Bernina Activa 130 - Answered Questions & Fixed issues

Jean

https://www.berninamanuals.com/Bernina_Service_Manuals.htm (not free)

Bernina usually puts the model number somewhere on the front of the machine. It is also on the plate that has the serial number, etc.

Lets start at square-one. Have you checked the plug fuse ? Have you checked that the 2-pin mains plug is firmly inserted into the socket on the back of the machine ?If yes to the above ... are there any lights on at all ... sewing light, display backlight ? If it's completely dead, it's most likely the power supply 'L'-print which is a separate module screwed into the back of the machine below the spool holders. Your best bet is to get the machine checked-out by a Bernina service agent.

Do you mean Bernina Activa 130? - ussualy you have to change just cables 000659.71.13 CABLE CPL. 5-POL or 000659.71.12 CABLE CPL. 5-POL - order nr. for circuit board is 408832.70.00 L-PRINT CLASSIC UNIVERSAL - see internet for "where can I purchase ..."

Turn your on/off switch to off, unplug from the machine, wait 30 seconds and plug cord back into machine, then into socket. Turn your on button on. See if this will reset it. Be sure to turn any lights off when in the off position.

If the thread is bunching under the fabric, most likely it is bird nesting. Bernina artista 180 bottom stitch bunching The other possibility is that there is an incompatibility of needle/thread/fabric. Be sure to use a brand new needle! Use only good quality sewing machine thread--AVOID old or bargain bin threads! All About Needles

You have two problems: 1) Sometime it sews fine, but other times it will sew like there is no tension on the thread and create a "birdsnest" in the bobbin compartment. Cause : Threading the upper thread - clean upper thread tensions discs - do not forget "• raise the needle and presser foot" (see manual page 18) 2) Sometimes it just randomly changes ... Please open new ticket. Give tu us more info. It seems like Short circuit on S-print, but your description is chaotic (not usable)

Perhaps the manual would be helpful: BERNINA activa 210 Support BERNINA You may want to download and keep this manual. A lot of manuals for older Berninas are no longer available. ...

You might have bent your needle bar which would prevent movement of the handwheel.

Remove the needle plate (by pushing on right rear corner of plate) and clean out any lint build up from the feed dogs and replace plate.

Is it the bobbin tension that is very loose? Try tightening it. Also check that the bobbin has been installed in the bobbin case, turning the correct direction and that the bobbin tension is threaded properly. Bobbin Tension How and Why Tension is Adjusted Understanding Bobbin Tension Understanding Thread Tension Threads If it is the upper tension that is loose and creating "thread nests" under the fabric, the machine is either misthreaded or possibly the thread is not seated completely in the tension disk. Remove the upper thread from the machine. ALWAYS RAISE the presser foot and rethread the upper thread from the beginning--verify the thread path is correct. Set the upper tension to the midway point between high & low number (the factory standard--although it may need tweaking later for your particular machine). Retest your machine. Hopefully, the issue has been resolved. If not, it may need service. Tutorials Urban Threads Unique and Awesome Embroidery Designs What causes Bird Nests Superior Threads Sewing Machine Thread Bunching Up Here Why ...

The pressure foot is only made to push down on the material, not the feed dogs. If you put it too low it will destroy the feed dogs and the pressure foot as well as the material. 1. To adjust, lower the pressure of the pressure foot as much as you can. 2. Place a thick piece of material under the foot. Turn the hand wheel until the feed dogs are up. 3. The pressure foot rod has a screw that holds it into place. You will adjust the rod by moving it up and down until there is a small amount of pressure on the material. Tighten the screw and try your machine without a needle to see if the material will move. Now, try other thicknesses of material. The rod may need to be slightly adjusted a small amount to get it "just right". 4. PUT IN NEEDLE AND CHECK FOR ALIGNMENT TO THE HOLE. (DANGER IF NOT ALIGNED).

plug it into your charger cable and 110volts, there is only one connector that the charger cable will go into.

There is one screw on the bottom of the machine in the center of the handwheel end. Remove this screw fully. Then the cover should come off fairly easily. The top of the cover has two pins that slide up into the housing of the machine. So be careful not to break these while removing the cover. Also, the screw that goes in from the bottom is held tight by a metal washer that rests in a plastic channel on the cover. Be sure not to lose this washer. If you do, you will not be able to reattach the cover.

it sounds like there is a timing problem with the machine, it may need to be serviced

Is the bobbin thread through the needle eye? If not then it needs to be there. The top thread doesn't pull it.

There isn't an automatic button hole on this machine. You can do it manually. Thread the bobbin thread as usual, but put it through the little hole on the hook in the bobbin case. Set the stitch length between 0 and 1, like a nice satin stich. Set the needle position to the far left and the stitch width to 2. Sew down the left side. Center the needle, set the width to 4 and lower the feed dogs, stitch about 6 stitches across the bottom. Then reverse the direction, set the needle to the right, stitch width to 2 and go back up the right side. Lower the feed dogs again, set a wide stitch and finish the top.

Another good option is to buy a universal presser foot shank from Bernina and then attach an old cam type buttonhole attachment from Singer. They make beautiful buttonholes and you can even do a keyhole button hole.

Have you removed the bobbin and inspected the area? Quite possibly there is thread or lint that is preventing movement in that area.

Take the machine to an authorized Bernina dealer for service - make sure to fill out the service slip with any problems you are having.