Barudan BEKT Series Embroidery Machine: Common Problems & Fixes

1. Frequent Thread Breakage high likelihood

How to tell

The machine stops frequently with a 'Thread Break' error message, or you observe threads snapping during embroidery. This can happen with various thread types and colors.

Fix

1. Check the thread path for any snags, burrs, or obstructions from the cone to the needle. Ensure the thread is correctly seated in all guides and tension discs.
2. Clean the thread path components, including tension discs, thread guides, and the rotary hook area, from lint and debris.
3. Adjust the upper thread tension. Start by loosening it slightly and test. If breaks persist, check bobbin tension.
4. Inspect the needle for bends, burrs, or dullness. Replace the needle if any damage is found. Ensure the needle is inserted correctly with the scarf facing the rotary hook.
5. Verify the rotary hook timing. If the timing is off, it can cause the needle to hit the hook, leading to thread breaks. (Consult your machine manual for timing adjustment procedure or call a technician).
6. Ensure the bobbin case is clean and free of lint. Check for any nicks or burrs on the bobbin case or bobbin itself.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars → Thread path & tension → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases →

2. Poor Stitch Quality (Skipped Stitches, Looping, Puckering) high likelihood

How to tell

Embroidery appears uneven, stitches are missing, loops form on the top or bottom of the fabric, or the fabric gathers excessively around the design.

Fix

1. Check and adjust both upper and bobbin thread tension. Improper tension is a primary cause of poor stitch quality. The bobbin thread should be visible as a thin line on the underside of the top stitching.
2. Ensure the correct needle size and type are used for the fabric and thread. A dull or bent needle can cause skipped stitches.
3. Verify the hooping. The fabric and backing must be taut and secure in the hoop, without being stretched or distorted.
4. Clean the rotary hook area and bobbin case thoroughly. Lint buildup can interfere with stitch formation.
5. Inspect the presser foot height. If it's too high or too low, it can affect fabric control and stitch quality. (Refer to your manual for proper adjustment).
6. Check for any burrs or rough spots on the needle plate or rotary hook that could be snagging the thread.

Consider upgrading to a Barudan Magnetic Mighty Hoop for BEKT-S1501CBIII Pro 3, BEKT-S1501CII, BEKT-S1501C, BEKT-S1501T, Elite Pro Series for improved hooping stability.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars → Thread path & tension → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases → Hoops & frames → Presser feet & sewing parts →

3. Machine Freezes or Stops Mid-Design medium likelihood

How to tell

The machine suddenly stops responding, the screen may freeze, or it halts without an error message during operation. Sometimes a power cycle is required to restart.

Fix

1. Power cycle the machine: Turn it off, wait 30 seconds, then turn it back on. This can clear temporary software glitches.
2. Check for stable power supply. Ensure the machine is plugged into a dedicated, grounded outlet and not sharing with other heavy machinery.
3. Inspect all cables, especially the main power cable and data cables, for secure connections and damage.
4. If using a floppy drive, try loading a different design or using a different floppy disk. Corrupt design files or faulty disks can cause freezes.
5. Consider upgrading your floppy drive to a USB emulator. This often resolves data transfer issues that can lead to freezes.
6. Clean the machine's internal components, especially around circuit boards, to prevent overheating due to dust buildup.

For floppy drive issues, consider upgrading to a SFRM72-FU USB Floppy Emulator for Tajima, Barudan, Happy, ZSK, Brother, Melco, Feiya, Ricoma Embroidery, a Gotek SFR1M44-DU26 USB Floppy Emulator for Tajima TMFX TMEF TFMX, Barudan BEAT BEDY BEKT, Brother, Happy, Ricoma, ZSK, Melco Embroidery Machines, or a Barudan SFRM72-DU26 Gotek USB Floppy Drive Emulator for BENS, BEAT, BEKT, BEKS, BEDT.

Parts involved: Cables & wiring → Floppy, USB & memory → Circuit boards & electronics →

4. Floppy Drive Not Reading Designs / USB Emulator Issues medium likelihood

How to tell

The machine displays 'Disk Read Error', 'No Design Found', or fails to load designs from the floppy disk or USB emulator. The drive may make unusual noises or not light up.

Fix

1. Ensure the floppy disk is correctly inserted and not damaged. Try a different, known-good floppy disk.
2. If using a USB emulator, ensure the USB stick is formatted correctly (FAT32) and contains compatible design files in the root directory or designated folders.
3. Try a different USB stick. Some emulators are particular about USB stick brands or sizes.
4. Check the connection of the floppy drive or USB emulator to the machine's mainboard. Ensure cables are secure.
5. Clean the floppy drive head (if applicable) with a specialized floppy drive cleaning kit.
6. If the floppy drive is old and failing, replacing it with a USB emulator is a highly recommended upgrade for reliability and convenience.

We stock several compatible USB floppy emulators: SFRM72-FU USB Floppy Emulator for Tajima, Barudan, Happy, ZSK, Brother, Melco, Feiya, Ricoma Embroidery, Gotek SFR1M44-DU26 USB Floppy Emulator for Tajima TMFX TMEF TFMX, Barudan BEAT BEDY BEKT, Brother, Happy, Ricoma, ZSK, Melco Embroidery Machines, and Barudan SFRM72-DU26 Gotek USB Floppy Drive Emulator for BENS, BEAT, BEKT, BEKS, BEDT.

Parts involved: Floppy, USB & memory → Cables & wiring →

5. Needle Breakage low likelihood

How to tell

Needles snap frequently, sometimes with a loud crack. This can occur during stitching or when the machine is trimming.

Fix

1. Ensure the correct needle size and type are being used for the fabric, thread, and design density. Using too small a needle or a dull needle can lead to breaks.
2. Check the needle for proper insertion. It must be fully seated and oriented correctly (scarf to the back).
3. Inspect the needle bar for any bends or damage. A bent needle bar can cause the needle to strike the needle plate or rotary hook.
4. Verify the rotary hook timing. If the timing is off, the needle can collide with the hook, causing it to break. (This requires a technician or careful manual consultation).
5. Check for burrs or damage on the needle plate hole. A rough edge can snag and break needles.
6. Ensure the presser foot is set at the correct height to prevent excessive fabric movement that could bend the needle.

Parts involved: Needles & needle bars → Rotary hooks & bobbin cases → Presser feet & sewing parts →

6. Control Panel Buttons Unresponsive or Sticky low likelihood

How to tell

Buttons on the control panel require excessive force to register a press, or some buttons do not respond at all. The membrane may appear worn or bubbled.

Fix

1. Clean the surface of the membrane panel with a soft, damp cloth to remove any sticky residue or debris.
2. If specific buttons are consistently unresponsive, the membrane panel itself may be worn out or damaged internally.
3. Carefully inspect the ribbon cable connecting the membrane panel to the main control board for secure connection or signs of damage.

We offer the Barudan Membrane Panel Key Film Keyboard for BEXT Series, BEKT Series, BEVS Series Embroidery Machines as a direct replacement.

Parts involved: Control panels & displays → Cables & wiring →