Warranty I

• The converter box will not read manufacturer’s alphabetmemory cards.

• All designs must fit inside the sewing hoop capabilities ofyour machine. Reducing the design to fit inside yourhoop may affect the sewability.

• Some designs may have stitches that can not be readcorrectly into the converter box.

• The converter box can not warrant the quality of thirdparty digitizers.

• Any user of the converter box should adhere to applicablelicense agreements of all third parties of the designs.

• This product is not to be used to violate copyright, trade-marks or other intellectual property rights of third parties.

• This product can read from embroidery cards, disks orhard drive but will only save to designs to an officialAmazing Box, or Magic Box rewritable memory card.

• Inserting the wrong card type or any foreign object otherthan an embroidery memory card into the correct slotcould bend connector pins and damage the converterbox. Connector pins are not covered under the LimitedWarranty.

• Each card will access 120,000 to 180,000 stitches. It ispossible that some designs have more stitches than acard will allow.

• Not all designs will work on all machines due to machinecapabilities.

• Colorizing the design will be necessary through ColorEditor to save the design on the rewritable card so thatthe color displays correctly on your machine’s LCDscreen.

Disclaimers

Amazing BoxII

Limited Warranty1. All parts other than connector pins are warranted

to be free from defects for a period of one year andwill be at the manufacturer's option, replaced orrepaired at no charge to you, the consumer, for aperiod of one year from date of original purchase,provided said parts or machine are returned, andtransportation prepaid.

2. There is no charge for covered parts or labor when aconverter box is returned within 90 days of theoriginal purchase. Proof of purchase date (a copyof the sales receipt) must be included with themachine. The machine will be returned to you,the consumer, prepaid.

3. A flat fee of $50.00 will be charged for serviceof non-warranted parts when returned after90 days and before 365 days from the date oforiginal purchase. Proof of purchase date (copy ofsales receipt), and a check or money order payableto: GN TECH AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER.

GN Tech Support2751 ElectronicDallas, TX 75220

The $50.00 must be included with the machine.The converter box will be returned to you, theconsumer, freight prepaid.

4. This warranty does not cover bent connector pins.5. This warranty does not cover postage,

transportation to a service center, or serviceprovided by anyone other than GN Tech ServiceCenter.

6. After one year, service may be obtained bycontacting any local sewing machine repair center,or return the converter box to GN Tech ServiceCenter for an estimate of repair charges at theaddress above.

Warranty III7. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY IS THE EXCLUSIVE

WARRANTY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AREHEREBY DISCLAIMED, INCLUDING WITHOUTLIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OFMERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR APARTICULAR PURPOSE.

8. This warranty is in effect provided the converterbox is used only for normal household sewingpurposes and not commercial use, and givenreasonably good care. The manufacturer is alsonot to be held responsible for damage, normalwear, accident, abuse, neglect, acts of God, or ifthe converter box has been repaired (worked on)by unauthorized personnel.

9. Any machine returned:A. Must be packed securely to avoid damage

in shipping. We suggest using the originalcarton and non-static styrofoam packing.

B. Shipping charges to be paid by sender.C. To protect you against damage in

shipment, the converter box should beinsured for full value.

D. Proof of purchase (a copy of the salesreceipt) must be included.

E. Be sure to include sender's name andaddress (yours) on outside and inside ofcarton.

F. Please specify problem.10. Warranty only applies to the converter box.

Warranty doesn’t apply to incidental orconsequential damages including, but not limitedto, embroidery cards, embroidery machines,garments, or other soft goods.

Amazing BoxIV.11. This warranty is nontransferable and extends only

to the original purchaser when new and whenpurchased from a duly authorized dealer. Thiswarranty is in lieu of all other warranties. Themanufacturer is not responsible for anyrepresentation, expressed or implied other thanthose contained herein.This warranty gives you specific legal rights, andyou may also have other rights which vary fromstate to state.

This warranty disclaims liability for incidental, orconsequential damages, which apply during andafter the warranty period. Some states do not allowthe exclusion or limitation of incidental orconsequential damages, so the above limitation orexclusion may not apply to you.

If you have any questions or comments concerning thisproduct, please feel free to contact the manufacturer at theaddress below:

GN Tech Support2751 ElectronicDallas, TX 752201-800-553-1691support@amazingdesigns.com

Warranty V

Federal CommunicationsCommission Compliance Notice

(for U.S.A. only)This equipment has been tested and found tocomply with the limits for a Class B digital devicepursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Theselimits are designed to provide reasonable protec-tion against harmful interference in a residentialinstallation. This equipment generates, uses andcan radiate radio frequency energy and, if notinstalled and used in accordance with the instruc-tions, may cause harmful interference to radiocommunications. However, there is no guaranteethat interference will not occur in a particularinstallation. If this equipment does cause interfer-ence to radio or television reception, which can bedetermined by turning the equipment off and on,the user is encouraged to try to correct the interfer-ence by one or more of the following measures:- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.- Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a

circuit different from that to which thereceiver is connected.

- Consult the dealer or an experiencedradio/TV technician for help.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: REGULATIONS

Amazing BoxVI

Important - About the Interface CableThis equipment has been certified to comply withFCC standards, which are applied to the U.S.A.only. A shielded interface cable should be usedaccording to FCC 15.27 (C)CautionChanges or modifications not expressly approvedby the manufacturer or local sales distributor couldvoid the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Canadian Department of CommunicationCompliance Statement

(for Canada only)

This digital apparatus does not exceed the ClassB limits for radio noise emission from digitalapparatus as set out in the interference-causingequipment standard entitled "Digital Apparatus",ICES-003 of the Department of Communications

Radio Interference(220-240V only)

This machine complies with EN55022 (CISPERPublication 22)/Class B.

