Please read this manual before using the machine.
Please keep this manual within easy reach for quick reference.
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL
ELECTRONIC DIRECT DRIVE LOCKSTITCH BAR TACKER
ELECTRONIC DIRECT DRIVE LOCKSTITCH BUTTON SEWER
Thank you very much for buying a BROTHER sewing machine. Before using your new machine, please
read the safety instructions and the explanations given in the instruction manual.
With industrial sewing machines, it is normal to carry out work while positioned directly in front of moving parts
such as the needle and thread take-up, and consequently there is always a danger of injury that can be caused by
these parts. Follow the instructions from training personnel and instructors regarding safe and correct operation
before operating the machine so that you will know how to use it correctly.
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
[1] Safety indications and their meanings
This instruction manual and the indications and symbols that are used on the machine itself are provided in order to ensure
safe operation of this machine and to prevent accidents and injury to yourself or other people.
The meanings of these indications and symbols are given below.
Indications
DANGER
CAUTION
Symbols
WARNING
· · · · ·
· · · · ·
· · · · ·
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you should be careful of. The picture inside the triangle
indicates the nature of the caution that must be taken.
(For example, the symbol at left means “beware of injury”.)
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must not do.
This symbol ( ) indicates something that you must do. The picture inside the circle indicates the
nature of the thing that must be done.
(For example, the symbol at left means “you must make the ground connection”.)
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions will result in death or serious injury.
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions could result in death or serious injury.
The instructions which follow this term indicate situations where failure to follow the
instructions may result in minor or moderate injury.
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
i
[2] Notes on safety
Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the wall outlet
before opening the cover of the control box. Touching areas where high voltages are present can result in severe
injury.
Do not allow any liquids to get onto this sewing machine, otherwise fire, electric shocks or operating problems may
occur.
If any liquid gets inside the sewing machine (machine head or control box), immediately turn off the power and
disconnect the power plug from the electrical outlet, and then contact the place of purchase or a qualified
technician.
DANGER
WARNING
CAUTION
Environmental requirements
Use the sewing machine in an area which is free
from sources of strong electrical noise such as
electrical line noise or static electric noise.
Sources of strong electrical noise may cause
problems with correct operation.
Any fluctuations in the power supply voltage should
be within 10% of the rated voltage for the machine.
Voltage fluctuations which are greater than this may
cause problems with correct operation.
The power supply capacity should be greater than
the requirements for the sewing machine's power
consumption.
Insufficient power supply capacity may cause
problems with correct operation.
Machine installation should only be carried out by a
qualified technician.
Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified
electrician for any electrical work that may need to
be done.
The sewing machine weighs approximately 60 kg
(132lb). The installation should be carried out by
two or more people.
Do not connect the power cord until installation is
complete. The machine may operate if the foot
switch is depressed by mistake, which could result
in injury.
Turn off the power switch before inserting or
removing the plug, otherwise damage to the
control box could result.
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground
connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems
with correct operation may also occur.
When securing the cords, do not bend the cords
excessively or fasten them too hard with staples,
otherwise there is the danger that fire or electric
shocks could occur.
Installation
The ambient temperature should be within the
range of 5C to 35C during use.
Temperatures which are lower or higher than this
may cause problems with correct operation.
The relative humidity should be within the range of
45% to 85% during use, and no dew formation
should occur in any devices.
Excessively dry or humid environments and dew
formation may cause problems with correct
operation.
In the event of an electrical storm, turn off the power
and disconnect the power cord from the wall outlet.
Lightning may cause problems with correct
operation.
Do not connect anything to the USB port other than
the USB memory. If this is not observed, problems
with operation may result.
If using a work table which has casters, the casters
should be secured in such a way so that they cannot
move.
Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting
back the machine head. If the table moves, it may
crush your feet or cause other injuries.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when
tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine
head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when
handling the lubricating oil and grease, so that they
do not get into your eyes or onto your skin,
otherwise inflammation can result.
Furthermore, do not drink the oil or eat the grease
under any circumstances, as they can cause
vomiting and diarrhea.
Keep the oil out of the reach of children.
ii
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
CAUTION
Lubrication
Turn off the power switch before carrying out work.
The machine may operate if the foot switch is depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when handling the lubricating oil, so that it does not get into your eyes
or onto your skin.
If care is not taken, inflammation can result. Furthermore, do not drink the lubricating oil. Diarrhea or vomiting may
result.
Keep the oil out of the reach of children.
