UPDATE:
The machine sat on the shelf for one year and 11 days. Today after re-reading this thread I took it out, plugged it in and turned it on.
Without touching the controller it took off sewing all by itself. No input on the touch pad would stop or change it.
After messing with it for about 5 minutes with it running the whole time I could hear the motor dragging down. So as far as I am concerned this machine is history.
I do not have the skill or knowledge to diagnose it so it and it's parts buddy will either go in the trash or be parted out. I'd love for someone locally to take them off my hands. Unfortunately I doubt there's anyone around here that will. Oh well, I'll stick 'em on CL and see what happens.
Joe