If you click "SHOW MORE" in the description above your be able to see Links to the Tools 🔧🔨🔧 I use. Also Clickable Chapters📋 📙 throughout the video and other Links 🎬 that may be of interest. I've had a few viewers request where they can buy the tools they see in some of my videos but it's not very clear that the "SHOW MORE" tab has a lot of information in that may be of interest. Admittedly the amazon links are associated with me and I would earn a small commission which helps towards keeping the channel funded.
I've been an electro/mechanical service technician for over 30 years and this is one of the best repair videos I've ever seen. So clearly filmed and well narrated. You, sir, are one of the best on TH-cam. I'm looking at buying a used Bernina and this makes me think I could fix it if a problem came up. Nice to see the guts of a 20 year old machine similar to one I'm looking at. Many thanks!
@@CoatsandGaiters When I saw your workbench setup with spares and a Fluke multimeter and a Weller soldering station I knew that this would be a good video. We have a few things in common, it appears. I also have an attraction to motorbikes and auto repair as well as a suitable assortment of high quality tools and gizmos. Living near the left coast of the US I don't have much need of Peugeot repair videos (they haven't been imported here since 1990) and the last Mini I was involved with was a tired 850 back in the mid 70's that was confiscated by the constables in Amsterdam for not having Dutch plates. I did have some serious dealings with two separate Norton 850 Commandos in the same time period, one of which got left alongside the motorway with an alternator problem on the way to Rotterdam. When I returned someone had already collected it without leaving a note. Heartless tea leaf. It's always refreshing to watch someone who knows how to properly wield a screwdriver and spanner and doesn't let his wisdom inflate his ego. Cheers and thanks.
@@marscruz Oh dear you've had some luck haven't you !! Ironically I have been planning to start doing electronics on TH-cam as I enjoyed it as a teenager but still not got around to shelling out the £1,000+ for an oscilloscope so things have been on pause for a while now. I struggle to pay big money on tech items as they always tend to go wrong or have a sting in the tail, like needing an update or something that often kills the item. Mind saying that there are lots of true experts on TH-cam that do electronics very well.
@@CoatsandGaiters There are some good deals to be had on inexpensive Rigol and Siglent Tech scopes for less than half of your thousand quid price point. I heard about them from Dave Jones on the Ozzie channel EEVblog. He tests multimeters, scopes and all sorts.
@@marscruz I was looking at the Keysight ones. If a mobile phone is £1,000 then surly something as complicated and precise as an oscilloscope would be £1,000 minimum in my logic. Camera lens is £1,000 as well....everything is £1,000 lol
Can only say Wow ! I have exactly that same machine...which is now 20+ years old. At present - fingers crossed - it's working perfectly, but the observation about tantalum capacitors is well taken on board. Apart from fixing that, showing how to remove and install the covers is very helpful as mine was bought used and could probably benefit from a service. I'm quite used to servicing vintage mechanical machines, but never so far had to take the covers off a modern one, so knowing how to do that without damage is brilliant. Despite their age, these are still superb machines.IMO Bernina still make the best domestic ones...although at a price...but think you can figure out why when you just lift one up (heavy !) even before you see that chassis and compare it to some of the other stuff on the market. Editing this must have taken quite some time and effort, so thank you so much.
Thank you for the comment. I love the Bernina machines, my wife has one and my mum is still using hers so the repair has held up since making this video. The videos take about a week to make. Two days to record, two days editing and then a day doing voice over and social media parts.
Wow, based on the comments there is great demand for help with sewing machines! A general TH-cam search brought me to your video. Well done. Bought a Activa 130 at the car boot yesterday. Powered on, but wouldn't sew. Fault was easy to spot - very poor repair on the cord to the foot controller. Machine needed a deep clean so I took the case apart like you did - looked like the machine blew up on the kitchen table! Lots of lint to clean away, lube, and will put back together today. No burnt tantalums, matter of fact, board is not identical to yours. Meanwhile, Run it May, Shine it Must. Cheers!
Thank you for your awesome video of the disassembly and workings of the Bernina. I have a Bernina activa 130 and wanted to clean the insides. Your methodical and clear disassembly was what I needed to be sure I was able to see the insides as well as carefully reassemble it properly. I would love to see a video similarly showing the areas that need to be oiled or greased too. Thank you for your time and efforts.
Thank yo0u for such a lovely comment Angela. Sadly the sewing machine is my mums and it's back with her. Hopefully your be able to oil it with some Bernina recommended oil. Best use what they recommend to be on the safe side and this might be where less is more. I'd probably just put a spot on every point where there is movement between the mechanicals. Good luck.
This is the best repair/tear-down video I have ever seen on TH-cam, and I have watched hundreds. Brilliantly, logically structured, detailed and comprehensive. It gives me some hope of repairing my sisters Activa 135. I suspected a fault with the L-print PSU module, since the 5v logic S-print module and and screen are alive, but no drive to either main or bobbin motor, even though the footpedal appears fine (microswitch working, cable OK, potentiometer range seems about right from ~10MegaR to 8R fully depressed). This video is just what I need to dig deeper on a sewing machine, a device as alien to me as a Formula One gearbox. AIUI new L-print boards are about £150 and S-print £250, but n/a to ordinary punters, only pro Bernina techs. Add labour for service and it's fairly obvious why my sister's machine has sat in a cupboard for 4 years. Even if you can afford a potential £400-600 bill, it's a lot of money to spend on a 20-year old machine. She already had it serviced by independent sewing machine engineers who failed to fix or identify the problem, probably because electronics are beyond them. Thank you so much for making this video. I'll let you know how it goes.
Can't edit but the range of the footpedal potentiometer measures 10megaohm (with pedal depressed just enough to operate the microswitch cut out) to ~8ohm at full throttle. I believe this is correct. There is another pretty good video on YT that deals with testing the Bernina SR1 footpedal and cable used by this generation of machines. Seem to be a very common failure, but are also widely available new, £50-£60.
