AVL Looms Compu-Dobby 5 User manual

Compu-Dobby 5
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 1.3.4a
July 14, 2020

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Introductory Information
Page | i
Introductory Information......................................................................................................................3
Introduction.......................................................................................................................................4
Loom Features ..................................................................................................................................4
Connecting to the Loom.......................................................................................................................7
Connection Types.............................................................................................................................8
Loom Modes.....................................................................................................................................8
Powering on the loom.......................................................................................................................9
Setting up communication .............................................................................................................11
Lost connection...............................................................................................................................15
Naming Your Loom .......................................................................................................................16
Loss of Communication .................................................................................................................19
Logout User ....................................................................................................................................19
Reboot the Loom ............................................................................................................................19
Shutdown the loom.........................................................................................................................20
Using Weavepoint ..........................................................................................................................20
Weaving with the Compu-Dobby 5...................................................................................................23
Open a file for Weaving.................................................................................................................24
Resume a weaving session.............................................................................................................26
Tabby...............................................................................................................................................27
Reverse............................................................................................................................................29
Set the Range ..................................................................................................................................29
Unweave..........................................................................................................................................32
Adjust the Pick................................................................................................................................33
Zoom in on the WIF .......................................................................................................................34
Power Off........................................................................................................................................36
Other Tabs...........................................................................................................................................37
File Tab ...........................................................................................................................................38
Options Tab.....................................................................................................................................41
Tabby Tab .......................................................................................................................................47
Utilities............................................................................................................................................51
Diagnostics......................................................................................................................................52
Additional Functions: K-Series Loom ..............................................................................................53
Warp Beams and Automatic Warp Tension System....................................................................54

Introductory Information Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | ii
Loom Self-Tests..............................................................................................................................54
Warping the Loom..........................................................................................................................54
Controlling the Cloth Advance......................................................................................................56
Set Warp Tension ...........................................................................................................................57
Unweave..........................................................................................................................................58
Lock the warp beam .......................................................................................................................60
Options Tab.....................................................................................................................................61
Trouble-shooting the Compu-Dobby 5 .............................................................................................63
Send Troubleshooting Information to AVL..................................................................................64
Appendix I –Additional Information................................................................................................67
Using a Tablet with Compu-Dobby 5 ...........................................................................................68
Compu-Dobby 5 Connection Information....................................................................................70
The Fine Print .....................................................................................................................................71
AVL Customer Service..................................................................................................................72
AVL Warranties..............................................................................................................................72

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Introductory Information
Page | 3
INTRODUCTORY
INFORMATION

Introductory Information Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 4 Introduction
INTRODUCTION
Before Getting Started:
Please read the entire manual before using the software.
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 until Violette
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 5 Design Concept
The guiding concept behind the Compu-Dobby 5 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.
LOOM FEATURES
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.

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Introductory Information
Loom Features Page | 5
Pattern control is a state of the art system that eliminates the multi-treadle
dance of traditional looms and the tedious pegging of mechanical dobby
looms. 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 for a minimum screen resolution
(1024 x 768 pixels). AVLDrive is compatible with all major browsers, including
Safari, Chrome, Edge, Firefox and Opera. The current version of the browser
should be used.
Warp Beams and Automatic Warp Tension System
A first in our industry, some looms offer digital control of warp tension using
a small electrical motor and drive system connected via spring and brake
cable to the 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 system
allows very fine, repeatable control with a range from locked beam to free
turning for winding on the warp.
Note:
If you have a Compu-Dobby 5 on a loom with an automatic warp tension
system and automatic cloth advance, see the section starting on page 54 for
complete details on using these features.
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 feature utilizes 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

Introductory Information Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 6 Loom Features
advance the cloth at any time during weaving by a click of the mouse or a
touch of the finger on the touchscreen. This system allows 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 5 User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Loom Features Page | 7
CONNECTING TO
THE LOOM
ATTENTION:
Please read through this entire section before powering on your loom.

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 8 Connection Types
CONNECTION TYPES
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 three ways 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 the loom’s local WiFi network
(not through a router). Only devices with WiFi
can connect this way.
The software interface (AVLDrive) 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.
When the loom is started, it will try to connect to the router (LAN) it is
normally connected to first. If it cannot find the router, it will start
LoomDirect. The USB connection is always available.
LOOM MODES
The loom is designed to be controlled through the AVLDrive software, so
there is no “power”button anywhere on the loom.
We recommend the use of a good surge protector between the outlet and
UPS on the Compu-Dobby 5, especially in regions subject to lightning strikes
and other extreme electrical anomaly incidences. In areas prone to
brown/black out or power grid fluctuations, we recommend a 800W, 1000VA
UPS for Compu-Dobby 5 equipped loom.
Standby Mode:
When you plug the loom in it enters Standby Mode. The loom is designed to
be left plugged in and in Standby Mode at all times. In standby power mode,
the loom consumes very little power, and maintains the network connection
to the router or LoomDirect WiFi.

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Powering on the loom Page | 9
Note:
Avoid pulling the power cord while the loom is in standby power mode.
Please use the Shutdown menu option to completely power down the loom
prior to pulling the power cord from the electrical socket.
Weaving Mode:
Weaving mode is when the loom and all its digital controls have been
powered on through AVLDrive. You will hear the warp tension motors set
into place and other digital features come to life.
WARNING:
Do not pull or cut power to the loom while in Weaving mode.
Shutdown Mode:
This mode allows you to shut down the loom properly so that power can be
removed. It can be initiated from Weaving Mode or Standby Mode through
AVLDrive. Shutting down the loom through AVLDrive 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.
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 a router
(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
router each 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. All lights
but the “Error” light will light up as shown in the images below.

