Brother HE-800A User manual

HE-800A
ELECTRONIC LOCKSTITCH BUTTON HOLER

HE-800A i
Thank you very much for buying a BROTHER sewing machine. Before using your new machine, please read the safety
instructions below and the explanations given in the instruction manual.
With industrial sewing machines, it is normal to carry out work while positioned directly in front of moving parts such as the
needle and thread take-up lever, and consequently there is always a danger of injury that can be caused by these parts.
Follow the instructions from training personnel and instructors regarding safe and correct operation before operating the
machine so that you will know how to use it correctly.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Safety indications and their meanings
This instruction manual and the indications and symbols that are used on the machine itself are provided in order to ensure
safe operation of this machine and to prevent accidents and injury to yourself or other people.
The meanings of these indications and symbols are given below.
Indications
DANGER The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions will almost certainly result in death or severe injury.
CAUTION The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions could cause injury when using the machine or physical damage to equipment
and surroundings.
Symbols
¦¦¦¦¦¦ This symbol ( ) indicates something that you should be careful of. The picture inside the triangle
indicates the nature of the caution that must be taken.
(For example, the symbol at left means “beware of injury”.)
¦¦¦¦¦¦ This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must not do.
¦¦¦¦¦¦ This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must do. The picture inside the circle indicates the
nature of the thing that must be done.
(For example, the symbol at left means “you must make the ground connection”.)

HE-800A
ii
2. Notes on safety
DANGER
Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the wall outlet before
opening the face plate of the control box. Touching areas where high voltages are present can result in severe injury.
CAUTION
Environmental requirements
Use the sewing machine in an area which is free from
sources of strong electrical noise such as high-
frequency welders.
Sources of strong electrical noise may cause prob-
lems with correct operation.
Any fluctuations in the power supply voltage should
be within ±10% of the rated voltage for the machine.
Voltage fluctuations which are greater than this may
cause problems with correct operation.
The power supply capacity should be greater than the
requirements for the sewing machine’s electrical
consumption.
Insufficient power supply capacity may cause prob-
lems with correct operation.
The ambient temperature should be within the range
of 5°C to 35°C during use.
Temperatures which are lower or higher than this may
cause problems with correct operation.
The relative humidity should be within the range of
45% to 85% during use, and no dew formation should
occur in any devices.
Excessively dry or humid environments and dew for-
mation may cause problems with correct operation.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight during use.
Exposure to direct sunlight may cause problems with
correct operation.
In the event of an electrical storm, turn off the power
and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
Lightning may cause problems with correct operation.
Installation
Machine installation should only be carried out by a
qualified technician.
Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician
for any electrical work that may need to be done.
The sewing machine weighs more than 56 kg. The
installation should be carried out by two or more
people.
Do not connect the power cord until installation is
complete, otherwise the machine may operate if the
treadle is depressed by mistake, which could result in
injury.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting
it back or returning it to its original position. If only one
hand is used, the weight of the machine head may
cause your hand to slip, and your hand may get
caught.
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground connec-
tion is not secure, you run a high risk of receiving a
serious electric shock, and problems with correct
operation may also occur.
All cords should be secured at least 25 mm away from
any moving parts. Furthermore, do not excessively
bend the cords or secure them too firmly with staples,
otherwise there is the danger that fire or electric
shocks could occur.
Install the belt covers to the machine head and motor.
If using a work table which has casters, the casters
should be secured in such a way so that they cannot
move.
Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when
handling the lubricating oil and grease, so that they do
not get into your eyes or onto your skin, otherwise
inflammation can result.
Furthermore, do not drink the oil or eat the grease
under any circumstances, as they can cause vomiting
and diarrhoea.
Keep the oil out of the reach of children.

