Pfaff TruStitch User manual

Owner’s manual

2
Table of Contents
Safety Section
TruStitch™ Regulator Components
Pre-installation Instructions
Installation Instructions
Indicator LED Identification
Activating Stitch Regulation
Machine Operation
Using the Stitch Regulator
TruStitch™ Accessories
Tips and Techniques
Register your TruStitch™
Recommended for Use with the powerquilter™ 16.0 quilting machine for
PFAFF® and TruStitch™
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Important Information
Regulatory Information
This equipment has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to
part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits
are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference
in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined
by turning the equipment off and on,
the user is encouraged to try to correct
the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving
antenna. • Increase the separation
between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet
on a circuit different from that to which
the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.
This Class B digital apparatus
complies with Part 15 of the U.S. Federal
Communications Commission (FCC)
rules, Canadian ICES-003 and RSS-210.
Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) this device may not
cause interference, and (2) this device
must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
The term “IC:” before the certification/
registration number only signifies that the
Industry Canada technical specifications
were met.
Radio Frequency Interference
This product uses the unlicensed
Industrial, Scientific and Medical (ISM)
radio band, which begins at 2.400
GHz and extends to 2.483 GHz. Many
commonly used products also share this
band, including WiFi (wireless) network
routers and cordless telephones. Correct
and consistent operation of this product
may be affected by these conflicting
devices.
RF Technical Specifications
--RF Output Power: < 92 dbµV/m at 3m
--Radio Band: 2.400 GHz to less than
2.483 GHz.
--Radio Channels: 34 channels, auto
selection.
Laser Safety Information
CLASS 1 Laser Product
The TruStitch™ controller contains an
invisible laser device that complies with
stringent safety requirements. The product
meets the U.S. DHHS and IEC 60825-1
laser safety standard requirements for
and is classified as a Class 1 laser
product. Under this classification, Class 1
denotes lasers whose radiation does not
pose a hazard under normal or single
fault conditions. There is no risk to eyes
including use of an optical instrument.
There is no risk to skin.
Safety Considerations
WARNING: To protect against
risk of fire, bodily injury, electrical
shock or damage to the product:
• Do not immerse any part of this
product in water or other liquid.
• Do not spray liquid on this product or
allow excess liquid to drip inside.
• Do not use this product if it has
sustained damage, such as a damaged
cord or plug.
• Clean only with a damp cloth. Use
water and a light detergent such as
dishwashing detergent if needed.

4
Environmental Considerations
Recycling Information
We recommend that customers dispose
of their used electronic products in an
environmentally sound manner. Potential
methods include reuse of parts or whole
products and recycling of products,
components and/or materials.
Waste Electrical and Electronic
Equipment (WEEE) Directive
This marking indicates that this
product should not be disposed with
other household wastes throughout
the EU. To prevent possible harm to
the environment or human health from
uncontrolled waste disposal, recycle it
responsibly to promote the sustainable
reuse of material resources. To return
your used device, please use the return
and collection systems or contact
the retailer where the product was
purchased. They can take this product for
environmental safe recycling.
Important Battery Information
Caution – Do not attempt to replace
the battery. Your warranty is void if you
attempt to do so. Contact your local
retailer for battery replacement.
General Precautions
• Keep batteries out of the reach of
children.
• If a battery leaks, remove the
battery and recycle or dispose of it in
accordance with the local and national
disposal regulations.
Special Precautions
The precautions below are to prevent
the sudden release of electrolytes, which
these prohibited actions can cause:
• Do not install batteries incorrectly.
• Do not open, puncture, or mutilate a
battery.
• Do not heat batteries.
• Do not use a fire to dispose of
batteries.
Released battery electrolyte is corrosive,
can cause damage to the eyes and skin,
and may be toxic if swallowed.
Battery Disposal
WARNING: Do not dispose
of the battery in a fire or
with household waste. Contact
your local waste disposal agency
for the address of the nearest
battery deposit site.
The TruStitch™ controller uses a
rechargeable Lithium-ion battery for
power. Do not attempt to replace
this battery. The battery may only be
replaced at the factory or by authorized
PFAFF® retailers. Contact your local
retailer should you require a battery
replacement.
Do not dispose of the product’s battery
in a fire or with household waste. Battery
cells may explode. Discard a used
battery according to the manufacturer’s
instructions or contact your local waste
disposal agency for disposal instructions.
Dispose of a spent or damaged battery
promptly.
Batteries Directive
In the European Union, this
label indicates that batteries in
this product should be collected
separately and not be disposed of with
household waste. Substances in batteries
can have a potential negative impact
on health and environment and you
have a role in recycling waste batteries,
thus contributing to the protection,
preservation, and improvement of the
quality of the environment. You should
contact your local authority of retailer
for details of the collection and recycling
options available.
Health Warning
When using this product, as with
many activities, you may experience
occasional discomfort in your hands,
arms, shoulders, neck, or other parts of
your body. However, if you experience
symptoms such as persistent or recurring
discomfort, pain, throbbing, aching,
tingling, numbness, burning sensation,
or stiffness, DO NOT IGNORE THESE

