BAS-342G Basic Operation Manual DIRECT DRIVE PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRONIC PATTERN SEWER Please read this manual before using the machine. Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference. This basic operation manual describes basic operations including sewing machine operations. For cleaning, standard adjustments and more details, please refer to the instruction manual contained in the Document CD.
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.
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 result in death or serious injury.
[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 cover 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 electrical line noise or static electric noise.
CAUTION Sewing This sewing machine should only be used by operators who have received the necessary training in safe use beforehand. If using a work table which has casters, the casters should be secured in such a way so that they cannot move. The sewing machine should not be used for any applications other than sewing. Attach all safety devices before using the sewing machine. If the machine is used without these devices attached, injury may result.
[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. 1 2 3 Be careful to avoid getting hands caught in sliding parts. 4 Be sure to connect the ground.
Tension release solenoid cover Inside cover L Motor cover Middle cover Outside cover Rear cover Fixed cover X motor cover 3957M BAS-342G v
CONTENTS 1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS ................ 1 2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM SEWING ..................... 2 3. TABLE PROCESSING DIAGRAM ....... 3 4. INSTALLATION .................................... 4 4-1. Removing the machine head fixing bolts [1] .... 4 4-2. Installing the control box [2].............................. 5 4-3. Installing the oil pan and support lever base.... 6 4-4. Installing the machine head.............................. 6 4-5. Tilting back and returning the machine head ...
1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS 1. NAMES OF MAJOR PARTS 3958M (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) Safety devices: (12) Finger guard (13) Eye guard (14) Thread take-up cover (15) Motor cover STOP switch CF slot Power switch Work clamp switch Start switch Control box Solenoid valve Operation panel Thread wiper switch Pulley Cotton stand CFTM is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation.
2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM SEWING 2. USEFUL FUNCTIONS FOR OPTIMUM SEWING Easy threading in threading mode Page 21 When using threading mode for threading, the tension discs will open so that the thread can be threaded more easily. Furthermore, threading mode is safe because the sewing machine will not start even when the foot switch is depressed. Presser foot height can be set easily using the panel l Page 31 INSTRUCTION MANUAL CD 7-7.
3. TABLE PROCESSING DIAGRAM 3. TABLE PROCESSING DIAGRAM • The thickness of the table should be at least 50 mm, and it should be strong enough to bear the weight and vibration of the sewing machine. • If using casters, use ones which can bear the total weight of sewing machine and table. • Check that the control box is at least 10 mm away from the leg. If the control box and the leg are too close together, it may result in incorrect sewing machine operation.
4. INSTALLATION 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 approximately 160 kg. Use equipment such as a crane or hoist when installing the machine head and adjusting the height of the table. If you try to lift the machine head yourself, it may cause injuries such as back injury.
4. INSTALLATION 4-2. Installing the control box [2] CAUTION The control box is heavy, so installation should be carried out by two or more people. In addition, take steps to make sure that the control box does not fall down. If this is not done, injury to feet or damage to the control box may result. Before installing the control box (1), check that the model plate (a) on the control box (1) is “AX342G” to indicate that it is an RX-control box for BAS-342G sewing machines.
4. INSTALLATION 4-3. Installing the oil pan and support lever base (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Oil pan Wood screws [4 pcs.] Oiler Support lever base Plain washers [2 pcs.] Spring washers [2 pcs.] Bolts [2 pcs.] Table 3964M 4-4. Installing the machine head 1. Place the machine head onto the table. NOTE: • Use a crane or hoist to install the sewing machine. • Be careful of the following when lowering the machine head onto the table.
4. INSTALLATION 2. After placing the machine head onto the table, remove the bolt (6) and the spacer (7). * The bolt (6) and the spacer (7) are necessary for securing the support lever (8) when the machine head is removed from the table, so keep them in a safe place. 3. Pass the support lever shaft (9) through the hole in the support lever base (10) and through the groove (f) in the support lever (8), and push it in until it is flush with the surface of the support lever base (10).
4. INSTALLATION 4-6. Installing the gas spring Crane or hoist Engaging the stopper Disengaging the stopper 3968M 1. Tilt back the machine head, and then secure the support lever (1) at stopper position (a). (Refer to "4-5. Tilting back and returning the machine head".) NOTE: Use equipment such as a crane or hoist to tilt back the machine head. 2. Tighten the two set screws (2) to secure the support lever shaft (3). 3. Install the gas spring (8).
4. INSTALLATION 4-7. Installing the operation panel [3] (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) Cushion A Operation panel base Plain washers (medium) [3 pcs.] Bolts [3 pcs.] Cushions B [3 pcs.] Plain washers (large) [3 pcs.] Nuts [6 pcs.] * Tighten until the thickness of cushion B (5) is about 1 mm. (8) Rubber seat (9) Operation panel stand (10) Operation panel * Pass the cords of the operation panel (10) through the operation panel stand (9) and under the table. (11) Bolts [3 pcs.
