Thank you for this post! I just purchased both from different people and my machine is 2.08 and unit is 3. I’m checking with Bernina shops in MS trying to get machine updated.
Cathy Serafinowicz Thank you for that comment!!! Now if my eBay Bernina sales would pick up I would be in good shape and could stay in business. If you know of anybody looking for a nice used Bernina and a great guy to deal with, please send them my way, thank you!
Sheri Sterling So sorry for missing your question. I am sure by now that you have found out that you can not use the 180 hoops on the 200 and 730 models. Model 165, 170 and 180 use a different style embroidery module and hoops. Moving along to the 185 module and hoops. Though the electronics in the 185 are unique to just the 185. That was the first model that used the same style hoops that are still being used today on standard size Bernina sewing and embroidery machines. The 200 was the first model that used a embroidery module that is compatible with even the latest model Bernina standard size embroidery machine being sold today in 2018.
It is sade that the money we spent years ago, that we no longer have support with our machines. I have a 165E what I could afford at the time. It was expensive purchase, never dreamed that I would not be able to have Bernina support.
Hi Linda. Just found this online video. I purchased the embroidery module, took a class and then life got in the way and I never used the embroidery part. Now it is obsolete. So sad & frustrating.
Thank you for all the info on this machine!....I’ve owned this one for 12 years or so....only used the attachment a hand full of times since i quilt, however I’m now wanting to use it, so thanks
I have a 170 I love your shows I would like to be able to service my machine because people say that they serviced it and they don’t check everything like you would thank you
Having almost 20 years experience with working on and selling Berninas since around 1999, I agree with you 1,000 ! The good news is that the 165 is still a fantastic machine compared to current models that actually still use the same parts in their CB hook machines. The bad news is that I say SHAME ON YOU Bernina for basically dropping your dealer support on these great machines. When my wife at the time purchased a 180, (that’s what got me into working on these machines) we were told how it would last here the rest of her life. Back then almost three grand was a lot of money, but we figured it was a good investment on something that should last for the next 20 plus years. Just 12 years later, already some of the electronic parts were becoming hard to find and that’s not right. I have had several people send me their 170 and 180 models to repair because their so called “Dealers” would not work on them. Oh but those dealers are right in your face trying to talk you into a newer model. Telling you how your 165 is a older model. What they won’t say is that your 165 still sews just as good as the latest model. So now Bernina wants you to spend over $12,000.00 on a sewing machine all while telling people the same things that they did back when they were selling the 165 model. I mean really who’s going to spend that kind of money on a sewing machine not knowing if the parts will be available just 15 short years from now. Or if a dealer will even service “ such a old “ model. To end on a positive note like I had said before the 165 is a fantastic machine. And I’m sure there are some dealers out there who would gladly help you if you owned a older model without trying to constant,y trying to get you to purchase the latest and greatest model. Remember that I just hear from the people that run into problems and can’t get their machines fixed . But it does seem to be a wide spread problem.
Thank you so much for this video, it was very helpful to understand some things about my sewing machine. I have a question for you: I have a Bernina Artista 180, and when I use the embroidery unit, sometimes it happens that the screen freezes and I can’t embroider anymore. Do you know why this happens and how to fix it? Thank you in advance for your answer.
I love your videos. I wanted a Bernina but opted out because of the cost of feet and other modules. But I have been viewing Ebay and at used Bernina 180 like you have. I am really surprised at all the stuff it has. Very nice machine. Almost bought one for $180.00 but no power cord or foot pedal or feet. My biggest fear was not having a Bernina dealer or repair person.
Hi again, I just watched your thread caught video, thanks again. That really helped me. I was saying something like that while I was pulling out those 4 or 6 threads. I will remember the sequence the needle up first. You are so kind to us 🤗 I need an embroidery module for my artista 180 see if you can find one to sell (next month)
Just wanted to say thank you. I bought a Bernina module off Ebay for my 180 and wondered why they were refusing to work together, thanks to you it was easy to determine I have a VO3 machine and a VO1 module. I would have spent a lot of time being frustrated without your simple demonstration of how to check this! I was wondering though if there was a simple way of finding out which version a module is without having a sewing machine to check it with...a code on the module box or underside for example?
Hi, I wonder if you might be able to tell me what's up with my Bernina Artista 170. We pressed the icon for version #11 and found it is v3.01, but when we pressed the icon for the embroidery module #13 it just shows the symbol for embroidery no version number. So far we have had little success in getting the module seated correctly, it wobbles, and it doesn't read it when we press the icon to move it. Any help would be appreciated.
I really appreciate these videos they’re so helpful, thank you. I have an embroidery module which is not showing up as any version on service screen can you suggest what may be wrong please?
Hi, Thanks for the kind words. On your problem, there really is not much you can do with that module yourself. Can you get the module arm to move like I show how to do in the video? I am assuming for now that you can not get the module arm to move. If it was me, I would have the luxury of grabbing another module off my shelf and seeing if the version number of that module shows. If it would then at that point I could rule out a problem with the machine and would start to think that there is a problem with the modules circuit board. At that point I would pop another circuit board in the module and most likely it would work. If not then I would move on and start investigating other items. Hopefully you have a Bernina dealer that could actually help you rather than just tell you that you need to spend thousands on a new machine. Repair service among different dealers goes from being able to fix any Bernina product correctly the first time to almost not knowing how to plug in a sewing machine. Hoping that you are one of the few lucky ones who has a dealer that knows what they are doing. If not then you might up spending less in the long run by simply purchasing another embroidery module. Get one with the same firmware version number and also find one that has the 2mb or 4mb sticker on the outside end of the module near the embroidery card slot. This means you are getting one with internal memory so you do not need to have or use a personal design card if you don’t want to. I do still have a few modules and of course would know what the version number would be. I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net Module prices would be in the $175 range plus shipping from Pennsylvania. A dealer might charge you more than that just for another circuit board for your module should it need one.
Hi, do you have similar information for a Bernina Aurora 430? My module is "sticking/stuttering" on the Y axis that carries the embroidery hoop. I can not find any information on the S module.
Hi Joe, great info and generously laid out. It's a help. I've just bought an Artista 165 (with only 25 hours on it) at an Albuquerque Goodwill. It runs great but I need an embroidery module, firmware version 3.02, preferably with memory onboard. I'll take your lead on what I should expect to pay for one. Considering the age of the model Ebay sellers seem over-priced and never list what firmware version they are selling. Thanks.