When cutting the nozzle of the oil tank, hold the base of the nozzle securely.
If you hold the end of the nozzle, injury from the scissors may result.
To prevent problems, do not use objects with sharp
points to operate the operation panel.
This sewing machine should only be used by
operators who have received the necessary training
in safe use beforehand.
The sewing machine should not be used for any
applications other than sewing.
Be sure to wear protective goggles when using the
machine.
If goggles are not worn, there is the danger that if a
needle breaks, parts of the broken needle may enter
your eyes and injury may result.
Turn off the power switch at the following times.
The machine may operate if the
depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
When replacing the bobbin and needle
When not using the machine and when leaving the
machine unattended
Use threading mode or turn off the power first in order
to carry out threading.
If using a work table which has casters, the casters
should be secured in such a way so that they cannot
move.
foot switch
Sewing
is
Attach all safety devices before using the sewing
machine. If the machine is used without these
devices attached, injury may result.
Do not touch any of the moving parts or press any
objects against the machine while sewing, as this
may result in personal injury or damage to the
machine.
Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting
back the machine head. If the table moves, it may
crush your feet or cause other injuries.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when
tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine
head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
If an error occurs in machine operation, or if
abnormal noises or smells are noticed, immediately
turn off the power switch. Then contact your nearest
Brother dealer or a qualified technician.
If the machine develops a problem, contact your
nearest Brother dealer or a qualified technician.
Cleaning
Turn off the power switch before carrying out
cleaning. The machine may operate if the
is depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting
back the machine head. If the table moves, it may
crush your feet or cause other injuries.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when
tilting it back or returning it to its original position. If
only one hand is used, the weight of the machine
head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
foot switch
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
Be sure to wear protective goggles and gloves when
handling the lubricating oil and grease, so that they
do not get into your eyes or onto your skin, otherwise
inflammation can result.
Furthermore, do not drink the oil or eat the grease
under any circumstances, as they can cause
vomiting and diarrhea.
Keep the oil out of the reach of children.
iii
CAUTION
Maintenance and inspection
Maintenance and inspection of the sewing machine
should only be carried out by a qualified technician.
Ask your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician to
carry out any maintenance and inspection of the
electrical system.
Turn off the power switch and disconnect the power
cord from the wall outlet at the following times,
otherwise the machine may operate if the foot switch
is depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
When carrying out inspection, adjustment and
maintenance
When replacing consumable parts such as the
hook and knife
Always be sure to turn off the power switch and then
wait one minute before opening the rear cover. If you
touch the surface of the motor, it may cause burns.
If the power switch needs to be left on when carrying
out some adjustment, be extremely careful to
observe all safety precautions.
Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting
back the machine head. If the table moves, it may
crush your feet or cause other injuries.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when
tilting it back or returning it to its original position.
If only one hand is used, the weight of the machine
head may cause your hand to slip, and your hand
may get caught.
When replacing parts and installing optional
accessories, be sure to use only genuine Brother
parts.
Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents
or problems resulting from the use of non-genuine
parts.
If any safety devices have been removed, be
absolutely sure to re-install them to their original
positions and check that they operate correctly
before using the machine.
To prevent accidents and problems, do not modify
the machine yourself.
Brother will not be held responsible for any accidents
or problems resulting from modifications made to the
machine.
iv
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
[3] Warning labels
The following warning labels appear on the sewing machine.
Please follow the instructions on the labels at all times when using the machine. If the labels have been removed or are
difficult to read, please contact your nearest Brother dealer.
1
2
3
Be careful to avoid injury from the moving thread
4
Be careful not to get your hands caught when
5
Touching areas where high voltages are present can result in severe injury.
Turn off the power before removing the cover.
take-up.
returning the machine head to its original position
after it has been tilted.
Safety devices
*
Eye guard, Finger guard,
DT solenoid cover, Thread take-up cover,
Side cover , Rear cover, etc.
9
10
(KE-430HX only)
Do not hold this part when
tilting the machine head back,
otherwise problems with
operation or injury may occur.
High temperature warning
display
Be sure to connect the ground. If the ground
6
7
Do not hold, otherwise problems with operation or
8
connection is not secure, you run a high risk of
receiving a serious electric shock, and problems
with correct operation may also occur.
