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Frequently
Asked Questions
1.
Introduction
2.
Installation
3.
General Operation
3.1.
AMAYA OS General Operation
3.1.6.
When first turning on some Windows 2000 or Windows XP computers and immediately
attempting to open AMAYA OS, a “Dongle Not Found” type of error
message is generated. This will continue to happen for about 120 seconds.
What is the solution to this problem?
3.8.
Applications
4.
Multihead Operation
5.
Maintenance
6.
Troubleshooting
1.
Introduction
1.1
Does this FAQ site replace training or manuals?
No,
the AMAYA FAQ is supplemental to training and the AMAYA manuals. Melco recommends
that you receive training on the AMAYA and read the AMAYA Operator's manual
prior to operating your AMAYA machine(s).
Back
to Top
2.
Installation
2.1
Computer that is Running AMAYA OS
2.1.1
What are the minimum requirements for the AMAYA OS PC?
-
PC with a Pentium III or higher processor (Pentium III 800 MHz or higher
recommended)
If you plan on installing AMAYA OS and DesignShop on the same PC, a
Pentium III 850 MHz or higher is recommended.
-
Microsoft
Windows 98, Windows Millennium, Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional,
or Windows 2000 operating system
If you plan on installing AMAYA OS and DesignShop on the same computer,
either Windows 2000 or Windows XP is highly recommended.
Note: Non-western
languages (such as Polish, Czech, Japanese and Russian) require Windows
2000 or Windows XP.
-
128MB
of RAM recommended
-
XGA video adapter and monitor configured for 1024x768 resolution or
higher, video driver set to High Color or better for Windows 98 / Millennium;
32768 color or higher for Windows XP Home, Windows XP Professional and
Windows 2000. If you want to change the settings of your screen resolution,
please click on the “Start” button of your Windows taskbar, followed
by a click on “Help.” Do a search for “display, resolution.”
-
USB
or parallel port for AMAYA OS security dongle
-
CD-ROM
drive (required for AMAYA OS installation, 16X is recommended)
-
Two
or three button mouse (3 button mouse preferred)
-
Internet
Explorer 5.1 or greater
-
Ethernet
adapter (SMC1244TX is recommended)
-
10
Megabit Ethernet
-
Hard
drive: 10 Gigabyte
Back
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2.1.2
How should I configure the PC that is running AMAYA OS?
-
To
optimize your AMAYA system, it is recommended that you install AMAYA
OS on a dedicated PC. That is, the PC on which AMAYA OS is installed
should not be used to run any other software applications (with the
exception of DesignShop).
-
AMAYA
OS and the AMAYA system should not be installed on a high-traffic office
network or on a peer to peer network (connecting 2 computers together)
using only one Ethernet PCB in the AMAYA computer. If the PC that runs
AMAYA OS needs to be connected to an office network, it is recommended
that a separate Ethernet card be installed for this purpose. The AMAYA
network should be configured to use 1 Ethernet PCB and the networking
(Peer to Peer or office network) should be configured to use the other
Ethernet PCB.
- Only
one AMAYA OS server can be installed per machine network - for safety
reasons Melco does not allow the ability to run multiple AMAYA OS systems
in the same machine network.
2.1.3
What is the most current AMAYA OS software?
Melco
is currently shipping AMAYA OS Release 081204.0, Melco PN 32922, with new
AMAYA machines. It consists of:
Back
to Top
2.2
AMAYA Machines
2.2.1
Does Melco recommend the use of line stabilizers?
Melco
recommends using a line stabilizer with the AMAYA machine(s) in order to protect
the machine(s) from power surges, etc. The line stabilizer provides minimum
protection. In areas of known poor power supply or brown-outs, Melco recommends
using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
2.2.2
Can I place my AMAYA machine(s) anywhere?
In
general, yes. But please be careful if you don’t have a Melco AMAYA cart for
each machine. Placing a machine on a support that is not sturdy enough may
compromise safety. Furthermore, the sewing quality and the performance of
the thread break sensor may be reduced if a machine is not placed properly.
Back
to Top
3.
General Operation
3.1
AMAYA OS General Operation
3.1.1
Should I turn on AMAYA OS before powering up the machines?