HE-800A iii
CAUTION
Sewing
This sewing machine should only be used by opera-
tors who have received the necessary training in safe
use beforehand.
The sewing machine should not be used for any
applications other than sewing.
Be sure to wear protective goggles when using the
machine.
If goggles are not worn, there is the danger that if a
needle breaks, parts of the broken needle may enter
your eyes and injury may result.
Turn off the power switch at the following times,
otherwise the machine may operate if the treadle is
depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
•When threading the needle
•When replacing the needle and bobbin
•When not using the machine and when leaving the
machine unattended
If using a work table which has casters, the casters
should be secured in such a way so that they cannot
move.
Attach all safety devices before using the sewing
machine. If the machine is used without these devices
attached, injury may result.
Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any
objects against the machine while sewing, as this may
result in personal injury or damage to the machine.
Do not touch the motor cover during operation and for
one hour after operation has finished, otherwise burns
may result.
If an error occurs in machine operation, or if abnormal
noises or smells are noticed, immediately turn off the
power switch. Then contact your nearest Brother
dealer or a qualified technician.
If the machine develops a problem, contact your
nearest Brother dealer or a qualified technician.
Cleaning
Turn off the power switch before carrying out
cleaning, otherwise the machine may operate if the
treadle is depressed by mistake, which could result in
injury.
Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when
handling the lubricating oil and grease, so that they do
not get into your eyes or onto your skin, otherwise
inflammation can result.
Furthermore, do not drink the oil or eat the grease un-
der any circumstances, as they can cause vomiting
and diarrhoea.
Keep the oil out of the reach of children.
Maintenance and inspection
Maintenance and inspection of the sewing machine
should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
Ask your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician to
carry out any maintenance and inspection of the
electrical system.
Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power
cord from the wall outlet at the following times,
otherwise the machine may operate if the treadle is
depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
•When carrying out inspection, adjustment and main-
tenance
•When replacing consumable parts such as the ro-
tary hook
Turn off the power switch before inserting or removing
the plug, otherwise damage to the control box could
result.
If the power switch needs to be left on when carrying
out some adjustment, be extremely careful to observe
all safety precautions.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting
it back or returning it to its original position. If only one
hand is used, the weight of the machine head may
cause your hand to slip, and your hand may get
caught.
Use only the proper replacement parts as specified by
Brother.
If any safety devices have been removed, be abso-
lutely sure to re-install them to their original positions
and check that they operate correctly before using the
machine.
Any problems in machine operation which result from
unauthorized modifications to the machine will not be
covered by the warranty.

HE-800A
iv
3. Warning labels
The following warning labels appear on the sewing machine.
Please follow the instructions on the labels at all times when using the machine. If the labels have been removed or are
difficult to read, please contact your nearest Brother dealer.
12
3Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground
connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems
with correct operation may also occur.
Safety devices
Eye guard
Finger guard
Thread take-up cover
Belt cover
Belt cover plate, etc.
4Do not touch any of the cutter or press any
objects against the machine while sewing, as
this may result in personal injury or damage to
the machine. 6High temperature
warning display
5Do not touch any of the fan or press any objects
against the machine, as this may result in
personal injury or damage to the machine. 7Direction of operation
3852Q
Finger guard
Belt cover
Belt cover plate
Thread take-up cover
Eye guard

