With memory stick in Designer SE machine USB port, whilst selecting a design, got an error message "Device disconnected". This appears to be an intermittant problem and has happened using different memory sticks.

Most newer USB drives are not compatible with the Designer SE. Only Husqvarna Embroidery USB Sticks are guaranteed to work with this sewing machine. https://www.manualslib.com/manual/827718/Husqvarna-Viking-Designer-Se.html?page=21 . The entire manual is available from https://www.husqvarnaviking.com/support/DESIGNER-SE . One tip: try making sure that the file is not inside a folder on the USB stick. (In File Explorer, you should open the drive and see the file in that first list/window. If you build the folders on the sewing machine, it's less likely to be a problem.)

Other USB sticks can sometimes work. However, you need to format the stick at the sewing machine before putting files on the USB stick at the computer. 2GB and larger USB sticks are the most likely to give problems. 32MB to 1GB sticks are more likely to work. Only one person found an 8GB USB stick would work with the Designer SE. Most new USB sticks are formatted with a NTFS format. The sewing machine may be looking for a FAT16 or FAT32 format. The other possibility is limited USB drivers on the sewing machine. (I've got an Ag GPS position system that won't accept any USB stick unless it is labeled as "Works with Windows 98". Those USB sticks didn't need the OS to download a driver from Windows Update when they were first plugged into the computer.)

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(The Designer SE could talk directly to Windows XP or Vista via USB. However, the programming probably had more in common with Windows 98.)

No one here would know what the repair number means. Our Husqvarna category is just for filing. We are not an official site for them.

It's a guess but.... With many items like this, the USB stick or memory card has to be formatted by the host device. Refer to the manual or here. It looks like you need software, and perhaps the 'formatting device' command is in there.

https://www.husqvarnaviking.com/en-CA/Support/Complimentary-Software

and here
https://www.embird.net/sw/embird/tutorial/vikdes1u/vikdesu1.htm

This appears to indicate the memory stick is proprietary to them 'Upgrade Kit'.

https://www.google.com/search?q=husqvarna+viking+designer+1+usb+upgrade+kit

..

Sounds like cable has become disconnected inside machine or emb unit. Have it checked by authorized Viking Dealer. Check website http://www.husqvarnaviking.com/us for nearest Viking dealer.

You have probably got the machine set to use a different size hoop. Click on the hoop icon and change it to the size you are using. Hope this helps you.

In one word: No. Sorry. It can be updated to a USB port, but the port will only accept Husqvarna formatted USB sticks, not an external CD drive. This is not to say you have to purchase Husqvarna USB sticks as well as pay for the USB upgrade - it will take any USB sticks, they just have to be formatted with the Husqvarna software which comes with the upgrade.

I have a Designer I USB that suddenly started not reading the usb stick that came with the machine. I was terrified that my machine was going bad, but I always start with the cheapest solution first. I bought a new usb stick, loaded the designs from the old one into my software then loaded everything on the new usb stick. My machine reads it every time so far. I replaced the usb stick about 3 months ago and have not had another problem since. I don't know if this is your problem, but usb sticks can go bad and since they are so cheap, I would try this first.

I've used both Office Depot 2gb ($10) and Ativa 2gb ($20) memory sticks with no problem.

First you need the USB upgrade kit that has the connectors and parts to change the cover of the machine.
Next, you will need a new main circuit board if your machine was made prior to about 2006.
At this point, the cost of parts is about $489. If you can get someone to install these for $10, you can get this done for under $500.
Otherwise, go to an authorized Husqvarna Viking dealer and check into trading your Designer 1 in for a Designer SE. You will then be able to plug in an external 3.5 floppy drive to read your old disks, a USB stick, or plug directly into your computer and read them from the hard drive (an upgraded Designer 1 can read ONLY from the stick). Used Designer SE's are very reasonably priced since the introduction of the Designer Diamond as the new top of the line and you may be able to get a full manufacturers warranty on the gently used machine.

Hello,
It is not true that the 180 is not compatible with new software.
I'm owning a artista 180 from 2002 and just installed the software designer V5+ on a laptop with windows vista.
The only problem was that there was no serial port on the laptop, now I have a new cable with USB ans serial output and the software works very well !!
When you contact Bernina you will get the same answer.

greetings Carla

You need the USB Manager software to view the files. Have a look at all the software that were supplied with the machine. Load the embroidery software on your laptop and then open the USB manager.

When it opens it will show a light blue screen and grey icons to the left. Click in "disk", then click on "read disk" and you should be able to see your designs. The grey icons will turn orange were designs are stored, and the grey ones indicate empty space for more designs.

Enjoy your fantastic machine