1. Why is my USB to Serial Converter Cable not working?

These directions are to be used if you have purchased a USB/Serial cable to connect your converter or XL-6000® to the computer. You must also connect the nine-pin serial cable (this is a Null Modem cable) that came with the PSW® or the XL-6000® to the USB/Serial adapter.

When trying to open the PSW® you will receive a message - "Card Writer Not Found" or if using the Sew-Ware Conversion Tool® the transmission will not go through.

Once this procedure is completed, it may be necessary to re-install the software (especially the PSW).

In the Conversion Tool in the "Transmit to Machine dialog" box be sure to set the COM port setting to the same number that the cable has been set.

Configuring USB/Serial Converter Cable.

After installing your cable's drivers from the CD provided, you will need to change the COM port setting.

Find "My Computer" either under the Start Menu or on the desktop. Right click. From the menu left click on "Properties"

In the "System Properties" dialog box left click on "Hardware".

Then left click on Device Manager.

This will open up a list of devices found on the computer. They are listed alphabetically. You will see a heading "Ports (Com & LPT)". Left click on the "+" beside it.

Double left click on the name of your cable.

This will open up the "Properties" dialog box.

Then left click on "Port Settings".

Left click on "Advanced".

This will take you to the Advanced Settings.

Left click on the drop down arrow next to the COM port number. Select the lowest numbered comport that is not in use, preferably 1 or 2.

Then move the Receive Buffer down to "8" and the Transmit Buffer down to "11" by left clicking and dragging. This last step isn't always necessary.

After this last step click OK or close all screens until you are back to the Desktop. In some instances it may be necessary to delete and then re-install your Singer® software.

Remember to have both the Null Modem Serial cable that was included with your PSW 2.00a connected to the serial side of the new USB/Adapter cable. The Null Modem cable will then be connected to the #1 port of the PSW 2.00a converter box.

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2. What creation tool should I use when digitizing a design?

Creation methods (Tools) are used in digitizing, to generate various stitch effects. There are 4 basic categories. Which method you will use all comes down to measurements. The size of the element or area to be digitized will determine which tool or method you should select.

Branches (Reference Line Fill): (1mm-8mm wide)

This method (tool) creates stitch points in pairs and defines the length and inclination of stitches by drawing the reference lines at various lengths and inclinations. Think of "Branches" for making columns, letters, outlines, or any shape where you want variable stitch angles.

Outline fill (Satin):

This method allows drawing around an area, and then filling with stitches at varying angles of inclination. Very similar to "Branches", it has a different means of input of the stitch angles, or directions after the outline of the shape has been traced. Satin, Step Satin and other stitch types can be used with this tool.

Complex Fill:

This tool allows you to draw around an area, and then to fill it with varying pattern types or textures of stitches. The term complex implies that the shape is too large or difficult to digitize with any other tool. It may also contain "holes" such as eyes, noses etc.

Running stitches:

This method allows inputting a sequence of points representing a line of stitches. Recommended for lines smaller than 2mm, the running stitch can be used for defining details and for outlining. It also has different stitch types that give it much versatility; they are a variety of Running stitches, Column and Cross-stitch.

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3. How do I write a design to a Flash card in PSW 1.0 or 1.1?

• Place the card into the slot of the converter box (writing facing up).
• From the tool bar, Click on File.
• From the drop-down menu, Click on "Write to Card Writer".
• If you are using the card for the first time the program automatically saves your design to the first empty space.
• Click on "Write".
• You may also select the desired space by clicking on it and then click on "Write".

As long as the green light is flashing on the converter box, this is an indication that data is still being transferred. The card or the transfer should not be disturbed; to do so can cause a malfunction of the card.

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4. How do I write a design to a Smart Media card in PSW 2.00?

• Place the card into the slot of the converter box (notched corner to the right, brass rectangle facing up).
• From the tool bar, Click on File.
• From the drop-down menu, Click on "Write to Converter".
• In the Save Design dialogue box, click on the Smart Media Icon.
• If you are using the card for the first time it MUST be initialized; click on Initialize. If you do not initialize, the machine will not be able to read the card, even though you see the design on the smart media card.
• Click on Save in New Page.
• When the transferring of the data is complete, message Design Successfully Written will appear; click OK.

