Computerised

Press, 1 September 1982, Page 15

Computerised

A multitude of computercontrolled devices have transfomed office procedures and are having an increasing impact on processing and manufacture. It is probably less widely realised that computerisation is now available to the home sewer.

The Swedish firm. Husqvarna, is not the first manufacturer of sewing machines to produce a computer model, but claims to offer "the best” Besides the same basic mechanical features perfected for the most recent version of the “2000," the latest Husqvarna — model 6690 — has five computer cassettes.

Two are for utility stitches and two for decorative stitches — nine on each, adding up to 36 stitches in all. each sewn at the touch of a button. The machine automatically adjusts to the ideal stitch length and width. There is a selection of five standard sizes for each stitch, shown on a stitch size read-out, but when exceptional circumstances call for a non-standard option, this "fine-tuning" can be done by means of the "over-ride" switch.

It is easy to programme a combination of up to seven utility and-or fancy stitches into the computer memory, and this programme is retained until cancelled, even if other functions intervene.

What is in the computer memory can be checked — the appropriate lights flash in sequence — and part of a programme can be altered without having to reset all of it.

Further savings can be achieved in time and effort by using the “mirror-image" capability; press a button and the stitch is sewn the other way over. The fifth cassette has the letters of the alphabet and a sequence of up to 56 can be held in the computer membory at one time. Besides the stitches available on cassette there are three built-in stlches; the straight stitch, zig-zag and three-step zig-zag, any of which can be used in combination with any cassette. With three pushes on a button, the 6690 sews a perfect buttonhole, locking the thread automatically at the finish. The bar at each end is built on three lots of four stitches to guard against puckering on fine material. There is also a special knit buttonhole that double stitches everything, for use on heavy-weight fabric. In sewing on a button, the computer machine "remembers" the distance apart and the number of stitches required, and it uses a lock stitch to avoid unravelling.

The "selectronic" feature automatically stops the needle either up or down as desired: the reduction gear gives slow, steady, stitch-by-stitch control for intricate work; and the electronic speed control ensures smooth running from very slow to maximum speed. Thread tension and presser foot pressure are easily adjusted to suit different fabrics.

Thanks to the computer, there are far fewer moving parts in the 6690. Those that do move are permanently lubricated so the machine never needs oiling. Husqvarna took 10 years in perfecting the machine and developing a simple service procedure.

Each service centre has a “test box." Should something electronic not work properly, this test machine locates the fault and a replacement piece is inserted. The faulty board is sent back to Sweden for rebuilding, which leads ultimately to cheaper replacements. This very straight-forward procedure means there is no delay involved in restoring a Husqvarna computer machine to complete “going order."

lan Aldridge and Co., Ltd, primarily a Husqvarna dealership, is the main Husqvarna agency and service centre in Canterbury but gives full service and instruction for all makes and models of sewing machines. This includes free home demonstrations of any model, without obligation to buy.