IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS The machine is not intended for use by children or mentally infirm persons without proper supervision. This machine is designed and manufactured for household use. When using an electrical appliance, basic safety precautions should always be followed, including the followings: Read all instructions before using this machine.
GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS This product must be grounded. In the event of malfunction or breakdown, grounding provides a path of least resistance for electric current to reduce the risk of electric shock. This product is equipped with a cord having an equipment grounding conductor and a grounding plug. The plug must be plugged into an appropriate outlet that is properly installed and grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
SECTION 1. SETTING UP THE MACHINE Installing the Machine ... 2 Adjusting the feet ... 3 Removing the Head Stoppers ... 3 Names of Parts ... 5 Sub control panel ... 6 RCS unit (optional item) ... 6 Standard accessories ... 7 Assembling the Spool Stand ...
SECTION 1. SETTING UP THE MACHINE Installing the Machine Place the machine on a flat and stable surface such as a sturdy table that could withstand the machine’s weight and vibration. Place the machine on the flat and level surface. Make sure that all the feet firmly contact the surface.
Adjusting the feet Turn the adjusting screw counterclockwise (in the direction of A) as much as possible, before placing the machine on a surface. q Adjusting screw Place the machine on a flat and level surface. Turn the adjustable foot so the four feet firmly contact the surface.
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Do not use the machine near appliances that radiate electromagnetic noise such as a microwave oven, or do not plug in the machine to the same branch circuit where such appliances are connected. Do not use or store the machine near a heat radiator or in a place with dust or high humidity.
Names of Parts q Thread guide bar w Pre-tension control e Tension control r Check spring t Hoop supporter y Needle plate u Hook cover i Start/Stop button o Auto thread cutter button !0 Sub control panel !1 Spool pins !2 Spool stand !3 Machine socket !4 Power switch...
e r t y u i o Sub control panel q Mode button w Trace button e Arrow button r Enter buttons t LCD brightness adjusting dial y LCD display RCS unit (optional item) q RCS unit w Start/Stop button e Auto thread cutter button r Trace button t Jog buttons...
Standard Accessories q Needle (DB x K5Q1-NY) w Scissors e Bobbins r Lint brush t Seam ripper y Handy needle threader u Spool caps i Spool net o Screwdriver !0 Screwdriver (small) !1 Oiler !2 Offset screwdriver !3 Tweezers !4 Screwdriver (large) !5 Accessory box Optional RCS unit...
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Standard Accessories q Instruction book w Instructional movie CD-ROM e Power supply cable r USB cable t Hoop M1 (MB Hoop 240 X 200) y Hoop M2 (MB Hoop 126 X 110) u Hoop M3 (MB Hoop 50 X 50) i Hoop supporter o Felt ring (large) !0 Felt ring (small)
Assembling the Spool Stand z Insert the thread guide poles into the sleeve of the spool stand. Secure the poles with setscrews (A) from the bottom. Insert the spool pins into the spool stand. q Thread guide poles w Setscrews (A) e Spool stand r Spool pin x Attach the thread guide bar to the thread guide poles...
Setting the Thread Cones or Spools of Thread Use the 4 spool pins in the front row for sewing, and second row spool pins are for the standby spools. Use the rear most spool pin for bobbin winding. Felt rings of two sizes are provided to accommodate various types of spools of thread and thread cones.
Installing the Hoop Supporter z Loosen the two thumbscrews on the hoop supporter. q Hoop supporter w Thumbscrew x Turn the power switch on to move the carriage to the center. Hold the hoop supporter with both hands and place it under the carriage plate by inserting the necks of both thumbscrews into the slots in the carriage plate.
Installing the RCS Unit (optional item) z Loosen the thumbscrew and open the mounting arm. q Thumbscrew w Mounting arm x Loosen the screw knob A and set the RCS unit on the mounting arm by hooking the RCS unit on the pins.
Connecting the Power Supply CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before connecting the machine to the power supply. z Turn the power switch off. q Power switch x Insert the machine plug into the machine socket. w Machine plug e Machine socket c Insert the power supply plug into the properly grounded outlet.
(optional item) to operate the machine via direct PC-link. Connecting the Machine and PC Start up the MB-4 and PC, and insert the type A USB connector in to the PC. Insert the type B USB connector into the USB port on the machine.