Yes,
Melco recommends this in order to guarantee that the most current RSA file
from the PC is downloaded to the machine.
3.1.2.
Can I run other software applications while running AMAYA OS?
With
the exception of DesignShop, Melco recommends not running any other applications
on the PC controlling the AMAYA machines. Even screen savers and virus software
can impact the communication with the machine (because Microsoft Windows
operating systems are not true real-time multi-tasking systems).
3.1.3.
Is it okay to edit or digitize designs on a PC while AMAYA OS is running?
You
can install and run AMAYA OS and DesignShop on the same computer. However,
for optimum performance of both of these programs, the guidelines listed
below should be followed.
-
The
minimum system requirements for both programs must be met. Also, either
Windows 2000 or Windows XP and a Pentium III 850 MHz or higher processor
are highly recommended.
-
It
is recommended that you install AMAYA OS/DesignShop on a dedicated PC.
That is, the PC on which AMAYA OS/DesignShop are installed should not
be used to run any other software applications.
-
ENS
should not be installed on the AMAYA OS/DesignShop PC.
-
On
the AMAYA OS/DesignShop PC, when running AMAYA OS, avoid performing
hardware-intensive tasks such as scanning. Also, it is recommended that
extensive digitizing be performed on a different PC.
3.1.4.
When I load a design in AMAYA OS, or, as I am sewing a design, settings
such as material thickness, sewing speed, etc., change. Why does this happen?
- One
possible reason for this is related to the Settings by Color
feature. This feature allows settings to be set for each color in the
design. Note that if Settings by Color is turned on in
a loaded design, as you are sewing, settings may change as the machine
moves through each color. If the file you are loading is a file saved
from a previous version of AMAYA OS, after loading, open the Settings
menu, then click the Settings by Color Tab. If Settings
by Color is on, turn it off. You may want to resave the file
after doing so.
- Another
possible reason for this is related to the Use Machine Settings
from Design setting (in the Settings menu of
AMAYA OS, on the Settings tab). When this setting is
turned on (box is checked), each time an ofm file is loaded, the machine
will use the settings (thread feed settings, maximum speed, selected hoop,
and Settings by Color) stored with the ofm file. Please note that when
turned on, Settings by Color settings override the machine
settings stored in the design. Also
note that when there are no settings stored in the design being opened,
a set of default settings is loaded into the machine.
To
bypass this feature (if you prefer that the settings stay at what you
set them to no matter what design you load), uncheck the Use Machine
Settings from Design box.
3.1.5.
When trying to install AMAYA OS, or when trying to operate AMAYA OS on a
Dell computer with Dell's Picture Studio software installed, a message box
is displayed that wants to install the Dell Picture Studio software again
and to insert the proper CD. What is the solution to this problem?
The
problem is with the Dell Picture Studio software. A patch and fix is available
from Dell on their WEB site at http://support.dell.com/FileLib/Format.aspx?ReleaseID=R55365.
Download this fix and follow the instructions from the Dell WEB site for
proper installation.
3.1.6.
When first turning on some Windows 2000 or Windows XP computers and immediately
attempting to open AMAYA OS, a “Dongle Not Found” type of error
message is generated. This will continue to happen for about 120 seconds.
What is the solution to this problem?
Windows
2000 and Windows XP search for a network connection when a computer boots
up if there is activity on a network connection device in the computer.
If an AMAYA OS computer has a HUB, switch etc. connected to the computer
and it is on, a live connection is detected and Windows will then try and
determine what type of a network is connected to the computer. This is an
automatic operation. During this period of approximately 120 seconds, Windows
suspends loading of certain drivers. The driver used for the detection and
operation of the Dongle is not loaded during this period of time. To correct
this issue and allow the Dongle Driver to load more quickly, perform the
following steps.
Windows
XP:
- Click
on Start->Control Panel.
- In
Control Panel double click on Network Connections to
open it.
- The
Network Connections window will list the LAN connections
available in the computer. There may be more than one; identify the connection
used by the Melco software; left-click to select this connection (it will
be highlighted).
- On
the left hand side of the Network Connections window
click on Change settings of this connection.
A Local Area Connection Properties window will open.