Digital tension set Standard equipmentStandard equipment
Thread wiper device Standard equipment
Thread trimmer device Standard equipment
Thread nipper device
Illumination LED Standard equipment
Data storage method Flash memory (Any sewing pattern can be added using USB memory)
Data recording media USB memory (*4)
Number of cycle programs Up to 30 can be registered (up to 50 steps each)
Number of stored data
Motor AC servo motor 550 W
Weights
Power source
Power consumption 450 VA
(double shuttle hook, optional)
-03, -0K, -01 specificati ons:
Standard equipment;
-05 specifications: Option
(Up to a maximum of 500 additional types of sewing patterns. Total number of stitches of
* The voltages which can be used and the available regions may vary depending on the
17 mm max. 13 mm max.
Shuttle hook
-03, -05 specifications:
option
89 sewing patterns
are set already
stored data which can be added is within 500,000.) (*5)
Machine head: approx. 60 kg, Operation panel: approx. 0.4 kg
Control box: approx. 7 kg
100V, 110V, 200V - 230V, 380V - 400V
specifications.
Shuttle hook
Option
64 sewing patterns
are set already
2
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
2. SPECIFICATIONS
*1 Reduce the maximum sewing speed in accordance with the sewing conditions.
The maximum sewing speed for additional sewing patterns with 66 stitches or more is 2,800 sti/min.
When using the double shuttle hook, use a sewing speed of 2,700 sti/min or less.
*2 Use the optional 50 X 40 sewing area set (other than for Europe: SB7777-001, for Europe: SB7777-0E1) for a sewing area
of 50 x 40 mm.
The normal sewing area size is 40x30.
*3 Use the optional button clamp L (SA9303-201) for diameters of 20 mm or greater.
*4 No guarantees of operation can be given for any media.
*5 The number of sewing patterns and the number of stitches that can be recorded will vary depending on the number of
stitches in each sewing pattern.
*6 If using a shank button, use the shank device (other than for Europe: SB7900-001, for Europe: SB7900-0E1).
3KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
2. SPECIFICATIONS
2-2. List of sewing patterns (KE-430HX/HS)
The sewing patterns shown below have been preset into the sewing machine and can be selected according to specifications.
(Any sewing pattern is available as long as it is within the work clamp and feed plate in size.)
Use the work clamp and feed plate that match the respective sewing pattern selected.
The sewing size is the length when the enlargement/reduction ratio is 100%.
For medium-weight materials (-03)
No. Pattern
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
1 42 16 2 65
4 31 16 2 66
5
8
13
15
20
21
29 10 2 67
21 7 2 68
35 10 2 69
42 10 2 70
28 7 2 71
35 7 2 72
No.Pattern
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
43 16 2
32 16 2
30 10 2
22 7 2
36 10 2
43 10 2
29 7 2
36 7 2
64 30 16 2 89
For heavy-weight materials (-05)
No. Pattern
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
2 42 20 3 18
3 35 20 3 19
6
14
16
30 16 3 62
35 16 3 63
43 16 3 78
17 42 24 3 79
No.Pattern
90 24 3
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
56 24 3
64 24 3
42 20 3
35 20 3
43 20 3
36 20 3
Width
4
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
No. Pattern
No. of
stitches
For heavy-weight materials (-05)
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
No.Pattern
2. SPECIFICATIONS
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
80
81
82
No. Pattern
7
9
22
31*
32*
31 16 3 83
36 16 3 84
44 16 3 85
For knitted materials (-0K) and light-weight materials (-01)
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
No.Pattern
28 8 2 73
21 7 2 74
14 7 2 75
28 8 2 76*
22 8 2 77*
43 24 3
57 24 3
65 24 3
No. of
stitches
29 8 2
22 7 2
15 7 2
29 8 2
23 8 2
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
33*
15 8 2
* The sewing start and sewing end are in the middle of the pattern.