VIITable of Contents

Disclaimers ILimited Warranty IISupport IVFCC VTable of Contents VII

Introduction 1Why Choose The Amazing Box 2Terms Used in This Manual 2Icons Used in This Book 3

Installation 5Accessory Page 6Computer Requirements 6Hardware Installation 7Troubleshooting 9Software Installation 12Start Program 14

File Formats 15File Formats 16

Quick Start 19General Operation 20Read 21Load 23Delete 25

Table of Contents

Amazing BoxVIII

Write 25Using Compatible Software 26

Main Screen 29Design Screen 31Dialog Box 32Read 32GNC Files 35Zip Files 35Load Card 36Write Card 40Delete 44Options 44Exit 45Sewing Field Index 46

Color Editor 49Drop Down Menu 50

File 51View 60Options 61Help 65

Tool Bar 66Main Tool Bar 67Color Bar 69Status Bar 71

Frequently Asked Questions 73FAQ’s 74

Table of Contents (cont)

Introduction○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

The Amazing Box gives you the unique ability toconvert your favorite design from one format toanother, and the ability to use designs from disks,CDs and the Internet. This manual is not only filledwith information about how to use the program, butit also includes many timesaving tips that will makeyou more productive, efficient and effective withyour embroidery projects.

Items Found in this Section:

1 Why Choose The Amazing Box2 Terms Used in This Manual3 Icons Used in This Manual

About This Manual

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Why Choose The Amazing BoxThe Amazing Box has the most flexible andeasy-to-use-features allowing you to work di-rectly with Smart Sizer Gold, Lettering Pro, SizeExpress, Fast Fills, Click ‘N Stitch, and ColorEditor. With these six products, you can size,edit, add lettering, pattern fill, and colorize yourdesigns.

Terms Used in This ManualIn The Amazing Box program, there are severaldifferent ways to activate the same function orfeature: by clicking your mouse on a drop downmenu, clicking on an icon, or in some cases,using a hot key.

When suggested, click on an icon with themouse. Pictures of referenced icons are dis-played in the left margin of the manual.

Tip

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Icons Used in This Book

This icon indicates a story. These stories help toexplain and simplify problems that may be con-fusing.

This icon indicates helpful tips that enable you tobetter understand how the software works.

This icon provides information that will save youtime in your day-to-day use of the software and insome cases the use of your computer.

This icon is placed next to sections of thismanual you should not forget. Pay close atten-tion to anything with this icon. It may come inhandy later.

This icon explains technical components in theuse of the program and computer.

This icon lets you know of potential dangers andwill warn you about possible pitfalls while usingyour computer.

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InstallationItems Found in this Section:

1 Accessory Page2 Computer Requirements3 Hardware Installation4 Software Installation5 Start Program

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

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Accessory PageIncluded with The Amazing Box:

1 Amazing Box1 Rewritable Memory Card - in jewel

case1 Instruction manual1 Amazing Box Software on

CD-ROM Including Color Editor &Adobe Acrobat

1 USB Cable

Options:Additional Rewritable Memory CardsSmart Sizer Gold - editing softwareLettering Pro - text programSize Express - resizing softwareFast Fills - pattern fill softwareClick ‘N Stitch - autodigitizing software

Computer RequirementsPentium II Processor16 MB RAM5MB hard drive spaceWindows 98 or aboveCD-ROM DriveDisplay 800 X 600 or betterMouseUSB Port

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Hardware Installation

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1 Turn OFF computer.

2 Plug flat end of USBcable into USB port. Thisport may be in the front orback of your machine.

3 Plug square end ofyour USB cable into theback of your Amazing Box.

4 Turn ON computer.

5 The first screen yousee will say “New Hard-ware Found.” Simplyinsert your installation CDinto the drive and click“Next.”

3

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7 With “Search forsuitable driver...” selected,click “Next.”

8 Select only “CD-ROM drives” and then click“Next.”

9 After Windows hasfound the driver, click“Next” to start the installa-tion process.

10 Finally, select “Fin-ish.” Your driver installa-tion is complete, and youare ready to install yourAmazing Box software.

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TroubleshootingIf you use Windows 2000,Millenium Edition (ME),or XP, you will see an icon(Figure 1) appear at thebottom right corner of yourscreen (near the clock).When unplugging yourAmazing Box, you mustfirst double-click this icon,select the “USB Conver-sion Box,” and then click“Stop.” It is now safe tounplug your Amazing Box.

The next time you plugyour Amazing Box in,Windows will automaticallyrecognize the conversionbox driver.

NOTE: If you fail to stopyour Amazing Box beforeunplugging it, you will haveto reinstall the driver fromyour installation CD.

Figure 1

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Microsoft's Logo compatibility testing is put in placeto ensure that users do not incur problems withequipment manufacturers' products. While TheAmazing Box is in the process of gaining "formal"Microsoft approval, it has been tested for use underthe Windows XP operating system and is WindowsXP compatible. The Amazing Box driver should notyield any problems, therefore, select “Continue Any-way” when this warning appears.

More information about Microsoft Logo testing can befound at: http://www.microsoft.com/WINLOGO/hardware/digitalsignature.asp

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If you get a message on your screen saying, “Nocomport...” this usually means the USB driver isnot installed correctly. Follow the following stepsto reinstall the driver.1. Unplug the USB cable from the computerwhile it is on.2. Turn off your computer.3. Plug the USB cable back into the computer.4. Turn on the computer.5. A Mircrosoft message stating, “New hardwarefound,” appears.6. Insert the Amazing Box CD into the CD-ROMdrive and cancel installation if it autoruns.7. Now follow the on-screen prompts and direc-tions in the Installation chapter on HardwareInstallation to install the USB driver.

