Weaving with the Dobby

This is an example of the screen when the Dobby option on the Tools menu is selected:

Dobby Screen

Notice that the current pick is outlined in red. In this case, it is a new draft and the current pick is weft sequence 1. In the draft, pick 1 is at the top, in dobby, the earlier picks are shown at the bottom, so the building of the cloth reflects what you are seeing on the loom (or will be seeing) as you are weaving.

Color dots for the weft color are shown at the right.

To begin weaving, press the green arrow. You should hear a "click" as the dobby is engaged. If you do not, look at the next document for the dobby settings, required cable and troubleshooting.

If the settings are correct, each time the treadle is pressed, the screen will advance to the next pick.

The pick can be reset by clicking "Set Pick" and typing in the weft sequence for the reposition.

By default, the direction of the weaving is Forward. It is possible to change this to Reverse, for example if you want to Mirror the draft you just wove. It is also possible to use Reverse to back out picks, but if only one or two picks needs to be backed out, consider using "Repeat Last". The reason for this is it's easy to forget to change the direction back to Forward.

Manual controls can be used to advance through the draft. Engage solenoids should send a signal to the dobby that results in a "click".

When taking a break from weaving, click Close. The Dobby Screen will be closed and you are placed back in the Weaving Draft. Be sure to click Save on the weaving draft to save your progress in the Dobby. Next time you load the draft and go into the Dobby, the sequence will be at the correct position.

Dobby Interface Options:

Dobby Interface Options

At the top of the Dobby screen is a button that allows selection of the following options:

Change Color Alert: By default, this is on. A special tone is sounded each time the weft color changes. Click it off to remove the audible alert.

The Show Dobby Control is on by default. The dobby control includes the forward, reverse, repeat last and set pick options. This can be turned off to see more of the draft.

The show sections is not currently functional. In a future release, drafts will be able to support separate sections such as hem, body, etc.

Note: Depending on the resoluation on your computer, you may need to zoom in or out!