Janome 1600P and encoders

My quilting system consists of a Janome 1600P industrial machine on a queen size Grace start right frame.  I also have a Grace Sure-stitch regulator with it.  I love this system, it works really well for me, and the kind of quilting I do.  

Janome 1600 P on a start right frame

 Excuse the mess, I use the space under the frame for storage.  I made my own leaders out of a heavy duty fabric I bought years ago and didn't know what to do with (I seem to have a lot of that kind of fabric:).).  I pin my top and backing on, it just works easier for me than trying velcro or zippers.  
The frame came with the upgraded pro carriage, which is really nice:

 I use the slots on top for storing a needle threader and my scissors so they are always handy.  I have an apron I use sometimes for storing stuff when I am working, but everything is within reach so  I don't really use it so much anymore.  I have a clip on lamp for more light, and of course my sure stitch on the right handle.  When I first started frame quilting, I had the wooden carriage where you put your foot pedal on top, then pressed a handle down that put pressure on the foot pedal, and you had to hold it down!  That was a pain literally!  My hand would cramp so bad from having to hold it down.  From there I went to a speed control, which was great once I got it on the speed that worked with me.  Now that I have the stitch regulator, I am very, very happy.  I know some people who work better with just the speed control, I like the regulator because sometimes I want to do ruler work, or follow a pattern at a slower speed.  It just works for me. 

view of back regulator from under carriage.

side view of regulator

Also in my arsenal of tools is this book:

book of secrets, my daughter decorated the front. 

 

 I call this my "Book of Secrets"  In this binder I have my Janome instruction manual, all the tips I have printed out from the Yahoo groups I belong to (I highly recommend joining a group or more than one they are all great, and you can learn so much), as well as a printed out copy of Machine Quilting Magic. I got it a year or two ago from www.kathyquilts.com, and learned a lot just the first week!  Such as, I didn't know to oil my machine!  Honestly, I didn't know, because my DSM doesn't need oil.  I also learned about thread shredding, and how to adjust my tension for different threads, just all kinds of neat advice, and some wonderful pictures of quilts she did on a 9 inch machine!  I get inspired every time I reread it.
So, that's a glimpse into my system and my tools.  I hope this helps anyone who has the same system as I do, I know it gets confusing, and there doesn't seem to be a lot of information out there without searching for hours.  A lot of what I have learned is through trial and error.  
Happy quilting, 
Marianne