What kind of tablet should I purchase for use with QBOT V3? You will need to purchase an Android+Bluetooth tablet. We have several "shopping tips" outlined to assist you.

Where do I find the QBOT V3 and QBOT V3 Pro apps? The apps are available for purchase from the Google PlayStore (and for Kindle Fire HD, from the Amazon AppStore).

Current app versions: 3.70 (QBOT V3) and 4.30 (QBOT V3 Pro)

 

Updating the App & Tablet Settings

What are the steps to follow for updating my QBOT V3/QBOT V3 Pro app?

Click HERE to see the step-by-step outline for updating your app.

 

Is the app transferrable? Like all other apps on your tablet, the QBOT V3 and QBOT V3 Pro apps are NOT TRANSFERRABLE. Owners of used equipment must purchase apps from the Google Play Store/Amazon App Store. Coming soon: tips for sellers/buyers of used equipment.

 

QBOT Version - upgrading

What is the latest version of QBOT? V3 (version 3)

I have Version 1, can I upgrade to V3? Yes, complete details are found under the "V3" page heading on homepage.

I have Version 2, can I upgrade to V3? Yes, complete details are found under "V3" page heading on homepage.

 

What is my PIN? The last four digits of your QBOT Serial Number. The QBOT Serial Number can be found on the silver sticker on the back of the QBOT Head.

 

I lost my "Tips" sheet that came with my new QBOT V3, can I get another printout? Click HERE to see the "Welcome" and "Tips" sheet that was factory-packaged with your new QBOT.

 

What file format does QBOT read? QBOT reads ".plt" and ".4qb" files.

I just installed QBOT onto my quilting system and ran a test. My designs are stitching out upside down and/or backwards. How do I correct this?

If the stitching is “upside down” and/or “backwards,” the directional parameters need to be changed:

• place the machine in the lower left corner of the frame
• move the machine only in the x-direction (to the right)...the x value should increase
• return to the lower left position; move only in the y-direction (away from you)...y value should increase

If the values do not increase:

1. First check your drive wire wrapping to confirm proper installation. See here for illustration of proper wrapping.
2. Change your x-axis and/or y-axis parameter setting. See here for factory default parameter settings and instructions on changing them.

Hovering/Tracing...QBOT does not stitch

I have my QBOT installed/mounted to my quilting equipment by it's not stitching, it's hovering. How do I get the QBOT to sew?

In the simplest of terms...QBOT does not sew, it does not stitch; the sewing machine stitches! QBOT is responsible for machine/carriage movement, the sewing machine and its stitch regulator is responsible for needle movement.

For certain sewing machines we offer an accessory: QBOT Connector Cord, which will allow QBOT to communicate with the sewing machine to get the needle moving.

To manually engage the sewing machine - its stitch regulator - click HERE for an outline of the process.

I'm getting the error message "Motors Not Following." What does this mean? What do I need to do?

If the error "Motors Not Following" appears, here are a few things to consider/check/test:

1. QBOT Drive Wires
1. Confirm you have the correct drive wire wrapping, see HERE
   
2. Check the drive wire tension - this video demonstrates a 'plucking' test
3. Check your drive wire holders...the small hardware that's mounted onto the ends of the frame and carriage.  Make sure they are tightly mounted and not loose or wiggly.
   
2. Boundary Point Selection
1. When you're manually moving the machine/carriage to make boundary point selections, be sure to move at the correct pace/speed.  A good rule of thumb is no faster than 2" per second.  To test this, lay a ruler or tape measure along the length of the frame.  Then, as you move the carriage, count the seconds.  At one second, the machine/needle should be at the 2" mark; at two seconds, it should be at the 4" mark; and so on.
2. If your test has you moving too fast, there's a chance that the drive assembly's internal encoder is unable to "keep up," and thus the resulting error message on QBOT.  The same can be said regarding your stitch regulation encoder...and stitch quality being negatively effected.
3. QBOT Drive Assemblies
1. First, confirm each drive assembly has 4 screws - they are located on the drive spool side of the assembly.  If you are missing one or more, you need to locate/purchase/replace them.
2. Next, confirm your QBOT Drive Assemblies are the appropriate model/version for your sewing machine.  See HERE. [If you need assistance in making this determination, please forward photos of the units...showing us the black cap-side and the spool-side.]
3. If all of the above checks out, Service/Repair may be needed.  NOTE:  it is highly unlikely that both of the units would have the same problem - running the test outlined above in #2 for x-axis only and then again for y-axis only direction should confirm this.  This being said, if you are aware of a catastrophic power surge, both units may be damaged and require service.  [see also below - physical setup]
   