Hi, I believe you contacted me through eBay last night. I got you over here so I could give you my email address. Cant exchange email addresses on eBay. Its. joekind@comcast.net Right now I am really busy finishing up the restoration of a running hit and miss model engine for a customer who paid in advance ( before I was finished with it ) so I really need to get that engine finished and shipped out. Just letting you know in case I either don’t get back to you right away or I simply forget. The building / restoration of gas powered model engines is what I got into after the Bernina sales went South. On your Bernina question. I am not up on the current prices of the embroidery modules but they were around $150 to $225 or so. The vast majority of Bernina owners know nothing at all about firmware versions let alone know how to even check to see what they have or are selling. Also most have no idea that the machine and module need to be the same firmware version. Just the first number of the different versions need to match. Like V2, V3 and V4. V 4.04 or whatever the 2 digit number is after the period really doesn’t matter. Its just the 4. Even newer dealers know nothing about this. So you can imagine all the problems that sellers of these modules have on eBay when their perfectly good module does not work for a buyer. 🤷♂️
I am just reading this because I ran across the video which really helped me to understand why my Bernina 165 machine won't work with the Embroidery unit. My machine is a version 4, but the embroidery module is version 3.02. Do you want to buy this module. The machine only has 9 hours showing - the module is also just like new.
Joe my friend bought a 180 at an estate sale. The sewing machine works great but the embroidery module doesn’t. I followed your directions it,s very clean. Has only 12 hours on it. It was a very elderly lady who owned it. In the service mode it still doesn’t recognize the module. I tried min e from my machine on hers and it works so it’s definitely her module. Any suggestions to repair or where we could get a version 2 module? Thank you
Bill, I followed the instructions in this video and have run into an issue which I'm hoping you can address. I am the original owner of an Artista 170e. My embroidery unit wouldn't turn on so I tried following your instructions. I found I have a version 4 sewing machine with 127 hours, but when I was checking for the version of the embroidery module the icon shows up on the screen without a version. Must I have the embroidery module plugged in to ID the version? The embroidery unit was only rarely used. I was given a version 4 unit but it doesn't turn on either...could it be the motherboard? Any helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks Carole from Florida
does this video also pertain to the 185 module? I'm having a problem with my design lining up when the embroidery card design goes to the outline step. my thread also keeps breaking on the top thread. Iv'e gone through the book and have corrected everything it suggest to correct. can you help? I also can't find any dealer to help me with servicing the machine. They all want me to buy another one and say this it too old to invest money into it? is this true. thanks tena
Yes this video will be mostly the same for a 185. The 185 uses a newer designed embroidery module that is unique to just the 185 but the mechanics of that module are very similar to the 180 module. The 185 , like the 180 is a great machine. Back when they were sold as new the dealers told the buyers that this was a machine that they could hand down to their grandkids. Now most of the dealers are not Intrested in servicing older models because that’s not where the money is. They are all about selling new machines and will still tell you it’s a model you can hand down to your grandkids. What they don’t tell you is that a few years down the road most wont service what is sold as new today. Really frustrates me and is one of the reasons I stoped selling nice used Berninas on eBay a couple years back. On your thread braking. If that is something that just started to happen, and it’s not because you are using cheep “no name” thread I would first suspect that the take up spring might be broken. Mechanically your 185 is the same as the 200 and 730 and I believe I have a video where I show and talk about the take up spring. The module does need to be calibrated ( centered) using the large hoop. I think I show that in one of my videos. Without looking at your machine that’s about all I can tell you. Possibly you can find another dealer that knows how to work on a older model. Thanks for watching 😊
Thanks for this video. My Artista 165 embroidery module doesn’t show any version when I go into setup like you showed. Why would it not being seeing the embroidery module at all? It won’t do any of the tests you demonstrated either. Just isn’t seeing that I connected the embroidery module to the machine. Help! It used to work fine but I haven’t used the embroidery module in a few years.
Thank you so much for the video. When I started taking the top off the emb module, to my surprise there were no screws! Only screw was on the part that holds the hoop. I figured out how to slide the part off and found some thread wrapped around the wheels on the part that holds the hoop. I have only 92 hours on this module. I have never had good success with it, not sure seems like all I had was trouble so quit even using it. I happen to search and your video came up. Thanks again so much. I hope I can get my embroidery module working. If I still have problems, where are you located in case I need work on the machine?
Hi , I am located just east of Reading Pennsylvania. After 17 plus years of repairing, servicing and selling Berninas on eBay I got out of that business. In short all my costs to sell including the ever increasing eBay selling fees that ate up more than I made in 2018, I had to get out. I still have a few Bernina 180 models and about 10 or so embroidey modules. I have had people send me their machines or embroidery modules for repair when they find that their Bernina dealer wont work on the older models. That gets me upset when I hear a dealer who sold these great older models telling people it is something that they can hand down to their grandkids, now many are only intrested in selling the new models rather than helping with the older models. 😡. In a few cases I sold some embroidery modules to people for less than what a dealer was asking for to do a repair on theirs. Generally the machine and embroidery modules are really reliable. So go through the steps in mu video to test it out. 😁
Hi Joe, I have a Bernina that a friend gave me to see what I could do with. It currently does not work. It will turn on and sew, but when I touch the screen it doesn't light up what I selected, it seems to have a mind of it one. And I can't get the embroidery arm to work at all. any help would be appreciated. Liz
I wonder if you would be able to tell me how to change the spool pin on my artista 180. The end of it has some become "mangled". many thanks in advance
My module will not communicate with my machine. When selecting the module, it shows up, but will not change when selected. Also when I did the check as you showed in the service mode the module never responded to any of the checks. I would not even show the version of the Module. My Machine version is 4.0. Any suggestions? I am at my wits end. The sewing part of my machine sews perfectly!
Sherree Orrick I have exactly the same problem only I have two 180’s that I have tried connecting my embroidery module to and neither will recognise it so I think the module must be faulty. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth purchasing a screwdriver to open it up with to see if there’s anything I may be able to fix but I have very limited experience with the workings so not sure I’d spot anything even if it was obvious to an expert.
My 180 reverse button does not start the embroidery unit. It will reverse when sewing. I can start the embroidery from the foot pedal so I know it is set up correctly. Is there a way to test?