Cotton or spun rayon threads sizes 80 to 120 (74 to 100 dtex/2) are recommended for bobbin thread. Do not use poor quality prewound bobbins. Needles Use the DB x K5Q1-NY, size 11 needles (Janome part number 770811000). Stabilizers To obtain the best quality embroidery, it is important to use stabilizers.
Winding the Bobbin z Place the thread cone (spool of thread) on the rear most spool pin. Pass the thread through the thread guide A. q Thread guide A x Pass the thread through the upper hole and lower hole in the thread guide B. w Thread guide B c Draw the thread to the front.
Removing the bobbin case CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before removing the bobbin case. z Open the hook cover toward you. q Hook cover x Hold and open the latch of the bobbin case. Take the bobbin case out from the machine. w Latch Inserting the bobbin z Insert the bobbin into the bobbin case leaving a 2”...
Inserting the bobbin case Hold the bobbin case with the latch and insert the bobbin case into the hook, aligning the rib with the notch. Push the bobbin case as far as it will go and release the latch. q Latch w Rib e Notch Close the hook cover.
Threading the Needle The threading path of all needles is similar. Review the threading procedure of the first needle when threading other needles. Threading needle No.1 z Place a thread cone on the front right spool pin. Draw the thread up and pass it through the right hole in the thread guide bar from behind.
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⁄0 ⁄1 ⁄2 2 ⁄3 ⁄4 b Draw the thread down and pass it through the right hole in the guide plate. q Right hole in the guide plate n Pass the thread through the eye of the right check spring.
Threading the needle with the needle threader z Hold the needle threader with a triangle mark facing up. Insert the thread into the Y-notch of the threader from the right. q Triangle mark w Y-notch x Slide the threader down along the needle while pushing it gently until the threader pin goes into the needle eye.
Setting the Fabric in the Embroidery Hoop z Attach stabilizer to the wrong side of the fabric. Mark the centerlines for pattern placement on the right side of the fabric. q Fabric w Centerlines e Stabilizer x Place the inner hoop with the template on the fabric.
Setting the Embroidery Hoop Hold the setting plate with both hands and insert them under the holder clips. Slide the hoop on the hoop supporter until the holes catch the positioning pins on the hoop supporter. q Setting plate w Holder clip e Hole in the setting plate r Positioning pin NOTES:...
SECTION 2. BASIC OPERATION Basic Operation with the Sub Control Panel Machine operating buttons q Start/Stop button Press this button to start or stop the machine. The button glows red when the machine is stitching, and green, when the machine has stopped. w Auto thread cutter button Press this button to trim the threads.
W: 00 W: 01 LCD screen z When turning the power on, the LCD screen will show [W:00]. Press the ENTER button and the hoop will move to the home position. q LCD screen w ENTER button NOTE: If the LCD screen shows [E:03], press the ENTER button to initialize the needle bar position.
M1 00001 01/13 1 00001 01/13 1 M1 00001 01/13 M1 00001 01/13 001 ABC_001 M2 002 E_001 Machine Settings Press the MODE button to select the item you wish to change the setting. The selected item will blink. Press the MODE button to select the next item or press the ENTER button to change the setting of the selected item.
M1 00001 01/13 1 N1:253 N2:224 Starting to Embroider z Select the pattern you wish to sew. The LCD screen shows the Ready to sew mode display. NOTE: The embroidery result may vary depending on the fabric and threads used. Make a test embroidery using the same fabric and threads before sewing on the actual garment.
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H:M1 ? 02010 02/13 2 b Press the START/STOP button, the LCD screen will show the reminder asking you to confirm the hoop type to be used. y START/STOP button u Reminder display NOTE: If you press the START/STOP button when the tension release lever is in the open position, a warning sign [W:03] will appear.
Removing the Hoop z Hold the setting plates with both hands and lift the front side of the setting plates to release them from the positioning pins. Slide the hoop toward you and remove it from the machine. q Setting plate w Positioning pin x Loosen the hoop tightening screw.
Adjusting the Thread Tension Adjusting the needle thread tension Adjust the needle thread tension by turning the tension dial so that a small amount of the needle thread shows on the wrong side of the fabric. q Tension dial NOTE: If the thread kinks while stitching, turn the pre-tension dial clockwise slightly to eliminate kinks.