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WARNING SIGNS. PROMPTLY SEE A
QUALIFIED HEALTH PROFESSIONAL,
even if symptoms occur when you are
not working with the product. Symptoms
like these can be associated with painful
and sometimes permanently disabling
injuries and disorders of the nerves,
muscles, tendons, or other parts of the
body. These musculoskeletal disorders
(MSDs) include carpal tunnel syndrome,
tendonitis, tenosynovitis, and other
conditions.
Product Description
The TruStitch™ stitch regulator is
designed to turn the powerquilter™
16.0 machine for PFAFF® into a stitch-
regulated quilting machine. It uses patent-
pending technology to track your sewing
motion and thereby regulate the stitch
length as you move the fabric around the
table. The TruStitch™ controller uses high-
resolution, optical tracking and radio
frequency circuitry to follow your every
motion while quilting. The TruStitch™
receiver receives the motion information
from the TruStitch™ controller and
converts it to a format the powerquilter™
16.0 quilting machine for PFAFF® can
use to control the stitching speed.
The TruStitch™ controller contains a
long-life, rechargeable Lithium-ion battery
for wireless operation. A charging cable
is provided to connect the USB-B type
connector on the TruStitch™ controller
to the USB-A type connector on the
TruStitch™ receiver to recharge the
battery. The TruStitch™ controller may
still be used for quilting while charging
if care is taken to avoid piercing the
charge cable with the needle. The
TruStitch™ receiver is powered with a
power module. A machine interface
cable connects the TruStitch™ receiver to
the foot pedal connector on the machine.
The foot pedal plugs into the TruStitch™
receiver and acts to enable the stitch
regulation when in regulation mode.
CE - Authorised Representative
VSM Group AB, SVP Worldwide
Drottninggatan 2, SE-56184, Huskvarna, SWEDEN

6
Battery Charging
The battery on the
TruStitch™ controller may not
be fully charged when the
product arrives.
It is a good idea to plug the
charging cable into the controller
and receiver and then plug the wall
power module into the receiver to
start the charging. A blue light will
be seen through one of the clear
dots on top of the controller while
it is charging. When that blue light
disappears, the controller is fully
charged and ready for use.
Pre-installation Instructions
TruStitch™ Regulator Components
Figure 1. TruStitch™ Components
TruStitch™ Receiver
TruStitch™
Controller
Coaster
Magnet

7
Installation Instructions
1. Install each cable into the
appropriate connector or port
(Figures 2 & 3). Please note that
the machine interface cable has
one end that is identical to the foot
pedal connector. Be sure to install the
other (round) end into the receiver as
shown in Figure 3.
Caution: Use only the power
module that came with TruStitch™ to
power the TruStitch™ receiver. If you
use a different power supply, such
as the power supply that came with
the bobbin winder, it could supply
too much power to the TruStitch™
receiver and damage the internal
electronics.
Figure 2. TruStitch™ Receiver Connectors/Ports/Switch
Figure 3. All Cables Installed
Power Module
Cord
Controller Charging Cable
Foot Pedal Cable
(supplied with your
machine) Machine Interface
Cable
Power Module Connector (DC IN)
Foot Pedal Connector (FOOT
PEDAL)
Machine Interface Cable Port
(MACHINE)
Controller Charging Port (USB
CHARGER)
OFF/ON Switch

