Megado - Difference between Dobby 1 and Dobby 2

The main difference between the Dobby 1 and Dobby 2 is the technology and how the loom is operated.

Dobby 2 is based on more modern (post-2015) technology and includes an onboard computer with Louët’s proprietary software. This allows the loom to be operated independently, without the need for third-party software.

Dobby 1 is based on older (circa 1995) technology and can only be operated using third-party weaving software.

Both dobbies use internal serial communication and require USB-to-serial conversion. In models produced from approximately 2010 onward, this conversion is built in. However, the required drivers for communication between the dobby and Mac/Windows operating systems are becoming increasingly problematic—especially for Mac users, where no reliable solution is currently available.

While this can be frustrating, keeping up with ongoing updates from Apple and Windows has proven difficult for a small company like Louët.

Louët’s solution is the development of proprietary software for the Dobby 2. With this system, you can design your pattern in your preferred weaving software, save it as a liftplan-formatted WIF file on a USB stick, and load it directly into the Dobby 2. Once loaded, you can operate the loom independently.

There are several videos demonstrating the Dobby 2 software on our YouTube channel: Louetworldwide.

We have also included additional links to provide further information.

​Megado Dobby 2 web interface user manual version 2.2

​Megado, Octado, Magic - problem with MAC OS 11 /12 /13 support FTDI USB to SERIAL driver