No Comport Error Message

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Software Installation1. From the Windows desktop close all

open programs.2. Place The Amazing Box CD in the

CD-ROM drive.3. From the Windows desktop, click on the

Start button.4. Click on the Run button.5. At the Run prompt you will need to type the

letter of your CD-ROM Drive followed bySetup. (Ex: D:\SETUP or E:\SETUP)You may also press the Browse buttonand click on the CD-ROM drive and thesetup.exe file. Once the setup.exe file ishighlighted press Open. This will copy thecommand to the command prompt. Nextpress the Return or Enter key.

Figure Inst-1

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Figure Inst-2

Figure Inst-3

Figure Inst-4

Figure Inst-5

6. Click Next.

7. Click Next.

8. Click Next.

9. Click Finish.

Amazing Box14

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To start the program:1. Go to Start.2. Click on Programs.3. Click on Great Notions.4. Click on Amazing Box.

Amazing Box appears on your screen as shownin Figure Inst-6. Your Amazing Box and softwareis properly installed and is ready to use.

If you receive any errors when loading TheAmazing Box’s software,call 1-800-553-1691 Monday through Friday 8am to 9 pm CST.or email support@amazingdesigns.com.

Start ProgramFollow the steps below in order to run TheAmazing Box.

Figure Inst-6

File Formats○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Amazing Box16

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HUS (*.hus)

DST (*.dst)

A “HUS” file is an expanded file format thatworks with Viking DOS Customizer and VikingCustomizer 95 software.

File Formats are designs on your hard drive,floppy or CD-ROM that The Amazing Box willread. There are many different file formats theAmazing Box will open. You will find them listedbelow.

File Formats

A “DST” file is an expanded file format that workswith the Tajima machine.

GNC (*.gnc)A “GNC” file is a scalable format used withAmazing Designs software. This format enablesyou to enlarge or reduce the size of the designusing Smart Sizer Gold. The computer will auto-matically regenerate the design adding or sub-tracting stitches.

CSD (*.csd)A “CSD” file is an expanded file format thatworks with DOS HuskyGram, Toyota POEM andSinger Embroidery Unlimited.

File Formats 17

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A “PES” file is an expanded file format thatworks with Babylock Palette, Bernina Wizardand Brother PE-Design software.

PES (*.pes)

EXP (*.exp)A “EXP” file is an expanded file format thatworks with the Converter Box.

SEW (*.sew)A “SEW” file is an expanded file format thatworks with Janome Scan-n-Sew PC, Elna Envi-sion Scan PC, Dream Vision and Customizer2000.

A “XXX” file is an expanded file format thatworks with Singer PSW.

XXX (*.xxx)

PCS (*.pcs)A “PCS” file is an expanded file format thatworks with Pfaff PC-Designer V2.0 (PC), andPfaff PC-Designer V2.1 (PC) software.

JEF (*.jef)A “JEF” file is an expanded file format that workswith the Janome 10000 machine.

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An expanded format is any format that will notregenerate new stitches when resized. Thismeans that if you reduce an expanded design,the stitch count will not change. What happensis that the stitches will get closer together andyou may end up with thread or needle breakageand/or damage to your garment. One way toavoid this problem is to use stitch processingsoftware like Size Express from Amazing De-signs.

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Quick Start○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Items Found in this Section:General OperationA ReadB LoadC DeleteD WriteUsing Compatible Software

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3. Click OK to enter the program. The designtransfer screen offers you a Read, Load, andthree Write Card buttons. The main screen alsohas a Delete, Options and Exit button. TheLoad, Write Card and Delete buttons will beinactive until a design has been read into thesoftware or a card inserted into the slot.

1. Make sure The Amazing Box has power. Todo this, simply verify the green light on the frontof The Amazing Box is on.

2. Open the Amazing Box program by double-clicking on the icon. Make sure you have onlyopened the program one time. When you doubleclick the icon, it takes a few seconds for theprogram to open.

You must only have the program opened onetime in order to set up communication betweenyour computer and the Amazing Box.

General Operation

To ensure the program hasn’t been openedtwice, look at the bottom of your monitor screenbetween the “Start” button on the left and theclock on the right. If you see a square with“Convert” and a picture of the box more thanonce, you need to exit one of the programsbefore you may continue.

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The Read function lets you select a design froma file. You can read designs from a floppy disk,CD, or your hard drive. The Amazing Box soft-ware is conversion software. This means thatyou can “read” CSD, DST, PES, HUS, JEF,SEW, XXX and PCS file extensions into thissoftware. The Read function also reads zippedfiles without you having to unzip them first.

Read

Figure QS-1

The GNC format is found on the Amazing De-signs disk collections.

Use a GNC formated design whenever possibleas it automatically resizes the design to fit thesewing field you are writing to.

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Click the Read button, and the standard “Open”window appears (Figure QS-2). Click the downarrow to the right of the “Look in” box and followthe path to the folder or drive where your designsare stored. Once you have the appropriatefolder in the “Look in” box and the file informationdisplayed below it, you can select the design youwant, or click on the Browse button to seepictures of the designs. Double click on thepicture and the design will load into a square onthe main screen. You can keep choosing filesuntil all 6 squares are full.

Figure QS-2

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LoadThe Load function is what enables you to takedesigns from memory cards into the softwareand write them back to a card for yourembroidery machine.

1. Simply insert the preprogrammed memorycard into the appropriate slot (See Figure QS-3on the next page) in the box and the Load buttonwill highlight.