Keep the reverse button held in till your machine starts embroidering. Thats about 2 or 3 seconds of holding in that button. If that does not work then when you get a chance, see if it works when sewing. See if it reverses the stitching. If not then the small circuit board that is just behind the reversing switch needs to be removed and the switch/button carbon contacts need to be cleaned. A Q-tip with rubbing alcohol works to clean off dirt / dust buildup. 😁
Great videos very informative I wonder if you can help me as I have just purchased a Bernina 180 with embroidery unit and having problems I have had it working but it tends to just freeze half way through an embroidery design the last time it did it after restarting the machine I can no longer get the machine to pick up the embroidery unit the touch screen flashes and is frozen. without emb unit attached the machine is fine for sewing I tried to do what you do in this video previously and it tell me the emb unit it not compatable although I have embroidered with it I am in Australia and no Bernina dealer will look at it as its old and I only just bought it
Tracey Phillips Is your embroidery module the same version number as your machine? I show how to check this in the video. It is something I need to know before going on about what problems you might be having. Let me know the firmware number of your machine and embroidery module. Bill
Hi, I got out of selling Bernini’s on ebay around 2019 so Its been a while since I have checked prices. I did not sell off my remaining inventory so I still have a lot of repair parts along with about 6 of the 180 models with embroidery modules. Just not sure what the going prices are right now. 😁
Is your screen getting darker or is it bright but cloudy. If you could find a new screen, its likely that it will be rather expensive. This might sound strange, but sometimes it costs less to get another machine that has a good screen and use it for its parts. Find one that turns on but has some sort of mechanical problem. You are not only getting another screen, you are getting all the other electronic parts as well. By having a parts machine you can slowly take it apart and that will help you to figure out how to change the screen. The main motherboard must be removed to put in a new screen so there tips and tricks you would need to know to do the swap properly.
Have been watching your videos regarding replacement of compact light to LED on a bernina 180. Then I watched the video of testing of the embroidery module. My wife had not used her embroidery module for about 10 years, so we thought we do the test that you demonstrated in the service menu. It functioned properly, but when I pressed the single axis button the stepper motor just buzzed for a few seconds, didn’t sound good. So I CLR out of the menu, but when I re-entered the service menu it no longer communicates with the module, because it can’t even display the version number, where as it did before. Do you have any more detailed technical information etc to go deeper /component fault finding? Or can suggest something else. Regards Mark
Almost sounds like the stepper motor was stuck from sitting. I am not sure what could of possibly happened to the circuit board that’s inside of the module if it encounters a stuck motor? I would take the plastic cover off of the module arm and also remove the plastic top of the module and turn the motors by hand and also inspect the circuit board. Sniff around to see if any electronics smell burnt. Could of fried a stepper driver? If it was me I would hook up another embroidery module to make sure there wasn’t a problem on the machine end but I’m sure you don’t have the luxury of being able to do that. Other than that I’m not sure what else I can tell you. After 18 years of selling lightly used Berninas on eBay I got out of that about 3 years ago once it got to the point were eBay made more money on a sale than I did. Very frustrating after putting that much time and effort into what I did. I still have about eight of the 180 machines in stock and I do have a few embroidery modules if it would get to the point where you might be interested in one. Thanks or watching.... 😁
@@JoeKind1958 Thanks for your reply, yes I have been checking for hot components, and there is a silver / metal 2 wire surface mounted component that’s too hot to touch, I can’t seem to identify it on the net, but I suspect it’s a zenner diode, I’m a electrical technician, but diagnostic down to component level is ok if you can identify what your checking. The board gets a 32v dc supply that feeds the stepper drivers, so there must be a 5v powers supply for the logic. Do you have any more technical knowledge of the communication method? Regards mark
Mark Hamilton I have a detailed service manual. I’ll have to see what kind of schematic is in that manual. I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net Send me a email so I have your email address then I can send you a PDF from the manual if I find anything that might help. I have replaced caps and resistors and fixed bad solder joints. That’s as far as I get with circuit board work.
I have a 170 with embroidery module. It will only embroider with the foot control pressed not the start/reverse button. Is there a fix for this? Thank you for your videos!
Did your reversing button ever work for starting embroidering? Assuming it did and just stopped working. It could be that the electrical contacts for the reversing button are dirty and need cleaning. Unfortunately that would require removal of the front machine plastic and that requires the removal of a bunch of small electrical plugs that are plugged into the main board. That is mounted on the inside of the front outside plastic. If you remove the top plastic that is held on with two torx head screws, you will see what I am talking about.
I believe your diagnosis was correct. I pushed the button several times and it must have cleaned up the contacts! Much appreciated, Thank you!@@JoeKind1958
I have an XP computer that I use for embroidery with my 440. I recently acquired a 165. Do I need to get the personal design card if I am able to connect this machine (165) directly to my XP to do embroidery?
Martha Malone Hopfully your XP computer has a 9 pin com port on it or you will need a quality com port to USB adapter. I have a video posted on that subject. On the personal design card. The need for one would depend if the module has any memory available. Some modules have memory and some do not. How you find out is to look through the designs that are already in the module. Those designs you will see are in boxes when viewing them on your machines screen. At the end of those designs you will see blank/empty boxes. If the box has a small 'm" in it that represents a blank space in the modules memory that a design can be written to. If your module has no memory then you will need to find a blank personal design card to write a design to. That card must be for a165, 170 or 180. The 200 cards won't work. Or if you can't find one of those cards possibly you could find a "magic box" for use with a 165. An older item that I just happen to have a few of them still new in the box. So you do have some options with that model. Bill
Hi Bill - Thanks so much for sharing your expertise! I just purchased this machine at a local auction and found that the module is a V3, but the machine is a V4. Argghhh...! You mentioned rolling back the machine (which I would LOVE to do if I had the software :) ), but is it possible/easier to upgrade the module? Thanks again for the informative videos! You're a very good teacher! JMK
Video was helpful, but I can't get my Bernina 170 to recognize the embroidery part. I can't see what model it is, to know if it is the right one for my machine.
When testing the embroidery unite for wich version it is there is no digits behind the symbol of unit. And none of the buttons for the module are active as it does not exsist. it is plugged in but the personal card i did not got when i bought the machine. i got a alphabet card wich the machine will not register at all.
So you are saying after you tap on the #13 symbol on the service screen, the next screen comes up, then you tap on the module symbol to check the version of the module . In that next screen you see the module symbol but there is no version number shown even the module is hooked up to your machine. If there is no version number showing after the module symbol, then there is most likely a problem with the module plug contacts or the modules circuit board. Not seeing the version number is saying that the module is not communicating at all with the machine. So some sort of electrical problem is causing the module not to communicate with your machine. About all you can check yourself is that the module plug contacts are clean on both the machine and the module plug. To verify that there is a problem with the module itself, you would need to plug it into another 180 then go into the service screen and see if it shows a version number. If it does not show a version number on another 180 then I would say that there is most likely a problem with the circuitboard in the embroidery module. If the module does power up and show a version number in another 180, then you have a problem with your machine. So it’s important to determine if the module is the problem or your machine is the problem and trying the module in another machine is about the only way you can see if it works. Hopefully you have a Bernina dealer in your area that has a 180 on the shelf that you can use to see if the module works or not. Nine times out of 10 there’s a problem with the module rather than with the machine. Without actually having your embroidery module to test, that’s the best I can tell you. If you can’t test it I would suggest that you contact whoever sold it to you and hopefully they’ll take it back. When shopping around for an embroidery module it is important to try and get one that has some built in memory. There is usually a sticker on the end of the module that says 2 MB or 4 MB of memory inside. The modules that have built in memory have the alphabet already in that memory and you do not need an alphabet card. Usually when a module comes with an alphabet card that most likely is saying that that module does not have any memory inside for the storing of designs. In the case of a module that does not have any internal memory that means you will have to find a Bernina personal design card for a 180 and that’s where the designs would be stored or transferred to your module for embroidery. Just letting you know that I do have some tested 180 embroidery modules in stock. I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net.
