iRobot Scooba experience

[norteklaser]

Uno is right with his comment on mint, I would like to add a little more on the mopping.

You have to buy those wet swiffer cloth (in US) or the alternative in singapore I would say is something like the wet magic clean fibre cloth. This cloth dries up in a few minutes and you will find that it cannot even mop half your room effectively without changing it frequently.

In this case, it is adding more work to you rather than having it work for you. The cost also adds up. Scooba just use water, press clean & you will need intervention only after close to an hour.

thanks guys. Scooba sounds like a more powerful machine then. quick questions:

1. can I clear scooba's water once per session, and then for brush and other components, leave it to twice a week for the day maid to come and wash, or do i have to wash all the components everyday (which is even more troublesome than what i am currently doing - which is magiclean everyday).

2. does it go back to base station and charge itself when batt is low?

3. if i change water halfway (since the battery charge is twice the water capacity), does it lose sense of where it has cleaned, and then start all over again?

4. is it too loud (i have a seven months old baby and won't want to disturb her too much)?

5. how often does it get stuck and i have to babysit it?

6. there's a new model, 230, since 380 is since 2007. can i check if that will be coming to singapore? website says only us and canada will have it.

thanks!

 

[uno_bliss]

1. can I clear scooba's water once per session, and then for brush and other components, leave it to twice a week...

Yes, u ought to empty both clean & dirty tank after use & let them air dry. Have u ever put wet clothes in a plastic bag before, it'll stink up in half a day.

2. does it go back to base station and charge itself when batt is low?

There is no self-charging base station for ALL Scooba models.
Wet robot, live voltage, no one around = bad idea...

3. if i change water halfway (since the battery charge is twice the water capacity), does it lose sense of where it has cleaned, and then start all over again?

High Capacity Battery can last 2 tanks. Each tank is rated to clean 425 sq ft in ~50 mins with an average of 4 pass per spot.
For effective cleaning, u should confine Scooba to a space with ~425 sq ft of floor area. Once done, Scooba plays "Job done" tune & clears its mapping memory.
U then move Scooba & confine it to another space with ~425 sq ft of floor area & repeat.

4. is it too loud (i have a seven months old baby and won't want to disturb her too much)?

Yes, Scooba is loud cos powerful vacuum is required to suck water.

5. how often does it get stuck and i have to babysit it?

Babysitting is required during 1st few uses, after which, u should have identified the common "traps". Rectify the "traps", as u would to "baby-proof" ur home.

6. there's a new model, 230, since 380 is since 2007. can i check if that will be coming to singapore? website says only us and canada will have it.

I commented on Scooba 230 here:
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=51807911&postcount=7459
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=51818988&postcount=7471

Comments by me & other iRobot fans is purely based on analysis of the design vs original Scooba design. No one has actually used one, and availability is still KIV.

 

[Jubooo]

Cleaning scooba is not really as difficult as you might think. All it needs is a rinse of the mesh filter, vacuum port and the cleaning brush. Sometimes a little hair might get onto the brush and all you need is to pull it off and then dry it as moisture will encourage algae & bateria to grow.

I have a different view on the 230 as I think it still looks promising although without rotating brush and prep vacuum. The vacuum stage had been incoperated into the later stage where it sucks the water in.

My supplier had agreed to send me a demo set once they are available and I will post a review later. My only concern now is that whether the design of power supply is the same as it seems a total redesign to me.

 

[norteklaser]

Seems like Vpost is picking up now.

I went to check on the Vpost website. It says that items that are prohibited from being exported out of US includes:

Any type of standalone batteries
Any additional battery/batteries that is packed in the same package but separated from the device
Electronic device which contains battery purchased from ebay/ individual seller

Which means if you buy from irobot or amazon.com and not from ebay or individual seller, and the battery is in the electronics, you should be safe.

Anyone bought from Borderlinx or Comgateway before? To me, shipping fee is plus minus a few bucks or a few tens, which doesn't matter to me. more important is reliability, speed, customer service and hassle free.

so far i read online quite mixed reviews. borderlinx seems to be the best except that it was previously bankrupt. maybe different management now...

