iRobot Scooba experience

[kimsim]

Kimsim, I can sense the roomba fever in you. Very nice trimming indeed, you need to pay Uno for patent

Actually is the brand new 700 series to gaved me idea,
Because I thinking why all brand new products all has improved from AeroVac 2, but the looks is the same as standard vacuum bin and added 2 filter only.
For the compartment still the same for lower part still remain the suction from the floor.
But you can see the AeroVac bin is fixed the lower part pike up dust.

 

[kimsim]

Insane Roomba fever indeed... Kimsim has tried all different models, swap here swap there, coated & re-coated faceplate, modified bin, all in short 2+ mths.

Yes, since the holes u opened are large, the filters u added will prevent overload of the lower compartment.
Also, sealing bottom squeegy becomes optional since dirt won't drop out from there.

Once again I give u some Royalty-free suggestions, if u read my post: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=54180593&postcount=7772
Under "variables (c) whether to build a raise perimeter 1-2 cm high around the slot, which will prevent sand & heavy debris from clotting the slot (assuming slot is filtered)"

Clotting of ur filtered holes is very likely especially if floor is sandy. Few ways to solve this:
1) cut some plastic tube (eg. PVC pipe) ~50 cts coin diameter to make a 1-2 cm wall around the hole
2) paste ur filter paper sloping
3) combine (1) & (2), see Fig 1.

Kimsim, I can sense the roomba fever in you. Very nice trimming indeed, you need to pay Uno for patent

Wah~ my mod v1.1 is really works,
From CHM is non-stick the hairs as remain in the brush, to compared it is less hairs.
Because now when I discharged the bin in between bin and CHM no more hairs already, all inside the bin.
For the lower parts still keep as remain to pike up fine dust.

Yahoo! It is more easy to clean out the bin. Only you turn down all the hairs and dust will be drop at floors together.
Not like previous bin without mod, you may need to clean out in CHM, and vac bin together now only 1 times cleaning to be clean out all.
Spend short time to for cleaning the vac. Bin.

So i have to said Thank to uno_bliss

 

[uno_bliss]

Wah~ my mod v1.1 is really works,
All those hairs and dust all remain in upper parts, so my CHM brush from now on no more hairs to remain in the brush.
So my lower parts still remain as collecting fine dust, remain unchanged.

Yahoo! It is more easy to clean my bin.

Thank you uno_bliss

Congrats Kimsim! This mod bin idea started on 27 Aug 2010:
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=48370533&postcount=6982
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=48375182&postcount=6985

Then I made 1st prototype on 23 Mar 2011 (7 mths after having the idea). And I tested only for 2 cycles, then lent to customer & yet to collect back.
In fact, my 2 cycles may not even be accurate, cos I took 1 wk of rubbish & sprinkled around my room (yes...I'm crazy...). Roomba would be picking lumps of hair instead of bit by bit over 1 wk.

Update us on v1.1 over 1 wk. If got any things to improve, I can share share some ideas. Maybe can improve until better than Aerovac bin.

Somedays I get customers calling me say Roomba got "check brush" error, or got "tock tock" sound during cleaning, I know it's cos they never maintain. I think only 30% of my customers will maintain despite manual got say & I also stressed importance of it.
When these customers say "Huh, must maintain brush one ah?", I feel like asking them "U want me to mod ur bin?" but I scared they think I "siao".

 

[kimsim]

Congrats Kimsim! This mod bin idea started on 27 Aug 2010:
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=48370533&postcount=6982
http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=48375182&postcount=6985

Then I made 1st prototype on 23 Mar 2011 (7 mths after having the idea). And I tested only for 2 cycles, then lent to customer & yet to collect back.
In fact, my 2 cycles may not even be accurate, cos I took 1 wk of rubbish & sprinkled around my room (yes...I'm crazy...). Roomba would be picking lumps of hair instead of bit by bit over 1 wk.

Update us on v1.1 over 1 wk. If got any things to improve, I can share share some ideas. Maybe can improve until better than Aerovac bin.

Sure can wait for my 1 week result.

below i have my details explanation of my Mod V1.1.

 

[uno_bliss]

Actually is the brand new 700 series to gaved me idea,
Because I thinking why all brand new products all has improved from AeroVac 2, but the looks is the same as standard vacuum bin and added 2 filter only.
For the compartment still the same for lower part still remain the suction from the floor.
But you can see the AeroVac bin is fixed the lower part pike up dust.

Nice & detailed diagram.

But I need to highlight 1 thing.
a) Debris bin focus all vacuum suction to lower compartment, to suck fine dust
b) Aerovac bin focus all vacuum suction to upper compartment, to suck hair from bristle brush
c) Aerovac bin 2 (700 series) focus all vacuum suction to upper compartment 2 HEPA holes, to suck hair from bristle brush
d) Kimsim v1.1 is combine (a) & (c), but now the suction power is distributed

So I can say, (d) ability to suck fine dust from floor will be reduce to maybe 20% (based on surface area of each hole).

