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HAPPY HCD-1501
If you have a HAPPY HCD-1501 machine, this section is devoted to providing you with resources to help you keep your machine "HAPPY" !
(Last update: July 26, 2010 - updated error code list)
    Setting Up and Configuring HCD
 
Threading and Tensioning  
Your HCD machine was carefully packed at the factory using quality packing materials and procedures to assure that your machine is ready, right out of the box to sew.  Be sure to take the same care when un-boxing HCD and assembling it to run!

Upper Threading 

Threading the upper (Colored) Thread  
Threading your HCD machine PROPERLY is VERY important to prevent thread breaks and to ensure efficient operation!   Also - don't forget that needles need to be inserted and oriented correctly!  Below, we've provided an illustrated diagram for threading your HCD machine, which is also provided in the manual that comes with HCD. 
 Threading HCD  PDF file:  properly threading the HCD embroidery machine.
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Threading the Bobbin Thread  

Threading the bobbin (lower) thread
Below, we've provided a diagram and directions for properly loading the bobbin thread as well as a quick tension check before tensioning
 Threading Bobbin And Adjusting Tension  PDF file:  properly threading the bobbin and adjusting tension on the HCD.
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Upper Tension Test  

Tension Test for HCD 
Provided below is a .dst file that you can download and use to test-sew the tensions on your HCD machine. 
   Download the tension test in .dst format.
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    Transferring Designs to HCD 

  

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Transferring Designs Using HAPPYLINK
Use the included HAPPYLINK software to set up designs and send them to your HCD machine.
Topic      Question

Setting up a USB Connection

How to set up a USB Connection between your PC and HAPPYLINK 
Follow the directions below for setting up a USB connection between your PC and a HAPPY HCD machine.
 1.  Install the USB drivers using the CD that came with your machine.  When inserting the CD, a window will automatically appear with several options.  Click on the button to install the USB drivers, and select the appropriate button for your computer's operating system (the XP/2000 driver should also work for Windows Vista).  Do NOT install the Windows 98 driver, for example, if your PC has Windows XP.
2.  Power on the HCD machine.  Upon power-up, press SET on the control panel to get to the machine's default screen.
3.  Connect a USB cable between the HCD machine and an available USB port on your PC.  Do not connect the USB cable to a USB hub - connect directly to the PC.
4.  The Windows "New Hardware" wizard will start automatically upon detecting the HAPPY machine.  Follow the prompts, allowing the driver to install automatically.
5.  Note:  Perform these steps before starting HAPPYLINK.  Once the steps are completed, start HAPPYLINK and go to File..Options and choose the USB connection as well as correct options for the rest of the page.
6.  Re-start HAPPYLINK.  The connection should now appear in the program as a grey icon that appears at the top of the black bar on the left side of the HAPPYLINK program screen.

Drivers for HCD to PC USB connection
In case you don't have your CD, the driver files are here to download. 
  USB Drivers for Windows 98 
  USB Drivers for Windows XP and 2000, or Vista
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Transferring Designs Using a Flash card
Using Flash-type memory cards (the same kind found in many digital cameras) is a fast, convenient way to transfer designs into the HCD machine. 
Topic Question and Answer

Illustrated Guide

Everything you need to know about CompactFlash cards and HCD 
Provided below is a PDF document illustrating the most popular FLASH cards used with HCD
Flash Cards To Use With HCD  Click here to view/print information about CompactFlash
cards for use with HAPPY HCD embroidery machine.
What types of cards work? The newest versions of HCD (Generation 3 and color LCD) can employ 3 types of Flash memory:  CompactFlash, Memory Stick, and SmartMedia.   There are no known issues with any particular brands. 
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Are there any card memory size limitations? Cards up to 1Gb (1024Mb) in size are supported.
What types of cards work on older HCD machines?
All versions of HAPPY's HCD can read Sandisk(TM) brand CompactFlash cards.
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What else do I need besides a  FLASH card?