Push the needle up as far as it will go and tighten the needle clamp screw securely with the screwdriver. r Long groove NOTE: Use the DB x K5Q1-NY, size 11 needles (Janome part number 770811000).
Basic Operation of the Optional RCS Unit Machine operating buttons q Start/Stop button Press this button to start or stop the machine. The button glows red when the machine is stitching, and green, that the machine has stopped. w Auto thread cutter button Press this button to trim the threads.
Function keys CAUTION: Do not press the LCD touch panel with hard or sharp pointed objects like pencils, screwdrivers or the like. q MENU key Press this key to assign mode selection to the circle keys. There are 4 modes available. •...
? Winding the bobbin Winding the bobbin On-screen Help Movie Press the help (?) key to open the help movie menu. You can view 6 help topics of essential operations. q Help key Select the help topic you wish to view by pressing the arrow keys and press the OK key.
M1 00001 01/13 1 Disconnecting the RCS Unit You can use the RCS unit to control two more MB-4s. After setting up the first unit of the MB-4, press the MENU key and press the circle key next to the RCS icon.
Keep hand clear. Garriage will now move to set position. Do you resume the last settings? SECTION 3. ADVANCED OPERATION WITH THE OPTIONAL RCS UNIT Selecting the Embroidery Patterns When turning the power on, the LCD touch panel will show the opening window, then a warning message will appear after a few seconds.
Selecting the built-in designs There are 50 ready to sew embroidery designs categorized by hoop size. To view the designs on the next page, press the next page key. q Next page key Press the previous page key to go back to the previous page.
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88x90mm 21 min 1 / 5 Color 1 / 8565 ST Ivory White 253 Bamboo 224 Tangerine 274 Orange 203 Sienna 258 88x90mm 21 min 1 / 5 Color 1 / 8565 ST Ivory White 253 Bamboo 224 Tangerine 274 Orange 203 Sienna 258 Press the pattern selection key and the Ready to sew...
Monogramming There are 3 pages of the monogramming window. Press the page key to show the next or previous page. q Page keys Page 1: Roman alphabets and spaces Page 2: Numerals, punctuation marks and symbols Page 3: Dieresis and European accented letters (3/3)
Script Gothic Cheltenham Hollowblock Bauhaus Galant Typist Brush First Grade Jupiter 2 Letters 3 Letters Border Normal Sew Function keys Font selection Press the circle key next to font icon to open the font selection window. q Circle key (font selection) Press the arrow keys to select the desired font or border patterns.
59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST Save File Location : 0.1/3MB MB-4 Card USB-Memory Entering the characters Example: “Jump” in Gothic font Select Gothic font. Press the desired alphabet key to enter characters. Enter upper case “J”.
Correcting the text To delete a character: Press the arrow key to move the cursor under the character to delete. Press the circle key next to the delete icon. q Arrow keys w Cursor e Circle key (delete) To insert a character: Press the arrow key to move the cursor under the character next to the place to where you wish to insert a character.
59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST Placement of monogramming You can select from one of the 3 placements for monogramming. Press the circle key next to the placement icon to select the left justify, center justify or right justify alternately.
59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST 59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST 59x22mm 4 min 1 / 1 Color 1 / 981 ST Red 225 Orange 203 Multi-color monogramming You can sew a multi-color monogramming by assigning different thread color to each character.
Edit Edit Press Corresponding Function Button. Edit Editing In the editing mode, you can modify and combine the embroidery patterns and monograms. z Press the circle key next to the editing icon. q Circle key (editing) x The editing window will open. c Press the MENU key and press the circle key next to the built-in icon to import the built-in patterns.
Edit Edit 240x200 126x110 50x50 100x60 Edit Edit Edit Editing Functions Selecting the hoop Press the circle key next to the hoop icon. q Circle key (hoop) The function key assignment will change to the hoop selection. Press the circle key next to the icon of the desired hoop to select.
Edit Edit Edit Edit Rotating the pattern Press the circle key next to the rotate icon and the function key assignment will change to rotation. q Circle key (rotate) Press the circle key next to the rotate clockwise icon to rotate the pattern 1 degree clockwise. w Circle key (rotate CW 1 deg.) Press the circle key next to the rotate counterclockwise icon to rotate the pattern 1 degree counterclockwise.