2. Click the Load button and type the number ofthe desired design and click OK to load thatdesign. You can also view all the designs on thememory card by clicking Browse. This brings upa picture of each design on the memory card.Select the design you want and click Load. Youare able to load up to 6 designs at a time.

3. When you are finished selecting designs fromthe “Browse” page, click OK and the design willload onto the main screen.

Once you have loaded your designs from thepreprogrammed card, you need to remove it fromthe slot.

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1 Upper Left Card Slot (Slot 1)The card slot for Babylock, Bernina-Deco,Brother, Simplicity, Viking #1+, Rose, and 605Cards.

3 Upper Right Card Slot (Slot 3)

4 Lower Right Card Slot (Slot 4)

2 Lower Left Card Slot (Slot 2)

The card slot for Singer Cards.

The card slot for Elna, Janome, New Home, andKenmore Cards.

The card slot for Pfaff, Janome 10000 andBernina-Artista Cards.

5 Red Light

6 Green Light

The red light informs you The Amazing Box iseither reading or writing a card.

The green light informs you The Amazing Box isON.

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DeleteThe Delete button is used to remove a designfrom any of the 6 squares on the screen. Clickthe design you want to delete then click theDelete button and the design disappears.

WriteOnce you have up to 6 designs on your screenthen you are ready to insert your rewritablememory card into the appropriate slot on theAmazing Box and write the designs to therewritable card for sewing.

See Figure QS-3 for which slots cards areassigned to.

1. Click one of the 3 buttons below “Write Card.”(Detailed information regarding theprogramming of these buttons is in the “MainScreen” section of the manual).

2. The message “You are about to overwrite thecurrent card. Are you sure?” will appear. ClickYes.

3. The design(s) will write to the card. Whenfinished writing, the message “Success!Memory card is now ready for use” appears.Click OK.

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Do not remove your card while the red light is on.

You will see a status bar with numbers countingup “Writing block….”. There is no specificnumber at which the transfer will stop. You mustwait until the status bar is no longer on thescreen to remove your card. The message“Success - Memory card is ready for use” willappear on your screen when it is safe to removeyour card from The Amazing Box.

Now you are ready to take the card to yourmachine and sew!!

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Only one card in the box at a time!

Using Compatible Software

The Amazing Box allows you to edit your designsusing other Amazing Designs software such asLettering Pro, Size Express, Color Editor, etc.Start the desired program, then double click thedesired design or the Edit/Transfer drop-downmenu, and the design will transfer into thatprogram.

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Ex. To send a design from the Main Screen intoColor Editor:1. Open Color Editor and maximize.2. Double click on the desired design on theMain Screen, and this design will automaticallybe transferred into Color Editor (Figure QS-4).3. Once in Color Editor, recolor the design byclicking on the color block below the design.4. To send design back to The Amazing Box,click File/Save.This also works with any other Amazing Designssoftware.

Figure QS-4

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Main Screen○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

In this section of the manual, all the features onthe Main Screen are explained.

Items Found in this Section:

Amazing Box Main Screen

Figure MS-1

Design ScreenDialog BoxReadLoadWriteDeleteOptionsExit

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Main Screen

A Design ScreenB Dialog BoxC ReadD LoadE WriteF DeleteG OptionsH Exit

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A Design ScreenWhen using The Amazing Box, you are able toplace up to six designs onto a card at one time(Depending on the size, stitch count and/or colorchanges in the design).

The six boxes, as shown in Figure MS-3 willdisplay the sequence of the designs selectedbefore writing to a card.

If you own Smart Sizer Gold, Lettering Pro, SizeExpress, Fast Fills and/or Color Editor, you canload the desired program and then double clickon any of the boxes and the design will opendirectly in that software.

Figure MS-3

Tip

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B Dialog BoxWhen moving your mouse over the differentfeatures in the program, information about thatfeature will be displayed in the Dialog Box.

C ReadClick the Read button or the File/Open drop-down menu to open the “Open” window asshown below in Figure MS-4. Using the downarrow to the right of the “Look in” box, find thedirectory or drive in which your designs arestored. Once your design files are displayed,select the design you want and click Open.

Figure MS-4

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With the “Browse” function open, there areseveral things to note.

In the “Sort By” function, youcan sort your designs by nameor extension.

Click on the menuarrow under“Directory,” for the

listing of sub-directories in your computer.Select the directory and the designs will auto-matically load onto the window as shown inFigure MS-5.

Figure MS-5

Another feature in the “Open” window is“Browse.” Click on Browse and the “Browse”window will open displaying all the designs inthat folder as shown below in Figure MS-5.

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After selecting a design, click on OKto load the design to screen.

This icon will take you to your last design.

This icon will take you to the next page ofdesigns.

This icon will take you forward one design.

This icon will take you back one design.

This icon will take you to the previous pageof designs.

This icon will take you to your first design.

Click the Cancel button to close thewindow.

The Amazing Box can read multiple file formatsfrom floppy, CD-ROM or your hard drive.

GNC: Great Notions condensed (*.gnc)CSD: Toyota Poem/Singer EU/Dos HuskyGram

(*.csd)DST: Tajima (*.dst)EXP: DOS expanded (*.exp)HUS: Viking DOS Customizer/ Customizer 95

(*.hus) Split at 12 colorsJEF: Janome 10000 (*.jef)

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PCS: Pfaff PC-Designer V2.0 & V2.1 PC(*.pcs) Split at 16 colors

PEC: Babylock Palette/Bernina Wizard/BrotherPE-Design (*.pec)

PES: Babylock/Bernina Deco/Brother/Simplicity (*.pes, *.pec)

SEW: Elna/Janome (*.sew)XXX: Singer (*.xxx)

GNC FilesGNC formated designs will automatically resize ifnecessary to fit the sewing field you are writingto.

