Instruction Book MB-4
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS The machine is not intended for use by children or mentally infirm persons without proper supervision. This machine is designed and manufactured for household use. When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the followings: Read all instructions before using this machine. DANGER To reduce the risk of electric shock: 1. The machine should never be left unattended when plugged in.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS This product must be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
TABLE OF CONTENTS SECTION 1. SETTING UP THE MACHINE Installing the Machine ............................................... 2 Adjusting the feet ................................................. 3 Removing the Head Stoppers ................................... 3 Names of Parts ......................................................... 5 Sub control panel ................................................. 6 RCS unit (optional item) ....................................... 6 Standard accessories ..................
SECTION 1. SETTING UP THE MACHINE Installing the Machine Place the machine on a flat and stable surface such as a sturdy table that could withstand the machine’s weight and vibration. Place the machine on the flat and level surface. Make sure that all the feet firmly contact the surface. Provide a sufficient space around the machine to allow the hoop to move freely. q 8.
Adjusting the feet Turn the adjusting screw counterclockwise (in the direction of A) as much as possible, before placing the machine on a surface. q Adjusting screw Place the machine on a flat and level surface. Turn the adjustable foot so the four feet firmly contact the surface. w Adjustable foot e Foot e Turn the adjusting screw clockwise (in the direction B) until it contacts the surface. q NOTE: Make sure that the machine sits on the surface without shaking.
Do not use the machine near appliances that radiate electromagnetic noise such as a microwave oven, or do not plug in the machine to the same branch circuit where such appliances are connected. Do not use or store the machine near a heat radiator or in a place with dust or high humidity. Do not expose the machine to direct sunlight or open air. When transporting the machine, be sure it is lifted by two persons.
Names of Parts q !1 w !2 e !0 q w e r t y u i o !0 !1 !2 Thread guide bar Pre-tension control Tension control Check spring Hoop supporter Needle plate Hook cover Start/Stop button Auto thread cutter button Sub control panel Spool pins Spool stand !3 !4 !5 !6 !7 !8 !9 @0 @1 @2 Machine socket Power switch Bobbin winder button Bobbin winder stopper Bobbin winder spindle Bobbin thread cutter Bobbin winder thread guide RCS connector socket USB port Handwheel r t o y i u !9 !8 !7 @2 !6 !5 !4 !3 @0
Sub control panel y q w e r t y t q w Mode button Trace button Arrow button Enter buttons LCD brightness adjusting dial LCD display r e RCS unit (optional item) q w e r t y u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 !4 q RCS unit Start/Stop button Auto thread cutter button Trace button Jog buttons Carriage return button Stitch back button Stitch forward button Bobbin winder button Bobbin winder indicator Card slot Card ejector button USB port LCD touch panel !4 CAUTION: !1 !0 !2 !3 w e r t yui o 6 Do not press the L
Standard Accessories q w e r t q w e r t y u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 y Needle (DB x K5Q1-NY) Scissors Bobbins Lint brush Seam ripper Handy needle threader Spool caps Spool net Screwdriver Screwdriver (small) Oiler Offset screwdriver Tweezers Screwdriver (large) Accessory box u i o !0 !1 !2 Optional RCS unit !3 !4 !5 7
q Standard Accessories w q w e r t y u i o !0 !1 !2 !3 !4 !5 !6 r e t y u i o !0 !1 !3 !2 !4 !5 !6 8 Instruction book Instructional movie CD-ROM Power supply cable USB cable Hoop M1 (MB Hoop 240 X 200) Hoop M2 (MB Hoop 126 X 110) Hoop M3 (MB Hoop 50 X 50) Hoop supporter Felt ring (large) Felt ring (small) Spool rest Thread guide bar Spool pin Thred guide pole Spool stand Setscrew
Assembling the Spool Stand z Insert the thread guide poles into the sleeve of the spool stand. Secure the poles with setscrews (A) from the bottom. Insert the spool pins into the spool stand. q Thread guide poles w Setscrews (A) e Spool stand r Spool pin z q r e w x y x Attach the thread guide bar to the thread guide poles with the setscrews (B). t Thread guide bar y Setscrews (B) t q c Attach the assembled spool stand to the machine with the 3 setscrews (C).