@@JoeKind1958 Thank you soooo much it did all little bit more clear! I have watched your videos about matching module with machine and all about the personal card. I did ask the seller witch is a dealer. about it but did not get a straight answere if there was a personal card they sent picture of a cd so i figured there was a card! i asked about if it was a 2mb version but answere i got was i dont knew. well i should have left the shop and gone to another dealer i have been doing business with before. But with that said the module does not work as there is no contact i will try to wd40 on the contacts maby they need it. Thanks again for the help!
vik The letter "E" after any Bernina model number stands for "embroidery" So technically when the 730 was sold as brand-new if there was an E after the number it included the embroidery model option. On used machines some sellers use the E and some sellers don't use the letter E after the model number even if embroidery is included. I have also seen people use the E even though there was no embroidery option included so that will be up to you to see if the sale actually includes embroidery if that is what you want. I do have a really good selection of nice used Berninas in stock right now (including a 730 that is now listed on eBay) so if there's something I can help you with please let me know. Thank you! Bill
I wonder if you would be able to comment on comparing the artista 180 to the current machines. I am tempted to buy a newer one but would value your comment. many thanks
The 180 can hold its own against any of the newer models, except the long arm machines like the 830. For the money invested in a 180 verses a newer comparable model like the 580, it's hard to beat. The only real inconvenience with the 180 is that it does not have a USB port on it forgetting embroidery designs into the machine. You can not use Berninas BSR freehand sewing foot with the 180. So depending on what you are going to use the machine for there could be some inconveniences. The next step up from the 180 would either be a 730 or the 630 - 640 models. Those models have USB ports on them and they're a bit more convenient when doing embroidery. I have all these models in stock right now. If you live in the US and are in the market for one of these models, email me at JoeKind@comcast.net and I will have more room to write. Thanks for asking! Bill
thank you a million times for your information. I am in Australia and following on from what you said I have found an Artista 730 with the works (including software) on ebay. I did not realise there were models other than the artista 200. So you have made my day!!!!
Deanna Van Hall The company that makes the Keyspan com port to USB adapter is Tripplight or Triplite ? I don't have the info in front of me and I don't think I am spelling that correctly. Doing a web search for the brand and model number and you will find the information. When you find the manufactures web site, look under "support" and there should be a place to enter the model number of the adapter. The very best advice I can give you is to go to that video and read the comment section. There is a wealth of information there on this and many other questions other people had. Thanks for watching!
Hi, Unfortunately there is nothing on the outside of a embroidery module that would tell you exactly what version it is. If the module owner still has the 165, 170 or 180 (185 module is different, won’t work on a 180) and does not know its version like most ebay sellers don’t, send them to this video to check the firmware version number. When module shopping look for the sticker next to the embroidery card slot that will say 2mb or 4mb. That is the only outside marking on a module that will tell you that the module has internal memory for storage of designs. The version 1 module you got most likely does not have any internal memory. In that case you can not send a design to the module to stitch out unless you have a 180 personal rewritable design card (they are hard to find ) . No memory simply means there is no place to put the design so you can stitch it out. You do have one option with a version 1 module, that is only if you have a Bernina dealer that can still do firmware updates on the 180 model. Unless you have a good older dealer who actually cares about customer service and not one who is just trying to talk you into a newer model to make a sale, then you are out of luck. Even if you do have a great Bernina dealer who says they can help, doing a update from the older v1 models to v3 does not always work. Sometimes the V1 and V2 modules do not accept a v3 or v4 update. There are other options like putting a newer board in the module, but that’s a whole other discussion for another day. Bottom line is to find out the version number before making a purchase and look for the “2mb” or “4mb” sticker next to the embroidery card slot. After almost 20 years of selling Berninas on eBay I have taken a bit of a brake. The now high selling fees on eBay are making it almost impossible to offer a quality used Bernina at a competitive price. Unfortunately people rather go for the less expensive machine and buy from a buyer who knows nothing about what they are selling. Then those same buyers would come to me to ask questions. It got rather frustrating. I rather help out my RUclips viewers. To finish up, I still have about 8 or so Bernina 180’s in stock along with some embroidery modules. I have the Bernina software and older XP computer to do firmware updated or even firmware rollbacks if needed. That would be if you had let’s say a V4 machine and a v2 module and the module will only accept a v3 update. In that case you can rollback the v4 machine to v3 so it will work with the now updated v3 module. I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net I am located near Reading Pennsylvania USA. I mention that because many who ask questions are located outside of the US. Have a great day, Bill
Probably, but not without knowledge… Easier to do something like virtualizing Windows Vista and using a USB-COM-port adapter with a passthrough to the virtualized Operating System… I’m thinking of getting a machine like this, and will try to make a video on how to work it. (not the MAC bit though)
Cathy Serafinowicz I have shipped a couple of machines over the years to your side of the big pond. Cost is the biggest factor. But everything went smoothly.
Thank you for this post! I just purchased both from different people and my machine is 2.08 and unit is 3. I’m checking with Bernina shops in MS trying to get machine updated.
Thanks so much for doing these videos,you're a lovely man!😃
Cathy Serafinowicz Thank you for that comment!!! Now if my eBay Bernina sales would pick up I would be in good shape and could stay in business. If you know of anybody looking for a nice used Bernina and a great guy to deal with, please send them my way, thank you!
JoeKind1958 I have a 180 and a 730. Can you use the 180 hoops on the 730 if you calibrate the hoops? Thanks, your videos are invaluable
Sheri Sterling So sorry for missing your question. I am sure by now that you have found out that you can not use the 180 hoops on the 200 and 730 models. Model 165, 170 and 180 use a different style embroidery module and hoops. Moving along to the 185 module and hoops. Though the electronics in the 185 are unique to just the 185. That was the first model that used the same style hoops that are still being used today on standard size Bernina sewing and embroidery machines. The 200 was the first model that used a embroidery module that is compatible with even the latest model Bernina standard size embroidery machine being sold today in 2018.
