Bernina Designer Plus V6 upgrade

[Liberata T.]

I guess that this is what is called "globalization." From what I understand from my "sources," the price of most new Bernina products is standardized throughout the world. They are no cheaper in Switzerland than in the USA. Of course currency exchange rates may make a difference. However dealers are free to make financing and trade-in allowances. I get the newsletters from Bernina USA & Bernina Switzerland. Only the USA has the 0% interest deal. I don't think Bernina UK -Ireland has made such an offer. My local dealer made a private arrangement with me. I suggest that anyone who is interested should ask. The dealer can only say, "no."

[Liberata T.]

I am back again with this same question. Trying to order V6 by remote control doesn't seem to work-- I am getting no response to my emails from the local Bernina dealer I would work with if I was in California. V6 is not available here yet. I don't know if its being translated into different languages or what. Anyway, do any of you actually have it? If you do, was it an upgrade from V5 and did you have to surrender your dongle (that sounds obscene)?

I don't know why I want another headache...I am have such fun learning how to use the 830 . My Bernina dealer is going back to the factory for more training next week. It seems that there are no 830 experts in the area. Steckborn is on the German border at the other end of the country and while my French is shaky my German is non-existent!

[Liberata T.]

Libbi....I can't help you with your question as I don't have that sophisticated of a machine, but, I want to thank you for my morning giggle. What is a 'dongle'??? It does sound a bit risque!! :lol:
Sandi in FL

[Liberata T.]

Libbi...When you get the Upgrade it will ask for the v5 dongle and it drains it ...it is transferred to the new program ...and it is no longer usable. If you buy the whole package I don't think this happens, it is ony with Upgrades. There is a group I think it is on google with questions and answers from different members concerning v6. I'll check back and get the exact address for you.
Nan in cool Massena NY

My mistake...the group is on yahoo. Try this address and see if it will help.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BerninaV6Software/

[Sherry B.]

Nan is right. The upgrade takes the brains out of your Version 5 dongle. Bernina has two google groups - one on software and one on accessories. Both have helpful info. Have you found the 830 Yahoo group yet? Plus there are several Yahoo groups on the software. If you need the links, you can email me.

[Liberata T.]

First of all, the "dongle" is sercurity device that identifies an authorized copy of the Bernina embroidery software. Without it inserted into the USB port on the computer, the software will not load. I have heard that the term was made up years ago as a standin for a technical term that needed to be created and never was. Sort of like a widget. :roll:
And yes I did find those Yahoo groups and joined up but somehow it added to my confusion as some people seemed to be users who obtained V6 in advance of general release. V6 didn't seem to be generally available. However today I received a newsletter from BerninaUSA with an ad for V6. Again the reader is advised to "see their Bernina dealer." This Bernina dealer is the one who is not responding to me via email.
I did hear from a post that the V6 upgrade sucked the brains from the V5 dongle. I refuse to give up this vital key until the V6 upgrade is in my hands. Guess this means I have to wait untiln the software is released in Switzerland. :x

[Barbara L.]

I will have to go to this forum on Yahoo & check it out. How many of you have the V6 software now & do you really feel it is worth the $$$. I am now told Libbi that I am to expect to pay $900+ Canadian. This is a rip off as our dollar is quite strong against the USD$ right now so I might wait awhile to see if the price drops. So, I would expect that you too will have to pay more than the Americans for your upgrade.

On another note I need your help. Where are you 830 gals storing your embroidery units? I need the room on my table & it is so big it does not easily store in the closet on a shelf.

Another problem that I have is that I cannot get my 830 to programme the needle down no matter what I do. Is there a trick I am missing?

Bunny9 Canada

[Lorena M.]

