I need to hook up my bernina 180e sewing machine to my new laptop with windows 7. There is no connection port to plug in my dongle. Does anyone have any ideas on how I can make this system work?

This sounds more like a driver issue than a software problem. The ArtLink 6 software CD that came with the Aurora 430 had drivers for XP and Windows Vista. However, these drivers may have only been for the 32-bit OS. Windows 7 is the first version of the OS to have had a large number of 64-bit installations.

The latest drivers for the Aurora 430 is available here: https://berninaofamerica.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/200183069-Aurora-Driver-Windows-Vista-7-and-8- . You will need to install two drivers; follow the directions on the site. Make sure that the USB cable is good and that you aren't using a USB hub.

If you have installed the drivers and the ArtLink 6 software still isn't working, ArtLink 7 is fully compatible with Windows 7 and the Aurora sewing machines. The only download site for this software that I've found is https://www.bernina.com/en-CA/Products-CA/BERNINA-products/Software-Designs/BERNINA-Embroidery-software/Advanced-Embroidery-Software/ArtLink-Seven . ArtLink 8 is also Windows 7 compatible. However, I haven't found any documentation on the supported sewing machines.

The driver issue also applies to the dongle. Try this site: https://www.bernina.com/he-IL/Support-IL/Software-he/Embroidery-Software/Dongle-Driver . However, since you have the Editor Lite v4, this dongle may not be supported under Windows 7. The dongle driver is not updated regularly. For some information about the software limitations, see https://www.bernina.com/he-IL/Support-IL/FAQ-he/Software-he/Can-I-update-my-BERNINA-embroidery-software-Editor .

I hope this helps.

Cindy Wells
(There is a patch for the v5 software to run properly under Windows 7. There isn't one for the Editor Lite v4 to the best of my knowledge.)

Don't see why not it's comparable ! Good luck

hi, do you have a installation cd or dvd for the doogle so the computer can find & install the doogle to the right port

Just use the free download software from Bernina called Artlink. I used it along with a USB to Serial converter cable to connect to the machine. Works wonderfully. Allows me to still use my old Artista designer software if I want to on an older machine and then when I want to actually transfer the designs I use the laptop with the USB cable.

I am not exactly sure of this particular model. But the dongle should just plug into the computers port on the back of the computer.

For other versions and probably yours...
You'll need the following service packs to use BERNINA Embroidery Software V5 aand under Windows® 7 / Windows Vista™ operating system:

• Service Pack 2 for BERNINA Embroidery Software V5 (V5.0W)
• Aurora driver for 64-bit Windows® operating systems
• Latest dongle driver
• EConPC 3.1 & ADX 7.14

You'll find them at www.bernina.com\downloads
Hope this helped.
Rick

The fault is coming from the side board where you plug your embroidery unit, it is called a com port part 004 531 7000. Bernina had issued a update bullitin to this part. check with a good bernina and they may still cover it under warranty . all the best

You need to get an adapter to convert the 9-pin to a USB port. I have one from Belkin. Once you get that set up, you will need to check the com port for the driver and make sure it is 1, 2, 3, or 4. If you have Vista or Windows 7, your softwware will not work. My dealer wants $400 to upgrade. I kept my old computer just for my sewing machine.
Mary

I have the same problem...V3 software. have not heard of an adapter. The software wouldn't work with Windows XP or Vista anyway. I upgraded to Editor plus V5 but have kept my old Designer plus on an ancient laptop so I can transfer old patterns. You will also find that your new laptop doesn't have a serial port to accomodate the old cable to bernina 180. Unfortunately it's always the case with updating a PC. Everything else has to follow! My advice, get hold of an old laptop:)

I have the Janome 10001 and I love it. I have thousands of designs and they are easily accessible on-line and I can download the designs onto my flash card quickly and the cards were relatively easy to find.
I have just purchased a 180E Bernina. I have heard it is a much better machine and Bernina does have a wonderful reputation and is supposed to be the best there is. I have found that the dealers near London Ontario are not customer service oriented. I attended a store and am still waiting for someone to phone me back with information. I did email Bernina on-line and they have been exceptionally helpful and willing to offer suggestions, and information and solutions. The dealer just north of London was not even interested in helping me at all and basically blew me off. I think once you find a reliable dealer you are ok. If you get either of these machines, email me and I can help you with whatever you need to get up and running. ([email protected])
I am currently moving so have not got the Bernina set up right now. ONce I get it going and use it for a while I can give you a better idea of which one is better. I might just keep both but not sure.
Good luck!