As long as the green light is flashing on the converter box, this is an indication that data is still being transferred. The card or the transfer should not be disturbed; to do so can cause a malfunction of the card.

* Important * The small silver sticker provided with this card is a copy protect sticker. When applied it will prevent any design from being written to the card.

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5. How do I read a design from the Smart Media card on the PSW 2.00?

• From the tool bar, click on File.
• From the drop-down menu click on "Read from Converter".
• Double click on the Smart Media Card icon, and a list of Pages appears.
• Double click on a Page: a list of Tags will appear. There are 5 tags per page.
• Each tag will hold up to 8 designs. Look for your design and then double click on it.
• Your design is now open and ready for editing.

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6. How Do I Write A Multiple Hoop Design To My Smart Media Card ?

After you have created your design select the Multiple Hoop from the Utilities > Hoop menu. You can add the Multiple Hoop crosshairs that are listed in the Create menu if you wish. They are sometimes helpful in determining what will fit into a single large hoop.

Then left click on File > Write using Multiple Hoop. This will open the section of the program that will allow you to write the design to the Smart Media Card. Please note the change in the horizontal tool bar.

Step 1. Begin left clicking around the portion of the design that you have determined will be the first section of the design to be hooped.

Once the desired area has been "lassoed" you will right click to finish the function. (Note: you can delete a misplaced click by pressing either the Delete key or "F9" on the keyboard or clicking on the eraser icon (also has "F9" next to it) on the top tool bar).

Step 2. Now you will select the colors that are in the area that you have "lassoed". As they are clicked on, they will turn black. (On a large design with many color changes it may be favorable not to have any black or duplicated colors on screen. This will make it easier to detect the areas that need to be selected.)

Step 3. Once all the colors in a section have been selected bring your mouse down into the screen, then right click to end the function. Then left click on OK.

Step 4. Continue selecting the next area to hooped.

Step 5. Right click on the screen to end the function. Left click on OK.

Step 6. Left click on the color block on the top tool bar until you have selected all the colors that you want included in the second hooping. They will darken as they are selected.

Step 7. Bring the mouse down into the screen and then right click to end the function. Left click on OK.

Repeat as many times as necessary (up to 8 times) to pull off all the design.

Step 8. Then left click on the "Write to Card" icon on the horizontal tool bar.

Please note that the title bar will now read "Save Multiple Hoop on Smart Media Card". Choose either to save the design in a New Tag or a New Page by left clicking on the button. The design will now be written to the card. It will seem to take longer because it is writing the entire design, not just one hoop. Once the design is written you will return to the main screen of the PSW 2.00a®

As you can see the card now shows both "hoops" for the Multiple Hoop design.

Place the card into the XL-5000/6000 and press the Smart Media Card icon. Go into Tag 2 of Page 1 (or where you have written the design). You will select the first hoop. When you enter, the machine will ask you if you'd like to Multiple Hoop the design. Press the OK. Then select the next portion of the design. Once you have entered all the designs press the "Enter" pictogram (yellow tulip inside the large hoop as shown in diagram 2 on page 91 of the XL-6000 manual).

The design will re-assemble itself in the machine and be ready to sew.

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7. How Do I Insert A Stop Between Two Designs?

When placing multiple designs into a layout screen on the PSW it will usually be desirable to place a stop between the elements. This will prevent the last color in the first design from becoming the first color on the second pattern.

Open the first pattern. This can either be from the built-in Library patterns, Lettering, or an imported file from the Open Design menu.

Left click on the stop sign to insert a stop.

Note that once the Stop has been selected it becomes grey and will remain so until you have added a new block or pattern.

Now select the next pattern. This can be lettering, a Library Design, or an imported File using the Paste Design option under the file menu.

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8. My converter box is no longer working, the lights no longer flash.

Check the fuse inside the box; it may need to be replaced. You will need a Fast-Acting 1- amp fuse, which is 250 volts and measures 5 X 20mm. If you are unsure, we recommend bringing the old fuse with you when you purchase a replacement.

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9. How many designs can I save to my smart media card on the PSW 2.00?

