handi quilter HQ18 Avante, User Manual

Page 1: ...USER MANUAL 10 22 10 2010 Handi Quilter Inc Designed by a Quilter for Quilters Avanté 18 ...

Page 2: ...ry to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver Consult the dealer or an experienced radio TV technician for help Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or local sales distributor could void the user s authority to operate the equipment IMPORTAN...

Page 3: ... not operate where aerosol spray products are being used or where oxygen is being administered To disconnect turn the machine switch to the symbol O position which represents off then remove plug from outlet Do not unplug by pulling on cord To unplug grasp the plug not the cord Keep fingers away from all moving parts Special care is required around the machine needle Always use the proper needle p...

Page 4: ... the machine and therefore should never be used 3 Do not drop or bump the machine 4 Always consult the manual to replace or fix the presser foot needle or any other part of the machine To repair or adjust the machine If the machine breaks down or needs adjustment first check the troubleshooting chart in the appendix to inspect and adjust the machine yourself For more product information and update...

Page 5: ...g Always replace the fuse cover Never use plugs with the fuse cover omitted WARNING DO NOT CONNECT EITHER WIRE TO THE EARTH TERMINAL WHICH IS MARKED WITH THE LETTER E BY THE EARTH SYMBOL OR COLOURED GREEN OR GREEN AND YELLOW The wires in this main lead are coloured in accordance with the following code Blue Neutral Brown Live As the colours of the wiring in the main lead of this appliance may not ...

Page 6: ... to a 2 pole receptacle as shown in sketch B if a properly grounded outlet is not available The temporary adapter should be used only until a properly grounded out let can be installed by a qualified electrician The green colored rigid ear lug and the like extending from the adapter must be connected to a permanent ground such as a properly grounded outlet box cover When ever the adapter is used i...

Page 7: ...N insérez ni ne laissez tomber aucun objet dans les ouvertures N utilisez pas la machine à l extérieur Ne faites pas fonctionner la machine en cas d utilisation d aérosols pulvérisations ou d administration d oxygène Pour débrancher la machine mettez l interrupteur de la machine en position O position d arrêt puis retirez la fiche de la prise Ne débranchez pas la machine en tirant sur le câble Tir...

Page 8: ...s à récurer peuvent endommager le boîtier et la machine et ne doivent donc jamais être utilisés 3 Ne faites pas tomber et ne cognez jamais la machine 4 Consultez toujours ce manuel pour remplacer ou fixer correctement les pieds de biche l aiguille ou toute autre pièce Pour réparer ou régler la machine Si la machine tombe en panne ou nécessite des réglages consultez tout d abord le tableau de dépan...

Page 9: ...tomer service and education Our machines are Designed by a Quilter for Quilters and we are committed to your quilting success With that in mind we invite you to bookmark our website www HandiQuilter com and invite you to visit to learn more about the art of quilting We ve posted tips tricks and tutorials on subjects as di verse as Oiling Your Machine to Loading a Quilt to Making Perfect Feathers W...

Page 10: ...lation Frames Installation Handlebars Power Cord Inserting Needle Adjusting Hopping Foot Installation Laser Stylus Installation Thread Mast Threading the Machine Horizontal Spool Pin Bobbin and Thread Tension Adjustments Top Thread Tension Adjustment Maintenance Oiling and Lubricating Touch Screen Displays Diagnostics Tests System Information Calculator HQ Stitch Regulator Operation Getting Starte...

Page 11: ...ion then remove the plug from outlet pulling from the plug not the cord Never operate the HQ18 Avanté if the cord is damaged or not working correctly If a mechanical or electrical problem is encountered return the HQ18 Avanté to the nearest authorized service center or the manu facturer for examination repair electrical or me chanical adjustment The HQ18 Avanté utilizes high tech electronics and a...

Page 12: ...e C 5 Tension Assembly 6 Stirrup Thread Guide E 7 Take Up Lever 8 Thread Guide F 9 Front Casing Frame 10 Handwheel 11 Side Laser Stylus Post Hole HQ18 Avanté Components Front Side View Figure 1 3 1 2 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 3 1 2 10 5 8 9 11 3 1 2 10 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 3 1 2 4 5 6 7 8 9 11 3 1 2 10 5 8 9 11 ...

Page 13: ...s 25 Top Laser Stylus Post Hole Back Side View 26 Spool Pin 1 27 Electronic Control Pod C Pod 28 Laser Stylus Power Connector 29 Serial Port for Stitch Regulator 30 Rear Handle Bar Serial Port 31 Rear Threaded Handle Holes 32 Accessory Power Outlet 33 Power Cord Connector 34 On Off Switch 35 Power Pod P Pod 36 Spool Pin 2 37 Bobbin Assembly Rear and Front Views 15 13 14 12 17 16 DETAIL A 24 25 23 ...

