Hi all,

I finally decided to get out my Bernina BSR (stitch regulator), and I've come to the conclusion that either it is not working properly, or I'm not!

Can anyone tell me how the BSR is SUPPOSED to behave? I can't seem to get the red light to even come on most of the time. I is properly plugged in to the port, and the machine recognizes that it is there, giving me the screen with the BSR1 and BSR2 modes on it. Once I get that far, I can't figure out how to get it started. I can press the BSR button on the screen and it changes from having a green check mark to having a red X, in either mode, but the red light on the BSR doesn't come on like the book says it should. The start button does nothing for it either.

Suggestions, anyone???

Make sure your feed dogs are dropped - I couldn't make mine work until I did this. I think there's a mode where the foot pedal needs to be disconnected too, but you'd have to look at the manual for which one.
Janet

Thanks Janet. The feed dogs are down, and I've tried both modes with and without the foot pedal connected a few times...

If I remember right, I had to push the feed dog button again - they were down, but somehow it didn't register that fact in the software.

I've only used mine a few times, but I'm sure someone who uses it more often will come by shortly and help you out.

Janet

The BSR doesn't "start" until you move the fabric. When you have it plugged in, the needle will be up. press the part of the foot pedal that is lower (closer to you) and the needle will go down. release and it will come up, bringing the bottom thread up. You can now move the threads out of the way to prevent knotting. Start moving your fabric (I hope you are working on a test sandwich) slowly at first and your needle will start moving slowly. During this period you learn to move the fabric fast enough to get consistent size stitches. Slowly speed up the movement of the fabric and the needle will move faster. I don't remember which, 1 or 2, but with one of the, if you stop moving the fabric, the needle stops. With the other one it continues moving but very slowly. I prefer for it to stop completely. Good luck.

That's just the problem, Maria. The needle does not start moving no matter how much I move the fabric. I'm thinking there is something wrong with it...

I see. I start to think so too. You should be able to see the little red light. Did you buy it recently?

I can use mine...there is just no control. I have used both modes and tried moving it slow fast or in between..and it breaks needles no matter what. And it moves like its possessed. It speeds up to the maximum sewing speed. Its been very frustrating. I get it out every now and then just to test it. Does the same thing ever since I got it. I keep hoping like magic things will change. =/

Take it back to the dealer for an update. I just never use mine. It drives me CRAZY!

Yes have them demo with YOUR BSR !!! Then they and you can see what's up !!

I do agree that sometimes it moves like it is possessed. If you move the fabric faster than it can handle it, it will move like crazy. Also, if you move the fabric while the needle it down, it will break. It takes time to get to the point where you are in control and needles don't break.

try unplugging the foot pedal from the machine . Mine does not work if it plugged in.

OK, after further experimentation I've come to the conclusion that it's got some sort of electronic problem...IF the red light comes on, it works, but it shuts itself off mid-quilting when it gets just a couple of minutes of use. Then it won't start again... It's off to see my dealer next week I guess.

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

Wendy

My BSP checklist is...feeddogs down, pressure on the foot dailed down to 0, stitch length set about 2, BSR foot attached and plugged in, bobbin thread threaded through the eye hole, tension on top thread between 5-10, put in test square to check tension, press needle down function after bringing up threads. Press BSR on machine and in number 1 mode. I like mode one for foot control. As I move the square the red light stays on as I sew. I have read that the BSR has trouble reading on red fabric or if the lens is dusty. I am still working with mine and I am not really good yet but mine is operator error. It sounds like maybe you need to see your dealer for instruction or replacement?

Check out this website for an excellent tutorial on the BSR: www.dognamedbanjo.com Look under the 440QE section. Hope this helps!

I have a friend that has that machine. she had to take the BDR unit back and have the spring replaced. works fine now.

I just finished a quilt this week using my BRS. I found that it just sewed in place until I started moving the fabric. It doesn't work unless you move the fabric. I've had this machine for a few years and didn't like the BRS but after quilting this quilt I'm very happy. I was the first time I machine quilted using my cabinet so the quilt could lay flat and didn't fall over the sides of the table. When you start to move the fabric does the little running man come on?

I had similar problems. I took the foot with my machine back to the dealer and had them run them together. They had to reconfigure "something" and now it works fine. If they just check the foot alone it will probably check out fine so bring both and have them checked out together. Good Luck!

? there is a little running man comming on to you ?
what has BERNINA thought of now !

[ thinking..... I will stay with my 1630 ]

I am sorry for your pain but it has been used for the greater good, I no longer covet a BSR.
Robin in TX

be sure to lower your feed dogs...turn your pressure dial down from 47 to 1..press your bsr mode 1 button and you move the fabric...go to a medium plus speed..and you will be amazed how pretty your stitches come out..also i use really top notch cotton thread..shows up better..have fun with it.i love mine but still learning..

Please don't get discouraged. I use my BSR all the time and just love it. A couple suggestions: go to your dealer and have a hands-on demo, or better yet, take a class. If they don't offer a BSR class, request one. Most stores are very receptive to class requests. Second, practice on a quilt sandwich. The people who said the machine was running too fast for them don't understand how the BSR works. Here is my memory device for the BSR 1 and 2 modes..."1 is run, 2 is you." Mode 1 runs on its own at a steady rate of speed (too fast for some) but Mode 2 ("you") is where YOU control the speed based on how fast you move the fabric. It does take a little practice, but is well worth it. BTW, the rumor that the BSR doesn't work on red fabric is not true. The BSR is an expensive tool so don't give up on it. Most Bernina dealers are only too happy to give you extra help as their sales are dependent upon happy buyers and a good reputation. Good luck!

I have one and do not use it very often, but it does work when I use it. If you have done everything that the manual tells you to and it still doesn't work correctly, take it back to the dealer and have them show you how to use it and stay until you do know now. That is what we have good dealers for and why I bought my machine through a dealer so that I could get the lessons and when I have problems they are there and willing to help me.

Maybe wipe off the red light spot - may be covered with something?? I've had that happen - after wiping it, it worked. Just a thought.

I have a Bernina 640. I joined the Bernina 430-440-630-640-730 Yahoo group digest. Kari Curley "owns" the group. This group is extremely informative about all things Bernina including the BSR. I really recommend joining for all the info you can get as well as friendly chatting. Their files have so much useful information.
Cynthia

Ditto.
I don't use my BSR either. I prefer to FMQ without it.
Good Luck!

mine also, the peddle must be unplugged to work the BSR

thanks for this link-
I, too, am still learning how to use the BSR. Whenever I get a little cocky and think I'm on the way, I get humbled pretty quickly ;-)

I agree, I have a Bernina 830 and I couldn't always get the BRS to work correctly. So usually I just drop the feeddogs and FMQ. :oops:

Wendy, may I ask WHY you want to use the BSR when your FMQ is so stunning without it? ;)

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!)