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2. Install remaining end of control-
ler charging cable into the controller
as shown in Figures 4 & 5.
Figure 5. Charging cable installed.
Note flat on cable is up.
Figure 4. USB Mini-B style charging
port on the TruStitch™ Controller.
3. With the machine and
TruStitch™ controller turned off,
install the machine interface cable
connector to the machine foot
pedal port (Figure 6). Secure the
connector by turning the screw shafts
(Figure 7).
Figure 6. Figure 7.
4. The TruStitch™ receiver may sit
on top of the table or on the shelf
below the table. It may also be
attached to the machine using the
Velcro® strips provided, to secure it
to the side of the control or power
pod.
5. Plug the power module into a
power outlet and turn units on in the
following order:
1. Machine
2. TruStitch™ receiver
3. TruStitch™ controller

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Both the TruStitch™ controller and
receiver have indicator LEDs to guide
the user.
1. The controller has a flashing
WHITE LED that flashes only in low
light conditions, such as when it is
under the quilt. This helps the quilter
find the controller. The light shuts off
when the controller is in full light.
The second LED turns YELLOW
when the controller needs to be
charged. It turns BLUE during charg-
ing and turns OFF when the control-
ler is fully charged (Figure 8).
2. The receiver has three Indica-
tor LEDs.
The left LED FLASHES RED when it
is powered on, but not connected to
the machine and/or the controller.
The middle LED lights up YELLOW
when the controller needs to be
charged. It turns off when charging.
The right LED lights BLUE when the
unit is powered on. See Figure 9
for placement of these LEDs.
Indicator LED Identification
Figure 8.
Finder LED
Charge Indicator LED
Figure 9. Receiver Indicator LED Placement
Left: Connection Indicator LED
(flashes RED when no connection)
Middle: Charge Indicator LED
(turns YELLOW when controller
needs charging)
Right: Power Indicator LED (turns
BLUE when receiver is powered
on)
White
Yellow/
Blue
Light Sensor

10
Activating Stitch Regulation
Display Screens Information
1. Once the machine is powered
up and the power module for the
TruStitch™ receiver is plugged in, the
machine will recognize that the Stitch
Regulator is installed and will display
a screen that looks like Figure 10.
Manual Mode
The two buttons on the left
side of the display are the Stitch
Mode selectors, “Regulated” and
“Manual”. Selecting “Manual” will
allow the machine to operate without
stitch regulation. In this mode, you
have access to the stitching speed
Presets and other features that are
standard with the powerquilter™ 16.0
quilting machine for PFAFF®.
Regulated Mode
Pressing the “Regulated” button
will change the display, replacing
the “Speed Adjustment” and
“Preset” sections of the screen with
a “Stitches-Per-Inch” section and a
“Idle” section (Figure 11).
A “Play/Pause” button is also
added above the “More” button on
the center-right side of the screen
to allow machine operation without
having to press the foot pedal
(Figure 11).
Figure 11. Stitch-Regulation Screen
More
87 %
54 %
25 %
Manual 0 %
STOP
STOP
25 %
More
Regulated
STOP
STOP
10 SPI
3%
Figure 10. powerquilter™ 16.0
quilting machine for PFAFF®
Main Screen.

