AVL Looms Compu-Dobby V User manual

Compu-Dobby V
User’s Manual
AVL Looms
2360 Park Avenue
Chico, CA 95928-6785
U.S.A.
530 893-4915
530 893-1372 fax
[e-mail]
www.avlusa.com
Version 0.2
January 9, 2019

Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual Introductory Information
Table of Contents Page | i
Introductory Information ................................................................................................................ 1
Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 2
Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 3
Loom Features ............................................................................................................................ 3
Connecting to the Loom.................................................................................................................. 5
Getting Started ............................................................................................................................ 6
Setting up communication .......................................................................................................... 8
Naming Your Loom .................................................................................................................. 12
Using the RESET Function ....................................................................................................... 14
Shutdown the loom ................................................................................................................... 14
Loom Software.............................................................................................................................. 17
File Tab ..................................................................................................................................... 18
Weaving Tab ............................................................................................................................. 20
Controlling the Auto Advance .................................................................................................. 24
Setting the tension ..................................................................................................................... 25
Other Tabs ................................................................................................................................. 27
The Fine Print ............................................................................................................................... 35
AVL Customer Service ............................................................................................................. 36
AVL Warranties ........................................................................................................................ 36
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual Introductory Information
Introductory Information Page | 1
INTRODUCTORY
INFORMATION
INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION

Introductory Information Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual
Page | 2 Safety
SAFETY
Before Getting Started:
Please read the entire manual before using the software.
WARNING:
Never pull or cut power to the loom without first shutting down the loom
through the software.

Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual Introductory Information
Introduction Page | 3
INTRODUCTION
About AVL
AVL Looms has been in the business of designing and building some of the
world’s finest handweaving looms since 1977.
Jim Ahrens had been building and designing looms for a number of years
before Jon Violette, the “V” in AVL, approached Ahrens about a partnership
in 1977.Violette, an industrial management professional, had discovered
Ahrens’ work through his sister who ran the Pacific Basin School of Textiles
in Berkeley, where Ahrens was a volunteer advisor.
The two men worked together in the Bay Area for three years untilViolette
moved Ahrens and Violette Looms to Chico, where it officially became known
as AVL Looms Inc., and has operated ever since.
In 1982, Violette was instrumental in the development of the first
computerized dobby, then called the “Apple Dobby”.He retired from active
life in the company in 1987.
Once known for our production looms, AVL has broadened its line
considerably and we now offer customers a full spectrum of fine weaving
equipment, ranging from our small Home Looms, to our Industrial Dobby
Looms, Rug Looms, and Jacquards.
The Compu-Dobby V Design Concept
The guiding concept behind the Compu-Dobby V is ease of use with precise,
repeatable control. The loom is designed to be easy to thread, easy to setup
and easy to weave on.
LOOMFEATURES
Compu-Dobby®
A first for handweaving looms, the Compu-Dobby 5 enables computer
control of pattern and key loom functions, including warp tension and pick
spacing.
Pattern control is a state of the art system that eliminates the multi-treadle
dance of traditional looms and the tedious pegging of mechanical

Introductory Information Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual
Page | 4 LoomFeatures
dobbylooms. Much like the legacy cartridge systems from the Compu-Dobby
I and II, the Compu-Dobby 5 stores entire weaving files (WIFs) onboard with
three significant advantages over all other systems:
 Ultra-fast pick writing. The system can achieve weaving speeds
in excess of 100 picks per minute.
 Hundreds of weaving files may be stored for later use.
 Eliminates latency timing issues inherent in computer
communications systems. Latencies can cause slower weaving
and even missed picks.
As a web enabled device, this loom connects to your computer or tablet via
WiFi or USB and controls the loom from your favorite browser. AVLDrive
version 5 is an easy to use, intuitive interface run from within the Compu-
Dobby 5. As a direct result, there is no software to install for the loom, nor
limitation on the controlling device, except fora minimum screen resolution
(1024 x 768 pixels). AVLDrive is compatible with all major browsers, including
Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Opera.
Warp Beams andAutomatic Warp Tension System
Another first in our industry, some looms offer digital control of warp tension
using a small electrical motor and drive system connectedvia spring and
brake cable tothe warp beam. The motor is controlled by the Compu-Dobby
&AVLDrive. Easily change the warp tension at any time during weaving by a
click of the mouse or a touch of the finger on the touchscreen. This
systemallows very fine, repeatable control with a range from locked beam to
free turning for winding on the warp.
Automatic cloth advance is an AVL-only feature on hand weaving looms.
Earlier mechanical versions of these systems are well known for providing
fine control over pick advance spacing. This featureutilizes digital controls
via an electric motor driven worm and gear attached directly to the cloth
beam. Much like the digital warp tension controls, set the picks per inch in
AVLDrive and start weaving.Easily change the advance setting or manually
advance the cloth at any time during weaving by a click of the mouse or a
touch of the finger on the touchscreen. This systemallows very fine,
repeatable control with a range from hundreds of picks per inch (or
centimeter) to gross movements needed when starting a new warp.

Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Connecting to the Loom Page | 5
CONNECTING TO
THE LOOM
CONNECTING TO THE LOOM
ATTENTION:
Please read through this entire section before powering on your loom.

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual
Page | 6 Getting Started
GETTING STARTED
New Features:
The loom uses a lighted interface for communication with the weaver.
Light Name Description
POWER Orange light means “power” to the loom in standby mode.
Red light means “power” to the loom in weaving mode.
NETWORK Different colors indicate the network status.
Blinking Red: searching for LAN (Local Area Network).
Red: connected to LAN
Green: LoomDirect is available (not searching for LAN).
COM Green light shows the loom is connected to a device. No light
means there is no connection.
ERROR Red light will shine when an error has occurred.
SHED Red light will shine when shed is open.
In order to connect to the loom, your device must either have a USB port or
the ability to connect to the internet. There are threeways to connect a
device to the loom:
Connection Type Description
USB USB cable from your device to the loom. Only
devices with USB ports can connect this way.
LAN (Local Area
Network)
Through a router. Only devices with WiFi can
connect this way.
LoomDirect Connection to loom’s WiFi network (not through
a router). Only devices with WiFi can connect
this way.

Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Getting Started Page | 7
The software interface (AVL Drive) is web browser based so you do not need
to download anything. Simply open your standard web browser (Chrome,
Safari, Firefox, etc.) and type in the loom’s address.
Loom Modes
The loom is designed to be controlled through the AVL Drive software, so
there is no “power” button anywhere on the loom.
STANDBY MODE:
When you plug the loom in it enters Standby Mode. It is alright to leave the
loom plugged inand in Standby Mode at all times. Minimal power is going to
the loom, and some lights will be on, but the full power has not been turned
on yet. In Standby Mode you’ll be able to connect to the loom via AVL Drive
and power on the loom.
WARNING:
Never pull or cut power to the loom in STANDBY MODE.
WEAVING MODE:
Weaving mode is when the loom and all its digital controls have been
powered on through AVL Drive. You will hear the warp tension motors set
into place and other digital features come to life.
WARNING:
Never pull or cut power to the loom in WEAVING MODE.
SHUTDOWN MODE:
Can be initiated from Weaving Mode or Standby Mode through AVL Drive.
Shutting down the loom through AVL Drive is the proper way to stop all
power to the loom.
Once the loom has been shutdown the power cord can be unplugged.
If the loom has been Shutdown through the software, but is still plugged in,
simply unplugging it and plugging it back in will initiate Standby Mode.
We’ll go into greater detail on all the modes in the following sections.
Powering on the loom:
When powering on the loom for the first time,you will need to use either a
USB connection or connect via LoomDirect. In order to connect via LAN, you
will have to setup the Network information on the loom using one of the
other connection types first. Once setup you can then connect via LAN each

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual
Page | 8 Setting up communication
time you come to the loom. However, if Wifi connections are ever lost you
can always revert to USB or LoomDirect.
1) Connect the loom to power via the provided power cable. You can
connect to a surge protector or multiple outlet adapter. All lights
but the “Error” light will light up as shown in the images below.
2) Wait for the loom to bootup. This can takeup to several minutes.
Once ready the loom will show just the “Power” and
“Network”lights. The network light may be Green or Red.
SETTING UP COMMUNICATION
Connecting via USB
1) Plug the normal USB plug into your computer and plug the other
end into the Compu-Dobby.
2) Open an Internet browser program on your computer (Chrome,
Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, etc.).