4. INSTALLATION 4-8. Installing the solenoid valve assembly Install underneath the work table. (Refer to "3. Table processing diagram" for the installation positions.) (1) Solenoid valve assembly (2) Washers [2 pcs.] (3) Wood screws [2 pcs.] NOTE: Make sure that the solenoid valve assembly does not touch the control box or the leg of the table. 3972M 4-9. Connecting the air tubes [4] Connect as shown in the illustration while checking the marks. Plugs 4 Branch unions Y 3973M 4-10.
4. INSTALLATION 4-11. Adjusting the air pressure [6] Lift up the handle (2) of the regulator (1) and then turn it to adjust the air pressure to 0.5 MPa. After adjustment is complete, push the handle (2) downward to lock it. 3975M 4-12. Adjusting the speed controller [7] You can adjust the lifting and lowering speeds for the work clamp using the knobs on the valves. • When the upper knob is tightened, the lifting speed becomes slower. When it is loosened, the lifting speed becomes faster.
4. INSTALLATION 4-13. Connecting the cords [8] 1. Remove the cover of the control box. 2. Loosen the two screws (1), and then open the cord presser plate (2) in the direction of the arrow. 3. Pass the bundle of cords from the machine head through the hole in the table, and then pass it through the hole in the control box together with the following cords. • Tow-pedal foot switch (3) • Operation panel (Do not pass the ground wires through the hole.) • Solenoid valve assembly 4.
4. INSTALLATION Press the tab. NOTE: Route the X, Y and work clamp pulse motor harnesses so that they do not touch the PMD P.C. * Be sure to make the ground connection. (Refer to "4-14. Connecting the ground".) Connection location on power supply motor P.C. board Connector Machine head memory 7-pin P3 (HEAD-M) Upper shaft motor 3-pin Synchronizer 14-pin P4 (UVW) P5 (SYNC) Connection location on PMD P.C.
4. INSTALLATION 4-14. Connecting the ground wire [9] CAUTION 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.
4. INSTALLATION 4-15. Securing the cords and air tubes [10] Leg Secure the air tubes (a), the solenoid valve assembly cord (b) and the operation panel cord (c) together underneath the table with the three cord holders (1). Control box Table (1) Cord holders [3 pcs.] (2) Wood screws [3 pcs.] Operation panel Solenoid valve assembly 3981M 1. Gently tilt back the machine head. (Refer to "4-5. Tilting back and returning the machine head".) 2.
4. INSTALLATION 4-16. Installing the eye guard [11] CAUTION Attach all safety devices before using the sewing machine. If the machine is used without these devices attached, injury may result. (1) Eye guard assembly (2) Plain washers [2 pcs.] (3) Screws [2 pcs.] 4934Q 4-17. Installing the cotton stand [12] (1) Cotton stand NOTE: Fit the washer (2), and then securely tighten the nut (3) so that the cotton stand does not move.
4. INSTALLATION 4-18. Lubrication [13] CAUTION Do not connect the power cord until lubrication is complete. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result. 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. If the oil and grease get into your eyes or onto your skin, inflammation can result.
4. INSTALLATION 4-19. Connecting the power cord [14] CAUTION 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. 1. Attach an appropriate plug to the power cord (1). (The green and yellow wire is the ground wire.) 2. Insert the plug into a properly-grounded AC power supply. * The inside of the control box uses single-phase power.
5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5-1. Installing the needle CAUTION Turn off the power switch before installing the needle. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result. 1. Loosen the set screw (1). 2. Insert the needle (2) in a straight line as far as it will go, making sure that the long groove on the needle is at the front, and then securely tighten the set screw (1). 3990M 5-2.
5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5-3. Threading the upper thread Thread the upper thread correctly as shown in the illustration below. * When using threading mode for threading, the tension discs (1) will open so that the thread can be threaded more easily. (Refer to following page.
5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING Threading mode is safe because the sewing machine will not start even when the foot switch is depressed. 1 Turn on the power switch. 2 Press the THREAD/CLAMP key. 4421Q All indicators switch off • The work clamp and the intermittent presser foot will be lowered. • The tension discs will open. 3 4 THREAD/CLAMP indicator illuminates MENU indicator switches off Threading the thread.
5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5-4. Winding the lower thread CAUTION Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any objects against the machine while winding the lower thread. Injury or damage to the sewing machine may result. 3996M 3997M 3998M 1. Place the bobbin onto the bobbin winder shaft (1). 2. Thread the thread as shown in the illustration, wind the thread around the bobbin several times, and then press the bobbin presser arm (2). 3. Turn on the power switch. 4.
5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5-5. Installing the bobbin case CAUTION Turn off the power switch before installing the bobbin case. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result. 2534Q 30mm 4002M 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 2535Q Pull the shuttle race cover (1) downward to open it. While holding the bobbin so that the thread winds to the right, insert the bobbin into the bobbin case.