This window has 3 tabs; select the General tab. The window
will display the clients and protocols for setup within Windows for the
networking connection selected. There will be a check mark next to each
item in the list. Click on these check marks to de-select and turn off
all of these items. When all have been de-selected, click OK
to apply the changes and close the Local Area Connection Properties
window.
Windows
2000:
- Click
on Start->Settings->Control Panel.
- In
Control Panel double click on Network and Dial-Up Connections
to open it.
-
The Network Connections window will list the LAN connections
available in the computer. There may be more than one; identify, then
double-click the connection used by the Melco software.
-
Click the Properties button in this dialog.
-
The window will display the clients and protocols for setup within Windows
for the networking connection selected. There will be a check mark next
to each item in the list. Click on these check marks to de-select and
turn off all of these items. When all have been de-selected, click OK
to apply the changes and close the Local Area Connection Properties
window.
Back
to Top
3.2.
Can I send designs from ENS (Embroidery Network System) to AMAYA OS?
No,
please use peer to peer networking to load/retrieve designs from another PC.
For
information on configuring Peer to Peer in Windows 98 go to http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;250927
3.3.
When should I adjust the presser foot height?
You
should always check the presser foot height before sewing a design. If you set
the presser foot height over a bare (unsewn) section of the fabric, set the
presser foot so that it is very close to but is not touching the fabric (leave
a gap between the fabric and the presser foot that is roughly equal to the thickness
of the thread). You can adjust presser foot height at any point in the design
as long as the machine is stopped and the current needle is taken to lowest
needle depth. For instructions on adjusting presser foot height, see the AMAYA
Operator’s Manual, Presser Foot Height Adjustment.
3.4.
How do I set my bobbin tension?
Melco
has found that good quality embroidery can be achieved within a range of bobbin
tension. What usually works well is “As you gently bounce the bobbin case -
holding the thread with your hand - it should drop approximately 2 - 4 inches
/ 50 - 100 mm “ but bobbin tension can be as loose as “when you hold onto the
bobbin thread and let the bobbin case hang, it should begin a slow but steady
drop."
3.5.
How can I determine the correct material thickness?
Material
thickness in AMAYA OS is expressed in embroidery points. One embroidery point
is equal to the thickness of a regular piece of letter paper, thus, picture
the default material thickness of 3 points as 3 layers of paper. The correct
material thickness will depend on the fabric you are sewing on, among other
factors. Please see the AMAYA Operator's Manual, Adjusting Material Thickness,
for details on setting the material thickness.
3.5.1
What material thickness should I use when sewing with Rayon?
In
general the settings have to be the same as with Polyester thread. Occasionally,
you can achieve better performance with increasing the material thickness by
1 or 2 points to compensate for the reduced tensile strength of the lighter
thread.
Back
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3.6.
How do I use the Stitch Filter (Design Filter)?
The
stitch filter (Design Filter) is defaulted to the recommended settings for optimum
performance on most designs while on the AMAYA. (See below image).
The
Design Filter only works and is active on actual expanded stitches or data.
If a design is object-oriented, meaning it has objects such as a complex fill,
column 1, etc., stitches are created from these objects. These stitches are
called the expanded data. Only expanded data is sent to a machine, because machines
only understand these expanded commands. When an object-oriented design is loaded,
the software generates the expanded data when sending or loading it to a machine.
During this creation of the expanded data, the filter takes effect and filters
the expanded stitches according to the settings in the Design Filter page. The
expanded data is then processed into data that the AMAYA machine understands
and loads it to the AMAYA machine. If an Expanded file is loaded to the machine
it is filtered when loaded as well.
3.7.
How can I get the best results when doing small lettering?
When
doing small lettering, Underlay (centerwalk) must be positioned accurately
down the middle of the columns.
Walk
stitches that are too long can cause stitches to show. The default stitch
length (affects underlay) for lettering in the DesignShop software is 25 points,
and for lettering under 1/4" this is too long. For lettering under 1/4",
use a setting between 15 and 20 points for the stitch length.
Walk
stitches that do not have enough pull compensation can also cause stitches
to show. Decreasing the letter width does affect the pull compensation and
reduces the amount of open space inside letters like A and e.
If
you are using EDS IV or DesignShop, see the Alphabet Code Sheets in the HTML
Help files for the particular alphabet being used. There is an explanation
on the use of the keyboard lettering at the beginning that should be read.