And... it is fixed and working. I stripped it completely. The 135 is a bit different, with a simpler power supply and only a single fuse. Found a couple of indications of previous sloppy repair, including a missing case bolt and some sticky tape. On the S-print module I re-soldered what looked like 3 potentially dry joints, but also the 4-pin 'blue' connector was disconnected - I assume the previous sloppy repairer didn't insert it fully. Thanks ever so much for showing how it comes apart and the sequence.
Also the S-print board is very different on the Activa 135. No surface mount tantalum capacitors! The joints that looked possibly dry were either end of a fairly large axial capacitor near the centre of the board, and the attachment points of the mains socket (which probably gets stressed by frequent use). But I suspect the real problem was that the 'blue' connector had come loose or not beein fully inserted.
Thank you so much for the brilliant video. I've just acquired an Activa 130 which thankfully has no issues, but now if anything crops up I have a game plan thanks to your instructional video. Truly appreciate your expertise!
Impressive mechanism, lovely videoing again. Really appreciate the annotated pictures + the short history bit. The bernina branded IC's from Japan were surprising.. It's such a satisfying feeling when you can give something back to someone, saying: "it's fixed". "Woooah, how much do I owe you?" "Naff all" :)
Thank you for the compliment. Never noticed the Bernina name on them. Will have to relook now. Mum is really pleased. Funny she said I will pay you but it was nice to say no worries mum. Enjoyed making it. Never thought a Bernina would be so simple to strip down.
Excellent video. I normally would not watch a 30 min How to do video, but I watched the entire video. I liked the little bit history of Bernina. Thanks for the video and Congratulation.
Congrats to your amazing video, which was very professionally taken, the commentaries were clear and precise. This stands out as one of the best instructional videos I've watched on TH-cam. Thanks for your time and effort!
Thank you for an extremely informative video. I bought a 220 years ago hoping to use it for classes but the local shop closed up. I pulled mine out a couple of years ago and it wouldn't start and the dealer said to wait a half hour to 45 minutes. It came on. I was able to use it for a couple of weeks and then the stitch length died on me. The needle just goes up and down but the feed dogs work. Bernina only gives a lifetime warranty on the metal parts, not the computer parts so I don't know how much they would charge for the fix and I was too frustrated with the machine to care anymore. My daughter wanted a better machine and thought about seeing if I could this brick working so I checked out your video. I don't feel comfortable in taking it apart, but from your video I'm guessing the connector is probably loose up front. Still worth fixing as it seems some of these computer parts die after about 20 years. Again, awesome video.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I think the capacitors only last around 20 years which is what died on my mums one in this video. Hope you can sort it as they are good machines.
@@CoatsandGaiters I called up Bernina and they'll take a look at it. Funny how one time I called up and they said it was worthless and now another lady says to bring it in and we'll take a look. Once I got it up and running after your video it sounded terrible so I know it needs a good cleaning and oiling. I miss the old days when you could practically take the entire machine apart yourself, oil it and everything was metal. I have a much better understanding of why these machines cost as much as they do from your video and the cost to repair and clean them.
@@quiltedwithlove they are still expensive on eBay second hand so even if they quite really high you could probably still sell it on ebay as spares or repair. Everything is getting more and more expensive recently.
At 14.50 you run the motor with the presser foot down. Bad idea, you can scratch the base of the foot with the moving feed dogs and this will cause snagging on the fabric later on. Great video though, very informative. I can service the old non electric machines but would never attempt anything electric, don't have any experience with electrical devices and would probably kill myself. But it's fun to watch and I've learned a lot, thanks. Bernina sewing machines are the best in the world. At the end the wee fart sound as the machine powers up is the Bernina Burp, the needle centres itself on power up and this is where the noise comes from. A needle set at the centre certainly won't work with the zipper foot though.
Good point, you can tell I don't sew lol. Good to hear you learnt from it, I found it interesting to make the video and see everything working. It's like magic when you see so many parts interacting at once.
Wow Loved watching you working on this machine. I can only compliment your working and detailed instructions you are fantastic. Thank you for sharing this great video. Regards Sue x
This is indeed a very nicely made video. And congrats on getting a working bernina! I just got a faulty activa 145 but I guess I’m not that lucky to be able to get the faulty board, and machine, back to life. But will give it a try! Thank you very much for the effort you’ve made in making this. By the way the machine is fascinating!
Thank you, I have just bought an Ex-high school machine, identical, 140 Activa. It is quite grotty and there is a tiny squeak noise which I am thinking might be a capacitor on its way out. Thanks to your video I am confident I will be able to isolate the offending capacitor if/when it does blow. And also I am confident I will be able to clean its insides thoroughly and sort out whatever has been living in there recently. 🥴
I have the identical machine but was told by a Bernina repair person it wasn’t worth fixing cos if it’s age in case it blew again! After watching your excellent video feel confident I could take it apart and test the basics but I’m sure I wouldn’t identify the type of capacitor it would need should I see a burnt one! Any suggestions? I’ve just successfully mended the foot pedal of my mums vintage sewing machine( a lot less complex I have to add) after being told I’d probably need a new one!!! I’m probably getting overconfident now but feel I have nothing to lose! Feel distraught to let it die!🤣🤣🤣
They will be considering the labour costs involved I expect. Don't forget these things will always have a value on eBay to someone. You can always take a look and if you see something obvious or the same capacitor has blown as in mine I can try to help with information etc. You can send photographs direct to my email address in the 'About' section on here'
Thank you so much that’s so kind! I’m going to have a go and I will meticulously put sticky tabs to link parts to attach in correct places!! At 69 memory not so gt but head not gone yet!!🤞🤪🤣!!! Sue
@@susanbearsley7746 Keep us posted Sue. I always say nothing to loose as long as you don't break anything lol. I'm sure your be ok if you take it slowly and note things or take photo's with your phone as you go along.
