After getting it plugged in right, and the feed dogs down, you have to use the start and stop to get it to work. When you turn push to start, the red light will come on, but if you don't start right away the machine will automatically turn itself off. You will have to push the start button again.

Hope that helps.

YouTube Bernina BSR for poss instructions

If I remember right mode 2 is where you move the fabric and it starts to stitch. I think my book says that mode 1 is where you disconnect the foot pedal and it sews automatically. I always use mode 2. I've taken classes using my 430 and the teacher (internationally well known) said you don't really need the BSR. She quilts without it. She just lowers feed dogs and uses her foot on the pedal at the speed she likes.

I use the BSR with my 440QE and love it. I admit it is confusing at first, but if you stay with it, you will be glad. Dealers are wonderful for help. Don't hesitate to call or go in to get help. Consult your manual and jot down notes to refer to if you forget. Good luck!

Your BSR may need to be updated by replacing the spring with the newer heavier spring. My friend had her BSR updated by her Bernina dealer, I use her machine for FMQ and it does work better than before.

After having the same problem as Wendy--BSR not working, no red light, no nuthin', and major frustration after a couple of hours---I searched for answers on the internet. FINALLY: there was a picture of my machine with the feed dog button. I looked at my machine and sure enough, I wasn't pushing the button ALL the way in. I thought I was pushing the button correctly because the feed dogs did go down but now know it wasn't all the way in. Relieved!!
(Now wish I could move my fabric around faster before the thing beeps at me. Seems to go kind of slow but I'm not complaining!)