I am getting power to my machine because the light comes on, however when I press the foot pedal nothing happens. I am in the middle of a project and would love to get my machine up and running. Any help would be appreciated.

Sarah Hess, December 2007

Hi Sarah:

The problem addressed by "drivewithken" is correct. I would add a logic path to follow for the suspected faulty type 290 foot control problem that you have mentioned: 1. While depressing the foot control, turn the handwheel to see if the motor begins to run. If so, this is an indication of a dead spot on the motor's commutator. If this is the case, the motor would need to be replaced. 2. With the foot control depressed, wiggle the cables at the plug end going into the motor and at the foot control base. If the machine runs, the power cable will need to be replaced. 3. If checks 1 and 2 show no signs of running, the problem will likely and most often be in the foot control. The problems inside of the foot control can be:
A. Broken carbon trace pins in the actuator on the resistor strip of the PCB.
B. Failed micro switch on the PCB.
C. PCB failure.
In any case, the foot control can be repaired. The cost is normally around $45 to $65 USD. Please contact a local Bernina dealer for the repair service here is the USA or ask for further advice at the noted email address.

AlsaceTech eng@legacyquilt.com, January 2008

Hello Sarah,
First of all check the pins on the machine that the plug goes on to, make sure they have not been pushed in, check the plug on the control that hoes into the machine to make sure there are no dark brown burn marks, failing that undo the foot control in case a wire has come loose, failing that it may well be the motor but that would be a last resort.
Ken

drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, December 2007