Compu-Dobby V User’s Ma
nual
Setting up communication
3)
In the Address Bar, type in
press Enter
to open AVL Drive.
when connecting via USB.
Note:
Any time you’re connected via USB you can use
name
to open AVL Drive.
4) When the
connection is established,
be green.
Connecting via
LoomDirect
LoomDirect means the loom is generating its own WiFi network and will
show up as an available network on your device. The great part about this
feature is that you don’t need internet access to wirelessly connect to the
loom.
The loom’s protoc
ol is to first search for a LAN connection. If it does not find
one, it will automatically switch to LoomDirect and create its own network.
Note:
If no LAN connection is established your loom will automatically switch to
LoomDirect.
1)
It can take up to sev
LoomDirect.
nual
Connecting to the Loom
In the Address Bar, type in
192.168.7.2
or the Loom Name
to open AVL Drive.
This
is the IP address for the loom
when connecting via USB.
Any time you’re connected via USB you can use
the IP address or the loom
to open AVL Drive.
connection is established,
the
COM Light will turn
LoomDirect
LoomDirect means the loom is generating its own WiFi network and will
show up as an available network on your device. The great part about this
feature is that you don’t need internet access to wirelessly connect to the
ol is to first search for a LAN connection. If it does not find
one, it will automatically switch to LoomDirect and create its own network.
If no LAN connection is established your loom will automatically switch to
It can take up to sev
eral minutes for the loom to
switch to
Connecting to the Loom
Page | 9
or the Loom Name
URL and
is the IP address for the loom
the IP address or the loom
COM Light will turn
on and
LoomDirect means the loom is generating its own WiFi network and will
show up as an available network on your device. The great part about this
feature is that you don’t need internet access to wirelessly connect to the
ol is to first search for a LAN connection. If it does not find
one, it will automatically switch to LoomDirect and create its own network.
If no LAN connection is established your loom will automatically switch to
switch to

Connecting to the Loom
Page | 10
2) When
the Network light shines
own network that can be found from your device.
3)
The network will be AVL_[loom_serial_number] where
loom_serial_number is the serial num
4)
Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to this WiFi network.
Looms Network ID = AVL_[loom’s serial number]
Network Password = CompuDobby5
5)
The password for the network will be CompuDobby5.
6)
The COM light will turn off while the
COM light turns green, you’ll know connection has been
reestablished.
7)
Open your browser and type in
loom if you’ve named it
8)
Once you establish the LoomDirect connection you won’t have to go
thr
ough this process again. You can shut down your loom and you’ll
be able to turn the loom on and connect to AVL Drive automatically.
Setting up Network settings to connect
For this connection, you will
router allows you to access the internet wirelessly on your device.
computer and the loom will be connected to the same network.
use this connection type, you must have access to the internet.
If you don’t have i
nternet, you can still connect via WiFi with LoomDirect
connection covered in
its own
1)
Connect your device to the loom via USB or LoomDirect.
2)
Go to Network tab in AVL Drive
Compu-
Dobby V User’s Manual
Setting up communication
the Network light shines
green, the
loom is now putting off its
own network that can be found from your device.
The network will be AVL_[loom_serial_number] where
loom_serial_number is the serial num
ber for your loom.
Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to this WiFi network.
Looms Network ID = AVL_[loom’s serial number]
Network Password = CompuDobby5
The password for the network will be CompuDobby5.
The COM light will turn off while the
loom is connecting. When the
COM light turns green, you’ll know connection has been
Open your browser and type in
192.168.7.2
, or the name of the
loom if you’ve named it
.
Once you establish the LoomDirect connection you won’t have to go
ough this process again. You can shut down your loom and you’ll
be able to turn the loom on and connect to AVL Drive automatically.
Setting up Network settings to connect
via LAN (Local Area Network)
For this connection, you will
connect using your router at your
location
router allows you to access the internet wirelessly on your device.
computer and the loom will be connected to the same network.
use this connection type, you must have access to the internet.
nternet, you can still connect via WiFi with LoomDirect
its own
section.
Connect your device to the loom via USB or LoomDirect.
Go to Network tab in AVL Drive
.
Dobby V User’s Manual
Setting up communication
loom is now putting off its
The network will be AVL_[loom_serial_number] where
ber for your loom.
Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to this WiFi network.
Looms Network ID = AVL_[loom’s serial number]
loom is connecting. When the
COM light turns green, you’ll know connection has been
, or the name of the
Once you establish the LoomDirect connection you won’t have to go
ough this process again. You can shut down your loom and you’ll
be able to turn the loom on and connect to AVL Drive automatically.
via LAN (Local Area Network)
location
.The
router allows you to access the internet wirelessly on your device.
Both your
computer and the loom will be connected to the same network.
In order to
nternet, you can still connect via WiFi with LoomDirect
Connect your device to the loom via USB or LoomDirect.