Setting the Thread Cones or Spools of Thread q Use the 4 spool pins in the front row for sewing, and second row spool pins are for the standby spools. Use the rear most spool pin for bobbin winding. r w e Felt rings of two sizes are provided to accommodate various types of spools of thread and thread cones. Use the large felt rings for large thread cones. For small thread cones or spools of thread, insert the small felt rings into the large rings.
Installing the Hoop Supporter z z Loosen the two thumbscrews on the hoop supporter. q Hoop supporter w Thumbscrew w q x e x Turn the power switch on to move the carriage to the center. Hold the hoop supporter with both hands and place it under the carriage plate by inserting the necks of both thumbscrews into the slots in the carriage plate. e Slot in the carriage plate w c w c Tighten the thumbscrews with the screwdriver to secure the hoop supporter.
Installing the RCS Unit (optional item) z x z Loosen the thumbscrew and open the mounting arm. q Thumbscrew w Mounting arm r q x Loosen the screw knob A and set the RCS unit on the mounting arm by hooking the RCS unit on the pins. Tighten the screw knob A to secure the RCS unit. Adjust the angle of the mounting arm as desired and tighten the thumbscrew.
Connecting the Power Supply CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before connecting the machine to the power supply. z Turn the power switch off. q Power switch x Insert the machine plug into the machine socket. w Machine plug e Machine socket q t x z r c e c Insert the power supply plug into the properly grounded outlet. r Power supply plug t Wall outlet (grounded) w v Turn the power switch on. v Grounding Instructions: This machine is equipped with a grounding cable and plug.
Direct PC-Link The MB-4 can be connected to the PC with the USB cable included as standard accessory. You need Digitizer MB for multi-needle software (optional item) to operate the machine via direct PC-link. Connecting the Machine and PC Start up the MB-4 and PC, and insert the type A USB connector in to the PC. Insert the type B USB connector into the USB port on the machine.
Bobbin Threads Cotton or spun rayon threads sizes 80 to 120 (74 to 100 dtex/2) are recommended for bobbin thread. Do not use poor quality prewound bobbins. Needles Use the DB x K5Q1-NY, size 11 needles (Janome part number 770811000). Stabilizers To obtain the best quality embroidery, it is important to use stabilizers. Types of stabilizer Tear-away stabilizer: Use tear-away stabilizers for stable woven fabrics. Iron-on stabilizer: Fuse it to the wrong side of the fabrics with an iron.
Winding the Bobbin z x z Place the thread cone (spool of thread) on the rear most spool pin. Pass the thread through the thread guide A. q Thread guide A q w x Pass the thread through the upper hole and lower hole in the thread guide B. w Thread guide B e c c Draw the thread to the front. Hold the thread with both hands and pass the thread firmly around and under the tension disk. e Tension disk t v r v Pass the thread through the hole in the bobbin from the inside.
Removing the bobbin case q z CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before removing the bobbin case. z Open the hook cover toward you. q Hook cover x Hold and open the latch of the bobbin case. Take the bobbin case out from the machine. x w Latch w Inserting the bobbin z Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case leaving a 2” (5 cm) thread tail as illustrated. q Bobbin w Bobbin case z q w x x Draw the thread to slip it into the slit of the bobbin case.
Inserting the bobbin case Hold the bobbin case with the latch and insert the bobbin case into the hook, aligning the rib with the notch. Push the bobbin case as far as it will go and release the latch. q Latch w Rib e Notch e q w r Close the hook cover.
Threading the Needle The threading path of all needles is similar. Review the threading procedure of the first needle when threading other needles. q w Threading needle No.1 z Place a thread cone on the front right spool pin. Draw the thread up and pass it through the right hole in the thread guide bar from behind. Slip the thread under the tension leaf. q Hole in the thread guide bar w Tension leaf z u x x Draw the thread to the right pre-tension control.
b Draw the thread down and pass it through the right hole in the guide plate. q Right hole in the guide plate n Pass the thread through the eye of the right check spring. w Eye of the check spring , r m Pull the thread up and pass it through the second hole from the right. e Second hole from the right t e , Continue to pull the thread up to the right take-up lever. Pass the thread through the eye of the takeup lever. r Take-up lever q b .