The Smart Media Card saves in a similar configuration as the XL-6000®, in that it has Pages (screens), Tags (folders) and designs. This sometimes is referred to as "Branching". The average number of pages that can be written to a card is seven. Each Page can hold up to 5 "Tags" and each "Tag" can hold up to 8 designs. Remember to INITIALIZE the card on the first use to enable the XL-6000® to read your designs.

Not every Page will hold 5 Tags and not every Tag will hold 8 patterns. All of this is dependent on the stitch count that each design uses. In the example above using card # 5007, Tag #1 did not contain 8 designs. The card also only has 4 Pages and Page 4 only has 2 Tags (folders). It is the stitch data of a design that determines the capacity of the Folder, and number of Tags to a card.

To check the capacity of the card, space available and space used you can right click on the card in the Open Design or Save Design dialog box that opens when you choose either "Write To Converter" or "Read from Converter". Instead of left clicking on the Smart Card, right click on the icon for the card.

No matter what the Total Space of the Smart Media Card we recommend not writing more that 7983 KB of space. Exceeding this number may cause the card to become un-readable by the XL-6000®.

It is possible to overwrite a pattern by left clicking on the design and then selecting Overwrite. (Note: Options such as Save Design, Overwrite, or Save in New Tag are not available unless you open the Tag.)

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10. Smart Media Cards

The PSW 2.00a reads and writes to Smart Media Cards. There is an 8 mb card included with your software.

If you need to purchase additional cards there are many sites on the Internet that sell these cards. A Google search will result in many sources. We recommend that you purchase the smallest card available. The XL-5000/6000 cannot read more than approximately 8 mb of information into the machine.

To check the capacity of your card you will only need to right click on the SMC icon in either the Read or Write dialog box in the PSW.

Some Smart Cards will include 2-4 small round silver dots. These are to copy protect your card if you do not wish to erase or overwrite the design on the card. If they are applied and at a later time you choose to re-use the card they can be removed.

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11. Can I change the settings on my screen to read inches instead of centimeters?

Click on "Parameters" on your toolbar. Click on "System Parameters" in the drop down menu.

Under Unit System you have the option to select the Metric or English system.

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12. What formats will my PSW read?

If you own PSW version 2.00 it will read the following formats:

• PSW
• XXX
• DST
• ZSK
• EXP
• PCS
• HUS
• SEW
• PES
• PEC

If you own PSW version 1.00 or 1.10, it will read the following formats.

• XXX
• DST
• EXP

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13. What Is Parameters Assistant?

Parameters Assistant is a tool found inside the Block Properties dialog box.

The Assistant gives you the ability to select from the more commonly used fabrics and thread thicknesses. Once the choices have been made click OK and the program will automatically set the parameter for the design based on your selection.

The recommended Default Values will now be set to the fabric type and thread chosen.

The Parameters Assistant is a very useful tool for a new digitizer as it will select the appropriate parameters for the user. The Assistant contains a variety of fabrics and fabrics with fill types.

The Assistant can also be used when editing a block of a design to adjust the block properties.

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14. Are there additional instructions available for the PSW?

Go to www.singerco.com, under "I need help with", select "Instruction Manuals".
In the search box enter PSW. You will have the option to download a free copy of a workbook for the PSW 2.00, 1.00 or 1.10. These are large files, between 15 to 38 MB; we recommend that you download them only if you have high speed Internet.

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15. FAQ's for PSW 2.00a Options

15.1 I installed my Options, but I can't see any changes to my PSW 2.00a screen. Where is it?

PSW 2.00a Options installs and becomes apart of the original program.

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15.2 Where is the PhotoStitch Option?

The PhotoStitch option will be found when selecting Complex Fill stitch types. You can choose between PhotoFill and PhotoFill Color. Each fill has different parameters.

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15.3 I used the Magic Wand to digitize my photo and it looks awful. What's wrong?

PhotoStitch is not an autopunch digitizing option. To use PhotoStitch you will manually digitize the entire photo area at once using the same method as any Complex Fill.

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15.4 I manually digitized my photo and it still looks awful, why?

