i just got a call from my service man to tell me the "mother board' hs gone out on my brother pc6000 pacesetter.$400.00 for parts,etc.even tho it's only been used less than 2 yrs,it s still 12 yrs old,so hate to put that much money into it & still have a 12 yr old machine.hERE'S WHERE I NEED YOUR opinion...i can trade it up to a new one,but am sure i'll have to go WAY up.i have a brand new janome2010 that i LOVE for piecing,etc but would love to have a larger throat for quilting.also would like to have an embroidrey machione,but can't affod $1000 or more any suggestions ?i've been leaning toward viking or pfaff ,but don't want to jump into something i'll regret.even refurbwoud be fine .since i have a sewing machine i'm happy with [except for a longer throat] i'm really leaning toward an embroidery/only machine, HELP<HELP

You are not the first person to have their mother board go out. A friend had hers redone and it went out again. don't remember the machine but I don't think it was a Brother.

The new Janome Horizon has a great throat size, but I don't think it does emobroidery.

I'm glad you're not going to have yours fixed, because who knows what else might happen with an machine of that age.

I suggest plugging the machines into a power strip with SURGE SUPRESSION. these strips may cost a bit more but if the power is wonky in the house, or there's a lightning strike, it can save your electronics. Also, unplug the machine when not in use.

Interesting, isn't it, that there's very little debate about fixing an electronic, relatively new machine?! But, when it comes to old machines like the Featherweights and Treadles, there's no question - get it fixed, if you can! Makes one think, doesn't it?!

Although I admire the early engineering in old sewing machines I don't particularly want to own one so I understand your computerized sewing machine delimma. This isn't a mechanical vs. computerized issue. It is basically what is the most efficient, cost effective way to achieve your sewing wishes.

I think your decision comes down to several factors: is the replacement motherboard refurbished or new, is the motherboard the only electronic part (if so replacement might be acceptable), how much is the machine worth in working condition, how much would it cost to repair, how much a new machine costs... The engineer comes out in me when it comes down to things like this. I know this is a huge decision for most of us. I like to get the most versatility out of any machine I own.

Did your machine go down because of age or was it caused by something insurance covered? If it was something like a power surge or lightning your homeowners policy might cover it (mine does).

By the way, I love my Pfaff and think it is great. If you get something that emboiders make sure the software is still supported and is compatible with the newer computer operating systems (O/S) like Vista and Windows 7. A lot of places are selling machines very cheaply right now because the new O/S have made the software for those machines obsolete and you can't run it on computers with updated software. It is an easy trap and some dealers won't talk about it unless you pin them down.

A new motherboard will give you a 'new machine' which will last quite a few more years. I don't think sewing machines are quite like computers where cpu and other chips etc can fail but my daughter needed two replaced in her Janome 11000 within 2 months this year - shop owner said it was caused by "condensation from her evaporative air conditioning and not covered by warranty for second replacement - Fortunately for her, it was covered and she seems quite happy with it now.

Weigh up cost of total replacement with new machine - embroidery machines are fun - Brother do a Disney version of my Innovis 4000D and I like the quality of stitching.

Sorry, that was meant to be a 'smaller' version of my 4000D

the mother board went out on my long arm last year...boy did that cause some stress! especially since i was about 1/2 way through quilting a customer quilt...i called the company told them what happened...they told me what they believed the problem was...and had a 'reconditioned' mother board for $100 sent it to me in michigan from utah...i had it in about 4 days...
could you possibly get a refurbished one for your machine? or do you really just want a new machine? I have a viking designer one, and love it...