis. Try once a week , if sewing eight hours a day.
3. If the cone of thread that is being used is old or has been sitting on the shelf for a long time it will be dry and brittle. If the cone must be used, try spraying it with a pure silicone spray. The thread may however still break. Replace the cone.
4. Check the threading of the cone all of the way to the eye of the needle, and presser foot to make sure the thread is inside of all thread guides.
5. Check all thread guides for burrs or scratches. Use a piece of thread to rub around inside of the thread guides to see if it catches on anything such as a burr. Try using some emery cloth to smooth out burrs. If the burrs are too deep, replace the thread guide.
6. Check the Hook Assembly for burrs, and smooth it out if possible or replace it. Call your distributor for the part.
7. Check the Hook Support (Restraining Finger), for burrs. Try smoothing them out with emery paper. If burrs are too deep replace the part. Make sure it is positioned correctly. See page 3-26 in the Operator's Manual.
8. Make sure the hook assembly is clean of excess thread and fuzz.
9. Oil the hook every 4 actual hours of sewing. See page 3-11 of the Operator's Manual.
10. Check thread tensions to make sure they aren't too tight. If the tensioner wheel moves in a jerky movement, loosen the knob, and check the threading. Replace the felt pads under, and on top of the tensioner wheel (PN# 342003-61).
11. Check the Presser Foot Height. The Bottom ring of the Presser Foot should be touching the cloth. If the Presser Foot is hitting too hard, remove the Sewing Head Face Plate. See (PRI#---------) to see how to adjust the Presser Foot Height. This PRI also shows how to replace a Needle Bar or Presser Foot.
12. Check the Needle Plate Hole for burrs on top, and underneath the hole.
13. Check the Needle Plate Hole centering. Make sure that the needle passes through the center the hole using a new needle.
14. Needle breaks and Bird Nesting can cause the Hook Timing to be off. Check the Hook Timing. If it needs adjustment see pages 3-17 through 3-31 in the Operator's Manual.
15. Hitting a hoop may cause the Needle Depth to be incorrect. Make sure that 1/2 to 3/4 of the eye of the needle shows inside of the hook. It isn't recommended to use the Needle Gauge that was first supplied with the machine.
16. IMPORTANT: If sewing small lettering size .50 down to .25 in height, make sure the density isn't too high. The default in EDS is 4.2. This is 60 stitches per inch. At this density, there would be at least 3 needle strikes in the same hole in order to accommodate the 4.2 density.
17. If a design is dense in stitches the same error may happen. This happens especially if the operator has reduced a design in size.
18. If the design is an Expanded Design, the stitch density can't be reduced. See your EDS Manual for information about
19. design density. Try slowing the sewing speed down to 500 or 550 to see if the design can be sewn. It may be a good idea anyway to slow the sewing speed down, due to the intricacy of the design.
20. The size of the eye of the needle can make a difference also. If the thread is breaking too often, try using a larger eyed needle. For instance: If a 70/10 size needle is being used, switch to a 75/11 or 80/12 to accommodate the thread, and the density of the design.
21. Make sure thread tensions aren't too tight. Check the Front six tensioners, and the Bobbin Case. If the Bobbin Tension keeps varying, it can cause sewing quality and thread break problems. Replace the Bobbin Case. See the Parts Manual for the part number, and call your distributor for a replacement Bobbin Case.
22. Use adequate backing . An Inadequate amount of backing may allow part of the garment to be pulled down into the Needle Plate Hole, and cause a thread break. For instance: Don't use one piece of Tear Away backing to sew a Sweat Shirt. Use at least 2 pieces of Cut Away Backing so the cloth will be more stable.
23. Check the threading of the tensioner. Check the Take up spring to see if it's broken. Call distributor if it persists.

LOOPING & BIRD NESTING:

1. Looping can be caused by thread tensions that are too loose. This can be caused by the Main Tensioners (Front Six), and by the Bobbin Case. Looping can be on top or underneath the garment. Try turning the front six tensioner knobs 1 or 2 turns at a time to see if the problem will go away.
2. The looping may vary as are result of the knobs being too loose on the threaded tensioner post. If the knob moves too easily. remove the knob by unscrewing it. Spread the threaded post slightly with a large slotted screwdriver. This causes the threads of the post to better match the threads of the tensioner knob so they don't move so easily. If the problem persists call your distributor.
3. If the Bobbin Tension changes too often, or won't tighten, replace it. Call your distributor to order one.
4. The density of the design may affect this error also. If the design density is too tight, the needle and thread will have a hard time fitting through the hole the needle has to make. See your EDS Manual for information on Design Density. The density when sewing lettering can affect this error. If sewing small lettering, the 4.2 default is too high for lettering ranging from .50 down to .25 letter height. The 4.2 density is 60 stitches per inch. If using a Premier Keyboard for the controller, see pages 3-2 & 3-3 of the Premier Manual.
5. The size of the eye of the needle can affect this problem. If the density of the design is high or the cloth is to elastic, change up to a larger eyed needle. For instance: If the needle currently being used is a 70/10 size needle, switch to a 75/11 or even a 80/12 size needle. This larger eyed needle will allow for smoother passage of the thread through the eye of the needle. Most thread being used is 40 gauge. If 30 gauge thread is being used, a larger eyed needle is required. Try an 80/12 size needle. When Metallic thread is being used, at least a 80/12 size needle should. If your garment permits, it is recommended to use a 90/14 size needle.
6. Make sure the Hook Support (Restraining Finger) isn't to close to the back of the indentation in the Hook Assembly. There should be some space in between the front of the tab on the finger and the back of the indentation. See pages 3-27 & 3-31 of the Operator's Manual for information about the placement.

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