 You'll need a PCMCIA adapter "sleeve" that the card fits into.  This adapter "sleeve" allows the card to be inserted into the type of removable card slot found in laptops, which is the kind of slot on the side of the HCD control panel where the card must be inserted.  (note, the card CAN be inserted and/or removed while the machine is powered on and while sewing - just don't do this while a design is being transferred!)
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   Operating HCD 

  

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Positioning the Design in the Hoop 
As complex as these machines can seem, you should be able to expect a long lifetime of trouble-free operation once you've learned how to use your HCD machine.  Follow the simple maintenance needs of your HCD machine to keep it running smoothly!
Topic Question


Centering the Design in the Hoop		 The design should sew in the center of the hoop by default.  However, if you've been moving the hoop around and are no longer sure if this is the case, follow this simple procedure:
   1.  Press the FUNC key.
   2.  Use the 4 blue arrow buttons around the SET key to arrow down to select "CENTER" and then press SET..
   3.  The arm should automatically center, and the hoop should be centered under the active needle.
   4.  Press FUNC again, then choose O Set, then SET, returning the design origin point to the center of the hoop.
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Sewing the design in a position off-center in the Hoop

Moving the Design Off-Center 
1.  Go to Design Origin point by pressing the ORG. key if you're not already there.
2.  Press the Trace button.  The machine will select Needle 1 and the trace will be performed around needle 1.  If you're happy with the position, continue on to sew.  
3.  If you're not happy with the position, return to the Origin point.
4.  Move the hoop using the FF key and the blue arrow keys around the SET button.  
5.  Trace again.  If not happy go to step 3 and keep repeating until you're satisfied. 
Using the Cap Frame System 
Question Answer

Hooping caps on the cap frame provided with your HCD machine
Note:  Max cap field width 360 mm.
1. Align center seam on center mark.  
2.  Sweat band should be unfolded and placed under center mark plate.
3. Band strap: Make sure teeth grip the seam all the way where the base meets the riser. If sewing on the sides, make sure the sides are grabbed by the teeth as well. Use free hand to hold back end of cap downwards.
4. Snap buckle into place. Note:  Be ready - cap will often shift towards buckle as buckle is closed, pushing center seam off alignment.  Compensate BEFORE closing buckle.
5. Attach clips on rear of cap, pulling cap material taut (but not overly tight).
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    Care and Feeding (Maintenance)

  

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Oiling and Cleaning
As complex as these machines can seem, you should be able to expect a long lifetime of trouble-free operation once you've learned how to use your HCD machine.  Follow the simple maintenance needs of your HCD machine to keep it running smoothly!
Topic Question & Solution

Oiling your
HCD Machine

Daily Oiling 
Your HCD machine needs daily oiling in one place - a small "gutter" along the outer edge of the bobbin case "basket" just inside the rotary hook. Place 1 drop of sewing machine oil in this location once every 8 hours that the machine is run.  It is just as important to not over-oil your machine, also - so if you don't run your machine much, you won't have to oil it daily.  Just follow the 8-hour rule.

To find the place to oil, open the rotary hook door (beneath the needle plate on the sewing arm) and remove the bobbin and bobbin case.  You'll see the front face of the rotary hook, as shown in the illustration on the right.  Place 1 drop of oil in the "gutter" or "race" of the hook,
which is indicated by the red arrow on the right.

 
Topic Question & Solution

Replacing Needles

Replacing Needles

Learn how to replace needles not just to replace them as they break, but also to change them on a regular basis, especially if you rung your machine a lot.  Needles are subject to wear that can over time hurt sewing quality, or most commonly, cause more un-wanted thread breaks.  Follow these steps for replacing a needle on your embroidery machine: 

1.  Remove the old needle by loosening the retaining screw at the top with a small flat-head screwdriver, just enough that you can slide the needle down and out of the needle holder assembly with your fingers.  If you're replacing a broken needle, be sure to remove all of the remaining "bits" of needle that may have broken off and fallen either into the garment or under the needle plate.  These small pieces of metal can scar the needle plate, sewing hook and other surfaces, causing thread breaks and even further needle breaks.
2.  Insert the new needle as far up as it can go into the needle holder assembly.  If you didn't loosen the screw too much when you removed the original needle, it should just hold the needle in place as it hangs from the assembly.  Don't tighten the screw fully until the next step.
3.  Rotate the needle so that it is properly aligned. See the diagram below:  the raised ridge or groove should be facing front, and the cut-out around the eye (called the "scarf") should be facing backwards.  THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT.  If not done properly, the machine will not sew stitches on that needle, at worst, or constantly break thread.
4.  Tighten the screw carefully without moving the needle out of alignment.  You can visually check that the needle is inserted all the way by comparing the height of the tip against the other needles on the machine.