The GNC format is only found on AmazingDesigns disk collections.

Zip FilesThe Amazing Box will also read zip files.

Click the Read button and go to the directorythat contains your zipped designs as shown inFigure MS-6.

Figure MS-6

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D LoadThe Load function is what enables you to takedesigns from memory cards into the softwareand write them back to a card for your embroi-dery machine. You are able to load up to 6designs at a time into the software.

Not all pre-programmed memory cards arereadable. Some manufacturers have disabledthis function for their cards.R

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Select the zipped file that you want to take adesign from and click Open. The “Zip Directory”opens, displaying the designs within that zip fileas shown in Figure MS-6a.

Select the desired file and click Open to load it,or click Cancel to close the window and return tothe “Main Screen.”

Figure MS-6a

Main Screen 37

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rClick the Load button or the File/Load drop-down menu and the “Read Design” dialog boxwill appear as shown on the next page in FigureMS-7.

Remember to remove the pre-programmedmemory card from the Amazing Box and replacewith the rewritable card before clicking “Write.”R

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1 Upper Left Card Slot (Slot 1)The card slot for Babylock, Bernina-Deco,Brother, Simplicity, Viking #1+, Rose, and 605Cards.

3 Upper Right Card Slot (Slot 3)

4 Lower Right Card Slot (Slot 4)

2 Lower Left Card Slot (Slot 2)

The card slot for Singer Cards.

The card slot for Elna, Janome, New Home, andKenmore Cards.

The card slot for Pfaff, Janome 10000, andBernina-Artista Cards.

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1

1 Type in the design number of the singledesign you wish to load if you know thenumbered position of the design.

2 After typing in the design number, clickOK and the desired design will load.

3 If you do not know the number of thedesign, click Browse and all the designson the card will be displayed. The“Browse” function is further explained onthe next page.

4 Cancel will close the “Load” functions.

23

4

Figure MS-7

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a Up to six designs can be shown at onetime depending on the number of designson the card as shown in Figure MS-7a.

b Select the desired design then click Loadto send the design to the “Main Screen.”You can select up to 6 designs dependingon the space available on the “MainScreen.” The “Card’s Directory” will notclose until you click OK.

c Clicking the Next Page button willshow the next six designs.

d Clicking the Prev Page button willshow the previous six designs.

e Clicking OK will take you back to the“Main Screen.”

Clicking the Browse button in the “Read Design”dialog box will display the “Card’s Directory”showing you pictures of all the designs on thecard as shown in Figure MS-7a.

Figure MS-7a

a

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E WriteThe Amazing Box has the capability of loadingand writing memory card designs. You musthave the appropriate writable card to be able towrite designs for your machine. Listed below arethe writable card formats and their appropriateslots in The Amazing Box.

1 Upper Left Card Slot (Slot 1)The card slot for Babylock, Bernina-Deco,Brother, Simplicity, Viking #1+, Rose, and 605Cards.

3 Upper Right Card Slot (Slot 3)

4 Lower Right Card Slot (Slot 4)

2 Lower Left Card Slot (Slot 2)

The card slot for Singer Cards.

The card slot for Elna, Janome, New Home, andKenmore Cards.

The card slot for Pfaff, Janome 10000, andBernina-Artista Cards.

Pfaff, Artista and Janome 10000 all use thesame slot in The Amazing Box, but the Janome10000 rewritable card is different from the Pfaffand Artista card. This means you can not write aPfaff or Artista file to a Janome 10000 card andvice versa.

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Once you have up to 6 designs in the software,you are ready to insert your rewritable memorycard into the appropriate slot on The AmazingBox and write these designs to the rewritablecard for sewing.

To program the “Write Card” buttons for yourmachine, first insert a writable card into theappropriate slot in the box. Now click any of thebuttons marked “Unknown.” A new dialog boxappears as shown in Figure MS-8. Click thedown arrow to select your machine from thechoices given.

Figure MS-8

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Now click on the newly programmed “Write Card”button to save the designs to the card. You willbe given a warning that the card will be overwrit-ten as shown in Figure MS-8a. You will be eras-ing all of the previously written designs andreplacing them with the new ones. Click Yesand the transfer will start. Click No to cancel thisoperation. You will now see a red light in thecenter of the box. This means that The AmazingBox is transferring the designs to the card.

Only the machine choices for the card inserted inthe slot will be offered (ex. the upper left side slotis for format PES/HUS so only BabyLock/Brother/Deco/Simplicity/Viking machines will beoffered). Select the appropriate machine model.

You can set each “Write” button to reflect yourpersonal machine. If you own more than onemodel you can set the buttons accordingly.Once you set the “Write” button to a certainmachine it will remain set until you change it.

If you do not see your machine model you canselect a different machine by the samemanufacturer with the same single sewing fieldparameters. You can select from the listprovided at the end of this section.

Tip

Tip

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One card in the box at a time. If you are loadingdesigns from a programmed memory card,remove it before you insert your writable cardand click on the “Write” button.

Do not remove your card while the red light is on!

Figure MS-8a

This software will not split designs for multi-position hoops. You can only save designs toyour writable card in the size that you machinewill sew in a single sewing field.

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When the Amazing Box is done writing thedesigns to the card, it will display a “Success”window (Figure MS-8b). You are now ready totake the card to your machine and sew!

Figure MS-8b

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F DeleteThe Delete button gives you the ability to removea design before writing to the card. Select thedesign you want to delete by clicking on it, thenclick the Delete button or the Edit/Delete drop-down menu and the design is removed.