HE-800A
CONTENTS
1. NAME OF EACH PART ....................... 1
2. SPECIFICATIONS................................
2
2-1. Specifications ................................................. 2
2-2. Standard sewing pattern list........................... 3
3. OPTIONAL PARTS ..............................
4
3-1. Special needle plate....................................... 4
3-2. Leg parts ........................................................ 4
3-3. Standing operation pedal ............................... 5
3-4. Ruler............................................................... 5
3-5. Tape guard..................................................... 6
3-6. Auxiliary table................................................. 6
3-7. PD-8000, Programmer ................................... 6
4. INSTALLATION ................................... 7
4-1. Table processing diagram.............................. 7
4-2. Installing the motor......................................... 8
4-3. Installing the flange nut .................................. 9
4-4. Installing the control box ................................ 9
4-5. Installing the power switch ............................. 10
4-6. Installing the bed base ................................... 10
4-7. Installing the machine head ........................... 11
4-8. Installing the head rest ................................... 11
4-9. Installing the operation panel ......................... 12
4-10. Routing the connector cord and
installing the oil stopper plate ....................... 12
4-11. Connecting the cords ................................... 13
4-11-1. Connecting the ground wire.............. 13
4-11-2. Connecting the machine
head harness .................................... 13
4-11-3. Connecting the motor harness.......... 14
4-11-4. Connecting the power cord............... 15
4-11-5. Connecting the standing operation
pedal harness (option) ...................... 16
4-11-6. Installing the transformer .................. 17
4-12. Installing the V-belt....................................... 19
4-13. Installing the belt cover plate........................ 20
4-14. Installing the treadle connecting rod ............ 21
4-14-1. Changing the treadle unit
installation position
(horizontal positioning only) .............. 22
4-15. Installing the spool stand.............................. 23
4-16. Installing the eye guard.................................23
4-17. Lubrication ....................................................24
4-17-1. Lubricating the bed base ...................24
4-17-2. Lubricating the arm............................25
4-17-3. Lubricating the rotary hook................25
4-18. Installing the belt cover.................................26
5. OPERATION......................................... 27
5-1. Name and function of each operation panel item..27
5-2. Home position detection (preparation)............29
5-3. Operating the treadle......................................30
5-3-1. Operating the standing operation
pedal (option) ......................................31
5-4. Program setting method .................................32
5-4-1. Program setting examples...................33
5-4-2. Checking the length of knife ................35
5-5. Parameter table ..............................................36
5-5-1. Available sewing area .........................45
5-5-2. Setting the knife length........................46
5-5-3. Buttonhole sewing size........................46
5-5-4. Main restrictions when setting
parameters..........................................46
5-6. Rear tack vector shape programs...................48
5-7. Underlay programs .........................................49
5-8. Cutter operation..............................................50
5-9. Cycle program ................................................51
5-10. Production counter .......................................52
5-11. Bobbin thread counter ..................................53
5-12. Using the program memos ...........................53
5-13. Adding patterns created using the
programming software for electronic
pattern sewer ................................................54
6. CHECKING THE SEWING PATTERN . 55
6-1. Test feed mode...............................................55
6-2. Manual mode..................................................56
7. CORRECT USE.................................... 57
7-1. Installing the needle........................................57
7-2. Threading the upper thread ............................58
7-3. Winding the lower thread................................59
7-4. Threading the bobbin case .............................60
7-5. Thread tension................................................61