It is sade that the money we spent years ago, that we no longer have support with our machines. I have a 165E what I could afford at the time. It was expensive purchase, never dreamed that I would not be able to have Bernina support.
Hi Linda. Just found this online video. I purchased the embroidery module, took a class and then life got in the way and I never used the embroidery part. Now it is obsolete. So sad & frustrating.
Thank you for all the info on this machine!....I’ve owned this one for 12 years or so....only used the attachment a hand full of times since i quilt, however I’m now wanting to use it, so thanks
I have a 170 I love your shows I would like to be able to service my machine because people say that they serviced it and they don’t check everything like you would thank you
Having almost 20 years experience with working on and selling Berninas since around 1999, I agree with you 1,000 !
The good news is that the 165 is still a fantastic machine compared to current models that actually still use the same parts in their CB hook machines.
The bad news is that I say SHAME ON YOU Bernina for basically dropping your dealer support on these great machines. When my wife at the time purchased a 180, (that’s what got me into working on these machines) we were told how it would last here the rest of her life. Back then almost three grand was a lot of money, but we figured it was a good investment on something that should last for the next 20 plus years. Just 12 years later, already some of the electronic parts were becoming hard to find and that’s not right. I have had several people send me their 170 and 180 models to repair because their so called “Dealers” would not work on them. Oh but those dealers are right in your face trying to talk you into a newer model. Telling you how your 165 is a older model. What they won’t say is that your 165 still sews just as good as the latest model. So now Bernina wants you to spend over $12,000.00 on a sewing machine all while telling people the same things that they did back when they were selling the 165 model. I mean really who’s going to spend that kind of money on a sewing machine not knowing if the parts will be available just 15 short years from now. Or if a dealer will even service “ such a old “ model.
To end on a positive note like I had said before the 165 is a fantastic machine. And I’m sure there are some dealers out there who would gladly help you if you owned a older model without trying to constant,y trying to get you to purchase the latest and greatest model. Remember that I just hear from the people that run into problems and can’t get their machines fixed . But it does seem to be a wide spread problem.
Thank you so much for this video, it was very helpful to understand some things about my sewing machine. I have a question for you: I have a Bernina Artista 180, and when I use the embroidery unit, sometimes it happens that the screen freezes and I can’t embroider anymore. Do you know why this happens and how to fix it? Thank you in advance for your answer.
I love your videos. I wanted a Bernina but opted out because of the cost of feet and other modules. But I have been viewing Ebay and at used Bernina 180 like you have. I am really surprised at all the stuff it has. Very nice machine. Almost bought one for $180.00 but no power cord or foot pedal or feet. My biggest fear was not having a Bernina dealer or repair person.
mary saw
You made the right choice because it is the worst feeling in the world having one of these gorgeous machines with no one to fix it. 😭😭😭
Hi again, I just watched your thread caught video, thanks again. That really helped me. I was saying something like that while I was pulling out those 4 or 6 threads. I will remember the sequence the needle up first. You are so kind to us 🤗 I need an embroidery module for my artista 180 see if you can find one to sell (next month)
Just wanted to say thank you. I bought a Bernina module off Ebay for my 180 and wondered why they were refusing to work together, thanks to you it was easy to determine I have a VO3 machine and a VO1 module. I would have spent a lot of time being frustrated without your simple demonstration of how to check this! I was wondering though if there was a simple way of finding out which version a module is without having a sewing machine to check it with...a code on the module box or underside for example?
Hi, I wonder if you might be able to tell me what's up with my Bernina Artista 170. We pressed the icon for version #11 and found it is v3.01, but when we pressed the icon for the embroidery module #13 it just shows the symbol for embroidery no version number. So far we have had little success in getting the module seated correctly, it wobbles, and it doesn't read it when we press the icon to move it. Any help would be appreciated.
I really appreciate these videos they’re so helpful, thank you.
I have an embroidery module which is not showing up as any version on service screen can you suggest what may be wrong please?
Hi, Thanks for the kind words.
On your problem, there really is not much you can do with that module yourself.
Can you get the module arm to move like I show how to do in the video? I am assuming for now that you can not get the module arm to move. If it was me, I would have the luxury of grabbing another module off my shelf and seeing if the version number of that module shows. If it would then at that point I could rule out a problem with the machine and would start to think that there is a problem with the modules circuit board. At that point I would pop another circuit board in the module and most likely it would work. If not then I would move on and start investigating other items.
Hopefully you have a Bernina dealer that could actually help you rather than just tell you that you need to spend thousands on a new machine. Repair service among different dealers goes from being able to fix any Bernina product correctly the first time to almost not knowing how to plug in a sewing machine. Hoping that you are one of the few lucky ones who has a dealer that knows what they are doing. If not then you might up spending less in the long run by simply purchasing another embroidery module. Get one with the same firmware version number and also find one that has the 2mb or 4mb sticker on the outside end of the module near the embroidery card slot. This means you are getting one with internal memory so you do not need to have or use a personal design card if you don’t want to.
I do still have a few modules and of course would know what the version number would be.
I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net Module prices would be in the $175 range plus shipping from Pennsylvania.
A dealer might charge you more than that just for another circuit board for your module should it need one.
Hi, do you have similar information for a Bernina Aurora 430? My module is "sticking/stuttering" on the Y axis that carries the embroidery hoop. I can not find any information on the S module.
Hi Joe, great info and generously laid out. It's a help. I've just bought an Artista 165 (with only 25 hours on it) at an Albuquerque Goodwill. It runs great but I need an embroidery module, firmware version 3.02, preferably with memory onboard. I'll take your lead on what I should expect to pay for one. Considering the age of the model Ebay sellers seem over-priced and never list what firmware version they are selling. Thanks.
Hi, I believe you contacted me through eBay last night. I got you over here so I could give you my email address. Cant exchange email addresses on eBay.
Its. joekind@comcast.net Right now I am really busy finishing up the restoration of a running hit and miss model engine for a customer who paid in advance ( before I was finished with it ) so I really need to get that engine finished and shipped out. Just letting you know in case I either don’t get back to you right away or I simply forget. The building / restoration of gas powered model engines is what I got into after the Bernina sales went South. On your Bernina question. I am not up on the current prices of the embroidery modules but they were around $150 to $225 or so. The vast majority of Bernina owners know nothing at all about firmware versions let alone know how to even check to see what they have or are selling. Also most have no idea that the machine and module need to be the same firmware version. Just the first number of the different versions need to match. Like V2, V3 and V4. V 4.04 or whatever the 2 digit number is after the period really doesn’t matter. Its just the 4. Even newer dealers know nothing about this. So you can imagine all the problems that sellers of these modules have on eBay when their perfectly good module does not work for a buyer. 🤷♂️
@@JoeKind1958 that was me. Thanks for the contact. Get that engine shipped. Chat later. Cheers.