To access the code sheets, select Help->Help Topics in the Help pull down
menu, or press F1 while in any Melco embroidery software product. Then click
on the Alphabets button to access the code sheets. Each code sheet provides
a 3D view of the characters and a chart of all the European or extended characters
available in each alphabet.
- Best
Small Font: Micro Block
- Pull
Comp (Width) 110%
- Density
4.8 - 6.0
- Primary
Underlay: None (already has enough digitized in the letters)
- Letter
Width:100% (This "stretches" or "shrinks" the letter
horizontally)
- Short
Stitches Off
Back
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3.8.
Applications
3.8.1.
Sewing on Flats
3.8.1.1.
Can I embroider without backing?
Yes,
you can. But please keep in mind that you need to run the machines at slower
speeds with loose bobbin tension. Please note that not every garment is
suitable for sewing without backing. It works well with smaller designs
on solid garments and it is very difficult with large designs and/or on
elastic garments. You might also have to turn off thread break detection
if you sew on very fine garments without backing.
3.8.1.2.
When should I use solvy?
If
you want to embroider on a garment with a “rough surface," such as
knit or towels, using solvy is always recommended.
3.8.1.3.
Can I run the machine at 1,500 stitches per minute?
Yes,
you can. But please have in mind that everything needs to be right in order
to avoid frequent thread breaks at this speed. Usually it takes a well-digitized
design and polyester thread. Please note that the machine runs at maximum
speed only in areas of smaller stitches – longer stitches require the machine
to slow down a bit (like on any conventional machine).
3.8.2.
Sewing on Caps
3.8.2.1.
Should I use the raised needle plate?
For
sewing on caps, you must use the raised needle plate (Melco P/N: 32196)
that is included in the Wide Angle Cap Frame Driver Kit (Melco P/N: 32198).
To install the needle plate, simply remove the regular needle plate by removing
the screws holding it in place. Then attach the raised needle plate by securely
tightening the screws in place.
3.8.2.2.
Is my cap frame driver adjusted right?
To
obtain the best results when sewing on caps, the cap frame driver must be
adjusted to your machine(s). Please see the AMAYA Operator’s Manual, WACF
Driver First-Time Installation and Adjustment for instructions on performing
this adjustment.
3.8.2.3.
What is key when sewing on caps?
Selecting
the right cap frame and hooping are key! Sewing on caps in general is more
difficult than sewing on flats. Different caps require different frames.
And good hooping techniques are key to success. If a cap is not hooped properly,
e.g. if there is a big gap between the needle plate and the cap material,
you will experience a lot of thread breaks or even needle breaks.
3.8.2.4.
Why is my presser foot louder when sewing on caps?
The
AMAYA machines are more quiet than a conventional machine when using the
standard needle plate. When using the raised needle plate with wings, the
presser foot comes in contact with the needle plate (because the needle
plate is higher). This contact between the presser foot and needleplate
is harmless, but it does create a higher noise level.
3.8.2.5.
How should I set bobbin tension when sewing on caps?
In
most of the cases you get good results when setting the tension loose: “when
you hold onto the bobbin thread and let the bobbin case hang, it should
begin a slow but steady drop."
3.8.2.6.
What can I do about false bobbin detect when sewing on caps?
The
AMAYA machines can stop frequently due to false bobbin breaks when doing
certain cap applications. Melco Engineering is working on a software upgrade
for improving bobbin detect on caps. In the meantime: please turn bobbin
detect off when your AMAYA machine(s) give you false bobbin breaks (in the
Settings menu, on Settings tab in AMAYA OS, uncheck Enable Bobbin Thread
Detection box). Note that upper thread break detection can stay on.
3.8.2.7.
Can I use older Melco style cap frame/drivers on the AMAYA machine?
Yes,
this is possible. An interface bracket, Melco PN 30217, allows you to do
this.
3.8.2.8.
What is the maximum speed for sewing on caps?
The
maximum sewing speed on caps is 1200 SPM. To achieve good results at this
speed all adjustments, such as hooping, material thickness, and the design
itself need to be correct. When sewing on structured caps with a heavy buckram
inside, use of a Titanium or Teflon coated sharp needle is recommended.