Compu-
Dobby V User’s Manual
Setting up communication
3) Select your
network from the dropdown list and enter the password
for your router.
Note:
The network light should remain RED during these steps. If your network light
turns
GREEN, you’ve entered the incorrect password for your router.
the password for your router and reenter the correct password
4)
Click theRestart Netwo
5) Unplug the USB
or disconnect from LoomDirect.
6) Wait
for the WiFi connection to the loom. It can take
minutes
for the loom to connect to the router.
7)
The COM light will turn off during this period. When the COM light
turns green,
you’ll know connection has been reestablished.
8)
Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to the WiFi network you
connected the loom to.
9) Y
ou can refresh your browser.
Dobby V User’s Manual
Connecting to the Loom
network from the dropdown list and enter the password
The network light should remain RED during these steps. If your network light
GREEN, you’ve entered the incorrect password for your router.
the password for your router and reenter the correct password
.
Click theRestart Netwo
rk button.
or disconnect from LoomDirect.
for the WiFi connection to the loom. It can take
up to several
for the loom to connect to the router.
The COM light will turn off during this period. When the COM light
you’ll know connection has been reestablished.
Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to the WiFi network you
connected the loom to.
ou can refresh your browser.
Connecting to the Loom
Page | 11
network from the dropdown list and enter the password
The network light should remain RED during these steps. If your network light
GREEN, you’ve entered the incorrect password for your router.
Check
.
up to several
The COM light will turn off during this period. When the COM light
you’ll know connection has been reestablished.
Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to the WiFi network you

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual
Page | 12 Naming Your Loom
10) Once you establish LAN WiFI connection you won’t have to go
through this process again. You can shutdown your loom and you’ll
be able to turn the loom on and connect to AVL Drive without these
steps.
Note:
If your router name or password changes, you will have to setup the network
using the USB or LoomDirect.
NAMING YOUR LOOM
Install Bonjour Print Services for Windows
Bonjour Print Services for Windows lets you access AVL Drive via your web
browser using your "loom name" as the URL. Example: http://[loom
name].local.
1) Go to https://support.apple.com/kb/DL999?locale=en_US.
2) Click the Download button.
3) Open the downloaded file to initiate the install wizard.
Add Loom Name
Naming your loom is an important step that will make it easy to access your
loom via WiFi from any device.
This creates a URL that you type in to the address bar on a web browser. It
will be easy to remember, unlike the IP address. Your loom name can be
changed at any time.
The LOOM URL will be http:// + [loom name] + .local
Example:
Loom name = myloom
Loom URL = http://myloom.local
Note:
The name must be a solid piece of text with no spaces. If a space is added to
the name, the URL will only be the letters before the space even though the
“Loom Name” shows the complete name with the space.
GOOD EXAMPLES: myloom, my_loom, my-loom