5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5-6. Thread tension Thread tension reference Upper thread #20 or similar Lower thread #20 or similar Upper thread tension (N) 1.4 − 1.8 Lower thread tension (N) 0.3 − 0.4 Pre-tension (N) 0.2 − 0.4 Needle DP×17＃19 5-6-1. Lower thread tension Adjust the thread tension to the weakest possible tension by turning the thread tension nut (1) until the bobbin case will not drop by its own weight while the thread end coming out of the bobbin case is held.
5. PREPARATION BEFORE SEWING 5-7. Home position detection 4004M Before starting home position detection, check that the needle bar is at the needle up stop position. Turn the pulley (1) until the ridge at the bottom of the thread take-up (2) is aligned with the { mark on the arm. Aligned 4005M 4421Q 1. Turn on the power switch. The POWER indicator (3) will illuminate, and the model name [342] will appear in the PROGRAM No. display (4) and [Air] will appear in the menu display (5).
6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6-1. Name and function of each operation panel item 4435Q (1) Power indicator Illuminates when the power is turned on. (2) CAUTION indicator Illuminates when an error occurs. (3) RESET key Used to reset errors. (4) TEST key Used to start test mode. (5) TEST indicator Illuminates when the TEST key (4) has been pressed. (6) THREAD/CLAMP key Used to start threading mode or work clamp height setting mode.
6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) (10) X-SCALE indicator Illuminates when the SELECT key (15) is pressed to shown the X-scale setting. (11) Y-SCALE indicator Illuminates when the SELECT key (15) is pressed to shown the Y-scale setting. (12) SPEED indicator Illuminates when the SELECT key (15) is pressed to shown the sewing speed setting. (13) COUNTER indicator Illuminates when the SELECT key (15) is pressed to shown the lower thread or production counter setting. (14) SPLIT No.
6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6-2. Loading sewing data Refer to "6-8. Notes on handling CF cards (sold separately)" for details on using CF cards. 1 With the power turned off, insert the CF card into the CF slot. NOTE: • Make sure the CF card is facing the correct way when inserting it. • Always be sure to keep the cover closed except when inserting and removing the CF card. If this is not done, dust may get inside and cause problems with operation. 4453Q 2 Turn on the power switch.
6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6-4. Setting the X-scale and Y-scale The scales are set to 100 (%) at the time of shipment from the factory. 1. Press the SELECT key (1) so that the X-SCALE indicator (2) (for X-scale setting) or the Y-SCALE indicator (3) (for Y-scale setting) is illuminated. • The setting value (%) will appear in the menu display (4). * When memory switch no. 402 is set to "ON", the settings will be displayed in units of mm. or key (5) to set the scale (0 − 400). 2.
6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6-6. Checking the sewing pattern Use test feed mode to check the needle movement with only the work clamp operating. Check that the needle hole in the needle plate does not come out from the frame of the work clamp. 1 Press the TEST key. TEST indicator illuminates 2 Select the program number to be checked, and then set the X-scale and the Y-scale. • The program number will flash.
6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6-7. Setting the height of the intermittent presser foot You can use the operation panel to change the setting value for the intermittent presser foot height. 1 All indicators switch off Press the THREAD/CLAMP key. The sewing machine will switch to threading mode. • " 1" will appear in the PROGRAM No. display and the intermittent presser foot (1) will drop. THREAD/CLAMP indicator illuminates MENU indicator switches off 2 4445Q 4015M Press the key.
6. USING THE OPERATION PANEL (BASIC OPERATIONS) 6-8. Notes on handling CF cards (sold separately) • Use a CF card with a memory capacity of 32, 64, 128, 256, 512 MB, 1GB or 2GB. (CF cards with a capacity of more than 2GB are not supported.) • Do not disassemble or modify the CF card. • Do not bend, drop or scratch CF cards or place heavy objects on top of them. • Avoid contact with liquids such as water, oil, solvents or drinks.
7. SEWING 7. SEWING CAUTION Turn off the power switch at the following times. If the foot switch is depressed by mistake, the sewing machine might start operating and injury could result. • When threading the needle • When replacing the bobbin and needle • When not using the machine and when leaving the machine unattended 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. 7-1. Sewing 4978Q 1.
7. SEWING 7-2. Using the STOP switch If you press the STOP switch (1) while sewing or test feeding is in progress, the CAUTION indicator (2) will illuminate and the sewing machine will stop immediately. 4981Q 1. Press the RESET key (3). • The thread will be trimmed, and then the CAUTION indicator (2) will switch off and the buzzer will stop sounding. 2. If you do not wish to continue sewing, press the RESET key (3) once more. • The program number will flash.
MEMO BAS-342G 35
Document CD For cleaning, standard adjustments and more details, please refer to the instruction manual contained in the Document CD. 3168M Contents of the Document CD The following documents are contained in PDF format. ・ Basic Operation Manual ・ Instruction Manual ・ Parts Book How to use the Document CD Refer to “Using Document CD” which comes with the Document CD or the help function of the Document CD.
