Brother machine - bobbin sensor help
 

Hello all!

I have a dilemma ... I have the brother dreamweaver, have had it for almost 3 years now. Love it.

For the first 18 months it was perfect, all the bells and whistles worked wonderfully (and yes, I tested them all!)

After 18 months, the bobbin sensor quit working. I went through a whole rigmarole with the dealer, which was a nightmare, and ended up sending my machine in to Brother. They were amazing. He showed me how to take it apart to give it a thorough cleaning. He sent me videos showing me that everything works, including the bobbin sensor.

Here's my issue ... my bobbin sensor still doesn't work unless I clean my machine (thoroughly) after each bobbin use.

The sensor will only work for the first "empty" bobbin thread after I have cleaned my machine. After that, if I don't clean my machine, it doesn't let me know. And I don't know why it's doing this. This is the main reason that I sent it to Brother.

Does anyone have ideas as to why? Is it the type of thread? Is it "wear and tear"? Is it normal to have to clean the machine (and I'm talking take it apart clean, not just clean the bobbin case, etc.) after every single bobbin is used? This doesn't seem normal to me.

Thanks,

Was going to ask about what type of thread you are using.

It is possible for a new sensor to fail/have issues. To me it sounds like it didn't do this at first, now it is, and it still is.

This year I am doing a test with Superior So Fine as my regular bobbin piecing thread. Being a poly thread it really does have no lint, there is a noticeable difference. I can tell you that it is working very well, makes a fine strong seam that doesn't melt. The only (minor) problem I have is I bought a cone and it doesn't wind well on my vintage machine or my Sidewinder bobbin winder, but it does ok with the Bernina.

https://www.superiorthreads.com/thread/so-fine/c/60-205

Sorry you are having problems with your sensor. That is a feature I wish I had on my Janome 6600 but then when they don't work as they should, it is so frustrating. Hope you get it resolved soon.

Are you using the
bobbins from brother?

Winding your own bobbins??
are you using pre wounds??

I will reply more tonight
as I can hardly see this screen on phone.

Hi Rhonda! Yes, I am using brother's bobbins ... yes I wind my own bobbins on the machine.

I only use pre-wound bobbins when I do embroidery.

The thread I am currently using for piecing is 100% cotton from Thread Art

Thanks!

Two of my sew group have the Dream machines, (not sure if it is the same as the Dreamweaver) and both are about 4 years old and many of the sensors are acting up, get one fixed and it goes out again or another one goes wacky. They have a lot invested in the machines so have to get it fixed. One is still paying payments on hers.

I find Thread Art cotton thread very linty. Try a better brand of thread.

Marion,

First, check your machine settings to make sure the bobbin sensor function is "on".

Did your machine have a round/brown magnet in the bobbin case originally? Did it get lost with cleanings? It is easy to mis place.

It looks like your machine takes item # SA156 for bobbins. These are 7/16" in height. What brand of pre-wounds are you using? Does the same issue happen with them? in the embroidery mode? I use fil-tec bobbins. Are you using the pre-wounds with the card board core? You need the plastic ones.

Does this problem happen with pre-wounds also?

Check to make sure you have the right bobbin case in the machine. There are two that comes with the machine. One is for bobbin work.

Next, Does your machine have all the updates done? What version is the machine on now?

Is this your machine?

https://support.brother.com/g/b/manu...inovvm6200deas

PS: Try a few spools of different thread such as Floriani, Brother, Exquisite XP poly to see if it changes anything on the sensor.

Make sure there aren't any stray threads in the thread cutting area or bobbin area.

Good luck! I know it's frustrating!

Thanks Rhonda ... I'm done for the night LOL Just finished sewing all my paper piecing blocks! I'll look at that tomorrow.

This was my line of thinking also, although I'm not familiar with this brand. Try a poly thread.

MarionsQuilts I have a Dreamweaver 6200d, approximately 5 years, and have the same exact problem ! I recently had the machine serviced and the tech could not recreate the problem - probably because he cleaned the machine first. I also use Threadart, a local business which I support, but have not noticed a difference with other threads. Following your posts.

I have an older Brother with the bobbin sensor and, if anything, it is too sensitive. It has never been a problem and I use Thread Art thread all the time.

I emailed brother support again - the same person I dealt with last time. Will see what happens.

If you find a solution that works please post about it. It helps a lot when others need help with a problem machine.

Its probably your thread. I have had my dreamweaver for 8 years and never had a sensor issue

I have an older Bernina 1630 and have the same issue with the bobbin sensor. Sometimes it works and sometimes not - I think it is probably caused by the differnert types of threads that I use. I know that the sensor is a terrific tool - If it doesn't work I try cleaning up the bobbin area and if it comes on great if not I am afraid that if I poke around too much that things may go out of wack - I love working on this machine and because it is older I try to be cautious and hope for the best - really don't want to mess anything up with her so that I can continue to enjoy her.

My friends with the bobbin sensor issues in the Brother Dream machines all said the tech told them to use better quality thread.The new machines have such good technology in them that any slight imperfection triggers the sensors. He said sensors are all made by one manufacturer and sensor are made to sense any thing not up to specs. He can change out a bad sensor but if the imperfection is still detected it will cause the same problems. This is how they explained how the tech explained to them. So maybe not as detailed as he said it.

Is your machine working better for you?

I've had the VQ 3000 for about six years and I find I have to clean frequently and thoroughly to have the bobbin sensor work. I've never had the sensor replaced.

In fact, other than routine servicing, the only thing I've had go bad in the six years is the electronic needle threader, which was replaced three years ago for about $12. The newer one just died, and unfortunately I'm going to have to drive about 90 minutes to the dealer here (we moved since I bought the machine.) There are videos online on how to do it, and I know it's only a five minute job, but I'd rather have someone who knows what they're doing replace it for me.

Other than that the VQ3000 Dreamweaver has been great!

Without seeing it..my guess would be that there is a teeny bit of lint or thread somewhere that you're not finding, so that with every bobbin use, just a little lint can push it over the tipping point. I would take that bobbin assembly out and use a magnifying light, and clean every nook and cranny.

Thanks, I've done that a million times. It's going to another dealer - since I refuse to deal with the one I bought it from. I'm just so frustrated.

MArion