An apparatus for dispensing strip materials onto one or more moving substrates includes a frame extending transversally of the substrate path that supports guide arms. Each guide arm includes pulleys for dispensing strip materials and is able to be moved along the frame by a friction drive system, which includes crank shafts, pulleys, and cables. Each guide arm can be held in position by a friction braking system, which includes members that are pressed against components of the drive system to frictionally prevent motion. A position feedback system measures and displays the location of the guide arms. A substrate tracking and adjustment system tracks the position of the substrate as it moves side to side from a normal path and automatically adjusts the position of the frame along a guide track to maintain the guide arms in a desired position in relation to the substrate.