Threading the needle with the needle threader z z Hold the needle threader with a triangle mark facing up. Insert the thread into the Y-notch of the threader from the right. q Triangle mark w Y-notch q w e x x Slide the threader down along the needle while pushing it gently until the threader pin goes into the needle eye. Place the V-notch over the needle just above the needle eye. e V-notch c c Push the threader until the threader pin comes out through the needle eye with a loop of thread.
Setting the Fabric in the Embroidery Hoop z z Attach stabilizer to the wrong side of the fabric. Mark the centerlines for pattern placement on the right side of the fabric. q Fabric w Centerlines e Stabilizer q e w x x Place the inner hoop with the template on the fabric. Make sure that the arrow marks on the hoop and template are facing away from you. Align the centerlines on the fabric and template.
Setting the Embroidery Hoop Hold the setting plate with both hands and insert them under the holder clips. Slide the hoop on the hoop supporter until the holes catch the positioning pins on the hoop supporter. q Setting plate w Holder clip e Hole in the setting plate r Positioning pin q t q w NOTES: Do not set the hoop front-side back or upside down. The arrow mark on the inner hoop should face away from you. t Arrow mark e r Be careful not to pinch the fabric edge under the hoop supporter.
SECTION 2. BASIC OPERATION Basic Operation with the Sub Control Panel Machine operating buttons q Start/Stop button Press this button to start or stop the machine. The button glows red when the machine is stitching, and green, when the machine has stopped. w w Auto thread cutter button Press this button to trim the threads. e e Bobbin winding button Press this button to wind the bobbin. q Use the sub control panel to operate the machine without the RCS unit.
LCD screen q z When turning the power on, the LCD screen will show [W:00]. Press the ENTER button and the hoop will move to the home position. q LCD screen w ENTER button W: 00 w NOTE: If the LCD screen shows [E:03], press the ENTER button to initialize the needle bar position. After initializing, the LCD screen will show [W:00]. x The LCD screen will show [W:01].
Machine Settings Press the MODE button to select the item you wish to change the setting. The selected item will blink. Press the MODE button to select the next item or press the ENTER button to change the setting of the selected item. q MODE button w ENTER button M1 00001 01/13 1 q w Stitch count setting You can set the stitch count to where you wish to start sewing. Press the MODE button to select the stitch count setting and press the ENTER button.
Starting to Embroider z z Select the pattern you wish to sew. The LCD screen shows the Ready to sew mode display. M1 00001 01/13 1 NOTE: The embroidery result may vary depending on the fabric and threads used. Make a test embroidery using the same fabric and threads before sewing on the actual garment. w x e x Press the ENTER button to check the thread color assigned to each needle bar. The screen will show the needle bar number and color code.
b Press the START/STOP button, the LCD screen will show the reminder asking you to confirm the hoop type to be used. y START/STOP button u Reminder display y b NOTE: If you press the START/STOP button when the tension release lever is in the open position, a warning sign [W:03] will appear. Pull the tension release lever up to close the tension disk. u H:M1 ? Check the hoop size and press the START/ STOP button again to sew a few stitches. n Press the START/STOP button to stop the machine.
Removing the Hoop z z Hold the setting plates with both hands and lift the front side of the setting plates to release them from the positioning pins. Slide the hoop toward you and remove it from the machine. q Setting plate w Positioning pin q q w x Loosen the hoop tightening screw. e Hoop tightening screw x e c Remove the inner hoop and the fabric. r Inner hoop c r NOTE: Before you turn the machine off, make sure to bring the needle bar to up position by pressing the Auto thread cutter button.
Adjusting the Thread Tension w Adjusting the needle thread tension Adjust the needle thread tension by turning the tension dial so that a small amount of the needle thread shows on the wrong side of the fabric. q Tension dial q NOTE: If the thread kinks while stitching, turn the pre-tension dial clockwise slightly to eliminate kinks. w Pre-tension dial Tension is too tight If the needle thread tension is too tight, the bobbin thread shows on the right side of the fabric.
