I have an Innova so I can't address your issues with your Janomes, but you might check on yahoo groups to see if there is a Janome group where your questions can be answered. I'm so sorry your dealer and Janome aren't helping you - one of my favorite things about my Innova is having a 24/7/365 live tech support from one of the guys who started ABM International who makes the Innova. All longarms should have this kind of free service!