There are several possibilities for this. One, the photo may have a low dpi. The minimum recommended dpi is 150. Perhaps the actual size of the photo may be too small. Try using a photo at a minimum of four inches. Photos may be resized in the OPEN IMAGE box by left clicking on the button next to the image size. In addition, you may view the dpi of the image here.

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15.5 I digitized my photo and it was too small, so I resized it. The design was changed and no longer looked good.

PhotoStitch doesn't resize. If you want your design to be larger, do it to the image of the photo before you digitize it. This can be done in the OPEN IMAGE box before the photo is opened.

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15.6 I am using my PhotoStitch, but I don't seem to understand the Parameters setting. They don't seem to work quite like the rest of the PSW 2.00a parameters. Can you explain the PhotoStitch Satin Fill parameters?

You are right. At first look the Parameters box seems very different.

However, if you take a closer look it's easy to understand. Style - Satin, means exactly what it says. The stitch will be rows of satin columns. Satin Width refers to the actual width of the satin column, like the stitch width on your sewing machine while doing a zigzag stitch. Minimum Stitch Distance, the default is set a 6.0. This is actually more like the density setting you are accustomed to seeing in the software.

Look at the zoomed in examples below.

Figure A

Here notice the column width. This is shown at a Satin Width of 25.

Figure B

This sample shows a Satin Width of 10.0. Can you see the difference? It appears denser because there are more satin columns per design, but the Stitch Distance is still 6.0 as in Figure A.

Figure C

This sample has the Satin Width at 25.0 (as Figure A), but the Minimum Stitch Distance has been changed from 6.0 to 4.0. If you refer back to Figure A, you can see that the zigzag is closer together here in Figure C.

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15.7 Why do some of my images AutoPunch better than others?

It may be dependent upon the image type. Bitmap images, which include jpeg, tiff, bmp, .pcx, .pcd, .tga, and .psd, are made using pixels. These images are often scanned into the computer, although they may come from CD's. Vector files, which include .wmf and .emf files, are often created using computer software and are smooth edged images. These can be imported from CD's. They will also have fewer colors.

Example of a Bitmap Image	Example of a Vector Image

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15.8 Where is the AutoPunch?

AutoPunch is found under the CREATE drop down menu after you have opened an image.

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15.9 What happens when I "Vectorize" an image? Do I want to say yes?

Vector images are created in layers. Therefore, if you have a circle with a square in it, the circle color will be behind the entire square. Since the AutoPunch digitizes by color changes it would place stitches in the entire blue circle area and then overlap with stitches again when digitizing the pink circle. This would lead to a very dense hard to sew design. When you say "YES" to the OPTIMIZE VECTOR IMAGES option, the program "erases" the blue behind the pink square.

For best results, you will want to say YES when asked to OPTIMIZE the image.

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15.10 Why does it only ask to Vectorize images sometimes?

If you are not using a Vector File Image, (.emf or .wmf) it will NOT ask to vectorize the image. The software will automatically vectorize non-vector files, sometimes this happens quickly on a fast computer and you will not even notice.

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15.11 Since my PSW 2.00a already will digitize TrueType fonts from my computer, why do I need Hyperfont?

Your PSW 2.00a as it is now, without the Option, digitizes TT fonts in the lettering part of the software with a Complex Fill step satin or satin stitch. With Complex Fill stitches, you only have one stitch inclination. With step satin fills, this may give an adequate finished result, but usually not as pleasing as the built-in fonts. With Satin fill stitches you can have very long stitches, which are easy to catch and snag.

Complex Fill Step Satin

Complex Fill Satin

HYPERFONT FROM OPTIONS

Notice how with HYPERFONT, the stitches follow the shape of the letters, instead of just one direction. This gives a more professional appearance to the lettering.

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15.12 When I'm creating Hyperfonts using my True Type Fonts, I don't understand all the choices in my popup box. What's the difference between REFERENCE LINE and COMPLEX FILL? What is BREAK LINE EDITOR?

Complex Fill will give you lettering with only one stitch inclination (direction). This might be a good choice for very large lettering. By choosing Complex Fill, you could even edit the lettering and replace the fill with any of the 120 Pattern Step Fills or any of the 30 Special Step Fills.