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Machine Operation
Manual Mode
When in manual mode, depressing
the foot pedal will cause the sewing
speed to increase, until the pedal
is fully depressed, at which point,
the machine speed matches the top
speed setting.
Stitch-Regulated Mode
Turn the TruStitch™ controller on
by using the switch on the bottom
of the controller. A bright white light
will flash until it makes radio contact
with the TruStitch™ receiver. Once
contact is made, flashing will only
occur if the ambient light is low, such
as when you have the receiver under
the fabric.
Two Ways to Start/Stop in
Stitch-Regulated Mode
Foot Pedal
In stitch-regulated mode, the foot
pedal acts as a “Regulation Start”
switch. Once sewing is started by
depressing the foot pedal, pressing
the foot pedal further will have no
affect on the sewing speed. The
pedal acts as a simple on-off switch.
Play/Pause Button
There is also a “foot pedal-free”
mode of regulated operation with
the TruStitch™ Stitch Regulator.
When in Regulated mode, a “Play/
Pause” button can be found on the
main screen at the center-right of the
screen (Figure 11 on Page 10).
This button can be used to start and
stop regulated operation in place
of the foot pedal. Please note that
the foot pedal must still be plugged
into the receiver for the TruStitch™ to
work.
Two Styles of Stitch Regulation
Idle
The default Stitch-Regulation Style
is called Idle. When in Idle stitching
mode, depressing the pedal will
start the machine at the defined Idle
(starting) speed. As the fabric and
the TruStitch™ controller are moved
together, the machine will regulate the
machine speed, when the controller
motion is faster than the Idle speed
setting. It speeds up as you do,
maintaining the Stitches-Per-Inch stitch
length that you’ve chosen (see Using
the Stitch Regulator, Page 12).
Using Idle style allows you to ease
gently into your stitching, creating
smoother starts and stops. It is the best
style choice for most quilting methods.
Precision
Setting the Idle speed to 0 will
automatically engage the Precision
Style of Stitch Regulation.
When in Precision stitching style,
depressing the pedal (or pressing
the Play/Pause Button) activates the
machine and starts regulation but the
machine does not start sewing yet.
The status box on the top center
part of the screen will turn from red
to green to indicate the machine is
active.
Moving the TruStitch™ controller
with the fabric will start the machine
stitching. When the controller
stops moving, the machine stops
stitching, possibly in mid-stroke. The
default Needle Up/Down choice is
overridden by Precision.
Releasing the pedal or pressing
the Pause/Play button stops machine
operation and moves the needle to the
chosen Needle Up/Down position.
Choosing a non-zero Idle value will
re-engage the Idle setting.

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The TruStitch™ controller is
designed to track the motion of the
controller across the table, not the
motion of the fabric during quilting.
For proper stitch regulation, always
keep the controller moving with the
fabric as described below.
1. Place the controller on the table
surface, under the quilt sandwich,
either to the right or left side of the
machine head during operation
(Figure 12).
2. Position the controller in the area
where you would typically hold the
fabric when free-motion quilting.
3. Use your hands to hold the
quilting area taut beneath the needle
of the machine. As you move the
quilt sandwich, maintain contact with
the controller through the fabric with
the palm of the hand or directly with
fingers of the hand.
4. Keep the fabric flat between
your hands and move both hands
together while keeping them parallel
to your body. It is best to start your
experience with the Stitch Regulator
by using Idle style set to a low speed
percentage setting.
TIP: Think of moving the fabric in the
compass directions: North, South,
East, West. Remember that your
quilting will mimic the speed and
direction of the controller, but only if
you keep your hand motions parallel
to the needle and to the table edge
(Figure 13).
Do not move the controller in a
circle around the needle. If you do,
the needle will make multiple stitches
in one place, as it tries to keep up
with the movement of the controller
(Figure 14).
Using the Stitch Regulator
Figure 12.
Figure 13. Move quilt north,
south, east and west.
Figure 14. Don’t rotate quilt.

13
TruStitch™ Accessories
Two accessories are provided with
the TruStitch™ Stitch Regulator to
give the quilter more flexibility in
quilting.
Magnet
1. The magnet allows you to quilt
“hands-free” without holding onto the
controller through the quilt sandwich.
Place the controller on the table,
just outside of where you wish to
place your hands. Place the magnet
on top of the controller and on the
top of the quilt sandwich (Figure
15).
Free-motion quilt as usual while
keeping your hands close to the
controller. The controller will move
with the quilt sandwich, regulating
your stitch length.
WARNING: If the quilt sandwich
is extremely soft, you may not be
able to use the magnet, because the
controller won’t be able to follow
the motion of your hand if the fabric
sandwich buckles between your
hand and the controller. Most quilt
sandwiches are stiff enough to allow
you to use the magnet.
Coaster
1. The coaster allows you to quilt
close to the edge of the quilt without
losing stitch-regulation.
Attach the coaster to the edge
of the quilt sandwich using the two
clips. The clips were designed for
one-handed action. Place the coaster
on the table, press on both clips at
the same time with one hand. Use
the other hand to slide the quilt edge
into the clips, then release the clips
(Figure 16).
Free-motion quilt as usual while
keeping your hands close to the
controller. The controller will move
with the quilt sandwich, regulating
your stitch length.
WARNING: If the quilt sandwich
is extremely soft, you may choose to
fold the edge of the quilt sandwich to
stiffen it slightly.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.