4. Check your App version [yellow "About" button on app homescreen] and Settings [yellow "Settings" button on app homescreen]
   
1. Current app versions are posted above on this Support/FAQ page
2. Check your Settings, see HERE
   
5. Check your physical set-up/quilting studio environment
1. use of a UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is always a good idea.  Please note that this is not a simple "plug strip" or "surge protector"
2. Consider your level of ESD
   Damage to electronics can be caused by electro-static discharge (ESD), which is generally more common during the winter months, and/or in cold, dry climates, but can occur at any time within a cool and/or dry quilting studio.  ESD can be reduced, and possibly completely avoided, by taking a couple of steps:
   
1. You can discharge the static electricity by first touching something metal away from the quilting frame.  After the discharge, then turn on the machine and proceed as per usual.
2. We have also found that regularly spraying a product such as Static-Guard on the floor around the frame helps to minimize ESD.
3. You can purchase an anti-static mat or anti-static carpet mat [both should have a grounding cord] and have that at your quilting frame.  They are designed to eliminate electrical shock damage.  A quick google-search will show many options available.
• ESD Anti-Static Carpet Mats are nylon carpet surface mats with a vinyl backing that help protect sensitive electronic equipment from static discharges.  The best ESD carpet mats are constructed with conductive fibers on the surface and come with a grounding cord that can be attached to any electrical ground to help dissipate the static charge.

Compatibilities

I have purchased a QBOT that was used on a different machine/frame than I have. Will it work on my set-up? Yes, if you find your machine and frame listed on our QBOT Compatibility List, it will work. HOWEVER, you will likely need to purchase installation parts which are compatible with your set-up. You may also need to purchase a QBOT Drive Assembly Retrofit, details/description can be found on the Parts & Accessories page (click HERE and scroll to the bottom of the page).

NOTE: Each QBOT is packaged from the factory for use with a particular set-up; using it on a different set-up will/may require different hardware, wiring harness, etc. These items can be found on our Parts & Accessories page. If you don't see your machine or frame in the list, contact us at support@myqbot.com.

What quilting designs come with the purchase of a new-in-box QBOT? QBOT V3 works in conjunction with the QBOT V3 and QBOT V3 Pro Apps for Android devices. The app contains the QBOT Sampler Collection 1 & 2 & 3, FasTrax Collection 1 & 2, Designer Collection, and Phrases Collection. The files can only be obtained through the purchase of the QBOT V3 App.

What quilting designs came with the purchase of a new version 1 or 2 QBOT? A factory-sealed Version 1 QBOT (white/green box) is packaged containing the QBOT Sampler Collection 1. A factory-sealed Version 2 QBOT (blue box) is packaged containing the QBOT Sampler Collection 1, QBOT Sampler Collection 2, and FasTrax Collection 1. QBOT was factory-packaged with design files on both an SD Card and the DVD (see below).

To purchase spare SD Cards, visit ebay and search for "512 MB SD Card Memory Super Talent"

NOTE: Files on the SD Card which are contained within folders are not recognized by QBOT. Use your computer to organize the files into/out of folders for your particular use. (By placing all of the quilting designs directly on the SD Card - not in folders - you will have access to the files at QBOT. However, especially for Version 2 owners, this may be cumbersome to scroll through all of the designs. So, by placing them in folders, you can manage the designs a bit easier, scrolling through a smaller number of files while standing at the frame with a particular project.)