Hi, Susan - you are definitely thnking along the right lines. These are brilliant machines that seem to be a bit under the radar, but much prized by those who have them. To buy anything equivalent today would cost a lot (broadly it's the current Bernina 300 series - very similar machines inside, but with revised cases and a few new whistles and bells) that spending some money on fixing it is what I'd do...that is if you can either DIY or find an honest repair guy who isn't fibbing to try to sell you a new machine. They do that unfortunately.... Mechanically Berninas aren't likely to go wrong unless abused or heavily used without service for a long long time. In reality, you don't need a sewing machine repairer for the electronic stuff. Most know next to nothing about electronics, and would only swap out a brand new board at a price and not attempt a repair. Almost certainly better to try to find someone who fixes generic electronic stuff who'd sort this for next to nothing. As an alternative, these crop up on that well known auction site ffrom time to time and go for not a huge amount. Have a 140 that was £150, and an Activa 135 that was £175 both working 100% - so you may get a fully functioning machine, but if not at least have a spares machine to make a good 'un out of 2. If you haven't already fixed it/got it fixed, I hope you do.
@@mehere779 Thank you so much for your advice. Haven’t actually attempted the repair yet as had lots going on in house after a flood during the December freeze! You have motivated me to have a go though and I will post how I get on! I have a nephew who used to to fix the monitors and electrical equipment in hospitals so I’m sure he’ll have the appropriate tools! Thanks once again Sue
I watched your video several times while I worked on a similar Bernina, thank you.!! The way you made the video is incredibly helpful. QUESTION: You are the only person I've ever seen use a cordless screwdriver on a sewing machine. I want to do that too but I've asked others who say you don't have enough control and so on. Do you find it ok? I have recently opened a sewing machine repair business so will be opening a lot of machines, concerned about RSI. Any feedback greatly appreciated, thanks!
Great informative video, I have a Bernina 750 and when turned on there is only a flash of the sewing light, I know what to look for and will take my time finding the problem, thanks so much.
@@CoatsandGaiters all I am getting is a flash from the sewing light when I turn the machine on which would probably mean there is a short somewhere, I can hear a continuous noise near the on/off switch when the power is on, have checked the fuse near the on/off switch and that appears ok, so I will need to go in deeper and check other causes, thanks for your information.
Thank you for this informative and concise video. Your detailed pictures are very helpful. It looked like the burnt capacitor did not have any discernible writing on it. How were you able to determine the capacity and voltage requirement for the capacitor you installed? Thanks again for a great video.
Hi and thank you for your compliment. The circuit had another identical circuit alongside so took my capacitor values from that circuit. Sewing machine happily running still.
A lot of circuitry in there as well! Just looked up the price, these are still expensive machines, well worth fixing! Much more valuable than the junk I work on :p That cap sure died gracefully, sometimes they take a lot of other stuff down with them..
I know they are still £300 + second hand !!! I assumed it would be more than just that one component. It’s one thing replacing the obvious and another to know what your looking for ...... which I didn’t lol was a lucky break
Thanks for sharing. I have a Bernina 125 S. When I start the machine it works fine, but after a short while it just turns off while the screen light and the sewing light are still on. When I start the machine and don't without using it after about 3 minutes it turns off. When I start the machine and use it after about 7-10 minutes it turns off. In both cases both screen light and the sewinglight are on. This machine has a switch mode power sulpy.
@@CoatsandGaiters The mechanic parts are om. The wheel turns easy. That's why I did try to test the machine by only turning ig on, and not using it. It turns off afte 3 minues!
Thank you for posting the video of the Bernina Activa 140 sewing machine in TH-cam. I bought a local used Bernina 140, and it runs slow, but keeps the speed. I bought a new foot pedal, and the issue remained. The machine is able to perform all decorative stitches as well. Would you happen to know what could be causing this issue? I believe it could be the power supply, but I don't have the electronic diagram to fix the Bernina. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
That sounds rather odd, I would have said foot pedal but as it's new that rules that out. Has it been serviced as the oil will dry up and put the motor under more load though I doub't it would slow it down that much. I'd have thought the power supply would either work or not really. If it's the same Bernina as in my video I'd take it apart and just see if there is anything obvious that's burnt out. I don't have the schematic on the Bernina but the component that cooked was clearly the same as the other 2 near by which I where I took the value from.
Is there a way to adjust the stitching speed of the machine, either at the foot pedal or in the main machine? My Artista can go from 500-ish to 880 stitches per minute but I have to go into the program to change this. Check your manual.
Sorry for the delay. I'd just try and find the power to the LCD and see if it's got power. The tantalum capacitors do fail which will cut the power and they have a service life of around 20 years.
*Hi mate, love your videos, can I request a future video..... can you make a video on how to repair and service a vhs vcr video recorder ....thanks in advance 👍*
@@CoatsandGaiters Thank you. I was wondering what the function would be of the last module that I hadn’t figured out on my 145. I think that’s it but still need to work out how exactly it works with the main board,
Fantastic - I know the capacitors are a known problem on 10nn series berninas as they get elderly ( mine has had them done) time for my ex school activa 140 to be looked @ - funnily enough I'm into old motorbikes too ( and valve amplifiers ) I'm going to ask you the million dollar question did you go back and replace the other two caps ? Also from a resourcing perspective I like the idea continuing with old machines until they can't work any longer these are beautifully made and should last a long time
Hi there, great video, love the details and commentary. the problem with my bernina is that it powers on including the lamp and LCD display, bernina "burp", needle position works however two strange things happen when I engage the foot pedal, 1. bobbin winder runs both when in the off position and on position (switch tested with multimeter, looks okay). and 2. when I eliminate the bobbin winder and unplug the bright yellow cable from the L print, then nothing happens (main motor still not running) any ideas?