I am just reading this because I ran across the video which really helped me to understand why my Bernina 165 machine won't work with the Embroidery unit. My machine is a version 4, but the embroidery module is version 3.02. Do you want to buy this module. The machine only has 9 hours showing - the module is also just like new.
@@rhondaogden6670I am after a 3.03 embroidery module. Would you consider selling it? I know a seller of a 4.04 that I could put you in touch with.
Great to know,I will spread the word.👍👍👍👍
Joe my friend bought a 180 at an estate sale. The sewing machine works great but the embroidery module doesn’t. I followed your directions it,s very clean. Has only 12 hours on it. It was a very elderly lady who owned it. In the service mode it still doesn’t recognize the module. I tried min e from my machine on hers and it works so it’s definitely her module. Any suggestions to repair or where we could get a version 2 module? Thank you
Bill, I followed the instructions in this video and have run into an issue which I'm hoping you can address. I am the original owner of an Artista 170e. My embroidery unit wouldn't turn on so I tried following your instructions. I found I have a version 4 sewing machine with 127 hours, but when I was checking for the version of the embroidery module the icon shows up on the screen without a version. Must I have the embroidery module plugged in to ID the version? The embroidery unit was only rarely used. I was given a version 4 unit but it doesn't turn on either...could it be the motherboard? Any helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks Carole from Florida
does this video also pertain to the 185 module? I'm having a problem with my design lining up when the embroidery card design goes to the outline step. my thread also keeps breaking on the top thread.
Iv'e gone through the book and have corrected everything it suggest to correct. can you help? I also can't find any dealer to help me with servicing the machine. They all want me to buy another one and say this it too old to invest money into it? is this true. thanks tena
Yes this video will be mostly the same for a 185. The 185 uses a newer designed embroidery module that is unique to just the 185 but the mechanics of that module are very similar to the 180 module.
The 185 , like the 180 is a great machine. Back when they were sold as new the dealers told the buyers that this was a machine that they could hand down to their grandkids. Now most of the dealers are not Intrested in servicing older models because that’s not where the money is. They are all about selling new machines and will still tell you it’s a model you can hand down to your grandkids. What they don’t tell you is that a few years down the road most wont service what is sold as new today. Really frustrates me and is one of the reasons I stoped selling nice used Berninas on eBay a couple years back.
On your thread braking. If that is something that just started to happen, and it’s not because you are using cheep “no name” thread I would first suspect that the take up spring might be broken.
Mechanically your 185 is the same as the 200 and 730 and I believe I have a video where I show and talk about the take up spring.
The module does need to be calibrated ( centered) using the large hoop. I think I show that in one of my videos.
Without looking at your machine that’s about all I can tell you. Possibly you can find another dealer that knows how to work on a older model.
Thanks for watching 😊
Thanks for this video. My Artista 165 embroidery module doesn’t show any version when I go into setup like you showed. Why would it not being seeing the embroidery module at all? It won’t do any of the tests you demonstrated either. Just isn’t seeing that I connected the embroidery module to the machine. Help! It used to work fine but I haven’t used the embroidery module in a few years.
Did you find out? I have the same problem with my Artista 165.
Thank you so much for the video. When I started taking the top off the emb module, to my surprise there were no screws! Only screw was on the part that holds the hoop. I figured out how to slide the part off and found some thread wrapped around the wheels on the part that holds the hoop. I have only 92 hours on this module. I have never had good success with it, not sure seems like all I had was trouble so quit even using it. I happen to search and your video came up. Thanks again so much. I hope I can get my embroidery module working. If I still have problems, where are you located in case I need work on the machine?
Hi , I am located just east of Reading Pennsylvania. After 17 plus years of repairing, servicing and selling Berninas on eBay I got out of that business. In short all my costs to sell including the ever increasing eBay selling fees that ate up more than I made in 2018, I had to get out. I still have a few Bernina 180 models and about 10 or so embroidey modules. I have had people send me their machines or embroidery modules for repair when they find that their Bernina dealer wont work on the older models. That gets me upset when I hear a dealer who sold these great older models telling people it is something that they can hand down to their grandkids, now many are only intrested in selling the new models rather than helping with the older models. 😡. In a few cases I sold some embroidery modules to people for less than what a dealer was asking for to do a repair on theirs. Generally the machine and embroidery modules are really reliable. So go through the steps in mu video to test it out. 😁
Hi I have 165e the machine is not seeing my lg hoop I haven't used my machine in a few years with the emb module please help
Hi Joe, I have a Bernina that a friend gave me to see what I could do with. It currently does not work. It will turn on and sew, but when I touch the screen it doesn't light up what I selected, it seems to have a mind of it one. And I can't get the embroidery arm to work at all.
any help would be appreciated. Liz
I wonder if you would be able to tell me how to change the spool pin on my artista 180. The end of it has some become "mangled". many thanks in advance
My module will not communicate with my machine. When selecting the module, it shows up, but will not change when selected. Also when I did the check as you showed in the service mode the module never responded to any of the checks. I would not even show the version of the Module. My Machine version is 4.0. Any suggestions? I am at my wits end. The sewing part of my machine sews perfectly!
Sherree Orrick I have exactly the same problem only I have two 180’s that I have tried connecting my embroidery module to and neither will recognise it so I think the module must be faulty. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth purchasing a screwdriver to open it up with to see if there’s anything I may be able to fix but I have very limited experience with the workings so not sure I’d spot anything even if it was obvious to an expert.
My 180 reverse button does not start the embroidery unit. It will reverse when sewing. I can start the embroidery from the foot pedal so I know it is set up correctly. Is there a way to test?
Keep the reverse button held in till your machine starts embroidering. Thats about 2 or 3 seconds of holding in that button. If that does not work then when you get a chance, see if it works when sewing. See if it reverses the stitching. If not then the small circuit board that is just behind the reversing switch needs to be removed and the switch/button carbon contacts need to be cleaned. A Q-tip with rubbing alcohol works to clean off dirt / dust buildup. 😁
Next to my embroidery module it doesn't show any version number?
Great videos very informative
I wonder if you can help me as I have just purchased a Bernina 180 with embroidery unit and having problems
I have had it working but it tends to just freeze half way through an embroidery design
the last time it did it after restarting the machine I can no longer get the machine to pick up the embroidery unit the touch screen flashes and is frozen.
without emb unit attached the machine is fine for sewing
I tried to do what you do in this video previously and it tell me the emb unit it not compatable although I have embroidered with it I am in Australia and no Bernina dealer will look at it as its old and I only just bought it
Tracey Phillips Is your embroidery module the same version number as your machine? I show how to check this in the video. It is something I need to know before going on about what problems you might be having. Let me know the firmware number of your machine and embroidery module. Bill
What is a Bernina 180 Artista machine plus embroidery modular selling for now?