 

[kimsim]

Nice & detailed diagram.

But I need to highlight 1 thing.
a) Debris bin focus all vacuum suction to lower compartment, to suck fine dust
b) Aerovac bin focus all vacuum suction to upper compartment, to suck hair from bristle brush
c) Aerovac bin 2 (700 series) focus all vacuum suction to upper compartment 2 HEPA holes, to suck hair from bristle brush
d) Kimsim v1.1 is combine (a) & (c), but now the suction power is distributed

So I can say, (d) ability to suck fine dust from floor will be reduce to maybe 20% (based on surface area of each hole).

yap, (d) for my 1st runs result is cut of 50 percent from the fine dust.. you are right.

i never notice it. ok let me monitor a bit, see how to imporved, maybe can added extra fine filter from the both end. i will try it out, for the fine filter i can took from normal filter.

Thank you so much.

 

[Jubooo]

I already told you kimsim, having the same motor power and different opening size does affect the ability of picking fine dust. This is why I am sticking to the regular bin instead of AeroVac despite having 3 dogs.

Lucky for me, my dogs are short hair so I do not have the problems with the brushes except for thr regular long hairs from my wife. So a little maintenance on the brushes are required

However, I am still very impressed by the effort you put in. You're qualified to be a roomba freak now

Now, to announce the good news. Robovac is officially selling the Neato XV-11 now Still there is some issue with warranty as I have not master the robot yet until maybe July-oct for my US visit. Till then, Robovac will guarantee the robot for 6 months, the 1 year warranty still applies in US. All you have to do is pay a single way shipping fee there and I will get the robot back to you from US FOC should you ever need to claim the warranty.

Neato supporters, check this out: Robovac iRobot Store - Neato XV-11 The site is still under construction to serve you better.

 

[uno_bliss]

yap, (d) for my 1st runs result is cut of 50 percent from the fine dust.. you are right.

i never notice it. ok let me monitor a bit, see how to improved, maybe can added extra fine filter from the both end. i will try it out, for the fine filter i can took from normal filter.

Thank you so much.

Kimsim, there's no right or wrong design. It's just which part u wanna focus on.

- Standard bin (a) is focused on floor dust
- Aerovac bin 2 (c) is focused on bristle brush hair
- Kimsim v1.1 (d) is (a) + (c), but the outcome won't be 100% (a) + 100% (c), but rather 50% (a) + 50% (c)

For ur v1.1, u mustn't change the iRobot standard filter material cos that'll affect the overall suction. Eg.
- if u replace iRobot standard filter material by very thick coffee machine filter, then entire bin suction will drop a lot & motor may even overheat
- if u use very thin filter paper, then some dust will go thru & get blown out from the exhaust

Instead, u can experiment by changing filter material for the 2 side holes u created. Try different thickness, or no. of layers.
If u're very good at craft work, u can even folder the filter paper zig-zag to increase surface area & reduce dust clotting.
See photo: http://vacuumtips.files.wordpress.com/2010/03/vacuum-cleaner-hepa-filter1.jpg

Just remember these concepts:
1) air flow will choose the easiest path with least resistance (affected by size of hole & thickness of filter paper)
2) when there is only 1 path (ie. 1 hole), then the air got no choice but to squeeze thru that hole
3) size of hole will affect air flow velocity (speed) cos Vol/Sec = Diameter x Distance/Sec, so smaller hole will have higher suction
4) if hole is too small, some kinetic energy of the air will be converted into sound (high pitch noise), friction heat & vibration

 

[kimsim]

I already told you kimsim, having the same motor power and different opening size does affect the ability of picking fine dust. This is why I am sticking to the regular bin instead of AeroVac despite having 3 dogs.

Lucky for me, my dogs are short hair so I do not have the problems with the brushes except for thr regular long hairs from my wife. So a little maintenance on the brushes are required

However, I am still very impressed by the effort you put in. You're qualified to be a roomba freak now

Now, to announce the good news. Robovac is officially selling the Neato XV-11 now Still there is some issue with warranty as I have not master the robot yet until maybe July-oct for my US visit. Till then, Robovac will guarantee the robot for 6 months, the 1 year warranty still applies in US. All you have to do is pay a single way shipping fee there and I will get the robot back to you from US FOC should you ever need to claim the warranty.

Neato supporters, check this out: Robovac iRobot Store - Neato XV-11 The site is still under construction to serve you better.

Congrats to Jubooo, in the future sure i will looks at Neato performs.

 

[Jubooo]

I'm really impressed by your technical approach Uno. Are you from an engineering background? Or are you from the pioneer GK robots?.......

 

[uno_bliss]

I'm really impressed by your technical approach Uno. Are you from an engineering background? Or are you from the pioneer GK robots?.......