Thank you for the comment. Not being and electronics engineer I’d just try and inspect all the components for maybe a failed component. Apparently the tantalum capacitors for example only have a life of 20 years and after that they are expected to fail. Sorry I can’t be more help.
This is a great and helpful Video. Its helped me work out whats wrong with my Activa 140, however the tantalum capacitors are tiny on mine and I can't find the right one at my local electronics store here in Oz. My board is a lot more compact with smaller capacitors. Capacitor number is 475 50k 835 and is yellow ochre colour. Any help appreciated. I can send a photo, but don't know how.
Hello thank you for the video . Inhave a broblemm with my machin e ... When its brodering ites just stop after 5or 7 minute its turne the scean all white and its takes tonturn it off for more than 10minute to s tr ar again any idea what can i do،؟
Hi it’s me again, at last bit the bullet and took my machine apart yesterday with a friend standing by!!! When it was looked at by Bernina agent who cos of its age said it’s not worth repairing,seems they did not put the main fuse back on the back board. There was yellow by it like it had blown. Replaced both the 3 amp and 4 amp with new fuses. Tried machine and it blew. Tested fuses but they hadn’t blown. Saw the resistors that had blown. Took this to a shop who repairs boards but he couldn’t see the colour of R9 as badly burnt. R8 has blown and that is gold silver blue green. Also R12 blown plus he said the part on adjacent to those parts probably went too. He recommended either finding a close up diagram of that board (although identical model to mine the plan you show is slightly different in layout) wondered if you could help there? Or he said try and contact Protek for a new board not Bernina who would overcharge. He was quite positive and is prepared to repair board if I get the parts! However not sure if it’s closer to the graveyard??? The other board showed no sign of scorching? What do you think. Will send photo of damaged bit. Grateful for any advice! 👍🏼Sue
Unbelievable I have photographed every bit of that board but the part you need. I can see resistor R12 which looks to be Red Black Red & Gold but that's all I can see ahhhhhhhhh The only way I could possible find out is if I see my mum next and ask her if I can re photograph the board. Don't throw the machine out though will you. Still worth money on ebay not working.@@susanbearsley7746
This is amazing I enjoyed every second of it, and congratulations 👍 great job, I just bought a 2nd hand one 2 days ago for only 50$ in an excellent condition, I got it with a voltage converter but I heard some berninas are dual voltage, is this model a dual voltage?
Thank you for that lovely comment Umo. You got a real bargain there. They hold their value very well here in the UK. Not sure if it was dual voltage. Will have to look at video again and see if I can spot anything. The machine is back with my mum.
Hello, Машина не делает декоративные строчки, шьет без узора. Шьет волнистую линию, вместо узоров. Длина стежка не регулируется. Нет зигзага.. Что делать? 😭
Sorry to hear that. I really wouldn't be able to say other than the obvious checking of all things. Are you wanting to open it up and check nothing has burnt or failed inside on a circuit board?
The oscillation of the shuttle is way to much on my machine making it impossible to set the timing. Where is the adjustment for this? (not the "needle rise" position but the amount the shuttle swings back and forth by) usually built into the design on most other machines.
If you click "SHOW MORE" in the description above your be able to see Links to the Tools 🔧🔨🔧 I use. Also Clickable Chapters📋 📙 throughout the video and other Links 🎬 that may be of interest. I've had a few viewers request where they can buy the tools they see in some of my videos but it's not very clear that the "SHOW MORE" tab has a lot of information in that may be of interest. Admittedly the amazon links are associated with me and I would earn a small commission which helps towards keeping the channel funded.
I've been an electro/mechanical service technician for over 30 years and this is one of the best repair videos I've ever seen. So clearly filmed and well narrated. You, sir, are one of the best on TH-cam. I'm looking at buying a used Bernina and this makes me think I could fix it if a problem came up. Nice to see the guts of a 20 year old machine similar to one I'm looking at. Many thanks!
That's one powerful compliment. I thank you Sir for taking the time to say this. I do try my best and put my heart into my videos. Hope it helps you.
@@CoatsandGaiters When I saw your workbench setup with spares and a Fluke multimeter and a Weller soldering station I knew that this would be a good video. We have a few things in common, it appears. I also have an attraction to motorbikes and auto repair as well as a suitable assortment of high quality tools and gizmos.
Living near the left coast of the US I don't have much need of Peugeot repair videos (they haven't been imported here since 1990) and the last Mini I was involved with was a tired 850 back in the mid 70's that was confiscated by the constables in Amsterdam for not having Dutch plates.
I did have some serious dealings with two separate Norton 850 Commandos in the same time period, one of which got left alongside the motorway with an alternator problem on the way to Rotterdam. When I returned someone had already collected it without leaving a note. Heartless tea leaf.
It's always refreshing to watch someone who knows how to properly wield a screwdriver and spanner and doesn't let his wisdom inflate his ego. Cheers and thanks.
@@marscruz Oh dear you've had some luck haven't you !! Ironically I have been planning to start doing electronics on TH-cam as I enjoyed it as a teenager but still not got around to shelling out the £1,000+ for an oscilloscope so things have been on pause for a while now. I struggle to pay big money on tech items as they always tend to go wrong or have a sting in the tail, like needing an update or something that often kills the item. Mind saying that there are lots of true experts on TH-cam that do electronics very well.
@@CoatsandGaiters There are some good deals to be had on inexpensive Rigol and Siglent Tech scopes for less than half of your thousand quid price point. I heard about them from Dave Jones on the Ozzie channel EEVblog. He tests multimeters, scopes and all sorts.