This reduces friction, which will reduce thread breaks caused by heat at
higher speeds. Refer to the AMAYA Operator's Manual, for more suggestions
and instructions regarding cap sewing.
3.9
How do I recover from a loss of power?
The
power up behavior of the AMAYA makes it more likely that it will be able
to recover
from a sudden power loss. If you are in the middle of sewing a design, and
the machine
loses power for any reason, when you power up the machine, it should be
able to return
to where it was in the design (unless any of the following exceptions occur):
- If
the machine has been turned off for too long and the backup capacitor has
drained, the machine will not be able to return to its previous state.
- If
the AMAYA RSA version number changes, the new RSA version will automatically
be downloaded on the machine. This will prevent the machine from being able
to return to its previous state (the design that was loaded on the
machine will be lost).
- If
the Force Download box on the Ethernet tab is checked, the RSA and CSA files
on the connected PC are downloaded to the AMAYA when the machine is turned
on (the PC must also be turned on for the forced download to occur). This
will prevent the machine from being able to return to its previous state
(the design loaded on the machine will be lost).
This automatic power-fail recovery can occur with or without AMAYA OS running.
If
AMAYA OS is running when the machine is powered up, it will be restored
to its pre-power
loss state.
Back
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4.
Multihead Operation
4.1
What is Flex Mode?
In Flex
mode, machines are configured as multihead clusters; however, unlike machines
in multihead synchronized mode, machines in Flex mode behave similarly to
singleheads most of the time – combining the best of both the single-head
and multi-head worlds. Machines in the same Flex cluster will always sew
the same design; however, these machines will be independent from each other
(for example, when one machine in a Flex cluster stops because of a thread
break, the other machines in the cluster will continue sewing).
4.2
What are AMAYA SE, AMAYA Flex and AMAYA Flex+?
Three
dongle product levels are available for use with AMAYA OS (AMAYA SE, AMAYA
Flex, and AMAYA Flex +). All three of these dongle levels use the same AMAYA
OS interface and offer the same operational functionality. The difference
between the dongle levels is related to the machine configuration options
they provide. The following describes the three dongle levels available:
- AMAYA
SE: This dongle level allows users to configure exactly one AMAYA head
per AMAYA SE dongle. Therefore, there can be one head per cluster, 1 cluster
per dongle.
- AMAYA
Flex: This dongle level allows up to 30 heads per cluster and one cluster
per AMAYA Flex dongle. Clusters configured with this type of dongle may
be singlehead, Flex or synchronized multi-head clusters.
- AMAYA
Flex +: This dongle level allows up to 30 AMAYA heads per cluster,
and up to 30 clusters per dongle. (Note that 30 is the maximum number of
AMAYAs that you can connect to the same PC.) Clusters configured with this
type of dongle may be singlehead, Flex or synchronized multi-head clusters.
Note
that you can have multiple dongles of different dongle levels attached to
the same AMAYA PC. If you have a Flex + dongle installed on your AMAYA PC,
no other dongle types are necessary, because Flex + dongles support multiple
clusters of any type.
5.
Maintenance
5.1.
Do I really need to perform the recommended maintenance?
Yes,
otherwise you risk damaging your machine or at least reduced sewing performance.
5.2.
Do I have to clean the bobbin on a regular basis?
Yes,
it is recommended that you clean under the tension spring of your AMAYA bobbin
case every time you change the bobbin. Lint and bobbin wax can build up under
the spring, and this can affect bobbin tension. To clean under the spring,
slide a corner of a small piece of paper under the tension spring in the same
direction the thread travels through it. While cleaning under the tension
spring, be careful not to bend the spring.
Back to Top
6.
Troubleshooting
6.1.
Do I have a system or an application problem?
It
is very important to find out if a problem is caused by the system (software
and/or machine) or is it an application issue. If you have real or false thread
breaks we recommend reading the sections Real Thread Breaks and/or False Thread
Breaks, and/or False Bobbin Detect.
If
you have fatal errors that cause the machine(s) or the software to lock up,
we recommend starting with the Fatal Errors section.
6.2.
Is there a Standard Test to check the Sewing Performance of my AMAYA
machine(s)?