 

My QBOT DVD doesn't seem to play in my computer? The videos on the QBOT DVD require Windows Media Player to run. If your computer does not have this installed, go to http://windows.microsoft.com/ for a free download. Windows Media Player is listed on the right side of the page. You can also play the QBOT DVD video on your DVD player.

How do I access the Bonus Content on the QBOT DVD? The QBOT DVD contains more than just videos; there are design templates (PDF files), as well as many quilting designs. The DVD that comes with a Version 2 QBOT contains: QBOT Sampler Collection 1, QBOT Sampler Collection 2, and FasTrax. To access this bonus content, put the DVD into your computer. If a window does not automatically pop-up showing the folder structure, click the "Start" button and select "My Computer." Right click the DVD icon and select "Open."

PC users can click HERE to view a brief video showing how to access the DVD content, Navigating the Version 2 QBOT DVD.

 

18" Machine with built-in stitch regulation/QBOT sequence

(on Tin Lizzie 18, Viking 18x8, Pfaff 18.8)

What is the sequence for engaging the built-in stitch regulation on my 18" sewing machine with QBOT? You will need to start the machine first and then QBOT second. The machine needs to be in “Cruise Mode.” Then:

1. Press and hold the Auto or Lizzie Stitch button found on left handle. While holding it down, turn on the sewing machine.

2. After several small beeps, you will hear a long beep. Lift your finger off the Auto or Lizzie Stitch button while you are hearing the long beep.

3. The sewing machine will continue beeping until you let go of the Auto or Lizzie Stitch button.

4. Turn on the QBOT.

5. Choose a pattern, enter the coordinates (upper right, lower left, etc). Press Go. When the screen shows “Fine Tune,” press the needle up button and pull up the bobbin thread.

6. Press “Start/Stop” on the machine and then, within a couple seconds, press “Go” on the QBOT.

OR

See also "Parts & Accessories" page for QBOT Connector Cord for your specific sewing machine...this optional accessory allows QBOT to start/stop the sewing machine automatically.

 

Stitch quality; sewing machine vs. stitch regulator vs. QBOT

My stitches look terrible, what's wrong with my QBOT? There's probably nothing wrong with your QBOT...it's your sewing machine that performs the function of stitching.

Stitch-related issues can be related to the sewing machine, stitch regulator, needle, or thread.  Determining the nature of the problem (poor stitch quality vs. stitch length) will help to identify the culprit and resolve the issue.  [See also next FAQ topic for details regarding skipped stitches vs. long stitches.]

Best to troubleshoot by making only one change at a time, then immediately testing the results of that one change.  Consider the following:

• Rethread the sewing machine
• Change to a new needle
• Select a different thread
  
• troubleshoot/test the sewing machine - focussing on the needle assembly, bobbin and bobbin case/housing, timing
• troubleshoot/test the stitch regulator - the long-arm's "built in" stitch regulation system or mid-arm's  Quilter's Cruise Control.
• The optical encoders are responsible for sensing movement, resulting in consistent stitch length.  So proper installation and cord management, along with o-ring integrity are paramount.  Visually inspect the rubber o-rings, the path that the encoder travels [x-axis/frame and y-axis/carriage], and the electrical connections to the main control unit.
• Test one direction at a time, and in straight line movement only - not a meander or dense design.  The x-axis movement is side-to-side along the frame length; the y-axis movement is front-to-back along the short carriage length.
• Contact your Dealer/Technician for repair to any eletrical components; DIY or self-repair is not adviseable.

Reminder:  QBOT can immediately be ruled out as the culprit to poor stitch quality because QBOT and its components are responsible for machine and carriage movement, not needle movement.

Mid-arm sewing machine owners: To troubleshoot your QCC, follow the steps outlined in the QCC Troubleshooting Guide.