Replacing the Needle WARNING: Always make sure to turn the power off before replacing the needle. q Checking the needle Check the needle regularly and replace it with new one if it is bent or dull. To check the straitness of the needle, place it onto something flat. The gap between the needle shaft and the flat surface should be consistent. q Gap CAUTION: Do not use the bent or blunt needle. The bent needle can cause it to break.
Basic Operation of the Optional RCS Unit Machine operating buttons q w e r t y u i q q Start/Stop button Press this button to start or stop the machine. The button glows red when the machine is stitching, and green, that the machine has stopped. w w Auto thread cutter button Press this button to trim the threads. e e Trace button Press this button to trace the outline of the embroidery pattern without stitching. r r Jog buttons Press these buttons to move the hoop for precise positioning.
Function keys o CAUTION: q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 w y Do not press the LCD touch panel with hard or sharp pointed objects like pencils, screwdrivers or the like. e r u i t q MENU key Press this key to assign mode selection to the circle keys. There are 4 modes available. • Built-in design selection • Monogramming • Editing • Disconnecting the RCS unit q w w File open key Press this key to open the embroidery data files saved in the various location.
On-screen Help Movie 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Press the help (?) key to open the help movie menu. You can view 6 help topics of essential operations. q Help key q w Select the help topic you wish to view by pressing the arrow keys and press the OK key. w Arrow keys e OK key ? Winding the bobbin 1 4 2 5 3 6 e r t Winding the bobbin y u i Press the circle key next to the playback icon to start the help movie. Press the circle key next to the stop icon to stop playing.
Disconnecting the RCS Unit q You can use the RCS unit to control two more MB-4s. After setting up the first unit of the MB-4, press the MENU key and press the circle key next to the RCS icon. q MENU key w Circle key (RCS) 88x90mm 21 min 1 / 5 Color w 1 / 8544 ST Ivoryy White 253 1 Press 1 Corresponding Function Button. 2 2 Bamboo 224 g 274 3 3 Tangerine g 203 4 4 Orange 1 5 Sienna 256 The confirmation dialog box will open. Press the OK key and the LCD touch panel turns off.
SECTION 3. ADVANCED OPERATION WITH THE OPTIONAL RCS UNIT Selecting the Embroidery Patterns When turning the power on, the LCD touch panel will show the opening window, then a warning message will appear after a few seconds. Keep hand clear. Garriage will now move to set position. q Press the OK key and the carriage will move to the home position. Keep your hands clear of the moving parts. q OK key The LCD touch panel will show a prompt asking you to resume the last settings or not.
Selecting the built-in designs A 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 There are 50 ready to sew embroidery designs categorized by hoop size. To view the designs on the next page, press the next page key. q Next page key w q Press the previous page key to go back to the previous page. w Previous page key A 13 14 17 18 15 A: The designs on pages 1/7 to 2/7 are those for the hoop M2 (MB Hoop 126 x 110). 2/7 16 B: The designs on pages 3/7 to 6/7 are those for the hoop M1 (MB Hoop 240 x 200).
Press the pattern selection key and the Ready to sew window will open. q Pattern selection key q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 The stitch image of the selected pattern and a list of the thread color assignment to each needle bar along with the sewing information are displayed on the screen.
Manual color assignment Thread colors are automatically assigned to the needle bar in the optimum order. However, you can change the color assignment manually. If a new pattern has a thread color that is same as one of the colors previously sewn, you may change the color assignment manually so you do not need to re-thread the needle bar which is already threaded with the color to be used in the new pattern.
Monogramming There are 3 pages of the monogramming window. Press the page key to show the next or previous page.
Function keys q Font selection Press the circle key next to font icon to open the font selection window. q Circle key (font selection) w Gothic Script Cheltenham Hollowblock Bauhaus Galant Typist Brush First Grade Jupiter 2 Letters 3 Letters Border Normal Sew Press the arrow keys to select the desired font or border patterns. The selected font will be indicated with a red arrow. Press the OK key to confirm your selection.
