Just a comment about the Hooptech system. We bought the device and a 4.5 x 6 size frame. We followed Melco's instructions to the letter to add a new hoop and it worked perfectly. We were very careful to line things up and have been in using it. I did not find any place in the Melco instructions indicating that Hooptech isn't to be used on the Amaya or I probably would not have purchased it. I must say that Hooptech was not very helpful in that there were no directions when you got the device. I called Hooptech to order but their rep ordered it out of Brother which I thought was a bit strange. I asked the Hooptech rep if this would work on the Amaya and of course they had an adapter and they think it works. Going back to a previous e-mail in that "the buyers beware" should be considered. As new people to the industry and the machine we don't always know the right questions to ask. I do appreciate this list, especially being machine specific. The other lists are so adamant that their brand is the best that they aren't willing to look at new ideas. I get a little bruised on some of the other lists. Alan and Margaret Jannuzzi Wishes in Stitches Embroidery 4502 W Buffalo, Chandler Az. 85226 480-216-3163 -----Original Message----- From: amayausers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:amayausers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of E. Orantes Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 8:02 AM To: amayausers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [amayausers] Re: 2 questions Wendy, Although the HoopTech (yellow) hooping system is a wonderful tool, you must be very aware of what you are about to embark upon. By no means is this to scare you into not using it but be very cautious when you do... First off, I have heard that this Hooptech system (and any knock-off's like it) are not authorized Melco hoops and if any damage results to your Amaya because of it, you will instantly void your warranty. (Please verify for yourself with Melco as this is simply what I heard). Now, what damage am I speaking of???? If I remember correctly, that hooping system has a "Y" offset of -3 inches. What this means is that if you don't set up the hoops for this system correctly, or possibly forget to tell your Amaya you are using a hoop with the correct settings, then what could possibly happen, and has happened to a few people I know, is that when you do something like "hoop center", the machine drives the hoop to what it knows to be the normal hoop center. But because of the large size of this hooping system and the fact that there is a negative "Y" offset, the hoop may in fact be driven forward into the back of your needle case and push it off of it's support rails. This is definitely not a good thing and will require somewhere in the neighborhood of about $1000 or more out of your pocket to have a technician fix. Sometimes the damage may be so much that an entire new needle case will be needed. The rule of thumb for this, and other hoops like them are to never power your machine, up or down, with this device on your machine. You also must verify, and adjust if necessary, the height of the hoop so that the hoops are not too high off the needle plate. Ultimately, with every hoop, the fabric is supposed to ride on the surface of the needle plate as you sew. Otherwise flagging will result. Since this device was created to fit just about all machines, you must take it upon yourself to make sure that it is set correctly to your machine. With that said, if you do everything you're supposed to and are a cautious individual, this is an incredible tool and allows you to embroider a great number of items you ordinarily wouldn't have been able to hoop before. I am an advocate of the hooptech system, but I just hate to see accidents happen. Best of luck to you. Ed Orantes Amaya Tech & Owner New Orleans, La. 504-258-6260 -----Original Message----- From: amayausers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:amayausers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Itchin To Stitch Sent: Monday, October 25, 2004 9:17 PM To: Amaya User Group Subject: [amayausers] 2 questions Tonight when I turned on my machine and it moved to needle 9 there was a loud snapping noise. When I moved the needle case back and forth it made the same noise as it went past needle #11. I couldn't see anything obvious that was causing the noise so I turned the machine off and then powered it up again. Again the same snapping noise and then the noise disappeared. The machine was sewing fine last Tuesday when I last used it and I had no obvious problems with it. Any ideas on this one???? 2nd question ----- Does anyone use the 7.5"x6" HoopTech window on their Amaya? I bought one at the ISS in Atlanta last week and would like to get the hoop setup dimensions if anyone is willing to share. Thanks! Wendy Itchin' To Stitch MN