HE-800A
7-5-1. Lower thread tension .......................... 61
7-5-2. Upper thread tension .......................... 62
7-5-3. Thread take-up spring height.............. 63
7-5-4. Thread take-up spring tension ............ 63
7-5-5. Adjusting arm thread guide................. 63
8. SEWING ............................................... 64
8-1. Sewing ........................................................... 64
8-2. If the stop switch is pressed during sewing .... 65
8-3. If the thread breaks during sewing ................. 66
8-4. Thread breakage before sewing is finished.... 67
8-5. When resuming sewing in test feed mode
or manual mode ............................................. 68
9. CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE....... 69
9-1. Cleaning ......................................................... 69
9-2. Draining the oil ............................................... 70
9-3. Cleaning the control box air inlet port............. 70
9-4. Cleaning the eye guard .................................. 70
9-5. Checking the needle ...................................... 71
9-6. Cleaning the length feed plate ....................... 71
10. STANDARD ADJUSTMENTS............ 72
10-1. Adjusting the needle bar height.................... 72
10-2. Adjusting the needle and hook timing .......... 73
10-3. Adjusting the clearance between needle
and hook point.............................................. 73
10-4. Adjusting the inner rotary hook and
rotary hook holder overlap............................ 74
10-5. Adjusting the work clamp pressure .............. 74
10-6. Adjusting the cutter installation .................... 74
10-7. Adjusting the upper thread trimming ............ 75
10-7-1. Adjusting the installation height of
the upper thread scissors.................. 75
10-7-2. Adjusting the upper thread scissors
opening timing................................... 76
10-8. Adjusting the lower thread clamp timing....... 77
10-9. Adjusting the bobbin presser........................ 77
10-10. Adjusting the needle up stop position......... 77
11. CHANGING FUNCTIONS USING
THE MEMORY SWITCHES ............... 78
11-1. Memory switch table .................................... 79
12. PROGRAM INITIALIZATION ............. 80
12-1. Initializing all programs .................................80
12-2. Initializing a single program ..........................80
13. CHANGING FUNCTIONS USING
THE DIP SWITCHES.......................... 81
13-1. Panel DIP switches.......................................81
13-2. Circuit board DIP switches............................83
14. ERROR CODE TABLE....................... 85
15. GAUGE PARTS LIST......................... 89
16. TROUBLESHOOTING ....................... 92
16-1. Upper thread breakage.................................92
16-2. Skipped stitches ...........................................93
16-3. Uneven seams (1) ……
At the sewing start.....................................94
16-4. Uneven seams (2) ……
Lower thread is lifted up at
the sewing start .........................................95
16-5. Uneven seams (3) ……
Seam lifts up at the sewing start ...............96
16-6. Uneven seams (4) ……
Uneven sewing pitch at the sewing start ....96
16-7. Uneven seams (5) ……
Poor rounding of seam .................................96
16-8. Uneven seams (6) ……
Around rear tack or front tack....................96
16-9. Uneven seams (7) ……
Loose thread end at end backtack ............97
16-10. Uneven seams (8) ……
Thread sticking out at end backtack ........97
16-11. Uneven seams (9) ……
Sticking in needle plate............................97
16-12. Uneven seams (10) ……
All stitches ...............................................98
16-13. Upper thread run out...................................99
16-14. Unraveling of thread trimmed by upper
thread trimmer assembly...........................101
16-15. Upper thread mis-trimming .......................102
16-16. Needle strikes upper thread trimmer ........102
16-17. Needle breakage ......................................103

HE-800A
16-18. Imperfect cutter function
(imperfect material cutting) ....................... 104
16-19. Cutter does not return .............................. 105
16-20. Cutter and upper thread scissors touch ... 105
16-21. Seam is cut .............................................. 105
16-22. Upper thread mis-winding ........................ 106
16-23. Work clamp is not raised (1) Pulse motor
stepping sound cannot be heard .............. 106
16-24. Work clamp is not raised (2) Pulse motor
stepping sound can be heard ................... 107
16-25. Lower thread is not trimmed
(pulls when material is removed) .............. 108
16-26. Feed mechanism does not operate or
motor is out of step ................................... 108
16-27. Needle does not zigzag or noise occurs
when needle zigzags ................................ 109
16-28. Sewing machine stops during sewing ...... 109
16-29. Upper shaft does not rotate as far as
the needle up stop position....................... 109

HE-800A
1. NAME OF EACH PART
1
１. NAME OF EACH PART
(1) Power switch (2) Control box (3) Operation panel
(4) Treadle (5) AC servo motor (6) Stop switch
(7) Spool stand (8) Pulley (9) Tension release lever
Safety devices
(10) Eye guard (11) Thread take-up cover (12) Belt cover
(13) Belt cover plate (14) Finger guard (15) Finger protector
(16) Belt retainer
3853Q

HE-800A
2. SPECIFICATIONS
2
２. SPECIFICATIONS
２-１
. Specifications
Main use Buttonhole size
-2
Buttonholes for clothing such as dress
shirts, blouses, work clothes and women's
clothes
-3
Buttonholes for knitted garments such as
knitted underwear, sweaters, cardigans
and jerseys A: Max.6 mm
B: Max. zigzag stitch length 39 mm
C: Length of knife 4 – 32 mm
D: Max. buttonhole length 40 mm
Max. sewing speed 4,000 rpm
Zigzag mechanism Pulse motor driven mechanism
Feed mechanism Pulse motor driven mechanism
Work clamp lifter mechanism Pulse motor driven mechanism
Height of work clamp 13 mm max. (adjustable)
Knife mechanism Double position solenoid
Lower thread holding device Standard equipment
Bobbin presser Standard equipment
Standard sewing pattern 21
Memory pattern 90
Max. number of stitch 700 stitches / program (Overall cycle program stitch no. 3,000 stitches)
-2 -3
Needle Schmetz 134 Nm90 Schmetz 134 Nm75
Data storage method P-ROM (Custom made pattern can be added by the programming software for
electronic pattern sewer)
Power supply Single phase 110 V, 220 V, 230 V
Three phase 220 V, 380 V, 400 V 600 VA
2193Q
C D
A
B