The second part of your question asks to define the "Line Break Editor." By enabling the "Editor", it will allow you have more flexibility when creating your new font. It will give you the option to edit and predefine the way HyperFont will cut the letters into segments (blocks). Simply draw a new line or move the existing one(s).

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15.13 Why isn't there a manual for the Options?

There is a very informative 28-page manual located on the Options CD. To access the manual return the CD to the drive and go into Windows Explore and find your Options CD. You will find a file name "Manual," just double left click on the icon and it will open the .PDF file.

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16. How can I make a satin line narrower?
Use pull compensation. This makes your block of stitches narrower if you enter a negative value or wider if you enter a positive value. The value you enter is expressed as a percentage of the stitch length.
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17. What exactly is density?
Density is the point distance between stitches that are side by side, or between rows of run stitches in a fill. The movement of a machine (the distance from one needle penetration to the next) is measured in "points" (1 point = 1/10 millimeter). PSW works in millimeters, centimeters and inches. So, using numbers to describe density, we are really talking about the space between, or separation, of the stitches.
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18. How do I know what density to use?
It depends on the type of fabric and thread you are using. As a general rule, when using thin, fine, "stretchy" fabrics or knits, set your density low and use underlay to stabilize the fabric and to avoid "pull" and tearing the fabric. The opposite applies to heavier or thicker fabrics.
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19. What kind of underlay should I use? Do I need to use underlay even in small blocks?
It depends what kind of fabric you are using , you need underlay to stabilize thin, fine, "stretchy" fabrics or knits, but be careful that it doesn't show outside the block! For these kinds of fabrics, a stronger zigzag underlay works best. For woven fabrics, choose central or guideline underlay.
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20. How much overlap should I use so that I don't get gaps between blocks?
Generally, blocks should overlap about 1-3 mm. Block registration can be affected by the hooping of the garment, the type of backing used, stretching of the thread and the push/pull effect of the fabric. To compensate for this, try to hoop the garment tightly enough so that it does not move within the frame, use the correct backing for the garment and if necessary, use pull compensation to correct the push/pull effect.
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21. Is it better to overlap blocks or use pull compensation?
For most designs, it is best to overlap blocks. Pull compensation is used to stop the fabric "shrinking" or pulling tight when you sew out your design.
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22. How can I delete unwanted small stitches from a design?
Use the Clean Up tool to eliminate unnecessary small stitches from a design. Click the Edit pull-down menu and then select Clean Up. Your will be asked to enter two values for the length of the stitches you want to delete, for example, if you enter minimum 3 and maximum 6, all stitches over 3/10 mm and under 7/10 mm will be deleted. You can also set PSW's parameters (press F9) to automatically clean up small stitches.
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23. What units of measurement does PSW use?
The values of the system's parameters are given either in tenths of millimeters or inches while others in percentages. You can choose between tenths of millimeters or inches. Some values, e.g. pull compensation are expressed as percentages.
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24. What density should I use for underlay?
Depending on the kind of fabric you are using, average density should range from 12 to 20. When sewing on a stretchy fabric, it may be necessary to use a more dense underlay.
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25. What is applique?
Applique is fabric (or other material) that is applied to the surface you are embroidering on for color, coverage, creativity and/or texture. This piece of fabric is usually held in place with an outline of satin stitches.
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26. How can I change my screen's background color?
From the vertical toolbar on the left side of your screen, select Stitch Colors. From the color palette that appears, click on the monitor (screen) icon. In the box below, select the new color from the available shades. You can also set the background color by accessing PSW parameters (press F9)
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27. Can I change the size of my design?
Yes - from the Modify menu, select Modify Dimensions. Now you can change your design's size by percentage or by entering a new actual size. You can modify the width and height separately, or in proportion to each other.
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28. How do I zoom in on my design?
Using the zoom tool, draw a box around the area that you want to magnify. When you click the mouse, you will zoom in on the area you selected.
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29. Can I change the menus to appear in another language?
Yes - from the Parameters menu, select System Parameters. In this window, you can change the language to any of the languages listed.
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30. What does "outline shift" mean in pull compensation?
Outline shift widens the outline of a block in tenths of millimeters.
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