Edit Edit Press the circle key next to the right arrow icon to show the alternate function key assignment. q Circle key (right arrow) Press the circle key next to the left arrow icon to go back to the previous function key assignment. w Circle key (left arrow) Duplicating the pattern Press the circle key next to the copy icon to duplicate...
Monogramming in an arc You can make a monogramming in an upper or lower arc. z Enter the characters in the editing mode. Press the circle key next to the arc icon. q Circle key (arc) x The alternate function key assignment will appear. Press the circle key next to the lower arc icon to make a lower arc.
Bright Blue 230 RED_1 & RED_1 74x95mm 14 min 1 / 3 Color 1 / 5249 ST RED_1 YELLOW PINK Customizing the color setting The background color of the editing screen and section color of the pattern image can be changed to simulate the actual colors of the fabric and threads.
Edit Edit Press Corresponding Function Button. Edit Edit Combining the Patterns and Lettering z Press the MENU key. q MENU key x Press the circle key next to the built-in pattern icon. w Circle key (built-in) e OK key c The pattern selection window will open. Select pattern #7.
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Edit Edit ⁄0 Edit Press Corresponding Function Button. ⁄1 ⁄2 Edit , Move the flipped pattern to the left bottom corner of the editing screen by using the arrow keys or by dragging it with your fingertip. i Arrow keys .
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⁄3 Edit ⁄4 Edit ⁄5 240x200mm 59 min 1 / 13 Color 1 / 22479 ST Bright Blue 230 Floral Pink 266 Orchid Pink 240 Bright Blue 230 Floral Pink 266 Orchid Pink 240 Bright Blue 230 Floral Pink 266 Edit ⁄3 Press the circle key next to the arc icon.
[03] Machine ID number When connecting two or three units of the MB-4 to the PC at the same time, you need to assign the identification number to each machine. Press the right or left arrow button the ID number.
The color code of the selected brand will be shown in the Ready to sew mode display. The brand numbers are as follows: 1 Janome 2 Gütermann Sulky (rayon 40) 3 Madeira (polyester 40) 4 Mettler (Poly Sheen)
[08] Reminder message ON/OFF When you press the START/STOP button, a reminder message will appear on the LCD screen. However, you can turn off the reminder. Press the right arrow button turn off the reminder. Press the ENTER button to register the new setting or press the upward arrow button setting.
[12] Jump thread trimming ON/OFF If you wish to trim jump threads automatically, press the fright arrow button to indicate [ON]. Press the left arrow button to disable the jump thread trimming. Press the ENTER button to register the new setting or press the upward arrow button to go to the next setting.
inch inch inch inch Customizing the Settings with the Optional RCS Unit The machine settings and LCD screen display can be customized with the RCS unit. Press the SET key and the setting mode window will open. q SET key There are 8 pages of display including the language selection in the setting mode.
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Eco Mode Screen Saver Touch Screen Calibration Machine Info first machine Eco Mode Screen Saver Touch Screen Calibration Machine Info first machine Eco Mode Screen Saver Touch Screen Calibration Machine Info first machine v Eco mode setting The sewing lights will turn off, and the LCD screen go dark if you have not used the machine for a while.
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Touch Screen Calibration Machine Info m Machine ID and name When connecting two or three units of the MB-4 to the PC at the same time, you need to assign the identification number and name to each machine. Press the circle key next to Rename and the keyboard window will open.
Format MB-4 ATA PC Card USB Memory Reset all to defaults Format memory? All the stored data will be erased. Format MB-4 ATA PC Card USB Memory Reset all to defaults Format MB-4 ATA PC Card USB Memory Reset all to defaults...
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⁄1 Grid size 10 mm Maximum speed setting 600spm Hoop for Monogramming ⁄2 Grid size 10 mm Maximum speed setting 600spm Hoop for Monogramming ⁄3 Grid size 10 mm Maximum speed setting 600spm Hoop for Monogramming ⁄1 Grid size The grid size of the editing screen can be changed by pressing the circle key next to “+”...
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⁄4 Tread selection Robison- Madeira Janome Anton Polyester 40 Polyester 40 Gutermann Robison- Mettler SULKY Anton Poly Sheen Rayon 40 Rayon 40 Color Control ⁄5 Tread selection Robison- Madeira Janome Anton Polyester 40 Polyester 40 Gutermann Robison- Mettler SULKY Anton...