HE-800A
2. SPECIFICATIONS
3
２-２
. Standard sewing pattern list
[1] Rectangle [2] Radial [3] Round [4] Straight bar tack
[0] Free (Combinations of rear tack shapes and the front tack shapes - 17 patterns)
Radial-rectangle Round-rectangle Eyelet-rectangle Rectangle-radial Round-radial Eyelet-radial
Rectangle-round Radial-round Eyelet-round
Rectangle-taper tack
Radial-taper tack Round-taper tack
Eyelet-taper tack Rectangle-tack Radial-tack Round-tack Eyelet-tack
* [0] to [4] indicate the setting range for parameter No. 1. (Refer to "5-5. Parameter table".)
* In addition to the above shapes, you can create and use up to 9 additional custom made patterns using the
programming software for electronic pattern sewer.
Rear tack
Front tack

HE-800A
3. OPTIONAL PARTS
4
３. OPTIONAL PARTS
３-１
. Special needle plate
This needle plate uses the elasticity of rubber to
prevent the cutter from getting stuck and not returning.
It also helps to keep the cutter blade sharp.
* The standard cutter can be used.
Parts name Parts code
Needle plate set 1.2RB S51361-001
Needle plate set 1.4RB S51362-001-2
Needle plate set 1.6RB S51363-001
Needle plate set 1.2RB-3 S51364-001
Needle plate set 1.4RB-3 S51365-001-3
Needle plate set 1.6RB-3 S51366-001
３-２
. Leg parts
Parts name Parts code
Spacer set 183504-109
Caster set 183501-001
2037Q
2038Q
2039Q

HE-800A
3. OPTIONAL PARTS
5
３-３
. Standing operation pedal
Parts name Parts code
Two pedals + work clamp lifter pedal J80081-040
Three pedals J80380-040
Harness for standing operation pedal S47750-000
３-４
. Ruler
Parts name Parts code
Horizontal
ruler Ruler assy 800E S50350-001
Vertical
ruler Ruler assy S50477-001
2041Q
2040Q
3854Q
2043Q
2044Q

HE-800A
3. OPTIONAL PARTS
6
３-５
. Tape guard
３-６
. Auxiliary table
３-７
. PD-8000, Programmer
You can use the icon keys to retrieve parameters at a
single touch, and to display them as icons on the LED
screen so that the settings can be changed easily. It
allows you to easily transfer data between different
sewing machines.
Tape guard winder assy
S50346-001
Tape winder assy
143767-102
Tape guard assy
S51896-001
2042Q
Auxiliary table assembly
S53996-101
2045Q
3855Q

HE-800A
4. INSTALLATION
7
４. INSTALLATION
CAUTION
Machine installation should only be carried out by
a qualified technician.
Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified
electrician for any electrical work that may need to
be done.
The sewing machine head weighs more than 56
kg. The installation should be carried out by two or
more people.
Do not connect the power cord until installation is
complete, otherwise the ma-chine may operate if
the treadle is depressed by mistake, which could
result in injury.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when
tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine
head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
All cords should be secured at least 25 mm away
from any moving parts. Furthermore, do not
excessively bend the cords or secure them too
firmly with staples, otherwise there is the danger
that fire or electric shocks could occur.
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground
connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems
with correct operation may also occur.
Install the belt covers to the machine head and
motor.
４-１. Table processing diagram
Positioning Model code
Vertical BLL-H80-200-01
Use the power table which has been specially
designed for each sewing machines. Table/legs assembly
Horizontal BLL-H80-201-01
If using a commercially-available table, process it as shown in the illustration below.
Note:
The thickness of the table should be at least 40 mm, and it should be strong enough to bear the weight and vibration
of the sewing machine.
[Vertical positioning]
2194Q

