Download the Compressed “zip” File

1. Use a Windows computer (tablet, desktop, or laptop) with standard USB ports for best results.
2. Aquire a USB memory stick of at least 1 GB.
   (The USB stick included with your PS with the designs should work.)
3. Click the Download button above.
   In Chrome or Edge, the downloading file will appear in the upper-right corner of the window while downloading.
4. The file will be saved to your computer’s Downloads folder by default.
   Download time will vary depending on your internet speed.
5. If you are unable to download the file, we can mail you a USB memory stick with the software preloaded for a $10 fee.  Please email us at support@mkquilts.com

Un-compressing the “zip” File to the USB Key

1. Open File Explorer (the yellow folder icon, usually found on your taskbar).
2. Insert the USB memory stick into your computer.
   (Some computers may open a File Explorer window automatically.)
3. Select the Downloads folder in the left column of File Explorer.
4. Locate the file named PS Tablet Post Install Software-09232025.zip in the right pane.
   (The date in the file name may change with updates. The “.zip” extension may not be visible depending on view settings.)
5. Left-click the file once to select it.
   (Do not double-click; that will open it like a folder.)
6. Right-click the selected file to open a context menu.
7. Choose Extract All from the menu.
8. Click the Browse button and select the USB memory stick as the target location.
9. Click Extract to begin copying the contents to the USB memory stick.
10. When finished, it is safest to right-click the USB drive in the left column and select Eject. Then physically remove the USB memory stick from the computer.
    (This step is optional if copying has fully completed.)

Installing the Mounting Bracket

Do not power on the tablet until it is fully installed and cabled.

1. Previous tablet hardware can vary across Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher machines, and mounting brackets differ as well. The installation guide included in the box contains detailed steps for all machine types—not only the one you ordered. The notes below supplement that guide.
2. For GEN2 installs on Avante or Fusion class machines:
   Do not remove the micro handlebars or any accessories secured by the three handlebar screws. Doing so can leave screws that are too long and cause them to extend into the top of the longarm and interfering with hopping foot function. (Shorter screws were used before the micro handlebars were added.)
3. Do not reuse an existing mounting bracket or charging cable with the new tablet unless explicitly instructed. The new tablet charges at 12 volts, typically set via the hub board on the back of the bracket or via a custom charging cable on Infinity class machines.
   Note: Standard USB data cables are usually compatible, so you may keep the older USB cables.
4. The metal hinge on the GEN3 bracket is intentionally stiff. You may insert a small tool into one of the hinge holes to gently lever the hinge into position.
   The newer GEN3 bracket used on Amara class machines provides greater clearance for the lower hub connectors, helping prevent damage to the hub’s USB port.

Powering On the Tablet for the First Time

Always power on in this order: PS motor tray/carriage → machine (back and front switches) → tablet.

1. The first boot of the new tablet may take up to three minutes before it prompts you to select your machine type.
2. If you see an error or if the system takes longer than five minutes to respond, power everything down for at least two minutes and restart in the proper order.
   Tip: Ensure that power is fully removed from the PS motor tray/carriage—many units do not have their own power switch.
3. After selecting the correct machine type, allow the tablet to finish booting. The Pro-Stitcher software crosshairs should appear orange, and the motors will engage. Moving the machine should cause the crosshairs to move.
4. If the crosshairs appear green, the system has likely started in simulation mode. Open Settings → Advanced → General, deselect Simulation Mode, and restart the Pro-Stitcher software.
5. For any other issues, contact support@mkquilts.com for assistance.

Enabling Wi-Fi on the Tablet

Recommendation: MK Quilts does not recommend leaving Wi-Fi enabled during normal Pro-Stitcher use. Initially enabling Wi-Fi lets us complete configuration and enables future remote support.

Note: Entering your Wi-Fi password with the on-screen keyboard can be tedious. If available, a USB mouse and especially a keyboard will make this easier.

1. Confirm you have your Wi-Fi (router) password.
2. With Pro-Stitcher Connect running, look at the upper main toolbar on the right. You’ll see icons resembling a keyboard, a Wi-Fi symbol, a question-mark bubble, and the Motors indicator. The Wi-Fi symbol toggles Wi-Fi on/off after it’s configured.
3. Touch and hold the Wi-Fi symbol for about one second, then release. A standard Network Connections window will appear.
4. Select the Wi-Fi icon in the lower panel with a single tap. Additional options will appear in the row above it.
5. Choose Enable Network Device.
6. Choose Connect to. A list of available Wi-Fi networks (SSIDs) will slide out on the right side of the screen.
7. Select your Wi-Fi network’s SSID and enter your password.
   Tip: If using the on-screen keyboard, tap inside the password field first to focus it. If prompted to enable additional services, select “No”.
8. Once connected, you should now have Internet access via Wi-Fi.

Important: Even if you select Disable this network device in Network Connections, current versions of Pro-Stitcher Connect may re-enable it on restart. To prevent background Windows updates from impacting performance, use the Airplane Mode button from the lower-right taskbar and enable Airplane Mode whenever you don’t need Internet access. Airplane mode is persistent between reboots.