No lah... not related to GK robot.
I studied Mech Engr which did touch a bit of other non-mech topics like electrical & robotics. When I'm not day dreaming, I'm listening & absorbing what the lecturer teach & those concepts get ingrained in my head.

Even then, A level physics is already good enough if we apply to real-life.
Now there's Internet, so anything not sure can just read, read must try lah.

Robotic vacuum or any other mechatronics household appliance has it's perks, cos the end result is... u've guessed it... less housework!
Playing humanoid robots, hobby planes or race cars is interesting but doesn't solve any real-life problem.

I've always been thinking of making a battery operated feather duster that SUCKS rather than splash dust all over. Those micro-fibre gloves or Magiclean "celebrity-endorsed" feather duster are cheap & simple solution but not good enough.

 

[bakasa2002]

Hee ... GK robots ... I know that guy. :O

Btw, 700 series is officially open for orders. Has anyone from Singapore placed an order yet? It looks to be a hefty investment for now.

 

[Jubooo]

I like the looks but hate the price.

 

[kimsim]

I like the looks but hate the price.

all the new looks can be modify to Roomba 500 series.

That's crazy price, but can own for the converted model, all can be done, like car Mitsubishi lancer converted to evolution type.

 

[Jubooo]

Let me see your prototype for roomba 780 touchpad control

 

[bakasa2002]

I like the looks but hate the price.

I wonder what the big improvement that the 700 series has that justify a price tag of USD$599. Maybe it will say greet you while cleaning? ;p

 

[uno_bliss]

I wonder what the big improvement that the 700 series has that justify a price tag of USD$599. Maybe it will say greet you while cleaning? ;p

Wrote a bit on 700 series here: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=54865568&postcount=7949

So far this is what I gather of 700 series:
- Advance Cleaning Head = plastic shield around yellow bearing to block hair

- Powerful vacuum = Aerovac 2, which has dual HEPA filters (~50 cts coin size) situated left & right of bin
Like current Aerovac, there's no bottom squeegy, but I do believe suction will be stronger cos the HEPA openings are small compared to current Aerovac with entire bin width as opening. Small opening = high suction

- HEPA: since iRobot dares to call it HEPA, then I believe there's a strict design to follow: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HEPA
Different from Robot Add-on HEPA filter, which some reviews say suction dropped: http://www.robotaddons.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=22

- 7XX dirt detect (Persistent pass) = back & forth combing motion to remove fur balls from carpet
Application: Carpet + shedding pet
- 5XX dirt detect = mini spot mode for sand-like debris, not activated by fur balls
Application: All surface + sand-like debris
Conclusion: Low significance since most households are hard floor where fur balls get swept up in 1-pass by 5XX

- 7XX battery life extension, I believe this is basically v7 firmware, so Roomba 5XX that's been v7 OSMOed or manufactured after Jul 2010 is as good

 

[Jubooo]

........- 7XX battery life extension, I believe this is basically v7 firmware, so Roomba 5XX that's been v7 OSMOed or manufactured after Jul 2010 is as good

I also feel the same about this V7 Osmo being the same as what the 700's battery life boast so only time will tell as the V7 is still not tested long enough.

 

[kimsim]

I guess the latest model Roomba 7XX will be great improved, cause from the bottom can see added 2 more floor sensor at the wheel side.

For my experience it is will help when the roomba following cleaning the side wall, after follow as the dropping area, so the additional sensor cam be help much.

I also expected the Roomba 7XX can be improved design from the floor to droped area is less than 50mm, will be detected and stop to turn back.

So far I was facing my Roomba 5XX must be used VW to block up or close the kitchen door.

Everything looks like the same, one more thing I don't like the CHM brush color looks like very dirty grey.

From now I still won't know the latest 7XX will be how well to compared the 500 series.
So far I saw in YouTube it is very great and faster moving around with turning to compared the 500 series now. As same performent Vs Neato.

What ever now I can tell just grab one for own use and test see how good

 

[uno_bliss]

I guess the latest model Roomba 7XX will be great improved, cause from the bottom can see added 2 more floor sensor at the wheel side.

For my experience it is will help when the roomba following cleaning the side wall, after follow as the dropping area, so the additional sensor cam be help much.

The 2 rear cliff sensor is more for Dirt Detect 2 cos Roomba will go back & forth in straight line during "Persistent pass".

5XX also won't drop down when cleaning along drop-off cos the L/R cliff sensor already "certify" there is floor before Roomba move forward.
Analogy: Blind man use cane to tap the floor, so long as his cane detects floor, he'll walk forward

I also expected the Roomba 7XX can be improved design from the floor to droped area is less than 50mm, will be detected and stop to turn back.

So far I was facing my Roomba 5XX must be used VW to block up or close the kitchen door.

Drop into kitchen, toilet or small drop-off, I've already helped few customers resolve without using Virtual Wall.
I wrote a teaser intro here: http://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/showpost.php?p=53202969&postcount=7656