Entering the characters Example: “Jump” in Gothic font AB Select Gothic font. Press the desired alphabet key to enter characters. Enter upper case “J”. Press the circle key next to the letter case icon to switch to the lower case. q Circle key (letter case) AB q Enter lower case “u”, “m” and “p”. Press the OK key. w OK key AB w The Ready to sew window will open. ABC 59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST 1 1 Any Saving the monogram You may save the monogram as a data file.
Correcting the text w To delete a character: Press the arrow key to move the cursor under the character to delete. Press the circle key next to the delete icon. q Arrow keys w Cursor e Circle key (delete) q e To insert a character: Press the arrow key to move the cursor under the character next to the place to where you wish to insert a character. Enter the desired character. The character will be inserted before the cursor.
Placement of monogramming q You can select from one of the 3 placements for monogramming. ABC 59x22mm 4 min Press the circle key next to the placement icon to select the left justify, center justify or right justify alternately.
Multi-color monogramming z You can sew a multi-color monogramming by assigning different thread color to each character. ABC 59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST 1 1 q Any w x ABC 59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST 1 1 4/8 ABC 59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST 1 2 3 4 x Press the circle key next to the separation icon. w Circle key (separation) Any c 1 1 1 1 z Press the circle key next to the right arrow icon to show the alternate function key assignment.
Editing In the editing mode, you can modify and combine the embroidery patterns and monograms. z q x 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 z Press the circle key next to the editing icon. q Circle key (editing) x The editing window will open. Edit e w c c Press the MENU key and press the circle key next to the built-in icon to import the built-in patterns. w MENU key e Circle key (built-in) Edit Press Corresponding Function Button.
Editing Functions Selecting the hoop q Press the circle key next to the hoop icon. q Circle key (hoop) Edit The function key assignment will change to the hoop selection. Press the circle key next to the icon of the desired hoop to select. Press the circle key next to the return icon and the editing screen will change to the selected hoop size. w Circle key (hoop type) e Circle key (return) w Edit M1 To select the optional Tajima hoops, press the circle key next to the right arrow icon.
Rotating the pattern Press the circle key next to the rotate icon and the function key assignment will change to rotation. q Circle key (rotate) Edit q Press the circle key next to the rotate clockwise icon to rotate the pattern 1 degree clockwise. w Circle key (rotate CW 1 deg.) Press the circle key next to the rotate counterclockwise icon to rotate the pattern 1 degree counterclockwise. e Circle key (rotate CCW 1 deg.) Press the circle key next to the rotate clockwise 90 deg.
Press the circle key next to the right arrow icon to show the alternate function key assignment. q Circle key (right arrow) Edit q Press the circle key next to the left arrow icon to go back to the previous function key assignment. w Circle key (left arrow) Edit w Duplicating the pattern q Press the circle key next to the copy icon to duplicate the pattern. q Circle key (duplicate) NOTE: The original pattern will be superimposed with a copy. Move the copy to show the original pattern.
Monogramming in an arc z x You can make a monogramming in an upper or lower arc. q z Enter the characters in the editing mode. Press the circle key next to the arc icon. q Circle key (arc) w x The alternate function key assignment will appear. Press the circle key next to the lower arc icon to make a lower arc. w Circle key (lower arc) c c Press the circle key next to the upper arc icon to e make a upper arc.
Customizing the color setting z The background color of the editing screen and section color of the pattern image can be changed to simulate the actual colors of the fabric and threads. q z Press the circle key next to the color icon and the color palette window will open. q Circle key (color) x c x Press the circle key next to the screen/section icon to select the colors of the screen or pattern.
Combining the Patterns and Lettering q z z Press the MENU key. q MENU key Edit e x x Press the circle key next to the built-in pattern icon. w Circle key (built-in) e OK key Edit Press Corresponding Function Button. w c v 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 c The pattern selection window will open. Select pattern #7. Edit v The editing window will open and the stitch image of the selected pattern will appear.
, Move the flipped pattern to the left bottom corner of the editing screen by using the arrow keys or by dragging it with your fingertip. i Arrow keys i , Edit . Edit ⁄0 . Make a duplicate of the pattern and flip it vertically. Move the flipped pattern to the top left corner of the editing screen. Make a duplicate and flip it horizontally. Move the pattern to the right top corner of the editing screen. ⁄0 Press the MENU key. Press the circle key next to the monogram icon.
