The Elna Xchange Multi-Access Converter is a device designed to facilitate the transfer and management of embroidery designs across various machine formats and storage media. It acts as a bridge between your computer and different types of embroidery memory cards, allowing for reading, loading, saving, and writing of designs.
Function Description
The primary function of the Xchange Box is to convert embroidery design files between different formats and transfer them to and from various memory cards. It supports a wide range of file extensions, making it compatible with numerous embroidery machines and software. The device allows users to:
- Read Designs: Load embroidery designs from floppy disks, CDs, hard drives, and pre-programmed memory cards into the Xchange Box software. It can read various file formats, including zipped files, without requiring prior unzipping.
- Load Designs: Transfer designs from most embroidery machine manufacturers' memory cards into the software. This feature allows for viewing and further manipulation of designs before writing them to a new card.
- Save Designs: Write the entire contents of a memory card to your computer's hard drive or other writable media. Saved designs can then be opened, edited, resized, and modified using compatible embroidery software.
- Write Designs: Transfer designs from the software to a writable memory card compatible with your embroidery machine. This is a core function for preparing designs for use on the machine.
- Delete Designs: Remove individual designs from the six display squares on the Converter Box screen.
- Color Editor: An included software component that allows users to recolor designs, view realistic stitch simulations, and print templates.
Important Technical Specifications
- Computer Requirements:
- Pentium II Processor
- 16 MB RAM
- 5MB hard drive space
- Windows 98 or above operating system
- CD-ROM Drive
- Display resolution of 800 x 600 or better
- Mouse
- USB Port
- Supported File Formats (Read/Open):
- EMD (*.emd): Elna Xpressive, Elna Xpressway
- JEF (*.jef): Elna 8600, Elna 8200, Janome embroidery software
- SEW (*.sew): Elna Envision Scan PC, Dream Vision, Janome Scan-n-Sew PC, Customizer 2000
- GNC (*.gnc): Amazing Designs software (scalable format)
- DST (*.dst): Tajima (commercial, expanded, no colorization)
- EXP (*.exp): Commercial, expanded, no colorization
- HUS (*.hus): Viking DOS Customizer, Viking Customizer 95
- CSD (*.csd): DOS HuskyGram, Toyota POEM, Singer Embroidery Unlimited
- PCS (*.pcs): Pfaff PC-Designer V2.0 (PC), Pfaff PC-Designer V2.1 (PC)
- PES (*.pes): Babylock Palette, Bernina Wizard, Brother PE-Design
- PSW (*.xxx): Singer Professional Sew Ware
- SHV (*.shv): Husqvarna Viking Disk Manager
- Viking VIP (*.vip)
- Zip archives (*.zip)
- Card Capacity: Each rewritable card can access 120,000 to 180,000 stitches.
- Color Palettes (Color Editor):
- Default: 64 colors
- Elna/Janome/New Home: 78 colors
- Baby Lock/Bernina/Brother: 64 colors
- Husqvarna/Viking: 29 colors
- Pfaff: 16 colors
- Hoop Size: The software allows selection of various hoop sizes, with a grid representing 10 mm x 10 mm squares. Designs exceeding the maximum allowable hoop size for a machine cannot be written to a card.
- USB Connectivity: The device connects to a computer via a USB cable.
Usage Features
- Intuitive Interface: The Xchange Box software features a main screen with six design display boxes and clear buttons for Read, Load, Save, Write Card, Delete, Options, and Exit. A dialog box provides information when hovering over buttons.
- Driver Installation: A straightforward driver installation process is required, involving plugging in the USB cable, turning on the computer, and following on-screen prompts from the installation CD.
- Program Start-up: The software can be launched by double-clicking the Xchange icon on the desktop or through the Start menu (Start > Programs > Elna > Xchange Box).
- Design Selection: When reading designs, users can browse directories, select designs individually, and fill up to six squares on the Converter Box screen. Options to sort by name or extension are available. Navigation buttons allow moving through pages and individual designs within a directory.
- Card Compatibility: The Xchange Box features specific slots for different Elna machine types and card formats:
- Slot 2: Elna 8200 Xperience, Elna 8600 Xplore (PCMCIA Cards and .JEF files)
- Slot 3: Elna Xquisit and Xquisit II (SmartMedia Cards, .EMD files)
- Slot 4: Elna CE20, 8007, 8006 (Memory Cards, SEW files)
- Color Editor Functionality:
- Realistic View: Toggle between a realistic view of the embroidery and a stitches-only view.
- Toolbar and Status Bar: Customizable display of the toolbar and status bar, providing information like design size, position, stitch count, and number of colors.
- Hoop Size Selection: Users can select the brand and hoop size of their machine, which adjusts the workspace grid to reflect the available sewing area.
- Density Settings: Available for GNC designs only, allowing adjustment of stitch density.
- Preferences: Allows setting preferences for file open behavior (by name or icon) and ensuring compatibility with specific Elna/Janome/New Home software versions, including enabling extended color palettes.
- Print Functionality (Color Editor): Print a copy of the design, including a smaller version with file details (name, size, stitches, colors) and a full-size template. A print preview option is available.
- Write Button Customization: The "Unknown" Write buttons can be pre-set to reflect up to three different machine types from a database, simplifying the writing process for specific machines.
- Warning Messages: The software provides warnings before overwriting cards during the writing process and indicates when the Xchange Box is busy transferring designs with a red light.
- Copyright Compliance: The product is not to be used to violate copyright, trademarks, or other intellectual property rights.
Maintenance Features
- Troubleshooting (No Comport Error): Provides a step-by-step guide to reinstall the USB driver if a "Cannot open comport..." message appears, which typically indicates incorrect driver installation. This involves unplugging and replugging the USB cable, restarting the computer, and following the driver installation steps.
- Safe Disconnection: For Windows 2000, ME, or XP users, an icon appears in the system tray to safely stop the "USB Conversion Box" before unplugging the device, preventing the need for driver reinstallation.
- Warranty Information:
- Limited Warranty: Covers parts (excluding connector pins) for one year from the original purchase date, with no charge for parts or labor within 90 days. A flat fee applies for non-warranted parts service between 90 and 365 days.
- Exclusions: Warranty does not cover bent connector pins, postage, transportation to service centers, service by unauthorized personnel, or damage due to normal wear, accident, abuse, neglect, or acts of God.
- Return Policy: Machines returned for service must be securely packed, shipping charges paid by the sender, insured for full value, and include proof of purchase, sender's information, and a problem description.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- FCC Rules (U.S.A.): Complies with Class B digital device limits for harmful interference. Recommends using a shielded interface cable and suggests troubleshooting steps for interference (reorienting antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different circuit).
- Canadian Department of Communication: Complies with Class B limits for radio noise emission from digital apparatus as set out in ICES-003.
- Radio Interference (220-240V only): Complies with EN55022 (CISPER Publication 22)/Class B.
- Software Updates: While not explicitly detailed as a user-initiated feature, the mention of "Version 4.6" implies potential for software updates.
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