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Tips and Techniques
1. Don’t twist the fabric under the
needle, as this will cause the needle
to sew faster or slower than it should
and you will not maintain regulation.
As long as the fabric remains in the
same orientation relative to your
body while quilting, the regulation
will be accurate.
2. When you have finished a
section of quilting, readjust the
position of the TruStitch™ controller
to make the next section easier to
work on. Don’t try to quilt large
sections of the quilt at one time.
Work within a space no farther out
than 6”-15” from the needle.
3. Idle speed can help you keep
the needle in motion and prevent
long stitches e.g. when doing
zigzag, star or circular patterns.
4. Adjusting your Idle speed will
give you better results. Experiment
with different percentages to find the
level you like best for each quilting
method. For example, micro-stippling
with a high stitches-per-inch count
will require a higher percentage
setting than stitch-in-the-ditch.
5. When using rulers hold the
controller next to the ruler and move
the ruler with both hands. As you
adjust the ruler, adjust the controller
as well. Some quilters prefer to use
the magnet when doing ruler work.
Don’t forget to release the foot pedal
or press the Pause button before
moving the controller.
6. A hoop may be used in
conjunction with the controller for
better control of the fabric being
sewn. You can hold the controller just
outside of the hoop with your hand or
with the magnet.
7. If you are using a higher stitches-
per-inch setting and the Idle speed
is set to zero, it is recommended
that you keep the controller closer
to the needle. Be careful not to let
the controller hang up on the needle
plate.
8. Because the controller senses
its motion across the table top, it is
important that it never be allowed to
pass over the gap in the table behind
the needle where the powerquilter™
16.0 quilting machine for PFAFF®
arm is placed. This gap will cause
a break in the information sent to
the receiver and will result in uneven
stitches.
For the same reason, make sure
the controller doesn’t extend past
the edge of the table (which could
happen when using the coaster).
Register your TruStitch™
For product and warranty
registration, go to the PFAFF® web
site at www.pfaff.com.

15
INSPIRA®Table Extension
Expand your original powerquilter™
16.0 quilting machine for PFAFF®
table with Table Extensions. Each
extension measures 18” x 30”.
Purchase one or two to provide extra
support for large projects. Adding
two extensions will expand the
original table to a full six feet in width
(one extension shown above).
INSPIRA®Table Overlay
The table overlay covers the
entire table with a slick surface
that allows the quilt sandwich to
glide. At the same time, it covers
the gap where the machine is set
into the tabletop, allowing the
TruStitch™ controller to operate in
the area behind the needle without
interruption in stitch regulation.
Recommended for Use with the powerquilter™ 16.0
quilting machine for PFAFF®and TruStitch™
Visit your local retailer to purchase the following recommended tools and accessories.
INSPIRA®Horizontal Spool
Pin
An optional horizontal spool pin
is available for use with delicate
threads such metallics or holographic
threads or for specialty threads that
are wound on a spool (not a cone).
Some threads twist and break if fed
from a vertical spool.
PFAFF, POWERQUILTER, INSPIRA and PERFECTION STARTS HERE are trademarks
of KSIN Luxembourg II, S.ar.l. ©2013 KSIN Luxembourg II, S.ar.l. All rights reserved.
TRUSTITCH is a trademark of Handi Quilter, Inc.

www.pfaff.com
© 2013 KSIN Luxembourg II, S.ar.l. All rights reserved.