⁄3 ⁄3 Press the circle key next to the arc icon. !1 Circle key (arc) Edit !1 !2 ⁄4 ⁄4 Press the circle key next to the lower arc icon to make a lower arc. Press the circle key next to the outward arrow to make the arc larger. !2 Circle key (lower arc) !3 Circle key (outward arrow) Press the OK key !4 OK key Edit !3 !4 ⁄5 240x200mm ⁄5 The ready to sew window will open and the combined pattern image will appear.
Starting to Embroider z Select the pattern you wish to sew. The LCD touch panel shows the Ready to sew window. z 88x90mm NOTE: The embroidery result may vary depending on the fabric and threads used. Make a test embroidery using the same fabric and threads before sewing on the actual garment. 4/8 21 min 1 / 5 Color 1 / 8544 ST 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 Ivory White 253 Bamboo 224 Tangerine 274 Orange 203 Sienna 256 Adjust the hoop position by pressing the jog buttons if necessary.
v Press the START/STOP button, the LCD screen will show the reminder asking you to confirm the hoop type to be used. e START/STOP button r Reminder message v 88x90mm 4/8 21 min 1 / 5 Color 1 / 8544 ST 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 Ivory White 253 Bamboo 224 Tangerine 274 Orange 203 Sienna 256 NOTE: If you press the START/STOP button when the tension release lever is in the open position, a warning message will appear. Pull the tension release lever up to close the tension disk. e r Machine starts to Run.
Customizing the Setting with the Sub Control Panel Press the MODE button until the LCD screen shows MB-4 OP blinking. Press the ENTER button to start the My setting mode. q MODE button w Enter button MB-4 OP q w 01 02 03 [01] Buzzer sound control Press the right or left arrow button to adjust loudness of the buzzer. To mute the buzzer, set the value to [ 0]. Press the ENTER button to register the new setting or press the upward arrow button to go to the next setting.
04 05 06 07 NO NO 600 1 [04] Formatting the memory If the internal memory does not function due to damage to the memory bank, you need to re-enable it by formatting the memory. Press the right arrow button to indicate [YES]. Press the ENTER button to format the memory. If you do not wish to format, press the left arrow button to change the indication to [NO]. Press the ENTER button to register the new setting or press the upward arrow button to go to the next setting.
08 [08] Reminder message ON/OFF When you press the START/STOP button, a reminder message will appear on the LCD screen. However, you can turn off the reminder. ON Press the right arrow button to indicate [OFF] to turn off the reminder. Press the ENTER button to register the new setting or press the upward arrow button to go to the next setting. 09 [09] Ignoring short stitches Very short stitches may cause the thread to break. To avoid this problem, turn on the ignoring short stitches function.
12 ON [12] Jump thread trimming ON/OFF If you wish to trim jump threads automatically, press the fright arrow button to indicate [ON]. Press the left arrow button to disable the jump thread trimming. Press the ENTER button to register the new setting or press the upward arrow button to go to the next setting. 13 3 [13] Jump thread trimming threshold You can adjust number of jumps, which triggers the jump thread trimming.
Customizing the Settings with the Optional RCS Unit q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Press the SET key and the setting mode window will open. q SET key There are 8 pages of display including the language selection in the setting mode. To display the next page, press the next page key. Press the previous page key to go back to the previous page. w Next page key e Previous page key t r e The machine settings and LCD screen display can be customized with the RCS unit.
v Eco mode setting The sewing lights will turn off, and the LCD screen go dark if you have not used the machine for a while. Touching the screen will turn on the sewing lights and screen. The Eco mode timer can be set from 1 to 30 minutes by pressing the circle key next to the “+” or “–“ sign. q Circle keys (+, –) q v Eco Mode Screen Saver Touch Screen Calibration Machine Info 1 b To turn off the Eco mode, press the circle key next to the “+” sign until “OFF” is displayed in the box.