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 10 Powering on the loom
2) Wait for the loom to bootup. This may take up to several minutes.
Once ready the loom will show just the “Power” and “Network”
lights. The network light may be Green or Red.
LED Lights
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 a router.
Red: connected to a router
Green: LoomDirect is available (not searching for a router).
COM
Green light shows the loom is connected to a device. No light
means there is no device connected.
ERROR
Red light will shine when an error has occurred.
SHED
Red light will shine when shed open. Green light will shine
when shed closed. If the dobby is in between states (shed

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Setting up communication Page | 11
null), it will be unlit.
SETTING UP COMMUNICATION
Connecting via USB
When using a USB, a cable is attached from your device to the loom. If you
are not using the USB connection, remove the cable from the device.
1) Plug the normal USB plug into your device and plug the other end
into the Compu-Dobby.
2) Open an Internet browser program on your device (Chrome,
Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Opera, etc.).
3) In the Address Bar, type in 192.168.6.2 when using a Mac or
192.168.7.2 when using a Windows PC and press Enter to open
AVLDrive. This is the IP address for the loom when connecting via
USB. You can also use the Loom Name URL once it has been setup.
Note:
Any time you’re connected via USB you can use the IP address or the loom
name to open AVLDrive. If the loom name is entered, and a USB cable is
connected to the loom and the device, the loom will default to using the USB
cable, even if a network connection is setup.
4) When the device is connected, the COM Light will come on. The
COM light indicates only that a device is connected.

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 12 Setting up communication
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 to be actively connected to the internet to
wirelessly connect to the loom. However, your computer must still have the
capability to connect to the internet.
The loom’s protocol is to first search for a router to connect to. If it does not
find one, it will automatically switch to LoomDirect and create its own
network.
Note:
If no router (LAN) connection is established your loom will automatically
switch to LoomDirect.
1) Wait for the loom to switch to LoomDirect and the private network
to show up on your device. This should occur quickly.
2) When the Network light shines green, the loom is now putting off its
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 number for your loom.
Note:
The loom serial number is shown on a plate affixed to the front of the castle
on your loom.
4) Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to this WiFi network.

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Setting up communication Page | 13
5) The password for the network will be CompuDobby5.
6) Open your browser and type in 192.168.16.2, or the name of the
loom if you’ve named it.
Note:
If the loom name is entered, and a USB cable is connected to the loom and
the device, the loom will default to using the USB cable, even if a network
connection is setup.
7) When the device is connected, the COM Light will come on. The
COM light indicates only that a device is connected.
8) Once you establish the LoomDirect connection you won’t have to go
through this process again. You can shut down your loom and you’ll
be able to turn the loom on and connect to AVLDrive automatically.
Note:
If you switch to a new device, you will need to connect to LoomDirect on the
new device and enter the Network ID and password.

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 14 Setting up communication
Setting up Network settings to connect via router
For this connection, you will connect using your router at your 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
use this connection type, you must have access to the internet.
If you don’t have internet, you can still connect via WiFi with LoomDirect
connection covered in its own section.
1) Connect your device to the loom via USB or LoomDirect.
2) Go to Network tab in AVLDrive.
3) Click Enable Router Connection.
4) Select your network from the dropdown list and enter the password
for your router.
5) Click the Restart Network button.
6) Unplug the USB or disconnect from LoomDirect. The COM light will
go off, indicating that no device is connected. You will also note that
the Network light will change. Wait for the network light to be solid
red again before continuing.

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Lost connection Page | 15
Note:
The network light should remain RED during these steps, indicating that the
Compu-Dobby is connecting to a router. If your network light turns GREEN,
the Compu-Dobby has started LoomDirect. Check the password for your
router and re-enter the password. If the loom still does not connect to the
router, make sure that the router is working correctly.
7) Wait for the WiFi connection to the loom. It can take up to several
minutes for the loom to connect to the router.
8) Connect your device (laptop, tablet, phone) to the same WiFi
network you connected the loom to.
9) You can refresh your browser.
10) When the device is connected, the COM Light will come on. The
COM light indicates only that a device is connected.
11) Once you establish the router connection you won’t have to go
through this process again. You can shut down your loom and you’ll
be able to turn the loom on and connect to AVLDrive without these
steps.
Note:
If your router name or password changes, you will have to setup the network
using the USB or LoomDirect.
LOST CONNECTION
If the loom loses its connection to the router while in standby power mode,
follow these steps to reconnect.
1) In the software, go to the Utilities tab.
2) Click Shutdown.

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 16 Naming Your Loom
3) Once the loom has completed the shutdown sequence and the LEDs
have turned off, remove power from the loom.
4) Plug the loom back in.
5) The loom will perform a normal boot up and then reconnect to the
router.
NAMING YOUR LOOM
Install Bonjour Print Services for Windows
If you have a Windows computer, you will have to install Bonjour Print
Services in order to use a loom name. This software is a default part of a
Mac computer. There is no similar software for Android. If are using an
Android device or you prefer not to install the software on your Windows
computer, you can continue to use the IP address to access AVLDrive.
Bonjour Print Services for Windows lets you access AVLDrive via your web
browser using your "loom name" as the URL. Example: http://[loom
name].local. This service needs to be downloaded and installed on your
computer.
1) Go to https://support.apple.com/kb/DL999?locale=en_US.
2) Click the Download button. The file will be downloaded to a location
on your computer. For Windows computers, this will most often be
the Download folder.

Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual Connecting to the Loom
Naming Your Loom Page | 17
Note:
Depending on your browser, you will see a notice that the file is being
downloaded at either the top or bottom of the screen. Once the download is
complete, you may be able to click on the notification to open and install the
software.
3) Navigate to the correct folder.
4) 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.

Connecting to the Loom Compu-Dobby 5 User’s Manual
Page | 18 Naming Your Loom
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
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 AVLDrive 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.