@@marscruz I was looking at the Keysight ones. If a mobile phone is £1,000 then surly something as complicated and precise as an oscilloscope would be £1,000 minimum in my logic. Camera lens is £1,000 as well....everything is £1,000 lol
Can only say Wow ! I have exactly that same machine...which is now 20+ years old. At present - fingers crossed - it's working perfectly, but the observation about tantalum capacitors is well taken on board.
Apart from fixing that, showing how to remove and install the covers is very helpful as mine was bought used and could probably benefit from a service. I'm quite used to servicing vintage mechanical machines, but never so far had to take the covers off a modern one, so knowing how to do that without damage is brilliant.
Despite their age, these are still superb machines.IMO Bernina still make the best domestic ones...although at a price...but think you can figure out why when you just lift one up (heavy !) even before you see that chassis and compare it to some of the other stuff on the market.
Editing this must have taken quite some time and effort, so thank you so much.
Thank you for the comment. I love the Bernina machines, my wife has one and my mum is still using hers so the repair has held up since making this video. The videos take about a week to make. Two days to record, two days editing and then a day doing voice over and social media parts.
Thank you! I really appreciate the idea to have the photos at the end! Thank you!
Thank you for the comment. Hope it helped
Wow, based on the comments there is great demand for help with sewing machines! A general TH-cam search brought me to your video. Well done. Bought a Activa 130 at the car boot yesterday. Powered on, but wouldn't sew. Fault was easy to spot - very poor repair on the cord to the foot controller. Machine needed a deep clean so I took the case apart like you did - looked like the machine blew up on the kitchen table! Lots of lint to clean away, lube, and will put back together today. No burnt tantalums, matter of fact, board is not identical to yours. Meanwhile, Run it May, Shine it Must. Cheers!
Sounds like you got yourself a bargain there. They are great machines, shame the electronics can be a weak point but all tech ages I guess.
Thank you for your awesome video of the disassembly and workings of the Bernina. I have a Bernina activa 130 and wanted to clean the insides. Your methodical and clear disassembly was what I needed to be sure I was able to see the insides as well as carefully reassemble it properly. I would love to see a video similarly showing the areas that need to be oiled or greased too. Thank you for your time and efforts.
Thank yo0u for such a lovely comment Angela. Sadly the sewing machine is my mums and it's back with her. Hopefully your be able to oil it with some Bernina recommended oil. Best use what they recommend to be on the safe side and this might be where less is more. I'd probably just put a spot on every point where there is movement between the mechanicals. Good luck.
I don't even own a sewing machine but this was the most comprehensive tutorial video I have ever seen. Well done 👏 sir.
Thank you Sir for such a compliment.
This is the best repair/tear-down video I have ever seen on TH-cam, and I have watched hundreds. Brilliantly, logically structured, detailed and comprehensive.
It gives me some hope of repairing my sisters Activa 135. I suspected a fault with the L-print PSU module, since the 5v logic S-print module and and screen are alive, but no drive to either main or bobbin motor, even though the footpedal appears fine (microswitch working, cable OK, potentiometer range seems about right from ~10MegaR to 8R fully depressed). This video is just what I need to dig deeper on a sewing machine, a device as alien to me as a Formula One gearbox.
AIUI new L-print boards are about £150 and S-print £250, but n/a to ordinary punters, only pro Bernina techs. Add labour for service and it's fairly obvious why my sister's machine has sat in a cupboard for 4 years. Even if you can afford a potential £400-600 bill, it's a lot of money to spend on a 20-year old machine. She already had it serviced by independent sewing machine engineers who failed to fix or identify the problem, probably because electronics are beyond them. Thank you so much for making this video. I'll let you know how it goes.
Thank you for such a lovely comment and I really hope you manage to mend it. Keep us updated.
Can't edit but the range of the footpedal potentiometer measures 10megaohm (with pedal depressed just enough to operate the microswitch cut out) to ~8ohm at full throttle. I believe this is correct. There is another pretty good video on YT that deals with testing the Bernina SR1 footpedal and cable used by this generation of machines. Seem to be a very common failure, but are also widely available new, £50-£60.
@@MrShadownoise Thank you for all this information. Hopefully it will help others that read the comments.
And... it is fixed and working. I stripped it completely. The 135 is a bit different, with a simpler power supply and only a single fuse. Found a couple of indications of previous sloppy repair, including a missing case bolt and some sticky tape. On the S-print module I re-soldered what looked like 3 potentially dry joints, but also the 4-pin 'blue' connector was disconnected - I assume the previous sloppy repairer didn't insert it fully. Thanks ever so much for showing how it comes apart and the sequence.
Also the S-print board is very different on the Activa 135. No surface mount tantalum capacitors! The joints that looked possibly dry were either end of a fairly large axial capacitor near the centre of the board, and the attachment points of the mains socket (which probably gets stressed by frequent use). But I suspect the real problem was that the 'blue' connector had come loose or not beein fully inserted.
Thank you so much for the brilliant video. I've just acquired an Activa 130 which thankfully has no issues, but now if anything crops up I have a game plan thanks to your instructional video. Truly appreciate your expertise!
Thank you for the comment. Hopefully you won't need it but like you say it gives you an understanding of the sewing machine.
Impressive mechanism, lovely videoing again. Really appreciate the annotated pictures + the short history bit.
The bernina branded IC's from Japan were surprising..
It's such a satisfying feeling when you can give something back to someone, saying: "it's fixed".
"Woooah, how much do I owe you?" "Naff all" :)
Thank you for the compliment. Never noticed the Bernina name on them. Will have to relook now. Mum is really pleased. Funny she said I will pay you but it was nice to say no worries mum. Enjoyed making it. Never thought a Bernina would be so simple to strip down.