m Machine ID and name When connecting two or three units of the MB-4 to the PC at the same time, you need to assign the identification number and name to each machine. Press the circle key next to Rename and the keyboard window will open. q m Rename Eco Mode Screen Saver Touch Screen Calibration Machine Info first machine 1 e w Enter the identification number. Only 1 to 3 can be entered. To delete the number, press the circle key next to the delete icon.
w , 3 , Formatting the memory If the internal memory or media does not function due to damage to the memory bank, you need to re-enable it by formatting the memory. Press the arrow key (up or down) to select the desired memory location. Press the circle key next to “Yes” and the confirmation message will appear. Press the OK key to format the memory. If you do not wish to format, press the exit key.
⁄1 Grid size The grid size of the editing screen can be changed by pressing the circle key next to “+” or “–“. You can select one of 3 sizes, 10 mm, 20 mm and 30 mm. To hide the grid, select “OFF”. q Circle keys (+, –) q ⁄1 Grid size 10 mm Maximum speed setting 600spm Hoop for Monogramming M1 ⁄2 Maximum sewing speed The maximum speed of embroidery can be changed from 400 to 800 spm by 100 spm intervals. q ⁄2 Grid size 10 mm Press the circle key next to “+” or “–“ to select the desired speed.
⁄4 Selecting the thread brand There are 6 brands of embroidery threads to choose from. Press the circle key next to the left or right head arrow to move the cursor (red arrow) to select the desired brand. q Circle keys (arrow) q ⁄4 Tread selection Janome Mettler Poly Sheen RobisonAnton Polyester 40 Polyester 40 Gutermann SULKY Rayon 40 RobisonAnton Rayon 40 Madeira Color Control ⁄5 Screen color options You can change the color of the screen background and key icons.
⁄6 Reminder message ON/OFF When you press the START/STOP button, a reminder message will appear on the LCD touch panel. However, you can turn off the reminder. q ⁄6 6 ON Reminder to Start OFF Reserve Color to Needle Press the circle key next to OFF to turn off the reminder. To turn the reminder message on, press the circle key next to ON. q Circle key (ON, OFF) Ignore Short Stitches 0.
⁄9 Setting the trim tail length Some times you need to adjust the tail length of the thread being trimmed depending on the thickness and type of the thread. Press the circle key next to “+” or “–“ to adjust the trim length. q Circle key (+, –) q ⁄9 7 Trim Tail Length M Thread Break Stitch Count 8 Jump Thread Trimming Number of Jumps 3 You can select one of the following options.
q !0 !1 ¤3 Language selection You can select one of the following languages for screen message. q English w French e Spanish r Italian t Dutch y Japanese u German i Russian o Swedish !0 Portuguese !1 Finnish !2 w e r t y u i o Press the arrow key to move the cursor (red arrow) to the language you wish to select. !2 Arrow keys Press the OK key to confirm your selection. Or press the exit key to close the setting mode window and return to the previous window.
File Management Saving the Pattern as a File z 240x200mm z Press the circle key next to the save file icon in the Ready to Sew mode. q Circle key (save file) 4/8 59 min 1 / 13 Color 1 / 22479 ST 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Bright Blue 230 Floral Pink 266 Orchid Pink 240 Bright Blue 230 Floral Pink 266 Orchid Pink 240 Bright Blue 230 Floral Pink 266 q w x Save File Location : x Press the circle key next to the icon of the memory location to where you wish to save the file.
Creating a new folder q z Save File Location : z If you wish to create a new folder, press the circle key next to the New. q Circle key (new) w New 0.1/3MB RCS Rename Embf NOTE: If you wish to change the name of the existiong folder, press the circle key next to Rename. w Circle key (rename) r x x The keyboard window will open. Enter the desired name and press the OK key. Up to 8 characters can be entered.
Opening a file You can open embroidery data files from the internal memoryof the MB-4, RCS unit and memory devices such as the optional ATA PC card, USB memory and CD-ROM drivesum. The RCS unit is able to open embroidery data files in Janome *.jef and Tajima *.dst format. z q 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 z Press the open file key to the save file icon in the Ready to Sew mode.