NOTE: If you continue to have thread breaks with the new needle after replacing, check to see that the needle is aligned properly, or, if the thread is fraying, check to see if any of the sewing surfaces were "burred" or "scarred" from the broken needle, and be ready with emery cloth or abrasive cord to smooth away the sewing surfaces such as the hole on the needle plate, the presser foot, rotary hook surfaces, and any other surfaces that may have come in contact with the broken needle.
 
 
 
 
    Troubleshooting HCD: visit our FAQ list for updated troubleshooting list.  

  

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Quick Field Troubleshooting
You don't have to be a skilled mechanic to keep your HCD up and running.  But learning some easy tips and tricks lets you keep right on sewing to get you through the most common headaches that all embroiderers have, like hoop strikes, thread breaks, and the like.   
Topic Question & Solution

Windows XP crashes when sending files through USB. 
You probably have the wrong driver either installed or somewhere in your PC.  Setting up the  USB connection from your PC to the HCD machine requires 2 driver files.  There is a set of 2 driver files for Windows 98, and a set of 2 drivers files for computers with Windows 2000 or Windows XP.  The files are as follows:

 Windows 98 Driver files:  hpyusb01.inf, hpyusb01.sys
 Windows XP Driver files:  hpyusb02.inf, hpyusb02.sys

To fix this problem, do a search for all files named "hpyusb" using Start..Search... etc.  Make sure you enable the options to search hidden files, system files, and subfolders, and search all of your local disk C:\.  Delete all files, then re-download the XP drivers from the Help Files section above.
 

"Machine is Busy" message when attempting to transfer designs 
1.  Be sure that your embroidery machine is turned on and at the main/drive screen when you attempt to send a design through HAPPYLINK.  If not, "Machine is Busy" error will be displayed.
2.  Check your USB connection - make sure the cable is connected directly from the embroidery machine to the PC, and not through a hub or extension.   Also ensure that the cable isn't unusually long - 16 feet max, but 9 feet or shorter for best connection.  Failing this, try a different USB port on your PC.

Error Message: "Unable to Create "Dummy.bmp"  appears when transferring by USB"
This error message appears when using HAPPYLINK/USB  transfer in Windows Vista  To resolve this problem, close HAPPYLINK and use the Windows Compatibility tool to run HAPPYLINK in Windows XP/Service Pack 2 mode  To do this, follow these steps:

1.  Find the Happylink Icon, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
2.  Click on the Compatibility tab and check the following 2 boxes:
         - "Run this program as and administrator"
         - "Run this program in Compatibility Mode" and choose Windows Service Pack 2.
3.  Click Apply, then OK.
4.  Re-start HAPPYLINK and try again.  
       
 
   Error Code List HCD-1501 machines  Updated July 26, 2010

  

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 Below, you'll find a list of the possible error codes displayed by the machine, and an explanation of each, with suggested solutions.
Error Code  Error Description Resolution