HE-800A
4. INSTALLATION
8
[Horizontal positioning]
４-２. Installing the motor
Install the motor (1) with the three bolts (2), flat
washers (3), spring washers (4) and nuts (5).
2195Q
3856Q

HE-800A
4. INSTALLATION
9
４-３. Installing the flange nut
Install the four flange nuts (1) to the underside of the
work table.
Note:
When the machine head is positioned horizontally,
some flange nut installation locations may be
inaccessible after the control box has been in-
stalled.
４-４. Installing the control box
Note: When opening the cover, hold it securely so that it does not fall down.
1. Remove the 12 screws (1), and then open the covers (main P.C. board mounting plate (2) and sub P.C. board
mounting plate (3)).
2. Install the control box with the bolts (4), cushions (5), cushion collars (6), rubber collars (7), flat washers (8) and nuts
(9) as shown in the illustration. At this time, leave a gap of approximately 2 mm between the work table and the top of
the box.
3. Close the covers (main P.C. board mounting plate (2) and sub P.C. mounting plate (3)), and provisionally tighten
them with the screws (1). (They will be opened again when the cords are connected.)
3857Q
3858Q

HE-800A
4. INSTALLATION
10
４-５. Installing the power switch
1. Install the power switch (1) with the two screws (2).
2. Secure the power switch (1) cord and the motor (4)
cord with the six staples (3).
４-６. Installing the bed base
1. Place the bed base (1) on top of the work table, and insert the four collars (2).
2. Provisionally tighten the four flange nuts (4) onto the four bolts (3), and then position the bed base (1).
3. Install the bed base (1) with the three flat washers (5) and wood screws (6), and then install the two rubber caps (7).
4. Remove the four bolts (3).
3859Q
3860Q

HE-800A
4. INSTALLATION
11
４-７. Installing the machine head
1. Place the two bed hinges (1) so that they are level
as shown in the illustration at left, and then place the
machine head gently on top of the bed base (3) so
that the cables (2) do not get clamped.
Note:
The bed base (3) is made from plastic, so be
careful not to hit it with the machine head when
placing the machine head on top of it.
2. Install the machine head with the four spring
washers (4) and four bolts (5).
Note:
Make sure that the felt support (6) do not touch the
bed base (3).
４-８. Installing the head rest
Tap the head rest (1) into the table hole.
Note:
Tap the head rest securely into the table hole.
If the head rest is not pushed in as far as it will go,
the machine head will not be sufficiently stable when
it is tilted back.
3862Q
2778Q
3861Q

HE-800A
4. INSTALLATION
12
４-９. Installing the operation panel
The operation panel can be installed to either the top
or bottom of the work table.
1. Install the rear frame (1) to the work table (top or
bottom) with the four wood screws (2).
2. Install the front frame assembly (3) to the rear frame
(1) with the four screws (4).
* The vertical orientation of the front frame assembly
(3) is the same whether it is installed to the top or
the bottom of the work table.
* Pull the harnesses such as the ground harness out
of the way so that the operation panel side cover
(5) can be opened and closed.
3. Insert the connector cord (6) into the control box
through the hole at the side of the box.
４-１０. Routing the connector cord and installing the oil stopper plate
1. Gently tilt back the machine head.
2. Pass the cords (1) through the hole in the work
table.
3. Install the oil stopper plate (2).
4. Move the connector cord (1) so that it will not be
clamped by the machine head and the bed base (3),
and then return the machine head to its original
position.
3863Q
3865Q
Table
Bottom of work table
3864Q
Table
Top of work table
3866Q