Barudan BENT-ZQ-201U Embroidery Machine

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 piece of art at a time. (Barudan also makes multiple head machines that can embroider multiple pieces of art at the same time)

• 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"
• This model is also sometimes called "Tanto"
• These machines were manufactured between 1997 and 2003
• Reference - Barudan Model Decoder (PDF)
• Our photo album for the Barudan Elite on Flickr

An example of the BENT-ZQ-201U

Current State

• Machine has been donated, and is currently in the MakerFX shop (next to screenprinting) awaiting repair.
• Graphic LCD (Hitachi LMG6911RPBC-00T (specs) is not working (has backlight, but no display), but pressing buttons causes the machine to start moving, and appears to have proper movement on axis and head. Neil has the graphic LCD for troubleshooting. The model of the LCD is commonly available. LCD is Barudan part EBY01260, but is not available through shopbarudan.com
• Battery Replacement - there is an onboard lithium battery (tabbed CR2330) that can be replaced
• Broken - Barudan LA250051 Head Cover HQ (LA200051) - $45.88
• Broken - Barudan P732014 Cover (E-stop) (P732014) - $36.90
• Plastics are yellowed - Retr0bright might be a good project to restore the color

Parts

• Cap Frame - The cap frame is the Advantage Cap Frame Drive Unit EFP008126 - Pic
• Hoops - There are a number of hoops with the machine, need to inventory and check condition of frames. Blue Hoops at shopBarudan
• Barudan Parts Store Online - Looks like great parts availablity

Consumables

• There is a box of L-sized pre-wound white thread bobbins with the machine (they are marked L-120)
• There is a box of various embroidery thread cones with the machine

To Research

• Floppy Drive emulator - PLR Electronics - $325 Amazon - $55.00
• "Black Box" USB reader & file transmission (serial) to Barudan Embroidery Machines - Demo Video - $585 (yikes!) - Time for Octoprint for Embroidery...this is a perfect maker project...
• Barudan Serial Adapter - $48.25
• Barudan BENT Training CD - $25

Software Support

• Barudan TES - Full embroidery design software from Barudan. There is a free viewer version that will convert .dst to .fmc if needed. There is a TES CD (version?) with the machine, we have not tested it. TES Supports serial transfer to the embroidery machine. (Could be good for reverse engineering the protocol)
• Embird support for Barudan serial transfer - Embird cable wiring (Embird has been emailed to inquire about non-profit pricing)
• Wilcom - Serial Connection - Note that the "Tanto" designation is used here instead of BENT or Elite
• File Formats list - Looks like Barudan added .DST file support at some point, need to confirm BENT can take .DST vs. the Barudan specific .FMC
• Embrilliance (used by Tiffany & Mike Smith) for mac can output .DST files, but not .FMC files (quick scan of website). Embrilliance does not seem to have serial port support.

Resources

• Barudan Model Decoder (PDF)
• Barudan BENT-ZQ Parts List found here - Note there are machines assembled in US and Japan with two different manuals
• Barudan Technical Sewing Head Maintenance Manual - found here
• Needle Depth Adjustment, ZQ/ZN sewing heads - found here
• Hook Timing, ZQ/ZN sewing heads - found here
• BENT System Floppy Disk Images - Current Release V2.50 R01 (posted 11//2007)
• Advantage Cap Frame - Need to verify model of cap frame\
• Technicians - Several listed in Orlando

Serial Communication Specs

These specs come from the Wilcom Serial Support page

• Protocol=Standard Serial
• Baud=9600, or 38400
• Data bits=8
• Stop bits=1
• Parity=None
• Handshaking=Embroidery Machine