001

 Circuit Board Abnormality detected in control circuit board Power down machine and, after 10 seconds, power on again.
002 Power Source Power failure or abnormal voltage. Power down machine and, after 10 seconds, power on again.
004 System Memory System memory fault Power down machine and, after 10 seconds, power on again.
014 Fan Alarm Cooling fan problem Cooling fan has failed to function.  Either the circuit board on which the fan is  mounted is failing to provide power, or the fan itself has failed. Note: There are 2 cooling fans that must be checked. - (see section 14a1 in the parts manual).  
015 Inverter Trip Sewing motor-related problem, i.e. overload or short circuit, trouble with motor drive unit Cut power and turn main shaft by hand.  If turns normally, power on again. Check inverter for Error. Should be set at 0.0. Also check power coming into machine. Experience has shown that this is triggered by inadequate or irregular voltage (I.e. fewer than 110v) coming from the AC outlet.
016 X-Carriage Alarm X-motor-related trouble, i.e. x-motor overload, short circuit, problem with motor drive unit Power off machine, test pantograph movement manually.  Check for any abnormality throughout full range of motion.  If none found, power on and test. May need to check PMD (pulse motor driver)
017 Y-Carriage Alarm Y-motor-related trouble, i.e. Y-motor overload, short circuit, problem with motor drive unit Power off machine, test pantograph movement manually.  Check for any abnormality throughout full range of motion.  If none found, power on and test. May need to check PMD (pulse motor driver)
018 Main shaft error Main shaft will not turn. Turn main shaft manually to verify full movement through complete 360 degree turn.  Troubleshoot for anything that may block this motion i.e. jam at rotary hook shaft, needle bar, etc.  Also re-initialize system, speed from MENU...OTHER.
020 Needle Detect Machine not detecting current needle # correctly, or needle bar selection unit is off its stop position.  Trouble with position-detecting circuit board. Turn needle bar selector knob to until head is properly positioned at current needle position (check red alignment mark on knob with that on machine body). 
021 Needle move Motor for needle bar selection unit has stopped partway through its path. Follow same procedure listed for error 020
022 Needle move No movement due to malfunction of thread take-up lever or trouble of position-detecting circuit board Follow same procedure listed for error 020
024 Needle center Needle bar stop position is off-center; needle bar stop position is out of place. Follow same procedure listed for error 020
025 Needle over Needle # out of range of actual needles on given machine. Follow same procedure listed for error 020
026 Needle differ Mismatch between actual selected needle position and needle number showing in the control panel.  Try selecting a different needle with the manual needle selection knob, then try again with the arrow buttons on the control panel until the error clears itself. If not, follow the procedure in the maintenance manual to reset the needle select potentiometer.
030 Slow speed mismatch Improper speed adjustment at low speed.  Speed does not decrease below 100rpm at low speed. Re-initialized the speed/inverter: From the main (drive) screen, press MENU, go to the 2nd page of options, choose “Other” then SPEED, and follow the prompts. Main shaft will turn slowly to full speed then stop.
050 C point error Main shaft is stopped in a position other than "C" point (270 degrees) Press SET. Then choose “AUTO”. The machine will to attempt to return the shaft to to 270. If the error recurs, choose “MANUAL” and turn the shaft back to 270 degrees.
051 L sensor Timing detection board fault, or marred photo-sensor.  Malfunction of "Lowest needle position" sensor on detection circuit board. Check to see if photo sensor is clean or if the slit plate contacts sensor.  Also check rotary hook area for bird-nesting and clear thread/blockage as necessary.  Inspect the sensor on the main shaft and ensure proper clearance between sensor and wheel.  Refer to this document here: Troubleshooting E-051/L Sensor 
052 C sensor  Timing board detection fault, or marred photo-sensor.  Malfunction of "Color change position" sensor on timing detection circuit board.  Check to see if photo sensor is clean or if the slit plate contacts sensor. Also check rotary hook area for bird-nesting and clear thread/blockage as necessary.
060 X limit  Frame/pantograph has moved beyond sewing area along X-axis.  Return hoop position to within the allowable sewing area using the frame movement keys on the control panel and press SET.  Re-center design and re-position / adjust design size as needed.
061 Y-limit  Frame/pantograph has moved beyond sewing area along Y-axis. Return hoop position to within the allowable sewing area using the frame movement keys on the control panel and press SET.  Re-center design and re-position / adjust design size as needed.
066 Frame Drive Frame movement did not complete when returning to origin. Re-start machine to try to clear the error. On failure contact service.
067 Position Data Error in embroidery frame position data. Check for dirt / clogging of the position sensor. Power down and power up again. If error recurs, contact service.
068 Position Data Unable to read embroidery frame sensor position. Check for dirt / clogging of the position sensor. Power down and power up again. If error recurs, contact service.
069 Position Data Unable to read embroidery frame sensor entry. Check for dirt / clogging of the position sensor. Power down and power up again. If error recurs, contact service.
