Dongles
#12
This is the first time I have heard of a dongle having a shelf life. My frend has been using hers for a lot longer the 4 years. It also does not care about the sewing machine only the software on the computer.
#13
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Southeast Wisconsin
Posts: 1,070
Agreed a dongle itself is a usb stick with no "shelf life" at all. Now a programmer can put an expiration date on the software that is installed on the stick.
#14
Non technically - it is like an "on" switch for certain software. As the programs "boots" (or starts up), the program looks to see if the dongle is plugged in. Some programs require it to be in the exact same USB place others are more forgiving. The program will not completely start with out it being in place. This eliminates the possibility for one person to purchase a piece of software and share it with friends.
One big causation, if you actually loose that dongle (such as in 5D), you may end up re-purchasing the complete program. Many developers will repair or replace a broken or non operating dongle but none that I know of will replace a lost dongle.
One big causation, if you actually loose that dongle (such as in 5D), you may end up re-purchasing the complete program. Many developers will repair or replace a broken or non operating dongle but none that I know of will replace a lost dongle.
#15
Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 37
I have a digitizing program for my Janome 10000 I believe the dongal prevents you from sharing this program it will not work without it. And don't ask any of the computer experts, like at Best Buy, they have never heard of this( at least the best buy I went to. And I not exacting sure if I'm right but mine is working now.
#16
Power Poster
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Upland CA
Posts: 18,376
Joanne is correct, I have them for my viking software. Guard them with your life, no dongle, can not work with your software!!!!! Lost one a couple of years ago and had to purchase a whole new software package!!!!!
#17
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
Ok, I have the Viking Ruby, and I installed the 5D Pro onto my laptop but to be able to use the software to create, etc I have to have the dongle plugged into my USB port. This tells the computer what version of software I have and what additional modules I have bought to go with it. It doesn't connect to my machine only the USB port on my pc. Without this dongle I can do nothing with my software. I can install my software onto another pc but if I don't have the dongle plugged in I can' use it. I hope this helps you understand what mine is.
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
I've not heard of this. I know that my instructor (I have 5D pro) says alot of people out there still use 3D and that's been out for a while now. Maybe it's only with certain companies that they put a time line on it.
#19
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 5,397
JoanneS, Thank you. That is a very clear and concise answer. And I was tickled to see you have the Pfaff 5D software. I have the 4D, that I don't know at all, my machine is the Creative 2134, 5 years old/new; and I just never got around to learning the embroidery... I have just used my machine for sewing and quilting..but now I want to give it a go, and have been dinking around it. I am going into the dealer next week to get reacquainted with it, and I know they will want to talk me into upgrading.Probably both machine and software. Any information I should know as to "need"??
Thanks again
Thanks again