Deleting the folder z Delete Save File Location : RCS New q 0.1/3MB Rename ABC_1 Embf x Save File Location : RCS z To delete the unnecessary folders, press the circle key next to the delete icon in the folder list window and press the folder icon you wish to delete. q Circle key (delete) x A confirmation dialog box will open. Press the OK key to delete the folder w OK key 0.
SECTION 4. OPTIONAL ITEMS PC Design Cards You can open embroidery patterns from the PC Design cards using the RCS unit. q Inserting the PC Design card Insert the PC Design card into the card slot on the RCS unit with the front side of the card facing toward you. Push the card in until the card ejector button pops out. q Card slot w Front side of the card e Card ejector button w e Ejecting the PC Design card Press the card ejector button and the card will pop out. Take the card out from the RCS unit.
USB Memory The RCS unit is compatible with the USB memory, which can be used to save and transfer the files between the machine and your PC. The USB memory is available at camera shops, PC supplies stores etc. in various forms. Insert the USB memory into the USB port on the RCS unit. To remove the USB memory, pull it straight away from the RCS unit. q USB memory w USB port q w NOTE: When turning the power on with the PC Design card inserted, it will take a few moments to start up the RCS unit.
CD-ROM Drive NOTE: Do not use any other CD-ROM drive than the Janome exclusive CD-ROM drive, which is available from authorized dealers. Insert the mini USB connector into the USB port on the back of the CD-ROM drive. q Mini USB port on the CD-ROM drive q Insert the USB connector into the USB port on the RCS unit. The CD-ROM drive does not need external power source since it is supplied from the RCS unit via the USB cable.
SECTION 5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Cleaning the Hook CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before cleaning the hook area. Open the hook cover and remove the bobbin case. Clean the inside of the hook with the lint brush. q Hook cover w Lint brush w q Cleaning the Bobbin Case Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case. Clean the inside of the bobbin case with the lint brush. Insert a corner of a piece of paper under the tension blade and scrape out lints.
Cleaning the Auto Thread Cutter Mechanism e z q r CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before cleaning the auto thread cutter mechanism. w z Loosen the 2 setscrews on the needle plate with the offset screwdriver. Unscrew and remove the 2 setscrews with the screwdriver q Setscrews w Needle plate e Offset screwdriver r Screwdriver t x x Remove the needle plate. Clean the auto thread cutter mechanism with the lint brush.
Oiling CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before oiling. If you use the machine frequently, oil the needle bars every two weeks and oil the hook race every day. Clip the tip of the oiler with scissors. Apply a few drops of oil to the needle bar throgh the holes in the front cover. q Holes in the front cover w Oiler q w Open the hook cover and remove the bobbin case. Clean the inside of the hook with the lint brush. e Hook race e NOTE: Use only a good quality sewing machine oil.
Error Messages Error Message E : 00 Error Description Remedy Communication error with the RCS unit Turn the power switch off and turn it on again. Initializing error Turn the power switch off and turn it on again. Needle bar switching error Turn the power switch off and turn it on again. Needle bar stop position error Press the ENTER button to reset the machine. Driving motor stops due to an overload. After 15 seconds, the LCD screen will show the Ready to Sew mode display.
Troubleshooting Cause Problem Reference 1. The machine is not plugged in correctly. 2. The threads are jammed in the hook or around the take-up lever. 3. A confirmation message or an error message is displayed. 4. The control system does not work correctly. See page 13. The machine is noisy. 1. Lint has accumulated in the hook. 2. The machine runs out of oil. See page 76. See page 78. The needle thread breaks. 1. The needle thread is not threaded properly. 2. The needle thread tension is too tight.
Troubleshooting Problem The fabric puckers. Cause 1. The needle thread tension is too tight. 2. The fabric is not stretched tight enough in the hoop. 3. A stabilizer is not used. The LCD screen is not clear. 1. The brightness of the LCD screen is not adjusted properly. The touch panel keys do not work correctly. 1. The key position is out of alignment. 2. The control system does not work correctly. The PC card or USB memory does not work. 1. The PC card or USB memory is not inserted properly. 2.
770-805-001 (E) Printed in Japan
770-805-001 (E) Printed in Japan