Excellent video. I normally would not watch a 30 min How to do video, but I watched the entire video. I liked the little bit history of Bernina. Thanks for the video and Congratulation.
Thank you Fernando. Pleased to hear you enjoyed it.
Congrats to your amazing video, which was very professionally taken, the commentaries were clear and precise. This stands out as one of the best instructional videos I've watched on TH-cam. Thanks for your time and effort!
Thank you for such a compliment Oliver. Take me a bout a week for each video so it's good to hear positive feedback. Take care
Thank you for an extremely informative video. I bought a 220 years ago hoping to use it for classes but the local shop closed up. I pulled mine out a couple of years ago and it wouldn't start and the dealer said to wait a half hour to 45 minutes. It came on. I was able to use it for a couple of weeks and then the stitch length died on me. The needle just goes up and down but the feed dogs work. Bernina only gives a lifetime warranty on the metal parts, not the computer parts so I don't know how much they would charge for the fix and I was too frustrated with the machine to care anymore. My daughter wanted a better machine and thought about seeing if I could this brick working so I checked out your video. I don't feel comfortable in taking it apart, but from your video I'm guessing the connector is probably loose up front. Still worth fixing as it seems some of these computer parts die after about 20 years. Again, awesome video.
Thank you for taking the time to comment. I think the capacitors only last around 20 years which is what died on my mums one in this video. Hope you can sort it as they are good machines.
@@CoatsandGaiters I called up Bernina and they'll take a look at it. Funny how one time I called up and they said it was worthless and now another lady says to bring it in and we'll take a look. Once I got it up and running after your video it sounded terrible so I know it needs a good cleaning and oiling. I miss the old days when you could practically take the entire machine apart yourself, oil it and everything was metal. I have a much better understanding of why these machines cost as much as they do from your video and the cost to repair and clean them.
@@quiltedwithlove they are still expensive on eBay second hand so even if they quite really high you could probably still sell it on ebay as spares or repair. Everything is getting more and more expensive recently.
At 14.50 you run the motor with the presser foot down. Bad idea, you can scratch the base of the foot with the moving feed dogs and this will cause snagging on the fabric later on. Great video though, very informative. I can service the old non electric machines but would never attempt anything electric, don't have any experience with electrical devices and would probably kill myself. But it's fun to watch and I've learned a lot, thanks. Bernina sewing machines are the best in the world. At the end the wee fart sound as the machine powers up is the Bernina Burp, the needle centres itself on power up and this is where the noise comes from. A needle set at the centre certainly won't work with the zipper foot though.
Good point, you can tell I don't sew lol. Good to hear you learnt from it, I found it interesting to make the video and see everything working. It's like magic when you see so many parts interacting at once.
Excellent video! Thanks for posting this!
Thank you for positive comment Robert.
Wow Loved watching you working on this machine. I can only compliment your working and detailed instructions you are fantastic. Thank you for sharing this great video. Regards Sue x
Thank you so kindly Sue, really pleased you enjoyed watching it.
This is indeed a very nicely made video. And congrats on getting a working bernina!
I just got a faulty activa 145 but I guess I’m not that lucky to be able to get the faulty board, and machine, back to life. But will give it a try!
Thank you very much for the effort you’ve made in making this.
By the way the machine is fascinating!
Thank you. The capacitors fail after 20 years so your could well be the exact same issue. Good luck.
That was an absolutely amazing video, very well made! I wish you had the same video of a Bernina 1090,1130 or 1230 as well :)
Thank you Pär for saying so. Sadly don't have one of them.
Thank you, I have just bought an Ex-high school machine, identical, 140 Activa. It is quite grotty and there is a tiny squeak noise which I am thinking might be a capacitor on its way out. Thanks to your video I am confident I will be able to isolate the offending capacitor if/when it does blow. And also I am confident I will be able to clean its insides thoroughly and sort out whatever has been living in there recently. 🥴
That's great news I hope this video helps you. Give's you a better insight if you do need to work on it. They are lovely machines.
Very interesting!Thank u for this video and story about Bernina dinasty
Thank you
I have the identical machine but was told by a Bernina repair person it wasn’t worth fixing cos if it’s age in case it blew again! After watching your excellent video feel confident I could take it apart and test the basics but I’m sure I wouldn’t identify the type of capacitor it would need should I see a burnt one! Any suggestions? I’ve just successfully mended the foot pedal of my mums vintage sewing machine( a lot less complex I have to add) after being told I’d probably need a new one!!! I’m probably getting overconfident now but feel I have nothing to lose! Feel distraught to let it die!🤣🤣🤣
They will be considering the labour costs involved I expect. Don't forget these things will always have a value on eBay to someone. You can always take a look and if you see something obvious or the same capacitor has blown as in mine I can try to help with information etc. You can send photographs direct to my email address in the 'About' section on here'
Thank you so much that’s so kind! I’m going to have a go and I will meticulously put sticky tabs to link parts to attach in correct places!! At 69 memory not so gt but head not gone yet!!🤞🤪🤣!!! Sue
@@susanbearsley7746 Keep us posted Sue. I always say nothing to loose as long as you don't break anything lol. I'm sure your be ok if you take it slowly and note things or take photo's with your phone as you go along.
Hi, Susan - you are definitely thnking along the right lines. These are brilliant machines that seem to be a bit under the radar, but much prized by those who have them. To buy anything equivalent today would cost a lot (broadly it's the current Bernina 300 series - very similar machines inside, but with revised cases and a few new whistles and bells) that spending some money on fixing it is what I'd do...that is if you can either DIY or find an honest repair guy who isn't fibbing to try to sell you a new machine. They do that unfortunately....
Mechanically Berninas aren't likely to go wrong unless abused or heavily used without service for a long long time.