Page 14: ...machine and into the 9 pin serial port of the machine see Figure 5 5 REMEMBER that if the machine is to be removed from the carriage the cable must be disconnected from the Carriage Encoder Assembly The other two connectors on the cable should remain in place Failure to unplug the cable when removing the machine from the carriage could result in damage to the cable encoders and carriage Installati...

Page 15: ...9 pin connector into the serial port located on the left hand side of the machine Figure 2 18 page 6 Ensure the pins are lined up so they are not damaged when the plug is pushed in Push the plug securely in place Installing Front Handlebars Check that the HQ18 Avanté is unplugged from the electrical outlet All power to the machine must be turned off when installing the back handlebar Fail ure to d...

Page 16: ...e bar clamp screw Over tightening the needle clamp screw will result in damaged threads stripping the hole Stripped holes are not covered under warranty Another side effect of damaged threads from over tightening that the needle may be very tight when inserted up into the needle bar To avoid over tightening the screw finger tighten only Note Changing the needle is recommended for each new quilt lo...

Page 17: ... loosen the black thumbscrews position and retighten Location of Laser Labels The label is attached to the case of the laser and contains an arrow which indicates the direction the laser light will shine when energized The label must remain in place on the laser Removal of the label will void the laser s warranty Laser Stylus Safety and Use Guidelines Theory of Operation The laser stylus projects ...

Page 18: ...at rear of machine To attach the laser stylus to the side of the machine 1 Place the nut on the laser stylus post with the washer under it and thread the laser post into the threaded hole see Figure 1 11 page 5 near the rear wheel base Turn until securely in place Lock in place with lock nut The washer will be under the nut to protect the machine paint see Figure 9 An unused spool pin can also be ...

Page 19: ... ing threading and other tips These videos are also available on www HandiQuilter com DETAIL 2 F Page 12 HQ18 Avanté User Manual 1 Place a cone or spool of thread on the spool pin Pass the thread through the thread mast eyelet from back to front continuing to thread guide A Figure 11 2 Continue to the three hole thread guide B Wrap all three holes from back to front hand wheel side to needle side ...

Page 20: ...hrough the hole thread guide F 7 Make sure the thread is following the groove down the front of the needle and threads from front to back Be careful that the thread does not twist around the needle Figure 13 Important notes The HQ18 Avanté quilting machine does not have a presser foot lever or top tension release like a home sewing machine On a home sewing machine the top tension is released when ...

Page 21: ...Optional Horizontal Spool Pin Inserting the Bobbin Note Turn off the power switch while inserting the bobbin case or anytime your hands are near the nee dle area 1 Place the bobbin in the bobbin case so that the thread pulls off clockwise when viewing the open side Figure xx 2 Slide the thread through the slot Figure 16 and under the tension spring leaving 5 6 inches of thread hanging loose Figure...

Page 22: ...eedle up down button with right hand bringing the needle back to the up position 3 Pull the machine 3 4 inches away while holding the needle thread 4 Bobbin thread will pull up and through to the top allowing you to grasp the loop and pull it to the desired length Bobbin Tension The bobbin tension is the foundation tension for the entire machine To test that bobbin tension is correct hold the bobb...

Page 23: ...nance and cleaning The hook assembly however needs regular lubricat ing Failure to keep the hook assembly lubricated can cause severe damage to the machine To lubricate turn off the machine Remove bobbin and case before oiling Clean around the hook as sembly with a soft brush to remove lint Put a very small drop of oil on the hook in the region where the bobbin basket assembly and the rotating hoo...

Page 24: ...op button on the handles This but ton does not move the needle but simply determines the final needle position after the machine has been stopped Figure 22 When in Needle Down mode the radio button is white when activated the needle ends in the Down position upon pressing the Stop button on the han dles Again this button does not move the needle but sets the final resting position of the needle afte...

Page 25: ...tons near the top right portion of the screen will increase or decrease the stitches per inch SPI setting The setting is reflect ed in the white indicator box at the top right portion of the screen This value can be adjusted between 4 and 18 stitches per inch Figure 26 Stitch Regulation Style SR The SR Style box in the lower left hand corner of the screen indicates whether the machine is in Pre ci...

Page 26: ...eady to begin stitching In Cruise mode the red box will turn to green and the needle will begin stitching immedi ately at the set Cruise speed On Off Indicator If the machine does not sense that it has been moved in any direction after it has been started it will auto matically stop regulation mode and the start indica tor box will turn red When in Precision mode this happens when no movement of t...

Page 27: ...functions can be performed Diagnostic functions are generally only used when working with Handi Quilter Technical Support to resolve issues Figure 33 System Information The Sys Info Button provides access to machine information This includes the machine Serial Number the hardware and firmware version num bers and the Stitch Counters Figure 34 Calculator An on screen calculator may be accessed from ...