Hi,
I got out of selling Bernini’s on ebay around 2019 so Its been a while since I have checked prices. I did not sell off my remaining inventory so I still have a lot of repair parts along with about 6 of the 180 models with embroidery modules. Just not sure what the going prices are right now. 😁
How can one change the screen. The machine seems to work fine but it is difficult to see what the stitch you are on. Cloudy
Is your screen getting darker or is it bright but cloudy. If you could find a new screen, its likely that it will be rather expensive. This might sound strange, but sometimes it costs less to get another machine that has a good screen and use it for its parts. Find one that turns on but has some sort of mechanical problem. You are not only getting another screen, you are getting all the other electronic parts as well. By having a parts machine you can slowly take it apart and that will help you to figure out how to change the screen. The main motherboard must be removed to put in a new screen so there tips and tricks you would need to know to do the swap properly.
Have been watching your videos regarding replacement of compact light to LED on a bernina 180. Then I watched the video of testing of the embroidery module. My wife had not used her embroidery module for about 10 years, so we thought we do the test that you demonstrated in the service menu. It functioned properly, but when I pressed the single axis button the stepper motor just buzzed for a few seconds, didn’t sound good. So I CLR out of the menu, but when I re-entered the service menu it no longer communicates with the module, because it can’t even display the version number, where as it did before. Do you have any more detailed technical information etc to go deeper /component fault finding? Or can suggest something else. Regards Mark
Almost sounds like the stepper motor was stuck from sitting. I am not sure what could of possibly happened to the circuit board that’s inside of the module if it encounters a stuck motor? I would take the plastic cover off of the module arm and also remove the plastic top of the module and turn the motors by hand and also inspect the circuit board. Sniff around to see if any electronics smell burnt. Could of fried a stepper driver?
If it was me I would hook up another embroidery module to make sure there wasn’t a problem on the machine end but I’m sure you don’t have the luxury of being able to do that. Other than that I’m not sure what else I can tell you.
After 18 years of selling lightly used Berninas on eBay I got out of that about 3 years ago once it got to the point were eBay made more money on a sale than I did. Very frustrating after putting that much time and effort into what I did.
I still have about eight of the 180 machines in stock and I do have a few embroidery modules if it would get to the point where you might be interested in one. Thanks or watching.... 😁
@@JoeKind1958 Thanks for your reply, yes I have been checking for hot components, and there is a silver / metal 2 wire surface mounted component that’s too hot to touch, I can’t seem to identify it on the net, but I suspect it’s a zenner diode, I’m a electrical technician, but diagnostic down to component level is ok if you can identify what your checking. The board gets a 32v dc supply that feeds the stepper drivers, so there must be a 5v powers supply for the logic. Do you have any more technical knowledge of the communication method? Regards mark
Mark Hamilton I have a detailed service manual. I’ll have to see what kind of schematic is in that manual. I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net Send me a email so I have your email address then I can send you a PDF from the manual if I find anything that might help. I have replaced caps and resistors and fixed bad solder joints. That’s as far as I get with circuit board work.
I have a 170 with embroidery module. It will only embroider with the foot control pressed not the start/reverse button. Is there a fix for this? Thank you for your videos!
Did your reversing button ever work for starting embroidering? Assuming it did and just stopped working. It could be that the electrical contacts for the reversing button are dirty and need cleaning. Unfortunately that would require removal of the front machine plastic and that requires the removal of a bunch of small electrical plugs that are plugged into the main board. That is mounted on the inside of the front outside plastic. If you remove the top plastic that is held on with two torx head screws, you will see what I am talking about.
I believe your diagnosis was correct. I pushed the button several times and it must have cleaned up the contacts! Much appreciated, Thank you!@@JoeKind1958
I have an XP computer that I use for embroidery with my 440. I recently acquired a 165. Do I need to get the personal design card if I am able to connect this machine (165) directly to my XP to do embroidery?
Martha Malone Hopfully your XP computer has a 9 pin com port on it or you will need a quality com port to USB adapter. I have a video posted on that subject. On the personal design card. The need for one would depend if the module has any memory available. Some modules have memory and some do not. How you find out is to look through the designs that are already in the module. Those designs you will see are in boxes when viewing them on your machines screen. At the end of those designs you will see blank/empty boxes. If the box has a small 'm" in it that represents a blank space in the modules memory that a design can be written to. If your module has no memory then you will need to find a blank personal design card to write a design to. That card must be for a165, 170 or 180. The 200 cards won't work. Or if you can't find one of those cards possibly you could find a "magic box" for use with a 165. An older item that I just happen to have a few of them still new in the box.
So you do have some options with that model. Bill
Thanks so much for the prompt and thorough reply! I just checked the embroidery module and it says it has 2MB of memory!
Hi Bill - Thanks so much for sharing your expertise! I just purchased this machine at a local auction and found that the module is a V3, but the machine is a V4. Argghhh...! You mentioned rolling back the machine (which I would LOVE to do if I had the software :) ), but is it possible/easier to upgrade the module? Thanks again for the informative videos! You're a very good teacher! JMK
I know Im pretty randomly asking but do anybody know of a good website to watch new series online ?
@Kason Nikolas i dunno I would suggest flixportal. You can find it through google =) -terrance
@Terrance Daxton thank you, I signed up and it seems to work :) I really appreciate it!
@Kason Nikolas No problem xD
Video was helpful, but I can't get my Bernina 170 to recognize the embroidery part. I can't see what model it is, to know if it is the right one for my machine.
That is the exact problem I am having with my Artista 180/185. After watching this video I think I have a bad circuit board.
When testing the embroidery unite for wich version it is there is no digits behind the symbol of unit.
And none of the buttons for the module are active as it does not exsist. it is plugged in but the personal card i did not got when i bought the machine.
i got a alphabet card wich the machine will not register at all.