In reality, you don't need a sewing machine repairer for the electronic stuff. Most know next to nothing about electronics, and would only swap out a brand new board at a price and not attempt a repair. Almost certainly better to try to find someone who fixes generic electronic stuff who'd sort this for next to nothing.
As an alternative, these crop up on that well known auction site ffrom time to time and go for not a huge amount. Have a 140 that was £150, and an Activa 135 that was £175 both working 100% - so you may get a fully functioning machine, but if not at least have a spares machine to make a good 'un out of 2.
If you haven't already fixed it/got it fixed, I hope you do.
@@mehere779 Thank you so much for your advice. Haven’t actually attempted the repair yet as had lots going on in house after a flood during the December freeze! You have motivated me to have a go though and I will post how I get on! I have a nephew who used to to fix the monitors and electrical equipment in hospitals so I’m sure he’ll have the appropriate tools! Thanks once again Sue
just awesome 👌
Thank you
I watched your video several times while I worked on a similar Bernina, thank you.!! The way you made the video is incredibly helpful. QUESTION: You are the only person I've ever seen use a cordless screwdriver on a sewing machine. I want to do that too but I've asked others who say you don't have enough control and so on. Do you find it ok? I have recently opened a sewing machine repair business so will be opening a lot of machines, concerned about RSI. Any feedback greatly appreciated, thanks!
Thank you. I only used the cordless as I have one and it was a one off job. You can feel things better with your hand and tell if damage is occuring.
Great informative video, I have a Bernina 750 and when turned on there is only a flash of the sewing light, I know what to look for and will take my time finding the problem, thanks so much.
That great news John I hope this gives you an insight to help you.
@@CoatsandGaiters all I am getting is a flash from the sewing light when I turn the machine on which would probably mean there is a short somewhere, I can hear a continuous noise near the on/off switch when the power is on, have checked the fuse near the on/off switch and that appears ok, so I will need to go in deeper and check other causes, thanks for your information.
Thank you very much...
Very well done! Do you have a video on how to install or repair the freehand system on this machine?
Thank you for the compliment. Sadly I'm a car guy really and this was a one off on repairing my mums sewing machine.
Great job !
Thank you
That was amazing…thank you
Thank you Jo for taking the time to comment. Hopefully it was interesting.
@@CoatsandGaiters I have a vertuosa…also 20 years old so expect i will have this issue at some point.
Thank you for this informative and concise video. Your detailed pictures are very helpful. It looked like the burnt capacitor did not have any discernible writing on it. How were you able to determine the capacity and voltage requirement for the capacitor you installed? Thanks again for a great video.
Hi and thank you for your compliment. The circuit had another identical circuit alongside so took my capacitor values from that circuit. Sewing machine happily running still.
A lot of circuitry in there as well! Just looked up the price, these are still expensive machines, well worth fixing!
Much more valuable than the junk I work on :p
That cap sure died gracefully, sometimes they take a lot of other stuff down with them..
I know they are still £300 + second hand !!! I assumed it would be more than just that one component. It’s one thing replacing the obvious and another to know what your looking for ...... which I didn’t lol was a lucky break
Thanks for sharing. I have a Bernina 125 S.
When I start the machine it works fine, but after a short while it just turns off while the screen light and the sewing light are still on.
When I start the machine and don't without using it after about 3 minutes it turns off.
When I start the machine and use it after about 7-10 minutes it turns off.
In both cases both screen light and the sewinglight are on.
This machine has a switch mode power sulpy.
Wonder if something is overheating. Could the mechanics need lubrication to ease the loading on the motor?
@@CoatsandGaiters The mechanic parts are om. The wheel turns easy. That's why I did try to test the machine by only turning ig on, and not using it. It turns off afte 3 minues!
@@hosseinhayati9820 Sound like something is possibly overheating and being shut down to prevent a fire risk.
@@CoatsandGaiters Thank you :) I will check more :)
Thank you for posting the video of the Bernina Activa 140 sewing machine in TH-cam.
I bought a local used Bernina 140, and it runs slow, but keeps the speed. I bought a new foot pedal, and the issue remained.
The machine is able to perform all decorative stitches as well.
Would you happen to know what could be causing this issue?
I believe it could be the power supply, but I don't have the electronic diagram to fix the Bernina.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
That sounds rather odd, I would have said foot pedal but as it's new that rules that out. Has it been serviced as the oil will dry up and put the motor under more load though I doub't it would slow it down that much. I'd have thought the power supply would either work or not really. If it's the same Bernina as in my video I'd take it apart and just see if there is anything obvious that's burnt out. I don't have the schematic on the Bernina but the component that cooked was clearly the same as the other 2 near by which I where I took the value from.
Is there a way to adjust the stitching speed of the machine, either at the foot pedal or in the main machine? My Artista can go from 500-ish to 880 stitches per minute but I have to go into the program to change this. Check your manual.
Thanks just found a burn capacitor. Just need to know where to buy it.
I bought mine off ebay
Have to add couldn’t have done it without my friend Rob who was the lead!!!
Do you possibly have info on how to install a free hand system (knee lift) to the Activa 140?
Sorry but all ours came with that facility. It’s probably better to buy a machine with that option already fitted.
awesome, thanks ❤
Thank you
Very impressed with your video.my bernina activa 220 has a slight problem.the l.c.d.back light does not work.any idea what could be.
Sorry for the delay. I'd just try and find the power to the LCD and see if it's got power. The tantalum capacitors do fail which will cut the power and they have a service life of around 20 years.
Does all Bernina Bernette machines have inside rugged metal body?
I think they would have being a premium machine.
Wonderfull
Thank you
*Hi mate, love your videos, can I request a future video..... can you make a video on how to repair and service a vhs vcr video recorder ....thanks in advance 👍*
Thank you for that compliment. Will bear it in mind and if I see anything advertised locally I may snap it up and try and do something. Take care
8:38 what do you mean by “position indicator”? Thanks.