Page 28: ...ck button to return to the More menu screen Diagnostics Tests Motor Sensor Test The Motor Sensor test can help you determine whether they may be a problem with the HQ18 Avanté motor Slowly rotating the handwheel should result in a pulsing audible beep If you get a constant solid beep or no beep at all this indicates a failed test and the machine should be inspected by a quali fied Handi Quilter rep...

Page 29: ...he main control board Figure 41 Press the Main button to return to the Regulated or Manual menu screen or the Back button to return to the More menu screen Motor Speed Sensor Test The Speed Sensor test can help you determine whether or not there is a problem with the HQ18 Avanté speed sensor Before performing this test remove the bobbin case and the top thread Press the Start button and the machin...

Page 30: ...control board Figure 43 Press the Main button to return to the Regulated or Manual menu screen or the Back button to return to the More menu screen Keypad Test The Keypad test allows the user to press any of the four keys on the front or back handles to verify that the HQ18 Avanté is reading the buttons as they are pressed When a key is pressed the name of the key that is pressed will appear in th...

Page 31: ... reset this counter press the blue Reset button just to the left of the Trip box The Lifetime counter cannot be reset and should be used as an indicator to determine when general machine maintenance should be performed by an authorized Handi Quilter Representative Figure 45 Press the Main button to return to the Regulated or Manual menu screen or the Back button to return to the More menu screen C...

Page 32: ...e indicator will turn green As you start moving the machine it will begin stitching When HQ STITCH REGULATOR OPERATION Choose from Two Types of Stitch Regulation Cruise or Precision you stop moving the machine the needle pauses sometimes in mid stroke When you press the Start Stop or Needle Up Down key to stop the machine the indicator will turn red showing that the needle will not move when you m...

Page 33: ... stitches get shorter and can build up on top of each other breaking the thread or making it extremely difficult to unpick The stitch speed can be decreased while maintaining a constant motion with the machine to bring the stitches back to the desired length In Stitch Regulator Mode Set the machine to de sired stitch length Begin moving the machine to become accustomed to the resistance The machine...

Page 34: ...n order to adjust for a more positive thread loop pickup by the hook point Loosen pole tension on the frame Fabric that is rolled too tight causes the fibers to separate This reduces the needle friction on the thread resulting in a smaller thread loop Loosen top tension Re check top and bobbin tension see pages 12 13 Inspect that the thread take up lever thread stirrup or tension spring are all th...

Page 35: ... the back of the machine and the three prong end is plugged into the power source Uneven Quilt Design Corrective Measure Take up rollers may be bowed or bent Leaders are stretched worn Make certain the fabric is not rolled too tight causing the poles to bow Check that poles are inserted completely together with the push pin engaged so bowing won t occur If fabric is beginning to stretch or fray co...

Page 36: ...ch makes thread brittle Do not use poor quality thread or thread that is rotted or brittle Check thread tension in top and bobbin for proper balance See pages 14 16 Check that the machine is threaded correctly Inspect for accidental double wrapping of thread on thread guides Inspect the thread mast making sure the eyelets of the mast are directly over the spools Inspect the vertical positioning of...

Page 37: ......

Page 38: ...er source when not in use The limited warranty stated in sections b c and d above shall be limited solely to the replacement of parts which in the opinion of HQ are defective in workmanship or material and are returned to HQ or an authorized repair facility or such other point or place that may be designated by HQ All other costs including cost of freight and shipment for repair under this warrant...

Page 39: ...replaced Product whichever is longer HQ s entire liability for any defective Product shall in no event exceed the purchase price for the defective Product This limitation applies even if Handi Quilter cannot or does not repair or replace any defective Product Warranty Claims Service under the above warranties may be obtained by returning the quilting machine with proof of purchase to the authorize...

Page 40: ..._________________________________________________ State _____________ Zip ________________ Day Phone ____ _______________________ Evening Phone _____ ___________________________ Fax _____ ______________________________ Email _________________________________________ HQ Quilting Machine Model circle one HQ18 Avanté HQ24 Fusion HQ Sixteen HQ Sixteen Sit down HQ Serial Number ________________________...

Page 41: ...Page 34 HQ18 Avanté User Manual This page was intentionally left blank ...

Page 42: ...y Speed How to use Needle up down tie off button Designed by a Quilter for Quilters Cut along dotted line and mail or fax this registration information within 30 days of purchase Table Adjusting length Not applicable for HQ Sweet Sixteen Adjusting height Machine Set up Identify the main parts of the machine and where they are located Ensure machine is properly mounted to the carriage or table Chec...

Page 43: ...Page 36 HQ18 Avanté User Manual This page was intentionally left blank ...

Page 44: ... 2009 Handi Quilter Inc All rights reserved Printed in the USA 11 24 09 Designed by a Quilter for Quilters Handi Quilter Inc 445 N 700 W North Salt Lake UT 84054 1 877 697 8458 www handiquilter com ...