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 also appears to be called "Tanto"
- These machines were manufactured between 1997 and 2003
- Reference - Barudan Model Decoder (PDF)
Current State
- Machine has been donated, and is currently in the shop awaiting repair.
- Graphic LCD (Hitachi LMG6911RPBC-00T) is not working, 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.
- Additional notes - there is an onboard lithium battery (style unknown, likely a tabbed CR2032 or similar) - once we pull the electronic chassis, we can assess and replace.
Parts
- Barudan Parts Store Online - Looks like great parts availablity
To Research
- Floppy Drive to USB Upgrade - Demo Video
- Barudan Serial Adapter - $48.25
- Barudan BENT Training CD - $25
Software Support
- Barudan TES - There is a viewer that will convert .dst to .fmc if needed (free), and there is a version that does full digitizing too
- Embird - shows Barudan Support
- Wilcom - Serial Connection - Shows Barudan support, but not the BENT model specifically
- 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
Note that Mike & Tiffany use Embrilliance for mac which can output .DST files, but not .FMC files (quick scan of website)
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)