Update for 150x150 hoop

The hoop size will automatically appear on your Designer Diamond Deluxe for selection as the embroidery arm is attached and the design is chosen.
If the correct hoop size is not appearing at this time, your machine may require updating to include this new hoop size.

No there should not be a lot of play.

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.

Pauline, I'd suggest you jump over to Yahoo and join up the group called Designer1
here is a link http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Designer1/

I have joined several different groups for my sewing machines and find that there are lots of lovely helpful fellow sewing enthusiasts there who share their knowledge and love of sewing.

I think you'll probably get a better response to your search there.

Don't know for sure what is happening, but you should not put on a hoop until you are actually ready to embroider. The unit goes on while the machine is turned off; turn on the machine; it will make a noise; you should get a pop-up on your screen to Calibrate the unit. Touch this button, and the arm moves into position ready. Load your design and choose the correct hoop then put the hoop and project on the machine. Also be sure that your design will fit in the hoop selected.

Dark grey, actually, but you don't need the upgrade. Set the hoop size at the machine for the 150 x 240 hoop and the 150 x 150 hoop will work. Just be sure that the design starts in the centre i.e. don't move it up or down at the machine Embroidery screen. Before you begin sewing, check that the design will fit in the hoop without bumping the sides of the hoop. Use the Check Size button which is on the second screen of the Embroidery Screen (touch More on bottom right of first screen). The Check Size button is the one on the bottom right - the first button to the left of "More". Touch it once, hoop moves to top left of design; touch again hoop moves to bottom left of design; again hoop moves to bottom right; again hoop moves to top right.

Make yourself a note so that when you next take your D1 in for its regular service, get the hoop upgrade done at the same time. You need to have at least version 2.1 of the machine software installed - your tech. can do this for you too. It is a really minor adjustment so should not add much to the service cost. Be sure to take the embroidery unit in too when you go for the service.

If it is not highlighted at the machine that means that the design you want to sew will not fit that hoop. You do not need a download for that hoop, just need to use designs that fit the embroidery field.

Sometimes you think a design will fit but the machine thinks otherwise. Trust the machine - it knows where the stitches are going and knows when it can't do it. I just loaded a design whose longest dimension was 97cm, other side was a lot smaller, but it would not let me sew it in the 100cm x 100cm hoop.

I was able to use my 150 x 150 hoop instead but if you do not have a choice of hoop, try downsizing the design in the Adjust menu. Try only one click each for height and width and then check if the hoop is available. If not, downsize one more click each dimension. Don't downsize a huge design using this technique - you won't like the result!

The first thing to check is the software version on your machine. Later versions are far better at recognizing the proper hoop than the earlier versions. The current version is 2.24 . Check this by looking at the bottom, right corner of the welcome screen when the machine is first turned on. The numbers in that corner are your software version.
If you are in the 2's, then adding the latest probably won't change this problem. Make sure that when the hoop is slid into position you do not go beyond the proper position. The release button on the hoop holder should drop down fully. If it is slightly raised, pull the hoop back toward you, without holding down on the button and see if it clicks down farther. If so, I recommend that you press the button just when you start the hoop onto the machine, then release it and as the hoop slides back it will click into the hole. Wiggle the hoop a little and the button should seat fully and then the machine should recognize it. If it still does not recognize the hoop, you may need professional attention.

If you haven't already done so, download the latest update for the Designer 1 and install it. 2.22 is the latest. Your current software version is in the lower right corner of the display when the machine is first turned on. It only shows for a short time so be ready when you turn it on.
If you have one of the last few versions, the embroidery unit will calibrate by moving the arm to the right and the hoop holder moves away from you, then back part way to the left and the holder will move back toward you and you will then hear a "grunting" sound as the holder moves slightly forward and back to finish verifying its position. If the arm fails to move from side to side or the holder doesn't move forward and back, the embroidery unit may not be fully connected to the machine so turn the machine off, slide the unit 2-3 inches to the left and firmly reconnect it and try again.
You can't bypass the "wrong hoop" display. We just have to convince the machine that you have the correct hoop installed. Let me know how it goes.

The embroidery unit needs to be calibrated. Can only been done by a trained dealer. you can relax, it is not a major issue and shuold not cost you a arm and a leg. Ask the dealer to also calibrate your touch screen and download the working hours on your machine.

Regards

dupina