Elna Foot Controller Common Fault - Fix - Star Supermatic - Lotus

If your Elna sewing machine doesn't go when you put your foot down, it could be just a simple fix.
This is a common fault with these types of foot controllers made for the Star Supermatic and Lotus model machines.
Tools required...
Pozi drive screw driver (or phillips if you have to)
Soldering iron and solder
Detailed subjects covered are listed in the index below.
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Web Site - www.institches.co.nz
Index:
0:00 - Introduction
0:23 - Symptoms and other possible causes
1:35 - A look inside the controller at the issue
3:00 - Reattaching the broken wire - soldering
6:41 - Assembling the foot controller
8:32 - Testing
8:58 - Thanks

[@r.duroucher225]

Thank you, this is a timely video. I need to repair one of these pedals that has the opposite problem, the machine runs as soon as the pedal is plugged in without even pressing on the black pedal.

[@tomobedlam297]

Thank you so much! This is exactly what the problem was with mine except the wire had broken at the other end so it didn't need soldering - just baring and rescrewing into the terminal end. It's my first Elna Supermatic. I picked it up today in non-running condition. Now it's purring like a kitten! Í can see why you love them so much. 👍

[@stell66]

Thank-you, this button style pedal looks simillar to the Singer ones so I will file this away in case it is the same fault with those. And much appreciated these little videos showing us how to care and maintain our vintage sewing machines.

[@aussielass5621]

Thankyou for your videos. You explain really well.

[@miabullen4752]

this is great! thanks so much, my wire had come off at the other end. The slower speed setting has never worked since I owned this machine, I'm wondering if that would be an easy fix too?

[@Oldsirhippy]

What is that white ceramic (?) block? I can't figure out how that speed controller actually works - Any ideas?

[@michaelh3994]

Is there a way to use alternate foot controller

[@jenniferoatey8593]

Just ordered a new pedal, for mine came without! Saving for future.

[@mickhazilias2912]

Where from

[@jenniferoatey8593]

@@mickhazilias2912 got one coming from Amazon. Looks like it’ll fit.

[@mickhazilias2912]

@@jenniferoatey8593 do u have a link

[@hinab3773]

Excellent detailed tutorial. I have very similar model (visually identical excepting the word 'supermatic' is followed by an '*'. It appears that this machine was repaired as you demonstrated excepting the black wire appears to have been replaced by a red wire at the time. This machine belonged to my mother so I would expect the repair to have been performed pre 1990. I have just replaced the 3 pin plug (I did not note how it was wired) and I am somewhat confused by the colour coding which is the same as yours ( I am also in NZ). I'm assuming BLACK must be ACTIVE and BLUE NEUTRAL. Thanks in advance

[@InStitches]

Hi. Can't remember off the top of my head sorry but I'll take note next time I have one out. Thanks.

[@hinab3773]

@@InStitches Thank you!

[@Lucyverre]

Hello I live in the Netherlands and have the Elna plana automatic (1963) with this foot controller. That was later adjusted because I couldn't get used to that knee "thing". I want to change the lamp on this machine. do you have a video of that?! The light is under the top cover, but I can't get the top cover off. The light therefore shines from under the middle part of the machine, which is indeed not really handy because not directly on your sewing. I see that on this machine, probably a later type, it is in a different place. Thank you in advance if you take the time to read this

[@tomobedlam297]

I now have 4 of these older Supermatic machines with the lamp as you describe. You will see there is a black metal grill covering the lamp. It is hinged at one end (the left end when facing the machine) and is slightly spring-loaded to allow it to slide and disengage from the securing knob at the other end. With the power disconnected, hook a fingertip in the grill and slide it away from the little knob. The grill will then swing down bringing the lamp with it. It can be a little stiff. Best of luck. 👍

[@Lucyverre]

@@tomobedlam297 Thank you for your answer and for taking the time to do so. I will try. If I can't do it, I'll ask my son when he's here. But at least I can let him read this. I have the manual but it says nothing about it

[@dariusjanulis4119]

Everything is not so complicated 🙂👍

[@tomobedlam297]

When I worked in general engineering I had a boss whose mantra was: "It's all just nuts and bolts!" I still use that philosophy today whenever I'm faced with a challenge: "It's all just nuts and bolts" indeed. 👍