Abstract: A thread spooler includes a plurality of spool units, each of which includes a thread defect sensor of a defect classification device which reacts to defects of the thread to be wound up. A large number of sets of predetermined operational parameters of the spool units and/or the defect classification devices can be recorded by a central input device into a central memory which stores all these data simultaneously. Each of the spool units includes a decentralized memory, into which one of the centrally stored operational parameter sets can be loaded individually for each spool unit by a call-up switch. A central control determines for respective groups of spool units a predetermined sequence, in which the operational parameter sets can be called up by the spool units. The classification device determines the thread defect, preferably individually for each spool unit, and indeed respectively referred onto the last wound gauged length of the thread.