G OptionsClick the Options button to pre-set the “Un-known” write buttons to reflect your machine type(Figure MS-9).

Figure MS-9

Some machines require designs to split intomultiple files depending on the number of colorsand stitch count. If your design doesn’t appear tohave sewn out completely, then you may need toselect the next file on the card to complete yourdesign. Ex. Pfaff PCS format splits at 16 colorsor 14,000 stitches.

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Click any of the down arrows in the “Write ButtonPreferences” field, and a database of availablemachines is displayed (Figure MS-9a).

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H ExitClicking the Exit button will close the AmazingBox software.

Figure MS-9a

You can set each “Write” button to reflect yourpersonal machine. If you own more than onemodel you can set the buttons accordingly.Once you set the “Write” button to a certainmachine it will remain set until you change it.

If you do not see your machine model you canselect a different machine by the samemanufacturer with the same single sewing fieldparameters. You can select from the listprovided at the end of this section.

Tip

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Scroll through the list until you find your ma-chine and select it. Click OK to accept it orCancel to close the window. The machineinformation will now replace the word “Unknown”on the “Write” buttons on the “Main Screen.” Youcan set all 3 buttons to your machine types orleave the other 2 as “Unknown.”

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Memory card driven machinesMaximum Single Sewing Field

By Machine

Machine Hoop Size File

BabyLock ESI/ESI2 100 x 100 PESBabyLock EM1/EM2/eac/BL60E 100 x 100 PESBernina Deco 500/600 100 x 100 PESSimplicity SE1/SE2/SE3 100 x 100 PESBrother PE150/100/200/300S/7500 100 x 100 PESWhite W3300 100 x 100 PES

BabyLock ESE/ESE2/Ellure 130 x 180 PESBrother 8200/8500/6500 130 x 180 PES

BabyLock Ellageo 1/2/3 160 x 260 PESBrother ULT/2002D 160 x 260 PES

Bernina Artista 180/170 152 x 198 ARTBernina Artista 200E

Elna 9006 70 x 80 SEWJanome NH 8000 70 x 80 SEW

Elna CE20/8007/8006 122 x 88 SEWJanome NH 9000/5700/5000 122 x 88 SEWKenmore 1900/19001 122 x 88 SEW

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Memory card driven machinesMaximum Single Sewing Field

By Machine (cont.)

Machine Hoop Size File

Janome 10000 140 x 200 JEF

Pfaff 7570/7560 115 x 120 PCSPfaff 2140 140 x 225 VIP

Viking Rose/1+/Iris 100 x 100 HUS

Singer XL100 112 x 80 PSW

Singer XL150 130 x 240 PSWSinger XL1000 130 x 240 PSW

***********Single sewing fields listed for current model machineseven though the Amazing Box may not be capable ofsaving to some of the larger sewing fields at this time.

************

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Color Editor is a separate program provided withThe Amazing Box for the purpose of changing adesign’s color information.

Color Editor○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

In this section, all the features of the Color Editorsoftware are explained.

Figure CE-1

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○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Drop-Down Menus

You will find four Drop-Down Menus:

FileViewOptionsHelp

Figure CE-2Drop-Downs

Immediately below the title bar is the drop-downmenu. This contains all the commands for ColorEditor.

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Open (Ctrl+O)Click File, then Open to select a design.

Figure CE-3Open

Click on the down arrow to the right of the “Lookin” box to show the list of sub-directories on yourcomputer as shown in Figure CE-3a. Select thefolder that contains your designs.

This displays the “Open” window along with yourdefault folder or directory setting as shownabove in Figure CE-3.

FigureCE-3a

File Menu

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Figure CE-3b

When you click on a file, the file name willappear in the field box to the right of “File name”as shown in Figure CE-3b.

Figure CE-3c

To the right of “Files of type” you can choosewhat type of embroidery format you wish toopen.

Multiple file formats may be selected whenopening a file:GNC: GN Scalable (*.gnc)HUS: Viking DOS Customizer/ Customizer 95

(*.hus) Split at 12 colorsCSD: Toyota Poem/Singer EU/Dos HuskyGram

(*.csd)PES: Baby Lock/Bernina Deco/Brother/

Simplicity (*.pes, *.pec)SEW: Janome Scan-n-Sew PC/Elna Envision

Scan PC (*.sew)PEC: Baby Lock Palette/Bernina Wizard/

Brother PE-Design (*.pec)PCS: Pfaff PC-Designer V2.0 & V2.1 PC

(*.pcs)Split at 16 colorsXXX: Singer PSW (*.xxx)EXP: DOS expanded (*.exp)DST: Tajima (*.dst)

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Across the top of the main screen is the title bar.It will display the file name of the design youhave opened. If you are working in a new file,and it has not yet been saved, it will display“Untitled” as the file name.

Tip

After selecting a design, it appears inthe “File name” box. Click on the Open button toload the design.

Click the Cancel button, to cancelthe “Open” command.

You should periodically save your work so thatyou don’t lose your work in the event of a powerinterruption or hardware failure.Ti

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Save (Ctrl+S)Click File, then Save to save changes to anexisting file. The “Save” command saves yourdocument under the same name, replacing theprevious version. When you finish using ColorEditor, save your work before closing it.

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Figure CE-4a

Figure CE-4b

To the right of “Save as type” you can choosewhat type of embroidery format you wish save to.

Type the name of the design in “File name” asshown in figure CE-4a.

Save As

Figure CE-4Save As

The “Save As” window in Figure CE-4, functionsthe same way as the “Open” window. Click onthe down arrow to the right of the “Save in” boxto select the desired folder.

Click File, then Save As to name your designand save it to the desired folder.