 

[Yaroopig]

I went to check on the Vpost website. It says that items that are prohibited from being exported out of US includes:

Any type of standalone batteries
Any additional battery/batteries that is packed in the same package but separated from the device
Electronic device which contains battery purchased from ebay/ individual seller

Which means if you buy from irobot or amazon.com and not from ebay or individual seller, and the battery is in the electronics, you should be safe.

i bought my scooba from irobot.com and roomba from ebay. both are delivered promptly to me via VPost.

 

[lenney]

Hello guys,
Does HSN.COM accept payment by SIN credit card?

 

[Jubooo]

Hello guys,
Does HSN.COM accept payment by SIN credit card?

The last time I tried and was rejected. Not sure about now.

 

[android]

Yes, u ought to empty both clean & dirty tank after use & let them air dry. Have u ever put wet clothes in a plastic bag before, it'll stink up in half a day.


There is no self-charging base station for ALL Scooba models.
Wet robot, live voltage, no one around = bad idea...


High Capacity Battery can last 2 tanks. Each tank is rated to clean 425 sq ft in ~50 mins with an average of 4 pass per spot.
For effective cleaning, u should confine Scooba to a space with ~425 sq ft of floor area. Once done, Scooba plays "Job done" tune & clears its mapping memory.
U then move Scooba & confine it to another space with ~425 sq ft of floor area & repeat.


Yes, Scooba is loud cos powerful vacuum is required to suck water.


Babysitting is required during 1st few uses, after which, u should have identified the common "traps". Rectify the "traps", as u would to "baby-proof" ur home.


I commented on Scooba 230 here:
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=51807911&postcount=7459
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=51818988&postcount=7471

Comments by me & other iRobot fans is purely based on analysis of the design vs original Scooba design. No one has actually used one, and availability is still KIV.

scooba got memory map one? tht only neato got?

 

[uno_bliss]

scooba got memory map one? tht only neato got?

Yes, Roomba & Scooba has mapping memory.
Except 1st gen Roomba with S/M/L buttons, which I believe doesn't have room layout awareness, hence the need for user to input Small, Medium or Large area.

Roomba 400/500 with swivel caster front wheel (half-black, half-white) uses optical sensor to count steps.
Roomba 400 with fixed caster front wheel (whole-black) uses contact sensor to count steps.
Scooba with swivel rubber front wheel uses contact sensor to count steps.

Step counting is essential for mapping straight unobstructed paths.
Rear wheels tachometer (revolution counters) is essential for mapping directional changes.

However, all this mapping will only give Roomba/Scooba a rough idea of where it has or hasn't been. If the robot got stuck and user picks it up and starts elsewhere, the mapping is kinda messed up.
But I suspect iRobot would have coded in some fuzzy logic, much like how a GPS roughly remembers last location, and locks on satellite based on that.

Also, as pointed out by Neato engineer during Neato "presentation for investors ", mapping based on wheel revolution will result in minute error, cos the traction between wheels & various floor surfaces won't be 100% same for left & right wheel, and more error will creep in as wheels get worn.
http://cmusv.adobeconnect.com/p17388090/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal
(forumer ah_beng posted me the video, thanks!)

Neato uses mid-range medium-precision laser (long-range high-precision is too costly) to constantly scan the room. The mapping is definitely most accurate vs all other robotic vacuums.
Samsung Navibot takes photos to compare, much like optical mouse. I wonder if can function in low lighting???
Mint uses Northstar, I believe it's like GPS, ie. angle & length of infrared beam. I believe it's also very accurate mapping, but not sure if can function under couch/bed.

Other lame variations that have no mapping & are purely time-based pattern change: V-bot, Cleanmate, M288, Straaten SRV3300

 

[Jubooo]

I do not know whether mapping is the correct term to use for iRobot. They basically determines a rough gauge on the room size base on the distance travelled in all it's various direction to draw out a floor plan.

In my opinion, mapping should be like Neato or Navibot where they really knows which area is visited and they even can return to the exact location where it stop and continue with the work in the event of low battery.

 

[kimsim]

Hi, all

I wanna sharing something here.