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⁄6 Reminder to Start Reserve Color to Needle Ignore Short Stitches 0.0mm ⁄7 Reminder to Start Reserve Color to Needle Ignore Short Stitches 0.0mm Ivory White ⁄8 Reminder to Start Reserve Color to Needle Ignore Short Stitches 0.0mm ⁄6 Reminder message ON/OFF When you press the START/STOP button, a reminder message will appear on the LCD touch panel.
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⁄9 Trim Tail Length Thread Break Stitch Count Jump Thread Trimming Number of Jumps ¤0 Trim Tail Length Thread Break Stitch Count Jump Thread Trimming Number of Jumps ¤1 Trim Tail Length Thread Break Stitch Count Jump Thread Trimming Number of Jumps ¤2 Trim Tail Length Thread Break Stitch Count...
¤3 Language selection You can select one of the following languages for screen message. q English w French e Spanish r Italian t Dutch y Japanese u German i Russian o Swedish !0 Portuguese !1 Finnish Press the arrow key to move the cursor (red arrow) to the language you wish to select.
Save File Location : 0.1/3MB Embf ABC_1 & Delete Save File Location : 0.1/3MB ABC_1 Embf Creating a new folder z If you wish to create a new folder, press the circle key next to the New. Rename q Circle key (new) NOTE: If you wish to change the name of the existiong folder, press the circle key next to Rename.
Floral Pink 266 Opening a file You can open embroidery data files from the internal memoryof the MB-4, RCS unit and memory devices such as the optional ATA PC card, USB memory and CD-ROM drivesum. The RCS unit is able to open embroidery data files in Janome *.jef and Tajima *.dst format.
Delete Save File Location : 0.1/3MB ABC_1 Embf Save File Location : 0.1/3MB ABC_1 Are you sure you want to delete this folder? Save File Location : 0.1/3MB Embf Save File Location : 0.1/3MB Embf Jump M_001 M_002 Jump M_001 M_002 Are you sure you want to delete this file?
Location : 0.1/3MB MB-4 Card USB-Memory CD-ROM SECTION 4. OPTIONAL ITEMS PC Design Cards You can open embroidery patterns from the PC Design cards using the RCS unit. Inserting the PC Design card Insert the PC Design card into the card slot on the RCS unit with the front side of the card facing toward you.
Location : 0.1/3MB USB-Memory MB-4 Card USB-Memory CD-ROM Location : 0.1/488MB USB Memory Embf USB Memory The RCS unit is compatible with the USB memory, which can be used to save and transfer the files between the machine and your PC.
CD-ROM Embf CD-ROM Drive NOTE: Do not use any other CD-ROM drive than the Janome exclusive CD-ROM drive, which is available from authorized dealers. Insert the mini USB connector into the USB port on the back of the CD-ROM drive.
SECTION 5. CARE AND MAINTENANCE Cleaning the Hook CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before cleaning the hook area. Open the hook cover and remove the bobbin case. Clean the inside of the hook with the lint brush. q Hook cover w Lint brush Cleaning the Bobbin Case Remove the bobbin from the bobbin case.
Cleaning the Auto Thread Cutter Mechanism CAUTION: Turn the power switch off before cleaning the auto thread cutter mechanism. z Loosen the 2 setscrews on the needle plate with the offset screwdriver. Unscrew and remove the 2 setscrews with the screwdriver q Setscrews w Needle plate...
Clean the inside of the hook with the lint brush. e Hook race NOTE: Use only a good quality sewing machine oil. Do not apply too much oil, otherwise threads and fabric may be stained with excess oil. Wipe off any excess oil with a waste cloth.
Error Messages Error Message Error Description Communication error with the E : 00 RCS unit Initializing error Needle bar switching error Needle bar stop position error Driving motor stops due to an overload. Needle thread broke or ran out. Needle bar setting error Auto thread cutting error Opening tension disks while stitching...
Troubleshooting Problem The machine does not run. 1. The machine is not plugged in correctly. 2. The threads are jammed in the hook or 3. A confirmation message or an error message 4. The control system does not work correctly. The machine is noisy.
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Troubleshooting Problem 1. The needle thread tension is too tight. The fabric puckers. 2. The fabric is not stretched tight enough in the 3. A stabilizer is not used. The LCD screen is not clear. 1. The brightness of the LCD screen is not 1.