Color Editor 55

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The “Save As” feature will only allow you to savethe file within the same format it was opened,with the exception of GNC.

If a design is opened in GNC, it can be saved inHUS, CSD, PES, SEW, JEF, PCS, XXX, EXPand DST.

If the design was sent from The Amazing Box, itcan only be saved back to The Amazing Box.

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After typing the name of the design in“File name” shown in Figure CE-4a, click theSave button and the design will be saved.

Click the Cancel button, to cancelthe “Save As” command.

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Print (Ctrl+P)Click File, then Print to print a copy of yourdesign.

Not only will the design print out, but it will alsoshow the file name, the stitching size, the num-ber of stitches and the number of colors.

Print PreviewClick File, then Print Preview to display on thescreen how the printed page will appear (FigureCE-5).

Figure CE-5

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When viewing the “Print Preview” screen, thereare some items to note (Figure CE-5a).

Figure CE-5a

On the right side of the screen (Figure CE-5a),you will notice the file name, the size of design inmillimeters and inches, stitch count, number ofcolors and the order the colors are to be sewnout.

Click the Print button to print theinstruction sheet to your printer.

Click the Next Page buttonto display the instructions from the second page.The Prev Page button will take you back to theprevious page (if applicable).

Click the Two Page button to show apreview of both pages as shown in Figure CE-5b.

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Figure CE-5b

Click the One Page button to bring the“Print Preview” screen back to one page asshown in Figure CE-5c.

Figure CE-5c

Click the Zoom In button to zoom inas shown in Figure CE-5a.

Click the Zoom Out button to zoomout as shown in Figure CE-5c.

Click the Close button to close the“Print Preview” screen.

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Print SetupClick File, then Print Setup to bring up the printsetup dialog box as shown in Figure CE-6.

Figure CE-6

You will be able to change the type of printer,properties, paper size and orientation within printsetup.

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ExitClick File, then Exit to close Color Editor.

If you have not saved your work, you will beasked to do so.Ti

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VIEW MenuToolbar

The “Toolbar” is the row of icons found at the top ofthe screen. As a default, they are alwaysselected “On”.

Figure CE-7

Click View, then Main Toolbar to add or removethe “Main Toolbar” options from the screen. Acheckmark denotes the toolbar is active.

(Top of Screen)

Status Bar

Click View, then Status Bar to add or removethe “Status Bar” options from the screen. Acheckmark denotes the toolbar is active.

The “Status Bar” is the row of icons found on theleft side of the active screen. As a default, theyare always “On”.

Figure CE-8(Bottom of Screen)

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rEach square of the grid equals 10 millimeters by10 millimeters. (10mm X 10mm). The designyou select must fit within the work space.

OPTIONS Menu

Hoop SizeClick Options, then Hoop Size to select thebrand of machine and hoop size as shown inFigure CE-9.

Figure CE-9

The workspace grid will increase or decrease insize to show the work area available for thatparticular machine and hoop size.

Tip

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Density Settings (for GNC Designs Only)Click Options, then Density Settings to bring up thedialog box in Figure CE-10. Density Settings onlywork with GNC designs.

Figure CE-10

In Figure CE-10 you will find two ways to adjust thedensity of the embroidery pattern, “Adjust stitchdensity” by percentage or by “Thread Weights.”

Figure CE-10a

The best way to “Adjust stitch density” is toremember that if the number is higher than 100,stitches will be added, and if the number is lowerthan 100, stitches will be removed.

You may get better results on terry cloth bychanging the density to 110% and changing thedensity to 90% for knits.

Tip

In “Thread Weight,” the default is 40 wt. Whenselecting 60 wt, there will be an increase institches due to the thickness of the thread beingthinner than 40 wt. If “Yarn” is selected, therewill be fewer stitches.

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GNC format is the only format in which you canchange the density. The GNC format is onlyfound on Amazing Designs Disk Collections.

Click on OK to make the appro-priate changes to the design, depending on thedensity settings you select.

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Click on Cancel to close thedensity settings command without making anychanges to your design.

PreferencesClick Options, then Preferences to bring up thedialog box in Figure CE-11 .

Several options can be selected depending onthe brand of sewing machine you are using.

Figure CE-11

Figure CE-10b

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Figure CE-11a

Figure CE-11a shows the setting for Viking/Husqvarna machines. This option will split thedesign at every 12th color change.

When a design is split, the file name will berenamed with an A, B, C etc. at the end of thefile. For example; if you have a design named16044.GNC and this design has 13 colorchanges in it, the file will be saved as16044_A.HUS and 16044_B.HUS.

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Figure CE-11b

Figure CE-11b shows the setting for Janome/NewHome/ Elna software. This option will ensure thatwhen you save to *.SEW it will be compatible withScan-n-Sew PC V1.x. The Dream Vision/Customizer 2000 when selected will enable 78colors for Elna/Janome/New Home in your colorpallet.

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Figure CE-11c is the setting for Pfaff PCS. Thefirst option will make PCS files 100% compatiblePfaff PCS. The second option will split the designat every 16th color change.

When a design is split, the file name will berenamed with an A, B, C etc. at the end of thefile name. For example: you have a designnamed 16044.GNC and this design has 18 colorchanges in it, when you save it to Pfaff PCS, thefile will be saved as 16044_A.PCS and16044_B.PCS.

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Click OK to apply selected prefer-ences.

Click Cancel to close the dialogbox preferences without making any changes tothe software.

About Color EditorClick Help, then About Color Editor to displaythe version number of Color Editor you areusing.

HELP Menu

Figure CE-11c

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○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Tool Bars

Figure CE-12

This section describes how to use the three toolbars in Figure CE-12 through CE-14.