Before I have done floor cleaning by weekdays.
From now on I can used my Roomba to clean it self cleaning with timer schedule.
After I reached home to step in for the floor is already done for cleaning.
So i have extra bonus for myself to watch tv and rest more.

But only found that Roomba have minor error for lesser drop area at the kitchen drop area for Roomba sensor can't detected and run directly after stuck there.
For toilet drop area is no problem at all sensor can detected.
So I will be used the virtual wall to blocked.

Whatever I just said thanks for iRobot Roomba.

 

[Kevin10]

Hi guys,

I might be interested to get a Roomba for my 5-room flat. Please do kindly help me with my questions,thanks.

1. whats the price difference from buying locally and shipping from overseas ?
2. As my house have cables/wires lying around in certain areas, how will it react to it ?
3. My living room sofa are not totally sitting on the floor, have a gap which I do not think the roomba can go in, so will the roomba stuck there ?
4. Which Roomba will be ideal for me ? I believe is the 560.

As I am getting it as a gift for my mum so that she do not have to sweep the floor again, thus hopefully I am able to receive good advices from you guys here, many thanks.

 

[uno_bliss]

Hi guys,

I might be interested to get a Roomba for my 5-room flat. Please do kindly help me with my questions,thanks.

1. whats the price difference from buying locally and shipping from overseas ?
2. As my house have cables/wires lying around in certain areas, how will it react to it ?
3. My living room sofa are not totally sitting on the floor, have a gap which I do not think the roomba can go in, so will the roomba stuck there ?
4. Which Roomba will be ideal for me ? I believe is the 560.

As I am getting it as a gift for my mum so that she do not have to sweep the floor again, thus hopefully I am able to receive good advices from you guys here, many thanks.

1. U can visit my eBay store: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html
2. Roomba can handle thick cables, but thin wires (eg. handphone charger cable, telephone cord) may get caught in Roomba spinning brushes, so better to bundle them or hang above ground
3. A gap of 4" will allow Roomba to go under
4. 560 has scheduling feature, which u can program Roomba for auto-start. Since it's for ur mum, there's no guarantee she'll need that feature, cos older folks like things to be simple.
Instead, u should get models with latest Aerovac vacuum bin, cos ur mum may not like the idea of regularly removing tangled hair from Roomba bottom bristle brush, which WILL happen for Roomba original design vacuum bin.
Youtube video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iq4xTI6HFX4

I've sent u a PM, pls check ur PM inbox.

 

[tekster]

But only found that Roomba have minor error for lesser drop area at the kitchen drop area for Roomba sensor can't detected and run directly after stuck there.
For toilet drop area is no problem at all sensor can detected.
So I will be used the virtual wall to blocked.

Whatever I just said thanks for iRobot Roomba.

i also experience low drop area with my attached toilet. so i do it by closing the toilet door.

have to monitor the roomba's run for like 3-4 times to determine where are the possible areas that the roomba may get into trouble. after that, i let it auto-run a few days to confirm that all is well without monitoring then i safely set it loose. heh...

 

[tekster]

I went to check on the Vpost website. It says that items that are prohibited from being exported out of US includes:

Any type of standalone batteries
Any additional battery/batteries that is packed in the same package but separated from the device
Electronic device which contains battery purchased from ebay/ individual seller

Which means if you buy from irobot or amazon.com and not from ebay or individual seller, and the battery is in the electronics, you should be safe.

Anyone bought from Borderlinx or Comgateway before? To me, shipping fee is plus minus a few bucks or a few tens, which doesn't matter to me. more important is reliability, speed, customer service and hassle free.

so far i read online quite mixed reviews. borderlinx seems to be the best except that it was previously bankrupt. maybe different management now...

not sure what's their policy now. i bought a GPS from amazon.com and they refused to send to me. i think it really depends on the officer who is processing the item. whether he/she is lazy or not to think.

as far as i've compared vpost vs borderlinx, borderlinx is hassle free. simply crap of vpost need to match item to invoice and stuff. v troublesome.

 

[uno_bliss]

i also experience low drop area with my attached toilet. so i do it by closing the toilet door.

have to monitor the roomba's run for like 3-4 times to determine where are the possible areas that the roomba may get into trouble. after that, i let it auto-run a few days to confirm that all is well without monitoring then i safely set it loose. heh...