Correcting the Monitor Size Settings

Notice: As of September 2025, new TPC PS tablets ship with monitor size settings that make the program text appear smaller. This will likely be corrected in future production releases.

1. While running Pro-Stitcher, select the Settings / Gear tab in the upper-right corner of the window.
2. From the toolbar below, tap the Display icon.
3. If the right-side panel is not visible, tap the Left Arrow button on the right edge of the screen to display it.
4. Ensure the Touch button is selected/highlighted.
   This enlarges icons and enables on-screen keypads when selecting editable dialog boxes.
5. In the Monitor section (not the Window section), tap the Height value and set it to 6.75. Then tap the Width value and set it to 10.
   The program should visually resize to match previous standards. If you reverse the order of these changes, the adjustment may not take effect. Repeat if necessary.

Installing MK Quilts Recommended Items

Optional: These steps are not required. The prepared USB memory stick already contains the needed software and utilities, but we recommend copying the contents to the tablet for easier access.

1. Insert the previously prepared USB memory stick into an available USB port on the tablet or into an attached hub.
   Note: Some machine USB ports provide power only and cannot transfer data.
2. When inserted, File Explorer should automatically open. If it does not, click the yellow folder icon on the taskbar to launch File Explorer manually.
3. Optional Technician Installation:
   Schedule a support session with an MK Quilts technician by visiting the Exceptional Support page. Meetings can be scheduled at least 12 hours in advance, and a technician will call you at the scheduled time.
   1. On the day of the call, ensure that Wi-Fi is enabled and Airplane Mode is not selected.
   2. Locate and double-tap the file SplashtopSOS_Win_<version>.exe in the File Explorer window. This launches the secure Splashtop remote support agent, allowing the technician to connect to your tablet.
   3. Follow on-screen prompts (choose Yes or OK when requested) until the program displays a 9-digit code. Provide this code verbally to the MK Quilts technician.

Security Warning: Use extreme caution when granting remote access to any computer. Scammers frequently misuse these tools. If you have any doubts, stop immediately, turn off your computer, and call MK Quilts Support at 727-935-1739 #2. We will respond as quickly as possible. If needed, contact your banks directly to secure your accounts.

Copy Items from USB to Tablet

Tip: Moving files with File Explorer using only the touch screen can be challenging. If available, connect a USB mouse temporarily for easier file management.

Touch Screen Basics: A single tap selects a file, a double tap opens or runs it. Touch-and-hold on a selected item opens the right-click menu. Touch-hold-drag can move files but is difficult and prone to errors.

1. Locate the folder PS Software on the USB drive and copy it to C:\Designs on the tablet.
2. Copy both the ncpa.cpl – Shortcut and SplashtopSOS_Win_*** files to the Desktop.

Be patient during copying—Windows automatically runs a virus scan on new files, which can cause a short delay.

For Pro-Stitcher Lite users: You may need to update the motor tray/carriage firmware. The required *.HEX file is located in the folder PS Lite #.## version on the USB drive.

Installing Pro-Stitcher Premium – Version 537

Pro-Stitcher Connect has been rolled out several times over the past two years and is required to support PS-Lite systems. The new tablets ship with the latest production release of PS Connect. MK Quilts recommends running PS Premium version 537 until our shop machines have operated a newer version without major issues.

You can switch between Pro-Stitcher versions by simply running the appropriate install file located in C:\Designs\PS Software on your tablet.

The pre-install file needs to be run only once. Do not run an older pre-install version unless directed by a technician. Pre-install files can modify Windows configuration and install drivers, which is why we recommend putting the latest version of Pro-Stitcher on a tablet before rolling back to an older version.

When installing PS Premium version 537, you may encounter the following:

1. A dialog box may appear stating that the installation is already running. Close the window and continue.
2. PS Premium 537 will not start in full-screen mode. Click the small Full Screen button in the upper-right corner of the program. This occurs when the hardware (new tablet) is not yet recognized.
3. The software will start in Simulator Mode. Open Settings → Advanced → General, unselect Simulation On/Off, and restart Pro-Stitcher. A full tablet reboot is recommended after any software change. This should only happen the first time after installing.
4. The Wi-Fi icon will not appear on the toolbar. Use the ncpa.cpl – Shortcut on the desktop to open the Network Connections window to enable or disable Wi-Fi.

Do You Need to Run Windows Updates?

Recommendation: Only run Windows Updates when directed by an MK Quilts technician or when upgrading to the latest production version of Pro-Stitcher software. Keep Wi-Fi/Internet connectivity turned off when it is not specifically needed.

Our reasoning is as follows:

1. Pro-Stitcher software is tested on a specific Windows configuration with updates current at the time of release. Quarterly Windows updates often include non-security changes that can cause issues—better to let others uncover problems first.
2. A tablet that is not connected to the Internet cannot be hacked.
3. When connected, the system can only access the Handi Quilter Pro-Stitcher site and Windows Update servers. Most threats come from users visiting untrusted sites.
4. There is no personal information stored on the tablet.
5. Pattern and design files transferred via USB are not the type that carry viruses.
6. Partially installed updates can leave the system unstable.
7. Major updates can take hours to download and install, leaving the tablet unusable during the process.
8. “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”