A while back, Liz asked for feedback about what YOU, the dedicated Janome fans and users, wanted to see here on Janome Life: what questions you had; what topics you want to see on janomelife and what information you’d like to learn more about.
One popular topic that was requested is Janome’s fabulous software companion to the Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker (and it’s previous versions), Horizon Link Suite – a CD which comes with the machine to install on your PC laptop or desktop.
Over the next few posts I’ll discuss each category of Horizon Link Suite (HLS) (EmbLink Tool, Pattern Combo Tool, AcuFil Tool, Stitch Composer, Screen Saver Tool, MC15000 Help Movie, Jsmc862 Installer) to help you get the most from this very fun and useful tool.
If you have a Version 1 or Version 2 Janome MC 15000, you’ve likely already taken advantage of the optional free update to version 3 Quiltmaker, which included an email link to update your Horizon Link Suite to the latest version, Version 1.31.
To check which version you have, open Horizon Link Suite, and position your mouse at the top left of your screen where it says “Horizon Link Suite” in small letters.
Right click.
A new box will open and scroll to the bottom where it says “About Horizon Link Suite”.
Right Click.
A box will open stating which version you have. The latest version is 1.31. Again, the link to update HLS would have been emailed to you if you chose to have your Version 1 or 2 Janome MC 15000 updated to Version 3 Quiltmaker.
If you have a brand new Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker right out of the box, your Horizon Link Suite CD will have Version 1.31 printed on the label, so you won’t need to go through this step.
If you have Version 1 or Version 2 Janome MC 15000, you don’t have to update your HLS, but there are some fun, useful things included with the update, so why not take advantage? This was also a FREE update, by the way!
Now, before I get into it, I’ll address a burning question about HLS so we don’t get inundated with the same question and/or complaint afterwards. No, Horizon Link Suite will NOT work with your MAC computer; it’s only compatible with Windows operating system. Why? The answer to that is above my pay-grade, I’m afraid, but, rather than focus on what one might see as a drawback, I’d rather just embrace it and go with what will work. Many MAC users buy a small, inexpensive laptop with which to use Horizon Link Suite – it doesn’t need to be fancy with a lot of bells and whistles.
I’m also asked if owners of the Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker HAVE to use Horizon Link Suite, and the simple answer is “no”, you don’t have to use it, but I think it’s a real shame not to. As the Top of the Line model, the machine is a big investment, so you might as well take full advantage of what it comes with and what it has to offer – which is a LOT! It’s like Christmas with so many boxes to open!
Horizon Link Suite allows you to take all the amazing designs and editing capabilities which are on the Janome MC 15000 Quiltmaker (including version 1 and version 2) and use them with the convenience of actually being away from the machine. Sit in your favourite easy chair, in the family room while the kids watch tv, wherever. There’s SO much you can do with your machine, without actually sitting in front of it. How cool is that?! That’s the power of Horizon Link Suite, well, only part of it. There’s also some really FUN and COOL things you can do with it, too, so I hope you’ll “Follow” us on Janome Life so you won’t miss a post!
Today was just an overview, but next time I’ll delve into EmbLink Tool.
Until next time, Happy Sewing!