To confirm that your QBOT is functioning properly, and as a reminder that QBOT doesn't sew/stitch/quilt, you can run the following test:

1. Turn off your sewing machine

2. Go through the steps/menu selections to have QBOT perform its function (which is moving the carriage)

3. Did the carriage move along the design path? (If so, then QBOT is working beautifully.)

 

Skipped stitches vs. Long stitches

When I'm quilting, I'm getting skipped stitches. How can I correct this problem? Remember, QBOT does not stitch, rather it's responsible for frame carriage movement. The sewing machine is responsible for needle movement [stitching] - more specifically, the machine AND its stitch regulation system. To determine the culprit, first determine if the quilting is showing skipped stitches or long stitches:

A skipped stitch indicates needle movement (stitch regulation) but possible timing trouble with sewing machine (the bobbin 'hook assembly' not 'catching' the thread...result is a skipped stitch with a "hole" in the fabric).

Hole in fabric=needle movement=stitch regulation is functioning properly; so sewing machine timing is a consideration and should be checked.

A long stitch...an absence of needle movement at that point, indicates no needle movement and you would evaluate your stitch regulation components (main control unit, y-cable, encoder/s).

No hole in fabric=no needle movement=stitch regulation is not properly sensing machine movement.

 

Where can I get additional information and assistance with QBOT? Your authorized QBOT dealer is your first point of contact, especially for an in-person demonstration. Dealers may have in-store events such as classes and clubs, and can generally assist with most questions.

The QBOTSquad [Groups.io User Group] is an excellent resource for owners of any version of QBOT. This friendly, highly knowledgeable group consists of users/quilters, Authorized QBOT V3 Dealers, V3 Beta Testers, and some of our company staffers - most of whom are quilters! Click to register/join.

Additional resources include documents found on our Support page and YouTube videos (search for QBOT Quilting). Click HERE for detailed listing.

See also the We Love QBOT Facebook Group.

 

Personalized/One-on-One Assistance from our Factory

Can you (LiTen Up Technologies) help me? The short answer is: Yes, but it depends on the nature of your situation. As the manufacturer of QBOT and QCC, our factory has employees working in several areas - our Engineers are designing and developing new products, our Technicians are servicing and fabricating existing products, our Educators are training our authorized dealers, our Order Dept. is processing order fulfillment, our Support Team is providing product/technical support for V3 via email, and our Front Office is managing the business of a manufacturing facility.

This being said, all of our employees are quilters! We know a lot about sewing machines, quilting frames, patchwork and fabric, making quilts/bags/pillows/home dec/etc., long-arm quilting "best practices," and of course...QBOT!

If you need assistance with your QBOT, beyond what is available (mentioned above), you have the option of making an appointment to work with one of our technicians and/or educators. Many timeslots are available, and we will make every attempt to accommodate your schedule-request. Please complete and submit the Customer Assistance Call Program application to start the process. Important: If the QBOT firwmare is not V3, it will be necessary to first upgrade...our initial review of the application will indicate whether or not additional assistance is required after the upgrade.

NOTE: if you purchased your QBOT directly from us - either online or at a show - we are considered "your dealer" and will waive the fees associated with the Customer Assistance Call Program. Please contact our Support team to inquire: support@myqbot.com

 

Tracking has said, “Shipping Label Created, USPS Awaiting Item ” for days. Is something wrong? The short answer is, probably not.

When you first receive notification from the USPS system, it's resulting from our Front Office generating the shipping label at time of order in-processing. Orders typically process/ship in 3-12 business days. If it's within this timeframe, there's nothing to worry about. If, however, it's been longer than 12 business days and/or you received a shipment notification and there has been little to no movement on tracking, your order is most likely already moving through the USPS system but hasn't been scanned yet.

In our experience, we've often seen the first scan on tracking from the post office in the destination city, completely bypassing any scans in the Chicago/North Shore area. This is especially prevalent during the holiday season, as well as any of the Federal holidays throughout the year.

I haven't received my order, is it lost? The short answer is, probably not.

In our experience, USPS can sometimes be inconsistent with delivery dates. It will most likely get to you eventually. Though, if you've got a bad feeling about it, we recommend filling out a ticket with USPS so they can open up an investigation (we can also help you out with that). A package is not considered lost until 20 calendar days have passed (40 calendar days for international) and LiTen Up Technologies, Inc. cannot file an insurance claim until then. If you haven’t received your order by 20/40 calendar days from the date of shipment, please contact our Support Team and we’ll help sort out a solution.