For those who're having this "Roomba drop into toilet" issue, I actually have 2 solutions that doesn't require Virtual Wall.

(1) known as "dark surface cliff sensor hack", originally discovered when Roomba owners couldn't run Roomba on very dark colour carpet. Roomba cliff sensor Infrared is absorbed by dark carpet & Roomba thinks carpet is cliff.
My tested & working hack doesn't involve black carpet, I'm using another material that absorbs the cliff sensor IR. Can cut into thin strips and lay across toilet entrance. Roomba won't cross that strip, hence won't drop into toilet.

(2) similar to Neato's magnetic strip. I can modify Roomba to respond to magnetic strip, such strips can be found in HomeFix, neighbourhood ABC shops, Daiso.

Those interested in (1) or (2) can PM me, or email unobliss@yahoo.com

 

[uno_bliss]

not sure what's their policy now. i bought a GPS from amazon.com and they refused to send to me. i think it really depends on the officer who is processing the item. whether he/she is lazy or not to think.

as far as i've compared vpost vs borderlinx, borderlinx is hassle free. simply crap of vpost need to match item to invoice and stuff. v troublesome.

Long ago (maybe ~1 yr), a customer bought 3rd party Roomba battery for his Roomba 530. I thought he used Roomba long time liao, turns out it's new & just arrived... from Vpost.

That's right, Vpost confiscated his NiMH battery. Great times to be Vpost staff! All that free battery...
Borderlinx once went crazy over my iRobot battery shipment, told them it's NiMH which is safe (unless short-circuited). They double-checked and agreed, it's Li-On which will be banned.

Danger of Li-On is when they're punctured, moisture reacts with Li & heat generated leads to unstable condition. Like an Atom bomb chain reaction, which leads to >1000 deg C fireworks.
So I guess Li-On in appliances is kinda "shielded" from direct impact, so less likely to puncture or crack.

 

[Jubooo]

1. whats the price difference from buying locally and shipping from overseas ?

If you buy overseas, it will be definetly be cheaper. If you need warranty and save all hassle, you can buy it locally. US set also needs a stepdown transformer to work.

2. As my house have cables/wires lying around in certain areas, how will it react to it ?

Like Uno said, thick cables it will just run over but thin one might get drag along and might pose a hazard.

3. My living room sofa are not totally sitting on the floor, have a gap which I do not think the roomba can go in, so will the roomba stuck there ?

If the height is just close to roomba, it might goes slightly in and get stuck.

4. Which Roomba will be ideal for me ? I believe is the 560.

560 is good for a 4/5 rooms flat as it cleans 4 rooms.

You can visit my website Robovac iRobot Storefor more details

 

[hikari99]

Hi guys,

Can you guys brief me between Roomba 550 and 560?

I see that 550 comes with Autovac and more accessories...saw Juboo selling that.
But it seems that 560 is newer.

And how about 561? I saw Uno selling 1 561 remanufactured and might be thinking of that. Now comparing between the 561, 560 +Autovac or the 550.

Kindly advise. Thanks

 

[uno_bliss]

Hi guys,

Can you guys brief me between Roomba 550 and 560?

I see that 550 comes with Autovac and more accessories...saw Juboo selling that.
But it seems that 560 is newer.

And how about 561? I saw Uno selling 1 561 remanufactured and might be thinking of that. Now comparing between the 561, 560 +Autovac or the 550.

Kindly advise. Thanks

To prevent confusion, lemme clarify on model no.

Roomba 560 prior to 2010 has model code (SKU) 560.
Roomba 560 as of 2010 has SKU 561, some software revision & re-design of accessories.
So 561 = 560 (2010 design)

The 561 Aerovac which I'm selling is the closest to 550 Aerovac.
550 Aerovac comes with 2 spare bristle brushes, 2 spare Aerovac filters. The design however, doesn't have handle. A very strange choice in re-designing.

For models that don't come with Aerovac bin, i offer optional upgrade from normal vacuum bin.
U can check out my eBay store: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html