Libbi,
I too was questioning another upgrade. I thought V5 would be all I ever need, plus I didn't think Bernina could really give me anything new that I'd use. Welll, long story short- I got the upgrade and am so glad I did.
While at LQS Bernina Club I seen a presentation on V6 back in Aug- the upgrades seemed pretty amazing and they are. I have been having fun just learning the new tools and am amazed at how much easier it is to use. (I remember having the same thoughts on the V5 upgrade from V4, hhhmm, Bernina must be reading my mind).
I bought an 830 in October and am also learning about this wonderful machine. I never thought anything could be as good as my upgraded 200E but I do believe Bernina has outdone themselves. As everyone in my family asks "Do that thing buy the fabric for you too??"
You will really enjoy V6 when you get your hands on it.

[Lorena M.]

Hi Ladies,
This might sound like a stupid question, but couldn't you Canadian girls order it from a USA site? then you would pay a lot less if your dollar is higher? I don't have V6, making do with V5 at the moment, but did buy Explorations from USA, very quick service and good exchange rate, even with import tax saved lots of ££££.
Lynn

[Liberata T.]

Merry Cristmas to you all. I took a little holiday from sewing, quilting, embroidering.
I joined a couple of Yahoo groups for the 830 that are extremely helpful. I suggest the Bernina Series 8 group. I believe there is a thread on the needle down problem. I have not had that particular problem.
There are also some ideas on storing hoops in that group. I have a a wall unit with very deep shelves. I keep my hoops in their boxes. I created labels (hey, I'm a Libby, well, Libbi, after all & do own a P-Touch labeler) and store them on those shelves.
In order to decide if I REALLY want to fork over money for V6, I am reading the Yahoo group on Aristic Adventures and looking at the info on Amanda Whitlatch's site. I don't do a much digitizing but I do alter designs and am now designing crazy patches. I've also digitized quilting designs from artwork. But V5 does that fine.
I am also poor after Christmas...not much with overspending as with all the annual true-up bills, tax payments, and insurance renewals that Switzerland seems so fond of (but that's another story). I will delay the decision of V5 vs. V6 until the bank account is replenished. Then I may have to purchase it in the USA.
Have a Happy New Year, Libbi

[Barbara L.]

Thanks for all your suggestions. I really like to support my dealer as she is terrific so I will hold off the V6 purchase until the price comes down.

Yesterday I upgraded to Windows 7 Professional. It is awesome & supports all XP software which Vista did not do well. Today I am reinstalling my old software (a laborious task).

Thanks for the tip on needle down- I will look into it. It is really frustrating.

Libbi I am with you on labels & want to reconfigure my sewing room once again. Just wish I had the space that Libby has. I keep suggesting to my DH that we knock the wall down between my room & his office & move him downstairs but he shakes his head & keeps declining.

So much fabric-so little room!!!

[Barbara L.]

Well earier than I expected but I was at my dealer's today & bit the bullet & purchased the V6 upgrade, my Mom's Christmas present to me. She was delighted. Is there anything I should know to be aware of before I install it :?: At the price of the upgrade in Canada I don't want to mess anything up.

Oh by the way my dealer told me that the Canadian prices of the 830s are going up by $1000 soon.

[Liberata T.]

HaHa...me too. It's coming to me via the USA, thanks to Sherry. There's a yahoo group for V6 too. I already joined.

PS. I understand that there is a download on the BerninaUSA site for the dongle that needs to be loaded first. The release notes say it is for V5 but everyone on the V6 group says it needs to be loaded for V6. I've downloaded it to my machine but haven't installed it yet.

Libbi

[Susan B.]

I followed the directions in the book (dealer said to ReaD them first, contrary to what we usually do) and had no trouble at all loading the V6 upgrade. I have Windows XP Professional on my desktop. After that, the V5 dongle was dead & when I loaded it on my laptop, I just used the new dongle when directed to do so.

For a while, my McAfee virus software was trying to make the dongle security file into a virus (HASP something or other). After a little internet research, I directed the virus software to ignore it.

[Barbara L.]

Thanks for the tips & suggestions. My DH is reading them with me & taking notes. He being wonderful with computers. My dealer is offering a 2 day course next month & I want to be prepared.