Yes,
there is one. It is a very valuable test to run a baseline – it will allow
you to find out if the machines perform well or not. To do this, complete
the following steps:
- Load
the AMAYA test design named AMPASS06E.EXP. This file is located in the
AMAYA Test Designs directory (usually Program Files\Melco Embroidery Systems\AMAYA\Test
Designs).
- In
AMAYA OS, set material thickness to 3 points.
- Set
the maximum machine speed to 1200spm (stitches per minute), if you are
using Polyester thread. If you are using Rayon thread, you might consider
lowering the maximum speed slightly.
- Hoop
two layers of backing on a 30 x 44cm or larger hoop.
- Check
the upper thread paths (that the machine is threaded correctly, thread
is under thread feed rollers, there is no thread wrapped around the tops
of the thread cones).
- Insert
the bobbin, with the bobbin tension set so that when you gently bounce
the bobbin case - holding the thread with your fingers - it should drop
2-4 inches / 50-100mm.
- Trace
the design.
- Press
the Start button to sew the design.
- Observe
machine performance. You should see very few problems.
Back to Top
6.3.
I am experiencing Real Thread Breaks.
6.3.1.
How do I eliminate thread breaks on just one color/needle?
- Check
if settings by color are turned on or off. If it is turned on you might
have a value for this particular needle that causes the problem.
- Check
if the upper thread can be pulled without the machine running. When the
upper thread feeder arm is down, you should not be able to pull thread
by tugging on it through the eye of the needle. If it slips when it is
pulled, check to ensure the thread is under the wheel of the upper arm
correctly. Ensure the plastic cover for the rubber wheel under the thread
is seated properly. If all of the above is correct, the rubber wheel may
need to be replaced. Some rubber wheels are included with the AMAYA machine.
Refer to the Thread Feeder Troubleshooting section in the AMAYA manual
for instructions on replacement.
- Check
if upper thread is routed correctly and runs smooth by lifting up the
thread feeder arm and pulling some upper thread through the needle eye
(check in particular if metallic cone tube sticks out above the cone [about
1/2 to 1 inch], if thread is centered at the thread feeder roller, if
the thread is routed correctly through the thread guides etc.). If the
thread is running smooth put the thread feeder arm down again and try
to sew – otherwise fix the problem preventing the thread from running
smooth.
- If
the above did not help try to replace the needle – making sure that the
needle faces straight to the front (the eye of the needle should be facing
no more than five degrees to the right).
- If
thread breaks persist: check if another cone of thread works (thread can
become brittle over the years).
- Is
one sequence of the design too dense? Too many stitches in one place?
Make sure the settings in the stitch filter are turned on (see Stitch
Filter section).
- Ensure
the area of the design is not too dense (too many stitches) for the fabric
you are sewing on. Designs that sew well on a knit may not sew well on
a more stable garment, as there may be too many stitches in the design,
which will cause thread breaks on a more stable garment.
6.3.2.
How do I eliminate thread breaks on all/multiple colors/needles?
- If
you have thread breaks on all/multiple needles you might review the material
thickness setting (remember: one embroidery point is equal to the thickness
of one sheet of paper, thus, picture the default thickness of 3 points
as 3 layers of paper). See the AMAYA Operator’s Manual, Adjusting Material
Thickness, for more information.
- Bobbin
Tension could be off (see Bobbin Tension section).
- Is
the hook bad? Did a needle hit/damage the hook? Check if there are burrs.
- Is
the whole design too dense? Too many stitches in one place? Make sure
the settings in the stitch filter are turned on (see Stitch
Filter section).
Back to Top
6.4.
I am experiencing False Thread Breaks and False Bobbin Detects.
6.4.1.
Why does my machine give me false upper thread breaks?
Thread
may be pulled too tight in retainer spring. After threading a needle,
do not pull the thread too tightly into the thread retainer spring located
at the bottom of the needlecase cover. Too much tension in the thread
can affect the thread break detection system.
6.4.2.
Why does my machine give me false bobbin detects?
Back to Top
6.5.
I am experiencing a Combination of Real and False Thread Breaks
- Review
your material thickness settings (remember: one embroidery point is equal
to the thickness of one sheet of paper, thus, picture the default thickness
of 3 points as 3 layers of paper). See the AMAYA Operator’s Manual, Adjusting
Material Thickness, for more information.
