Viking D1- USB port problems

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Viking D1- USB port problems

by RL Schaefer
(Chardon, OH)

I bought a VSM 910 on ebay a few years ago and loved it- to this day it gives me not one bit of trouble. Then I went to the local dealer for a few lessons on it. I saw the Sapphire 870 Quilt machine, bought that- and after 3 bad machines(was told they had "issues" with some internal board) I returned it.

I bought a VSM 500 on ebay- love that machine- seller sent along tons of extras, manuals- things were great.

Local dealer contacted me about a great "deal" on a Viking D1-brand new in the box- she felt bad about all the grief I went through for 3 months right before the previous holiday season with the Sapphire 870. She showed me this fabulous D1 -USB -bought the embroidery arm and 4D program- I was in love.

Overall, the machine itself is great- but they have had KNOWN issues with the USB port on the actual sewing machine- not recognizing the VSM dedicated memory stick to import your purchased embroidery designs from your own computer.

My own computer has never had a problem recognizing the stick- just the actual sewing machine USB PORT-it's recessed to far back on some machines.

For me, issue started in March and the local dealer said she was aware of a few others having the same problem and to "just jiggle the memory stick when it's in the sewing machine to get it to recognize it". Didn't sound like a proper solution, but at the time, nothing else was being offered-

AND I TOTALLY AGREE- VSM'S CUSTOMER SERVICE IS BASCIALLY NON EXISTENT-incredible waste of time emailing these idiots only to get a form letter in resposne to be told take issue up with dealer.

This problem has gotten so bad, the local dealer finally admitted this past Nov that powers that be are aware of the problem and instead of retro fitting the internal side of the USB port on the machine itself, as it recessed too far back to make a good contact with memory stick on various D1 machines- they gave me a USB stick meant for a SE/LE machine- which works roughly 75% of the time- totally unacceptable-

I have tons of projects to do-nothing is more frustrating wondering is the machine will cooperate so you can get busy.

Got so fed up- I called local dealer in Dec and it was suggested for me to bring machine to dealer- she'll send it off to the local technician- Not sure what, if anything he can do or how LONG the machine will be GOME. Wrong answer!

She had told me in the 1st place to "just jiggle", then admits they know of the problem, but to properly correct it- is NOT COST EFFECTIVE for VSM to do the proper repair.

I am so sorry I spent what I did on this machine-but the feet also work on the 500-thank heavens!

So VSM is more concerned about COST EFFECTIVE rather than properly fixing an issue and restoring what I originally paid for-

A fully functioning machine, that some-not all D1 owners have.

Wish I would have found this board, before I let the local VSM dealer waste my $$$ and time on yet another poorly designed machine.

BTW- it's my understanding for all of you Diamond owners that are having issues- the Diamond is the Sapphire, with just a larger bed and embroidery programs. And as stated above-the Sapphire had horrible design issues- of which I got so fed up I returned that machine.

Next machine- Bernina- but that will take some time to save up for- but for what VSM gets for the Diamond, a few more $$ for a better designed and reliable machine is well worth it.

Never again VSM!

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Viking D1- USB port problems

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Jan 27, 2010
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bad berninas
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

WOW. before you buy a bernina look at the review page on this site that we the machinists write. loads of problems with them and no customer service. i wouldn't have one if it was a free gift in a free raffle.

Jan 27, 2010
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Thank you Helena!
by: RL Schaefer

Thank you Helena Llewellyn, after I wrote my post, I did in fact, start reading over the issues with the Berninas! How disappointing- again!
I am still limping along with the DI-USB that I wrote about- praying that eventually the VSM people will do the right thing and correct this frustrating issue.
I know I am not the only one experiencing this trouble. Aside from the pesky non recognition problem- I am please with this machine. I did manage to create several nice gifts and find this machine to be one of the best.
It is just a sad commentary to find such high end machines and not having the companies stand behind their products and to be willing to correct the known problems without making the consumer go through all kinds of hoops to get the issues resolved.

Feb 13, 2010
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Viking D1 USB Port
by: Anonymous

Turn your machine off, put the embroidery unit on, insert the memory stick then turn the machine on. Wait about 30 to 45 seconds before touching the stick icon on the machine. The machine has to "process" the information on the stick like a computer processes information on CD's. Hope this works for you as it does for me.

Feb 13, 2010
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That used to work, no longer does, sadly.
by: RL Schaefer

Thank you Anonymous- that used to work when I first bought the unit. It has become less reliable as to when the machine will recognize there is a memory stick in. And this is with the "new" stick I was given by the dealer that is actually meant for the SE/LE machines, not sure what the real difference is, I was given that one because they claim it has a longer "lip" to reach the internal connection.
I was able to get a hold of a manual for this particular machine meant for the service technicians and there is an area that discusses this problem.
Now finding a service tech in my area that is familar and can address this problem properly is the current problem. Until I find that person, the machine will stay put.

Feb 14, 2010
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rl shaefer
by: helena llewellyn south wales uk

hiya, rl, think about this for a moment. if the dealer flogged you this machine knowing very well it had issues. she/he sold it to you under false pretences. see about suing for return of your cash in small claims court. even if your warranty is up you are still entitled to sue. as the machine has had problems from the off and the issues have not been addressed and put right. don't delay love, do it now.

Apr 06, 2010
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Start contacting these people and let them know just how awful their service is.
by: Anonymous

SVP Worldwide is the global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of consumer and artisan sewing machines and accessories. The group was united in February 2006 when American equity firm Kohlberg & Company; owner of the Singer brand, acquired Swedish VSM Group; the parent company of the Husqvarna Viking and Pfaff brands.