Needle position indicator (needle can move left and right)
@@CoatsandGaiters Thank you. I was wondering what the function would be of the last module that I hadn’t figured out on my 145. I think that’s it but still need to work out how exactly it works with the main board,
Upload a full video on Bernina Activa 130 sewing machine
I presume that would be pretty similar
@@CoatsandGaiters how can I fix thread problem my machine broke thread again and again specialy on roll hammed foot
@@shinningpearl3526 Is the thread tension set too high on the top grey wheel?
@@CoatsandGaiters yes
Where from we buy the all original foot of Bernina Activa 130 ?
Fantastic - I know the capacitors are a known problem on 10nn series berninas as they get elderly ( mine has had them done) time for my ex school activa 140 to be looked @ - funnily enough I'm into old motorbikes too ( and valve amplifiers ) I'm going to ask you the million dollar question did you go back and replace the other two caps ? Also from a resourcing perspective I like the idea continuing with old machines until they can't work any longer these are beautifully made and should last a long time
Thank you. I probably should have replaced them now in hindsight.
Haha - just pleased getting it running I bet ..,
Hi there, great video, love the details and commentary. the problem with my bernina is that it powers on including the lamp and LCD display, bernina "burp", needle position works however two strange things happen when I engage the foot pedal, 1. bobbin winder runs both when in the off position and on position (switch tested with multimeter, looks okay). and 2. when I eliminate the bobbin winder and unplug the bright yellow cable from the L print, then nothing happens (main motor still not running) any ideas?
Thank you for the comment. Not being and electronics engineer I’d just try and inspect all the components for maybe a failed component. Apparently the tantalum capacitors for example only have a life of 20 years and after that they are expected to fail. Sorry I can’t be more help.
This is a great and helpful Video.
Its helped me work out whats wrong with my Activa 140, however the tantalum capacitors are tiny on mine and I can't find the right one at my local electronics store here in Oz.
My board is a lot more compact with smaller capacitors. Capacitor number is 475 50k 835 and is yellow ochre colour. Any help appreciated. I can send a photo, but don't know how.
Hi and thank you for the comment. You can send photo's to me via Coatsandgaiters@btinternet.com
Hello thank you for the video . Inhave a broblemm with my machin e ... When its brodering ites just stop after 5or 7 minute its turne the scean all white and its takes tonturn it off for more than 10minute to s tr ar again any idea what can i do،؟
I'd check the board for any signs of damage as something maybe be on its way out.
Hi it’s me again, at last bit the bullet and took my machine apart yesterday with a friend standing by!!! When it was looked at by Bernina agent who cos of its age said it’s not worth repairing,seems they did not put the main fuse back on the back board. There was yellow by it like it had blown. Replaced both the 3 amp and 4 amp with new fuses. Tried machine and it blew. Tested fuses but they hadn’t blown. Saw the resistors that had blown. Took this to a shop who repairs boards but he couldn’t see the colour of R9 as badly burnt. R8 has blown and that is gold silver blue green. Also R12 blown plus he said the part on adjacent to those parts probably went too. He recommended either finding a close up diagram of that board (although identical model to mine the plan you show is slightly different in layout) wondered if you could help there? Or he said try and contact Protek for a new board not Bernina who would overcharge. He was quite positive and is prepared to repair board if I get the parts! However not sure if it’s closer to the graveyard??? The other board showed no sign of scorching? What do you think. Will send photo of damaged bit. Grateful for any advice! 👍🏼Sue
Hi Sue are you able to send me a photograph of the damaged area and the resistors in question please. coatsandgaiters@btinternet.com
I’ve sent email thank you so much for getting back. I’m afraid photo not great but you maybe able to work out the problem.
Unbelievable I have photographed every bit of that board but the part you need. I can see resistor R12 which looks to be Red Black Red & Gold but that's all I can see ahhhhhhhhh The only way I could possible find out is if I see my mum next and ask her if I can re photograph the board. Don't throw the machine out though will you. Still worth money on ebay not working.@@susanbearsley7746
Hlo me have brnina 130 and this tread again and again break plz tell.me this thread very loss
Have you mis threaded or have the tension too high?
Hello, is this machine still works? After all those years?
Yes
This is amazing I enjoyed every second of it, and congratulations 👍 great job, I just bought a 2nd hand one 2 days ago for only 50$ in an excellent condition, I got it with a voltage converter but I heard some berninas are dual voltage, is this model a dual voltage?
Thank you for that lovely comment Umo. You got a real bargain there. They hold their value very well here in the UK. Not sure if it was dual voltage. Will have to look at video again and see if I can spot anything. The machine is back with my mum.
@@CoatsandGaiters I will wait your feedback, I bought it in Dubai that's why its important to know if its dual voltage or no, Thank you in advance
Hello, Машина не делает декоративные строчки, шьет без узора. Шьет волнистую линию, вместо узоров. Длина стежка не регулируется. Нет зигзага.. Что делать? 😭
Sorry to hear that. I really wouldn't be able to say other than the obvious checking of all things. Are you wanting to open it up and check nothing has burnt or failed inside on a circuit board?
Just bought a bernina justi like this one and has no power.
Good luck hope it helps you.
The oscillation of the shuttle is way to much on my machine making it impossible to set the timing. Where is the adjustment for this? (not the "needle rise" position but the amount the shuttle swings back and forth by) usually built into the design on most other machines.
Your asking me something I sadly don't know. Could it be your machine has severe wear taking the mechanism outside it's design tolerances?
@@CoatsandGaiters no it's in excellent condition.
@@Chopper894 have you an email address
Just amazing. Can I ask for your company mail? Or private? I have a enquiry. Thank you
Thank you it's coatsandgaiters@btinternet.com