So you are saying after you tap on the #13 symbol on the service screen, the next screen comes up, then you tap on the module symbol to check the version of the module . In that next screen you see the module symbol but there is no version number shown even the module is hooked up to your machine. If there is no version number showing after the module symbol, then there is most likely a problem with the module plug contacts or the modules circuit board. Not seeing the version number is saying that the module is not communicating at all with the machine. So some sort of electrical problem is causing the module not to communicate with your machine. About all you can check yourself is that the module plug contacts are clean on both the machine and the module plug. To verify that there is a problem with the module itself, you would need to plug it into another 180 then go into the service screen and see if it shows a version number. If it does not show a version number on another 180 then I would say that there is most likely a problem with the circuitboard in the embroidery module. If the module does power up and show a version number in another 180, then you have a problem with your machine. So it’s important to determine if the module is the problem or your machine is the problem and trying the module in another machine is about the only way you can see if it works. Hopefully you have a Bernina dealer in your area that has a 180 on the shelf that you can use to see if the module works or not. Nine times out of 10 there’s a problem with the module rather than with the machine.
Without actually having your embroidery module to test, that’s the best I can tell you. If you can’t test it I would suggest that you contact whoever sold it to you and hopefully they’ll take it back. When shopping around for an embroidery module it is important to try and get one that has some built in memory. There is usually a sticker on the end of the module that says 2 MB or 4 MB of memory inside. The modules that have built in memory have the alphabet already in that memory and you do not need an alphabet card. Usually when a module comes with an alphabet card that most likely is saying that that module does not have any memory inside for the storing of designs. In the case of a module that does not have any internal memory that means you will have to find a Bernina personal design card for a 180 and that’s where the designs would be stored or transferred to your module for embroidery. Just letting you know that I do have some tested 180 embroidery modules in stock. I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net.
@@JoeKind1958 Thank you soooo much it did all little bit more clear! I have watched your videos about matching module with machine and all about the personal card.
I did ask the seller witch is a dealer. about it but did not get a straight answere if there was a personal card they sent picture of a cd so i figured there was a card!
i asked about if it was a 2mb version but answere i got was i dont knew.
well i should have left the shop and gone to another dealer i have been doing business with before.
But with that said the module does not work as there is no contact i will try to wd40 on the contacts maby they need it.
Thanks again for the help!
sorry, one more question - what is the difference between artista 730 and 730e?
vik The letter "E" after any Bernina model number stands for "embroidery" So technically when the 730 was sold as brand-new if there was an E after the number it included the embroidery model option. On used machines some sellers use the E and some sellers don't use the letter E after the model number even if embroidery is included. I have also seen people use the E even though there was no embroidery option included so that will be up to you to see if the sale actually includes embroidery if that is what you want. I do have a really good selection of nice used Berninas in stock right now (including a 730 that is now listed on eBay) so if there's something I can help you with please let me know. Thank you! Bill
I wonder if you would be able to comment on comparing the artista 180 to the current machines. I am tempted to buy a newer one but would value your comment. many thanks
The 180 can hold its own against any of the newer models, except the long arm machines like the 830. For the money invested in a 180 verses a newer comparable model like the 580, it's hard to beat. The only real inconvenience with the 180 is that it does not have a USB port on it forgetting embroidery designs into the machine. You can not use Berninas BSR freehand sewing foot with the 180. So depending on what you are going to use the machine for there could be some inconveniences. The next step up from the 180 would either be a 730 or the 630 - 640 models. Those models have USB ports on them and they're a bit more convenient when doing embroidery. I have all these models in stock right now. If you live in the US and are in the market for one of these models, email me at JoeKind@comcast.net and I will have more room to write.
Thanks for asking!
Bill
thank you a million times for your information. I am in Australia and following on from what you said I have found an Artista 730 with the works (including software) on ebay. I did not realise there were models other than the artista 200. So you have made my day!!!!
I bought the adaptor that you recommended. How do I get software/firmware?
Deanna Van Hall The company that makes the Keyspan com port to USB adapter is Tripplight or Triplite ? I don't have the info in front of me and I don't think I am spelling that correctly. Doing a web search for the brand and model number and you will find the information. When you find the manufactures web site, look under "support" and there should be a place to enter the model number of the adapter. The very best advice I can give you is to go to that video and read the comment section. There is a wealth of information there on this and many other questions other people had. Thanks for watching!
Hi,
Unfortunately there is nothing on the outside of a embroidery module that would tell you exactly what version it is. If the module owner still has the 165, 170 or 180 (185 module is different, won’t work on a 180) and does not know its version like most ebay sellers don’t, send them to this video to check the firmware version number.
When module shopping look for the sticker next to the embroidery card slot that will say 2mb or 4mb. That is the only outside marking on a module that will tell you that the module has internal memory for storage of designs. The version 1 module you got most likely does not have any internal memory. In that case you can not send a design to the module to stitch out unless you have a 180 personal rewritable design card (they are hard to find ) . No memory simply means there is no place to put the design so you can stitch it out.
You do have one option with a version 1 module, that is only if you have a Bernina dealer that can still do firmware updates on the 180 model. Unless you have a good older dealer who actually cares about customer service and not one who is just trying to talk you into a newer model to make a sale, then you are out of luck. Even if you do have a great Bernina dealer who says they can help, doing a update from the older v1 models to v3 does not always work. Sometimes the V1 and V2 modules do not accept a v3 or v4 update. There are other options like putting a newer board in the module, but that’s a whole other discussion for another day.
Bottom line is to find out the version number before making a purchase and look for the “2mb” or “4mb” sticker next to the embroidery card slot.
After almost 20 years of selling Berninas on eBay I have taken a bit of a brake. The now high selling fees on eBay are making it almost impossible to offer a quality used Bernina at a competitive price. Unfortunately people rather go for the less expensive machine and buy from a buyer who knows nothing about what they are selling. Then those same buyers would come to me to ask questions. It got rather frustrating. I rather help out my RUclips viewers.
To finish up, I still have about 8 or so Bernina 180’s in stock along with some embroidery modules. I have the Bernina software and older XP computer to do firmware updated or even firmware rollbacks if needed. That would be if you had let’s say a V4 machine and a v2 module and the module will only accept a v3 update. In that case you can rollback the v4 machine to v3 so it will work with the now updated v3 module.
I can be emailed at joekind@comcast.net I am located near Reading Pennsylvania USA. I mention that because many who ask questions are located outside of the US.
Have a great day,
Bill
Can you use a Mac computer to send designs to the machine
Probably, but not without knowledge… Easier to do something like virtualizing Windows Vista and using a USB-COM-port adapter with a passthrough to the virtualized Operating System… I’m thinking of getting a machine like this, and will try to make a video on how to work it. (not the MAC bit though)
Actually you should look at ruclips.net/video/yFo7FAV0rG8/видео.html and ruclips.net/video/QNl4D360b7s/видео.html
I sure will Bill,it's a pity you're in the USA and I'm in UK,grrr! Do you ship to Europe? 😊
Cathy Serafinowicz I have shipped a couple of machines over the years to your side of the big pond. Cost is the biggest factor. But everything went smoothly.
90 4⁰