Today, management of the SVP Worldwide is divided between the U.S. and Sweden.
Singer, founded in 1851, is one of world’s leading sellers of household sewing machines, with manufacturing facilities in Brazil and China, 10 overseas marketing operations and a network of third-party distributors selling products in more than 190 different countries.
VSM is the leader in the premium segments of its industry, with manufacturing facilities in Sweden, 16 sales companies and distributors in 57 countries with the world’s largest dealer network consisting of some 4,100 sales-points.
Our goal is to provide our distributors, customers, and consumers with industry leading products, education, and standards of service. As a group, we are better positioned to respond to the needs of consumers worldwide.
Read more about Kohlberg at www.kohlberg.com/aboutfs.html.

For more information about Kohlberg & Company, you may complete the following form or phone/write us at:

Kohlberg & Company
111 Radio Circle
Mt. Kisco, NY 10549
Phone 914.241.7430
Fax 914.241.7476
3000 Alpine Road, Suite 100
Portola Valley, CA 94028
Phone 650.463.1480
Fax 650.463.148

Oct 08, 2010
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Viking Designer I
by: Anonymous

I have had my Designer I machine for 9 years and I absolutely love it. However, this was not always the case. When I purchased it, I was told it was used in a Martha Pullen class one time and that it was perfect. Within a year after purchase, I started having problems with the stitches, computer screen, you name it. I can't even remember how many times I had it in the dealer's shop. The dealer was terrible. they would tell me that the machine would be ready in four or five days, which ended up being a month or more. Finally, a friend told me about another dealer about 25 miles away. To make a long story short, I took my machine to that dealer and continued until we moved several years later. It seems that there had been a recall on the machine head that I was never told about from the first dealer. The second dealer replaced the entire head without a charge to me. From that day on, I have been in love with this machine. I am thinking about buying a Diamond on ebay but am suspect since the price is low and it is being shipped from Europe. Does anyone know how the Diamond performs. I especially wanted the USB port since it is becoming difficult to find floppy discs.

Dec 14, 2010
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USB Port Problems
by: Carla S

I don't have the Designer D1- but have the Designer SE. I have the same USB port problems, having to baby the stick each time to get it to work, even with the stock one. Interesting, dealer said I blew the control panel by using a nonstock USB. I too am thinking of going to Bernina as everyone I know seems to feel that although they have problems, the machines are serviced without problems, not what I can say about the Designer SE. Any thoughts on doing this would be appreciated. Just spent $$ on the 5D system, as there is no support for the version I had.

Dec 31, 2010
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Viking D1 USB Port Problems
by: Barb Harkness

Try using a non-viking stick. There are quite a few that can be used in the machine. You just need to format them and that can be done on our computer.

I bought a used D! for my motor home for when we travel (lord forsake us that we don't have a machine with us at all times). It didn't have a VSM Stick so i checked for sticks compatable. The D1 I have was also one that had been updated from disc to USB. It is true you have to give it a few minutes to read. This is because of the hard drive in machine. Although it is a stick, the guts still work as if it was a floppy. Floppies always took longer.I have had know problems with it. I run an SE LE st home and again I have had know problems there.
I run a small cottage business and use these machines all the time. I have a Quilt D2 as a back up, all have embroidery arms.

Jan 20, 2011
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Thanks for your comments
by: Terri Bailey

I have read the reviews of all eight brands listed in hopes of deciding what type of sewing machine I will buy as I learn how to quilt. I was shown a Viking 850 Quilt today and was amazed at what it can do. I am hoping to find a machine that will allow me to quilt something at the largest a "full size" for a bed.

It is very frustrating to find that there is no one who will service a machine after the sale. Computerized things need servicing, and knowing that, I have been holding on to my old Kenmore and Singer machines for far too long.

I also would like to know if I am being charged too much. Could someone recommend an average price? Also, what machine works best for quilting? Thanks in advance.

Jan 31, 2011
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Viking Desinger SE
by: Kris

I bought a Saphire machine in March of 2009. Machine was a dream. But I wanted more so I traded-up to a Desinger SE in October of 2009. This was the biggest mistake EVER!! For an addition $4,000 I have had nothing but problems. My board went out Feb 2010 the dealer was having issues getting parts and then parts that were not defective. Took a couple of months. Got breast cancer, so my machine sat for at least 4 months until I was able to get back to sewing. In Sept 2010, made a list of "issues" my machine was having and brought to dealer. Repaired all but one. Viking sent parts but they did not fix the problem. Called SVP and between them and the dealer, the machine was to be sent to TN for repair. This was the week of Thanksgiving 2010. Machine actually sent the week after Christmas 2010. Returned to dealer fixed first week of January 2011. Picked up. Used for less than 2 hours. Returned to dealer, who returned to TN for repair again. Pickup up January 28, 2011. Just dropped off today, January 31, 2011. Still not working. Can't even sew a straight line. After spending %5,500 I still do not have a sewing machine and most of this started before the machine was 3 months old.

I would recommend to anyone looking to buy a machine (for the money these manufacturers are charging), is (1) to ask about the servicing of them (2) find out where they are manufacturered!!! All Viking manufacturered in Sweden are well built machines. They manufacturing was moved to Asia, and now LOTS of problems. Wish I knew then what I know now!!
Good Luck

Dec 05, 2011
Rating

VSm could care less about customer service NEW
by: Anonymous

I own a D1 floppy and love it. I agree VSP has the worst customer service I have ever experienced. They don't even bother to answer questions from customers. Don't blame the people who work in the stores they are not supported by either corporate or their district managers.
aLL vsp wants are sales and they could care less about customers. WATCH OUT FOR THAT LEMON OF A DESIGNER DIAMOND DELUX. MY OLD D1 HAS A BETTER EMPRODERY CONSINSTANTLY THAN THAT PEICE OF CHINESE JUNK.

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