| A customer complained that her machine was broken, | | | | Double check all the connections are solid and true. |
| but she did not want me to do a cleaning and | | | | Sometimes they can be deceptively disconnected. |
| adjusting. All she wanted was a repair. Hmmm. If a | | | | Often a firm press can fix a problem. Sometimes a |
| machine is broke, and all it needs is a cleaning and | | | | touch of solder can repair a loose connection. Even a |
| minor adjustment to work like new; does that qualify | | | | piece of electrical tape can be useful to protect |
| as a repair? | | | | delicate wiring. |
| The biggest job in fixing embroidery machines is | | | | Static electricity is a technicians enemy. A single |
| cleaning and adjusting it. Only occasionally, do you | | | | discharge can ruin a circuit board. Some |
| have to replace parts. Regardless, when a machine is | | | | manufacturers require elaborate static prevention |
| fixed, I say it is repaired. | | | | measures to protect their circuitry. In the sewing |
| A true repair leaves a sewing machine or embroidery | | | | machine repair shop, a static free mat is vital. Bernina |
| machine operating as close to brand new condition as | | | | requires the addition of a wrist band protector. |
| possible. To achieve this level of performance, all the | | | | You will need special tools to work on certain |
| debris, gummy stuff, and encrusted gunk must be | | | | electronic parts including non-metallic non-conductive |
| removed. Then the machine needs to be adjusted | | | | probes, screw drivers, and adjusting tools. These are |
| back to its original settings. When the machine sews | | | | generally available through tool stores and certain |
| like new, it is truly repaired. | | | | specialty items may be purchased through the |
| When you begin a service, do a complete sewing test | | | | embroidery machine manufacturer or their dealer |
| to find out how the machine is working. Listen. Look. | | | | network. |
| Feel. Find the obvious problems and subtle clues to | | | | More advanced embroidery equipment and sewing |
| causes. Then after you open up the machine, follow | | | | machines will use plug n play components. These are |
| those clues. Inspect possible causes, and use your | | | | easily removed and replaced. |
| senses sight, touch, and hearing to track down issues. | | | | Diagnosis is an art, but a variety of resources can be |
| If it isn't broke, don't fix it. When cleaning and adjusting | | | | helpful. An official service manual, an authorized |
| is all that is needed, just do it. When a part needs | | | | technician specializing in you brand, or the |
| replacing, do that. While most mechanical replacements | | | | manufacturers technical support line may offer |
| seem straight forward; electronics can be a bit more | | | | invaluable help. |
| challenging. | | | | When you are confident you have found the problem, |
| Unplug the power cord first. Then the electronics | | | | get a new component. You may have to wait for the |
| usually wont bite. Circuit boards and electronics can fail, | | | | new component a few days, so do not remove the |
| but with just a bit of caution, you can usually fix them. | | | | old one until the new one arrives. Then remove and |
| Careful inspection of electrical, electronic, and computer | | | | replace the component almost in a single motion. This |
| parts is essential. Look for burn spots, mis-connections, | | | | will make it easier to keep track of all those |
| pinched or twisted wires. Often a little wiggle or press | | | | connective wires. |
| down on a loose connection is all that is really needed. | | | | |