Dongles
#31
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
What software package do you have? Is it the 3D or the 4D? Either one will require the dongle to be in the USB port before you can use the embroidery software. You can access the organizer without the dongle; this is what is included with the machine when you orginally buy it so that you can store/see your designs. Then for those who use the USB to transfer designs we also have a USB device that goes into the side of our machine. The dongle never goes into our machine; just the pc.
#32
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
My dealer/instructor recently told us that she talked to her insurance agent and was told to include the software and machine on her house hold policy because it isn't automatically included due to the type of machine it is. So this week that is what I'm going to do is add it to my policy; it can be expensive for the machine and the software to be replaced.
#34
Do you have the 4D that came with your machine or did you purchase it separtely. The one that comes with the machine doesnt require a dongle; it's only when you purchase the software editing software that you need a dongle to access it. There is a difference in supporting a software package and not allowing you to use it. Microsoft only supports it's operating systems for a certain amount of yrs but you can still use them. They no longer support XP but I still have a laptop with it on it and it works great. I think this is where the confusion might be. Supporting verses not being allowed to use it any longer. I don't know but I'll ask my dealer this week when I see her.
But the thread has been very helpful in understanding what is what, and what to expect at my dealer.Thanks for explaining. If I could, I'll PM you after I search my paperwork/computer and go to the dealer.
#35
I have a Husqvarna Viking Designer I, and have been told I should have a "dongle" for it. I have looked high and low and cannot find it--especially since I am not real sure I know what I should try to lay my hands on. This to Toni C....any other suggestions?
#36
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
Judy, thanks for this information. I was pretty sure I purchased it separately, but it may just be the Assistant, because I can access what I have put on my laptop (also an XP system), but when I attempted to move the designs from the laptop files to the Smartcard, I got a message that I didn't understand, and when I put the SmartCard into the machine, it says there are no files on the card. So I got frustrated, and just made an appt with the dealer for this Thursday, which I am looking forward to....I think...unless it's going to cost me...then I'll be very disappointed. I guess I better go up and check out what I think I have and what I actually have, and what I thought I had.
But the thread has been very helpful in understanding what is what, and what to expect at my dealer.Thanks for explaining. If I could, I'll PM you after I search my paperwork/computer and go to the dealer.
But the thread has been very helpful in understanding what is what, and what to expect at my dealer.Thanks for explaining. If I could, I'll PM you after I search my paperwork/computer and go to the dealer.
#37
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: South Central Missouri
Posts: 333
Long story short I bought a Brother embroidery machine in 2001 and Palette software (Babylock). My dongle is a parallel port connector. Newer computers do not have a parallel port! I am going to add a parallel port to my Vista machine and plan to downgrade to xp so I can use my software. It is an extra machine my son rebuilt. These programs are to expensive to become out of date right after you buy them.
#38
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,481
I stand corrected by the wise computer gurus on QB. Apparently I must have misunderstood my Bernina dealer when they said the 3-4 years for the dongle. Mea Culpa! This topic has sparked some good info for this computer challenged person.
#40
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,135
Long story short I bought a Brother embroidery machine in 2001 and Palette software (Babylock). My dongle is a parallel port connector. Newer computers do not have a parallel port! I am going to add a parallel port to my Vista machine and plan to downgrade to xp so I can use my software. It is an extra machine my son rebuilt. These programs are to expensive to become out of date right after you buy them.