Main Toolbar

Color Bar

Status Bar

Figure CE-13

Figure CE-14

(Top of Screen)

(Bottom of Screen)

(Bottom of Screen)

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Open Icon (Ctrl+O)Click the Open icon to open a design file asdiscussed in the “File Menu” section.

Main Menu Toolbar

Save Icon (Ctrl+S)Click the Save icon to save changes to an exist-ing file. The “Save” command saves your docu-ment under the same name with which it waslast saved or opened, replacing the previousversion.

When you finish using Color Editor, save yourwork before you close it.

You should periodically “Save” while you work, soyour work will not be lost in the event of a powerinterruption or hardware failure.

Tip

Print Icon (Ctrl+P)Click the Print icon to print a copy of your de-sign. See the “File Menu” section for moreinformation and functions.

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About IconClick the About icon and the Color Editorversion number will be displayed.

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Zoom In IconClick on the Zoom In icon to zoom in on thedesign.

Zoom Out IconClick on the Zoom Out icon to zoom out on thedesign.

Each square of the grid equals 10 millimeters by10 millimeters. (10mm X 10mm) The designyou select must fit within this work space.R

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Density Settings IconClick on the Density Settings icon to adjust thedensity settings as discussed in the “OptionsMenu” section.

Hoop Size IconClick the Hoop Size icon to bring up the dialogbox to select a machine and hoop size. See the“Options Menu” section for more information.

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Color Bar

The “Color Bar” enables you to change the colorsof the design on the screen.

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Figure CE-15

Figure CE-16

After clicking on one of the boxes shown inFigure CE-15 the “Select Color” box will appearas shown in Figure CE-16.

By clicking on the color you wish to change, thename of the color will appear in the “New Color /Change To” box as shown in Figure CE-16a.

Figure CE-16a

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There are five color palettes available to selectcolors.

Figure CE-16b

Click on OK to change the se-lected color to its new color.

Click on Cancel to close thecolor select function without changes.

Default = 64 colorsBaby Lock/Bernina/Brother= 64 colorsHusqvarna/Viking = 29 colorsElna/Janome/New Home = 78 colorsPfaff = 16 colors

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Figure CE-17d

Figure CE-17a

Figure CE-17b

“St:” displays the stitch count of the designsplaced on the work space.

“Clrs:” displays the number of colors of thedesigns placed on the work space.

“Sz:” displays the size of the designs placed onthe work space.

“Pos:” displays the position of the designsplaced on the work space relative to the center.

Status Bar

Figure CE-17

The “Status Bar” provides information about fourimportant items.

1. Size2. Position from center.3. Stitch Count4. Number of Colors

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Frequently AskedQuestions

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Question: What is a design transfer system?Answer: It is a memory card writing system that

takes designs from your hard drive,floppy drive or CD and writes them to amemory card to fit your embroiderymachine.

Question: Do I need a computer to use a designtransfer sytem?

Answer: Yes, The Amazing Box connects to yourPC to write files from your computer tothe rewritable memory card for yourembroidery machine.

Question: What is a finished file format design?Answer: This is a complete digitized design with a

home sew design file extension of HUS,JEF, PCS, PES, etc.

Question: Can I take a .bmp, .wmf or .jpg file andwrite it to a card for sewing?

Answer: No, these file extensions are graphicfiles, clip art, or pictures, and need to bedigitized before you can write them to amemoy card to stitch out on yourembroidery machine. To do this, you willneed digitizing software like Click ‘NStitch from Amazing Designs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Question: What does digitized mean?Answer: This is the term for a stitch file. It means

that the clip art or picture now hasstitches to it.

Question: What does “single sewing field” refer to?Answer: Each embroidery machine has a maxi-

mum area that may be embroidered atone time. This would be considered themachine’s single sewing field. Forexample, the Simplicity SE3 or BrotherPE150 both have a 100x100mm or 4x4”single sewing field. You should be ableto find this information in your machine’sinstruction manual.

Question: Why do I need this system?Answer: With The Amazing Box you have the

ability to create your own memory cardsusing designs from disk collections, CDs,or even the Internet. The design possi-bilities are endless with The AmazingBox. If you decide to edit or add letteringto your designs, The Amazing Box andadditional optional software make thispossible.

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Question: How do I keep my Amazing Box Soft-ware up-to-date?

Answer: The Amazing Designs website(http://www.amazingdesigns.com)will post periodic software updates fordownload. To see which version of thesoftware you have installed, click “Help”on the menu bar and select “About.”

Question: The software does not recognize theconverter box, what do I do?

Answer: If you get a message on your screensaying, “No comport...” this usuallymeans the USB driver is not installedcorrectly. Follow the following steps toreinstall the driver.1. Unplug the USB cable from thecomputer while it is on.2. Turn off your computer.3. Plug the USB cable back into thecomputer.4. Turn on the computer.5. A Mircrosoft message stating, “Newhardware found,” appears.6. Insert the Amazing Box CD intothe CD-ROM drive and cancel installation if it autoruns.7. Now follow the on-screen promptsand directions in the Installation chapteron Hardware Installation to install theUSB driver.

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If you have any other questions or commentsconcerning this product, please feel free tocontact the manufacturer at the phone number oremail address listed below:

1-800-553-1691support@amazingdesigns.com

Question: Why does the design save to more thanone file?

Answer: Some manufacturers have color or stitchlimitations for each file. If your machinerequires limits, this software will splityour designs into two or more files.Ex. Pfaff (PCS) can only read 16 colorsper design file. If the design has morethan 16 color changes it will be split intotwo files ‘a’ and ‘b’ when writing to thePCS writable card. Both files must bestitched to complete the design.

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