070 Safety Sensor Safety sensor has detected obstruction. Feature implemented only with optional safety sensor installed.  Clear area in front of safety sensor and press ESC. 
090 Miss reception Corruption/mis-read of design data during design transfer Attempt again. If repeats, try a different cable (LAN or USB), a shorter cable, or different com speed (serial cable only)
091 No send Machine has not received data for > 10 seconds during data transfer.  Attempt again. If repeats, try a different cable (LAN or USB), a shorter cable, or different com speed (serial cable only)
103 Data format Machine has failed to automatically detect the format of the design being read. Check design, re-create or fix data if possible, then try to read again.
104 Miss function Timing error in reading pattern data. Check design, re-create or fix data if possible, then try to read again.
105 Dual function Data has been detected in the design that has ambiguous/dual function. Check design, re-create or fix data if possible, then try to read again.
106 No Function Distance between read start point and design start point too great Re-check quality of design data
108 Improper read While reading pattern data, error has occurred in internal processing. Check design, re-create or fix data if possible, then try to read again.
110 Memory full During disk or tape read, memory has filled to capacity. Delete unnecessary patterns from machine memory and try again.
111 Change over While reading pattern data, # of color changes has exceeded 250. Divide pattern data such that number  of color changes of each segment is less than 250. 
112 Data error Pattern data of current design is damaged. Try loading pattern data again.
114 Id over # of patterns in control panel memory has exceeded the maximum of 99 Delete unnecessary patterns from machine memory and try again.
118 Trace Data Over Over 1024 stitches of trace data were created while the pattern data was being read in. HCD adds 1024 to the stitch count of any design loaded into memory; this is the trace data.  Error occurs when maximum stitch length settings is  unusual value.   
120 Memory error Fault in retaining contents of pattern memory If this occurs frequently, it is likely that CPU is faulty.
130 Disk error Incapable of disposing data disk continuously Power down machine and after a 10 seconds, power on again.  If error remains, there is a problem with the disk drive unit.
131 Disk no ready Disk is not set Check if data disk is properly inserted into disk drive.
133 Bad card Memory card faulty Memory card unreadable or broken or not initialized.  Make sure that card is formatted in FAT and not FAT32 format.  If USB thumb drive, clear off designs, re-format the thumb drive in FAT32 and re-save designs back.  
134 Disk Unit Trouble with disk drive unit Power down, then re-power on again after 10 seconds.  On failure, contact service.
141 Not found name Designated pattern is not found Memory card incorrect type or format.
142 Disk Full Design memory capacity is full. Delete unnecessary designs from memory in the Pattern screen. See error code 133.
143 Multi name Multiple names detected when reading design Change design name or overwrite design by saving again on top of it.  Failing that, try a different disk or memory card.
190 Cut blade Thread cut knife is not at stop position. Troubleshoot as follows: 1. See if thread has actually been cut.  If not, cut thread manually, clear thread debris and manually return moving knife to the closed position.  Press T.CUT button to test for proper function.  
193 Catcher Thread catch hook is off its properly-retracted position.  Limit switch to detect position is not "OFF". This is most often caused by failure to trim rather than an error with the catcher.  Cut the thread if cutting has failed, and manually return the upper thread hook upwards to its retracted position, then troubleshoot the trimmer. 
215 Frm. Drive err Frame movement did not complete during a normal movement Contact service if this occurs frequently.
217 Frm. Drive Data Frame movement data is "loose" Contact service if this occurs frequently.
220 Calendar Stop Calendar has not been set up correctly. Power down machine and power on again.  Go to Menu.. Other.. Calendar and properly set calendar.  If problem recurs frequently, CPU board assembly or CMOS battery may need replacement.  Contact service.
221 Battery Low Low voltage reading detected from battery on CPU board  Battery likely drained if machine has not been powered on for extended period of time.  Power on machine to see if battery recharges.  On failure, contact service.
222 Calendar Data Incorrect calendar data Set calendar date/time correctly.  If problem occurs frequently, CPU board assembly may need to be replaced.  Contact service.

    Networking HCD Machines  

  

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Multiple HCD machines with LCD color monitors can be connected together in a network, allowing function similar to a multi-head machine or independent sewing different jobs.
Topic Question & Solution


How do you set up a LAN connection?

PDF instruction for network setup 
 
  LAN Setup  Download and print the instructions for LAN setup.  
Note: Updates to HappyLAN program can be found on the Support Page for Happylink/Lan.

 

   Cap System Help 

  

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Be sure to go to Education and read Chapter 5, which answers a lot of questions about the cap system for your HCD-1501 machine.
Topic Question & Solution


My cap frame won't snap snugly onto the cap driver.  Is there anything I can adjust to fix this?

Adjusting the fit of the cap frame onto the cap driver

 

 

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