Introduction
Controller Definitions
The Controller Definition Form contains the user default preferences.
Speed – speed is set to a number in the scale of 1 to 20. The default is set to 13, because that seems to be an optimum balance between pace and stitch quality.
Draw Line Speed – This speed is also a number in the scale of 1 to 20, but the default is 2, and it applies only to the Draw Line feature, which is commonly used for Stitch in the Ditch (SID). The slower speed facilitates greater accuracy.
SPI – Stitches Per Inch is the stitch length. Normal size is 12 SPI, but stitches can be as small as 1/20th of an inch, up to 4 inches in length. The very large stitches are only accessible using the Baste mode of Hand Guided Quilting.
Min SPI – is the minimum stitches per inch (aka the largest stitches) allowed for patterns.
Tieoffs – By definition, tieoffs are tiny stitches intended to lock the thread ends and prevent the line of stitching from coming loose. If this setting is checked, CS will do tieoff stitches (standard or competitive).
• Standard tieoffs are made by taking one stitch forward and one back, in place, making a little knot.
• Competitive tieoffs are made by taking tiny stitches, all in the forward direction, along the pattern path, minimizing the visual impact.
Tieoff Stitches – This is the number of tie-off stitches requested, at both the beginning and the end of a line of stitching.
Tieoff SPI – applies to competitive tieoffs only. It is the stitch length used when doing a competitive tieoff.
Competitive Ties – By definition, competitive tieoffs are made by taking tiny stitches, all in the forward direction, along the pattern path. If this setting is checked, CS will do competitive tieoffs instead of a standard tieoffs. The length of the competitive tieoff stitches is calculated using the Tieoff Stitches (default 7) times the tieoff SPI (default 43). So, CS takes 7 stitches at 43 spi, for a total length of just under 1/6 of an inch.
Margins – This is the amount of space allowed between a pattern and the boundary. In a perfect world this would be exact, but in reality it is a target; not all patterns can fit into a boundary and maintain a margin in all directions.
Trim Skip Length – is a setting that applies to the Draw Trim process. When a pattern is trimmed to fit around an object, small pieces (smaller than this setting size) are skipped. It is assumed that these pattern segments would not detract from the design if they were missing, especially since a portion of the segment would be tieoffs.
Laser Control – this setting means the quilter can control the laser.
Auto laser – means CS will turn the laser on/off automatically, depending on the feature.
Bobbin Stitch – is the first stitch taken after the stitcher moves to the start of the pattern about to be quilted. If this is checked, CS will take the stitch and pause, waiting for the bobbin thread to be pulled up and the ‘Continue’ button to be pressed. If this is unchecked, there is no pause.
Needle – If this is checked, the needle is ‘on’ and will stitch. If this is unchecked, the stitcher will move along the path of the pattern but it will not stitch.
Stitch Points – is a setting that takes an extra stitch in every point. The result is sharp, well defined points, but it does slow down the stitching somewhat.
Stop at Jump Stitch – By definition, a Jump Stitch is a break in the pattern. It might be large or small, but the 2 pattern sections are not snapped together. If this is checked, CS will pause, waiting for a ‘continue’ response, similar to the Bobbin Stitch. If not checked, CS will take tieoff stitches (if the settings indicate they should) and continue without stopping.
Auto Toggle as Unsewn – If this setting is on, any thread break detected will automatically change the Sewn Status for the patterns just stitched.
Thread Break – Check means the thread break sensor is on and the machine will stop if a thread break is detected. The thread break sensor is part of the top thread path. The thread wraps around it so as the machine stitches, the sensor turns. If it stops turning for a few seconds the machine assumes the thread has broken and will stop moving.
TB Delay (secs) – this setting is the adjustment for the thread break sensor. Small numbers make it very sensitive and faster to respond.
E2E Registration – This determines how the machine will prompt for registration points after the quilt has been rolled. There are 3 options to choose from (Use Start and End, Place Two Pins, User Start and End).
Check Belts – Many features depend on clicking points. When 2 consecutive click points are identical, CS will issue a warning, asking if the belts have become detatched.
Reg Type – refers to the Stitch Regulation method. The three choices (Original, Smooth and Plus) each handle just a little differently. Try them!
Reg Smoothing – also refers to the stitch regulation, particularly how curves are stitched. This setting changes the smoothing algorithm slightly, when the machine moves fast.
Reference Point – This is used when placing Repeat Patterns. The default is set here, but can be changed at the time the Repeat Pattern Feature is used. This is the normally preferred method (Upper Left, Upper Right, Lower Right, Lower Left, Start, End, Center).
Total Stitch Count – this is a running count of the number of stitches taken since the software was installed.
Sew Overlap (inches) – Sometimes block patterns (where the start point and the end point are the same) look better if the stitches overlap, and this setting will allow that.
Stand Alone Mode – also known as SAM. This box is checked when the computer is running CS but the controller is not attached, connected or engaged.
SAM Controller # – This is the controller number for the Stitcher. By entering it here, CS can check the encryption of patterns without needing the controller attached and running.
Controller Mod: This is the model letter/number of the controller that controls the stitching process.
Controller Version: This is the version of software currently running the controller.
Highlighted items are defaults that can be changed elsewhere in CS