Compu-
Dobby V User’s Manual
Naming Your Loom
BAD EXAMPLES: my loom (loom would only show up as “my”)
Note:
If you ever forget the name of your loom you can always connect with the IP
address.
1)
Once you have AVL Drive open, select the “Options” tab.
2) In the box for
Loom Name, enter the name you’d like to use for
your loom. If the box is not blank, delete the existing name and
enter the new text of your choice.
3)
Clicking the enter button on your keyboard, or simply clicking
anywhere on the page,
4)
Refresh or exit your
then back on pretty quickly.
loom name has been changed. You will also see the Connected To:
field under Please select file has changed.
5)
Type the new URL into your browser with your
shown in the beginning of this section. http:// + [loom name] +
.local.
6)
Click Enter on the keyboard
7)
AVL Drive will refresh and the COM Light will light up once
communication is established with the loom. You can now use this
URL to access AVL Drive via USB, LAN, and LoomDirect.
Dobby V User’s Manual
Connecting to the Loom
BAD EXAMPLES: my loom (loom would only show up as “my”)
If you ever forget the name of your loom you can always connect with the IP
Once you have AVL Drive open, select the “Options” tab.
Loom Name, enter the name you’d like to use for
your loom. If the box is not blank, delete the existing name and
enter the new text of your choice.
Clicking the enter button on your keyboard, or simply clicking
anywhere on the page,
Refresh or exit your
browser.
The COM light will turn off and
then back on pretty quickly.
In the Options Tab you’ll see the
loom name has been changed. You will also see the Connected To:
field under Please select file has changed.
Type the new URL into your browser with your
new Loom Name as
shown in the beginning of this section. http:// + [loom name] +
Click Enter on the keyboard
AVL Drive will refresh and the COM Light will light up once
communication is established with the loom. You can now use this
URL to access AVL Drive via USB, LAN, and LoomDirect.
Connecting to the Loom
Page | 13
If you ever forget the name of your loom you can always connect with the IP
Once you have AVL Drive open, select the “Options” tab.
Loom Name, enter the name you’d like to use for
your loom. If the box is not blank, delete the existing name and
Clicking the enter button on your keyboard, or simply clicking
The COM light will turn off and
In the Options Tab you’ll see the
loom name has been changed. You will also see the Connected To:
new Loom Name as
shown in the beginning of this section. http:// + [loom name] +
AVL Drive will refresh and the COM Light will light up once
communication is established with the loom. You can now use this
URL to access AVL Drive via USB, LAN, and LoomDirect.

Connecting to the Loom
Page | 14
USING THE RESET
If at any time you see the below alert, you’ll need
reestablish connection to the loom. This could occur if you accidentally
unplug your USB cable, or if you’re trying to connect a new device to the
loom when another device is already connected.
1)
When connecting to the loom, you re
2)
Enter “/reset” after the URL or IP address in your web browser.
3)
Refresh your page.
4)
Once you receive the notification that the “current use
logged out”, simply reenter your normal URL or IP address.
S
HUTDOWN THE LOO
If you will be removing the loom from a power source, you will need to
shutdown the loom using the commands in the software first. This is similar
to shutting down a computer so that it restarts correctly.
1)
In the software, go to the
Compu-
Dobby V User’s Manual
Using the RESET Function
FUNCTION
If at any time you see the below alert, you’ll need
to reset the web URL to
reestablish connection to the loom. This could occur if you accidentally
unplug your USB cable, or if you’re trying to connect a new device to the
loom when another device is already connected.
When connecting to the loom, you re
ceive the message below.
Enter “/reset” after the URL or IP address in your web browser.
Refresh your page.
Once you receive the notification that the “current use
r
logged out”, simply reenter your normal URL or IP address.
HUTDOWN THE LOO
M
If you will be removing the loom from a power source, you will need to
shutdown the loom using the commands in the software first. This is similar
to shutting down a computer so that it restarts correctly.
In the software, go to the
Utilities tab.
Dobby V User’s Manual
Using the RESET Function
to reset the web URL to
reestablish connection to the loom. This could occur if you accidentally
unplug your USB cable, or if you’re trying to connect a new device to the
ceive the message below.
Enter “/reset” after the URL or IP address in your web browser.
r
has been
logged out”, simply reenter your normal URL or IP address.
If you will be removing the loom from a power source, you will need to
shutdown the loom using the commands in the software first. This is similar

Compu-Dobby V User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Shutdown the loom Page | 15
2) Click Shutdown.
3) Once the loom has completed the shutdown sequence, you can
remove power from the loom.