Straight bar tacking Vertical zigzag stitching
No. Pattern
10
11
12
23
24
25
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
21 10 0.3
28 10 0.3
28 20 0.3
35 25 0.3
42 25 0.3
45 25 0.3
Width
No.Pattern
44
45
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
46 9 15
70 9 25
Width
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
5
2. SPECIFICATIONS
No. Pattern
Vertical ba r tack ing Vertical straight bar tacking
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
No.Pattern
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
26
27
40
41
28 3 10 28
35 3 10 29
32 3 16 30
19 0.3 10
21 0.3 10
28 0.3 10
36 3 16 46
27 0.3 20
42
43
44 3 20 47
44 0.3 25
68 3 24
6
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
2. SPECIFICATIONS
Crescent bar tacking
No. Pattern
34
35
36
Crossed stitching
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
35 12 7 37
No.Pattern
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
57 7 12
58 12 7 38
57 7 12 39
53 7 10
53 7 10
Crossed tacking
No. Pattern
48
49
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
70 10 10 50
93 9.6 9.6 51
No.Pattern
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
84 16 16
105 30 26
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
7
2. SPECIFICATIONS
L-pattern tacking
No. Pattern
52
54
No. Pattern
56
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
No.Pattern
No. of
stitches
60 11.3 11.2 53
78 15.3 15.2 55
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
60 11.3 11.2
78 15.3 15.2
Circular stitching
No. of
stitches
106 9 9 59
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
No.Pattern
No. of
stitches
104 10 10
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
57
58
116 9 9 60
127 9 9 61
114 10 10
124 10 10
For eyelet buttonhole
No. Pattern
86
No. of
stitches
Tacking size (mm)
Length
Width
21 6 2
87
28 6 2
88
35 6 2
If you want to sew a sewing pattern other than standard sewing patterns, you can create your original pattern using the
PS-300B. Consult with your local Brother sales office for details.
Note when creating additional sewing patterns
When sewing data with a small number of stitches (15 stitches or less) is sewn repeatedly (short cycle operation), the main
shaft motor may overheat and the “E150” error code may be generated.
If using data for an additional sewing pattern with 66 stitches or more, the maximum sewing speed is limited to 2,800
sti/min.
8
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
2. SPECIFICATIONS
2-3. List of sewing patterns (BE-438HX/HS)
The sewing patterns shown below have been preset into the sewing machine. Any sewing pattern can be selected as long as
the needle will drop down into the holes of the buttons.
When sewing patterns that do not have crossover stitches, the thread is trimmed after sewing of one side is completed, and
then the other side is sewn.
No.
No. of holes
in button
Pattern
No. of
threads
No. of
crossover
stitches
No. of
stitches
Sewing size (mm)
X Y
1
*1
54
2 8 ― 14
*1
55
3 10
4 12 ― 18
*2
5
*2
6
*1
56
*3
7
*3
23
*3
8
*3
9
*3
24
*3
25
*3
26
*1
57
2
3
6 ― 12
6
8 ― 14
16
20 ― 26
6
6 ― 12
10
12 ― 18
5-5-5
7-7-7 ― 27
5-5-5
7-7-7 ― 27
6-6 1 18
―
―
―
―
―
―
―
12
16
22
11
16
21
21
3.4 0
0 3.4
2.6 2.4
10 6-6 1 19
*1
58
11 8-8 1 23
12 8-8 3 25
13 10-10 1 27
27 12-12 1 31
*1 Use for buttons with small holes.
*2 Check that the diameter of the holes in the buttons is 2 mm or greater before using the programs.
*3 Do not use the button lifter spring.
4
8-8 1 22
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
3.4 3.4
9
2. SPECIFICATIONS
No.
14
36
28
37
15
38
29
39
59
16 6-5 1 18
No. of holes
*4
*5
*4
*5
*4
*5
*4
*5
*1
in button
Pattern
No. of
threads
6-6 0 24
6-6 0 24
8-8 0 28
8-8 0 28
10-10 0 32
10-10 0 32
12-12 0 36
12-12 0 36
6-5 1 17
No. of
crossover
stitches
No. of
stitches
Sewing size (mm)
X Y
*1
60
17 8-7 1 22
30 10-9 1 26
*1
61
18 6-6 1 19
*1
62
19 8-8 1 23
*1
63
31 10-10 1 27
45 12-12 1 31
*4
20
*5
40
*4
32
*5
41
*4
33
*5
42
*1 Use for buttons with small holes.
*4 When sewing of one side is completed, the button clamp rises and the thread is wiped. To finish sewing, press the foot
switch until sewing of the other side starts, or press the foot switch again after sewing of the other side is completed.
*5 When sewing of one side is completed, the thread will be wiped without the button clamp rising, and then the other side
will be sewn.
4
8-7 1 21
3.4 3.4
6-6 1 18
8-8 1 22
10-10 1 26
6-6 0 24
6-6 0 24
8-8 0 28
8-8 0 28
10-10 0 32
10-10 0 32
10
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
2. SPECIFICATIONS
No.
64
21
34
22
43
35
44
*1
*3
*3
*3*4
*3*5
*3*4
*3*5
No. of holes
in button
4
Pattern
No. of
threads
No. of
crossover
stitches
No. of
stitches
6-6 1 18 3.4
6-6 1 19
10-10 1 27
6-6 0 24
6-6 0 24
10-10 0 32
10-10 0 32
Sewing size (mm)
X Y
3.4
2.4
46
6-7 1 19
47 8-9 1 23
3.4 3.4
48 10-11 1 27
49 12-13 1 31
*1 Use for buttons with small holes.
