[amayausers] Re: Feedback on Amaya Experience

Debi,
        Please keep in mind that our experience with equipment is only with 
that of
Melco equipment.  All opinions of other equipment/companies that we might
possess have come from heart felt opinions of others in the business in
combination with sales pitches and first hand eye witness of equipment
running both at trade shows and in the field.
The Amaya does have a lot of nice features that, from what I understand-
when hardware/software issues no longer exist, will (as one man stated)
leave the rest of the embroidery industry in the dust.  One feature
specifically - "tensionless embroidery".  However, just as one company
creates something new, provided there are no patents involved, it isn't long
before others migrate to similar technology.  For example - the ever so
handy laser beam that indicates where the needle will punch next.  We may
not have appreciated it's existence had we not operated a machine that was
without one prior.  This would be a major selling point for us because
although I might have the talent, combining experience with my ole' eagle
eye, in determining where the needle will stitch next, we really must
consider our employees that are operating the equipment.  It is at this
point where "simplicity sells".  I've seen where other companies are
offering laser beam features on their equipment as well.
Now, it goes without saying that all embroidery equipment does require
regular preventative maintenance - oiling, cleaning, etc...  Make sure you
understand what is involved with the PM of the equipment you're considering.
For if you (or your employees) are lackadaisical in this area,... "you'll be
sorry".  Oil can be your best friend (where and when necessary).  The Amaya
software is great in that it monitors the machine total stitch count and
reminds you of when scheduled PM's are due.  Then the software walks you
through process step by step with pictures to boot.  But keep in mind that
this should only be a kindergarten's approach to regular maintenance.  If
you rely whole heartedly on the computer to remind you when to oil your
machine, a small boo boo like not having the reminder feature turned on in
software could cause you to realize down the road that "it's been a long
time since the computer told me to oil the machine".  After all, the
computer knows all, right? - NOT!
The "Design Shop" software, in my experience, is pretty good.  It has a lot
of great features that can be self-explanatory.  You will have to reference
the manual from time to time the more you get into digitizing.  Remember
that Design Shop followed Melco's "EDS IV" which followed "EDS III" etc...
(I think that stood for Embroidery Design Software-not sure)  I have heard
of people mixing and matching software and equipment.  As long as the
software can save your embroidery files to a format your equipment will
recognize.  Most do.
The Amaya utilizes software called Amaya Control Panel Software.  This is
separate from Design Shop.  Design Shop runs along side the Amaya software.
One copy of "ACPS" will run one machine or 2 to 30 together.  This is good
for duplicate orders.  If you have a lot of "onesies" to do and you'd like
to run the 2 to 30 machines separately, gotta' buy more software.  Of course
if you're at that point, it'll probably pay for itself over time.  You would
also be considering another computer at this point as well.
I understand the Toyota machines aren't too far from the Toyota automobile
name.  I can't say one bad word about the two Toyota cars we own.  I know a
man who owns several SWF machines and he says he's happy.  Speaking of
Happy, I hear they're coming out with a small machine just as Tajima did
last year.  But stay away from Renaissance.  I've seen one smoke with my own
eyes at a trade show.  I really felt bad for them.  That makes for a lasting
impression.
But by all means, make sure you feel comfortable with the people who will be
instructing you how to use what you buy.  Not necessarily only the sales
staff.  The Melco people, both in Colorado and in our region, are great to
deal with and that has meant a lot to us.  Heck, I was even lucky enough to
drink a beer (after hours) with the man who built one of my machines.  He
really knows embroidery equipment.
Also keep in mind that our Amaya's came with a 2 year warranty.
If you get a chance, try to get to one of the big embroidery shows this
year.  Bring an embroidery file of what you consider to be an average design
or font with your own material and backing samples to the show.  And see
what's involved in going from start to finish and then compare the stitch
quality.  Write the name of that company on the back of your design samples
to compare at your leisure.
If the Amaya is coming in at a higher price that your other two choices,
consider asking about certified refurbished Amayas.  If they're available,
there is a cost savings and the warranty and support are still there for
you.  Oh and yes, you don't have to jump both feet first with the digitizing
software.  You could have your designs shopped out to someone who does it
for a living and you can spend more time on learning your new equipment.  We
use digitizers from here in town to overseas.  The Internet is incredible.
My wife wanted me to let you know not to fool yourself going into this
investment.  800 members or not, once people find out about what you can do,
they'll be calling you night and day for embroidery work.   Just remember to
keep organized and save a backup copy of all your embroidery files.  If your
PC crashes, it could be devastating.  Nature of the beast I guess.
Good luck.  Anything else you would like to know, just ask.
Sorry I rambled on.  I'm glad I can type fast.

Now I've got to go stitch a shirt.

Ed Orantes

E.M. Broidery
Maralien Orantes
3740 Rue Nadine
New Orleans, La. 70131
504-398-1053 office
504-398-1052 fax
e3m@xxxxxxx




-----Original Message-----
From: amayausers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:amayausers-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Debi Randall
Sent: Monday, May 26, 2003 10:26 PM
To: amayausers@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [amayausers] Feedback on Amaya Experience

Hello,

I'm somewhat new to the list and joined to obtain feedback on the Amaya and
DesignShop software.

As a potential buyer, I've narrowed my choices to the Amaya, Toyota 9000, or
SWF 1201C.  The Amaya is the most expensive on the list.  I am excited about
the advances that the software and machine combination promise; and of
course as any new buyer, I am concerned about any adverse impact that the
combination may provide as well.

I must tell you that I am more of an advanced hobbyist who will attempt to
make some money through a club I belong to (over 8000 members), rather than
a person who is going to try to make a living out of an embroidery business.

For this type of use, do you feel the Amaya and its software is worth twice
the value of another on the list?  Have you had to have service and were you
pleased with it?

I would welcome any comments you have.

Kind regards,
Debi in KC

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