- If
you are encountering too many real AND too many false thread or bobbin breaks
(loose stitches), you may need to reduce the material thickness setting
because too much thread is being fed into the system. See the AMAYA Operator’s
Manual, Adjusting Material Thickness, for more information.
- When
encountering too many real thread breaks but NO false thread breaks (tight
stitches), you may need to increase the material thickness setting because
not enough thread is being fed into the system. See the AMAYA Operator’s
Manual, Adjusting Material Thickness, for more information.
- If
you have set the material thickness correctly and you still encounter too
many thread breaks, you may have problems with extremely short stitches
in the design. These short stitches can be removed by adjusting the Design
Filter settings. Adjusting the new default setting of After 1 Short to After
0 Short will filter ALL stitches of 4 points or less from the design.
- If
the machine is sewing well and you experience bobbin thread breaks only
(no upper thread breaks), you may want to turn off the Bobbin Detection
function.
Back to Top
6.6.
Should I change my hook timing?
It
is possible for the AMAYA rotary hook to slip from the factory-set hook timing.
Inadequate timing between the hook and the needle can be one of the causes
of upper thread breaks. Melco recommends setting hook timing as described
in the AMAYA Operator's and Technical manuals.
6.7.
Are there known AMAYA OS problems?
Yes:
-
You may encounter broken links between the AMAYA HTML Help systems. If this
occurs, you should run all new available Microsoft Critical Updates, and
this should fix the problem. To do this, go to www.microsoft.com. Click
the Windows link under Product Families,
then click the Updates link.
- If
a user creates a design containing only vector elements (contains no stitches)
and then sends this design to AMAYA OS, AMAYA OS will crash. Users should
make sure all designs sent to AMAYA OS contain stitches.
- If
a design is loaded with hoops turned off, and the design is opened from
the Temp directory, hoops will be turned on.
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6.8.
Fatal Errors
6.8.1.
Did I encounter a Multi-Head (Multi-Cluster) software problem?
If
your AMAYA multi-head (multi-cluster) configuration locks up or goes you might
have encountered an AMAYA OS software problem. However, recent experience
shows that if you have the latest software installed (see What
is the Most Current AMAYA OS Software?), it is more likely that an individual
machine is not functioning properly or that the PC/Ethernet configuration
creates problems. In order to find out more about possible causes read the
following paragraphs carefully.
6.8.2.
What should I do if my machine stops in the middle of sewing?
- Check
first if you had a power glitch in your facility (indicators are rebooting
PCs, etc.). If you live in an area of known poor power supply or brown-outs:
consider using a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply).
- Are
there any error messages displayed in the status line of the AMAYA OS
software? The status line can be expanded to show all messages. Click
on it to expand it and look for any errors during the sewing. A machine
error can be caused by a garment snagging or a machine malfunction (that
causes an error that will stop the machine(s)).
- If
problems persist: Contact Melco Service: 1-877-840-5829
6.8.3.
Do I have an Ethernet Problem?
The
AMAYA machine(s) should be connected to a dedicated Ethernet network. A machine
that continually disconnects from the computer may be caused by problems in
the Ethernet hardware and connections. If the machine(s) is/are connected
using an Ethernet HUB, look to see if the HUB displays collisions. An occasional
collision is normal, a constant indication of collisions is not normal and
can cause abnormal disconnects and behavior of the AMAYA machine(s). Constant
collisions can be caused by a bad HUB or Ethernet circuitry in the computer.
For example, recently a problem was found in a Dell computer. The Ethernet
HUB was showing constant collisions even when the machines were turned off.
A setting to adjust the Ethernet circuitry in the computer from Full Duplex
to Half Duplex was changed to Half Duplex and the collisions stopped. If your
HUB is indicating constant collisions look in the settings for the Ethernet
hardware in your computer to see if it can be set to Half Duplex. If this
does not fix the problem, change the HUB, and if needed try a different Ethernet
PCB or hardware in the computer.
6.9.
What if the FAQ site did not help me to solve my problem – (I have already
consulted the manual)?
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Last
updated: September 10, 2004
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