*3 Do not use the button lifter spring.
*4 When sewing of one side is completed, the button clamp rises and the thread is wiped. To finish sewing, press the foot
switch until sewing of the other side starts, or press the foot switch again after sewing of the other side is completed.
*5 When sewing of one side is completed, the thread will be wiped without the button clamp rising, and then the other side
will be sewn.
For shank button
No. Pattern No. of threads
50
6 12
No. of
stitches
Sewing size (mm)
X Y
51 8 14
3.4 0
52 10 16
53 12 18
Note when creating additional sewing patterns
When sewing data with a small number of stitches (15 stitches or less) is sewn repeatedly (short cycle operation), the main
shaft motor may overheat and the “E150” error code may be generated.
If using data for an additional sewing pattern with 66 stitches or more, the maximum sewing speed is limited to 2,800
sti/min.
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
11
3. INSTALLATION
3. INSTALLATION
Machine installation should only be carried out by a
qualified technician.
Contact your Brother dealer or a qualified electrician for
any electrical work that may need to be done.
The sewing machine weighs approximately 60 kg
(132lb). The installation should be carried out by two or
more people.
Do not connect the power cord until installation is
complete. The machine may operate if the foot switch is
depressed by mistake, which could result in injury.
CAUTION
About the machine set-up location
・ Do not set up this sewing machine near other equipment such as
televisions, radios or cordless telephones, otherwise such
equipment may be affected by electronic interference from the
sewing machine.
・ The sewing machine should be plugged directly into an AC wall
outlet. Operation problems may result if extension cords are used.
Secure the table so that it will not move when tilting back
the machine head. If the table moves, it may crush your
feet or cause other injuries.
Use both hands to hold the machine head when tilting it
back or returning it to its original position. If only one
hand is used, the weight of the machine head may
cause your hand to slip, and your hand may get caught.
2516B
Carrying the machine
・ The machine should be carried by the arm by two people as
shown in the illustration.
・ When holding the machine head, do not hold it by the pulse motor
(1), otherwise it may damage the pulse motor.
Tilting back the machine head
1. Pack away any tools which are near the table.
2. Secure the foot (A) so that the table will not move, and then pull the
arm with both hands to tilt back the machine head.
* While supporting the arm with both hands, gently lower it.
Returning the machine head to the upright position
1. Pack away any tools which are near the table.
2. While supporting the arm with both hands, gently return the
machine head to its original position.
3914B
3915B
3916B
12
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
3. INSTALLATION
3-1. Table processing diagram
• The thickness of the table should be at least 40 mm, and it should be strong enough to bear the weight and vibration of the sewing
machine.
• Check that the control box is at least 10 mm away from the leg. If the control box and the leg are too close together, it may result in
incorrect sewing machine operation.
Cord hole
Oiler hole
Hinge holder hole
Control box
mounting hole
Operation panel
cord hole
Cotton
stand hole
3858B
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
13
3. INSTALLATION
3-2. Installing the control box
Wait at least 5 minutes after turning off the power switch and disconnecting the power cord from the wall outlet before
opening the cover of the control box. Touching areas where high voltages are present can result in severe injury.
Pass the felt (15) and the oil tube (16)
through the hole in the dust oiler support
(17) into the oiler (18).
16
3861B
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
3. INSTALLATION
1. Loosen the screw (19), and then install
the machine head switch (20) in the
position shown in the illustration.
2. Check that the machine head switch
as turned on as shown in figure [A].
* If the machine head switch is not
turned on, adjust the installation
position while referring to “3-15.
Checking the machine head switch”.
3862B
3-5. Installing the operation panel
3863B
(1) Operation panel
(2) Wood screws [4 pcs]
• Pass the panel cord through the
hole in the table, and then insert it
into the control box through the
hole in the side of the control box.
(3) Staples [3 pcs]
KE-430HX/KE-430HS, BE-438HX/BE-438HS
17
3. INSTALLATION
3-6. Installing the cotton stand
3-7. Installing the button tray (BE-438HX/HS)
3864B
3865B
(1) Cotton stand
NOTE:
Securely tighten the nut (4) so that the
two washers (2) and the spring washer
(3) are securely clamped and so that
the cotton stand (1) does not move.
Install the button tray at a place
convenient for operation.