Today I received an answer from Tijima (Pulse Ambassador) regarding my request for a link on their website to the older version that converted home formats.

Here is the response:

Our old Ambassador is no more available but we have another program that can convert files and it is not very expensive. Please have a look at this link:

http://www.annthegran.com/Search.aspx?q=atgswaresearch&ssp=/0/0/0/3/5

I visited the link and found that 'Catalog Xpress' is their replacement for Pulse Ambassador. It ranges in price from $159 to $99 and upgrades from $84.99 to 74.99. It appears that the popularity of their free version with home embroiders has given them the idea for a new revenue stream by creating this product. I had no idea it was a Tijima product and it isn't advertised that way.

Notice in the response that 'it isn't very expensive'. To go from 'free' to $99 is expensive to me.

The Wilcom True Sizer free program would be the best choice now for a free conversion program. It has now been updated to include the larger hoop sizes for home formats.

For those willing to spend that kind of money for Catalog Xpress, the Embird digitizing software might be a better choice just in case you ever wanted to edit designs or learn to digitize.

I have just sent an email to the person that responded advising them of my understanding of their money making goal and explaining the current situation for many home embroiderers. That situation being, those that upgraded to the new version, losing their ability to convert home formats and finding they could not return to the old version.

I have also asked several questions regarding access to the old version for embroiderers that updated without knowing what they would be giving up.

I really didn't know if I would get a response to my first email and I suppose I am expecting negative responses to what I have asked Tijima today. By expecting the worst perhaps I won't be so disappointed if their answers are the least bit positive. At least there is dialogue with me which in itself is better than I expected.

I will keep you all updated

Marcelle