iRobot Scooba experience

[chewpc]

I already did as mentioned in an earlier thread. Though i've been using Li-Ion sometime back and have noted the advantages of using one, at this moment, i simply cannot recommend it for Scooba. This is especially so if yours is a 3400mAh Li-Ion. You will not achieve the benefits of more charging cycles. As a matter of fact, from Mosmos's experience, the original Scooba NiMh battery is getting more mileage than my Li-Ion. If u must get a Li-Ion, u can try going for the 4800mAh Li-Ion (i'm still contemplating, very pricey!).

Thanks for sharing. But a little too late as I already ordered from glo for my scooba .. haiz.. I tried to search for info in this thread on the li-ion, but it is not easy with so many postings...

The 4800mAH bat also from glo? But if I want to purchase normal NiMH, I'm afraid vpost can't deliver, what other avenue to order from?

Thanks.

 

[dankoo]

Funny, never experience such long delays though. Dankoo, u didnt use a local .sg email domain did u?

I use my gmail acct. Maybe cos of the last warranty issue with them, they blacklist my email liao...

 

[frankloh]

I might have a NEW 4100mah Scooba Nimh battery for sale at $120.00
And a NEW Roomba Yellow APS Battery for sale at $110.00

Both are original accessories from irobot.
Guarantee to last 100mins and above, else I refund you back!

PLUS a 230~240V 3hrs quick charger for Roomba for sale at $60.

sms 97490700 for quick deal.

Thanks for sharing. But a little too late as I already ordered from glo for my scooba .. haiz.. I tried to search for info in this thread on the li-ion, but it is not easy with so many postings...

The 4800mAH bat also from glo? But if I want to purchase normal NiMH, I'm afraid vpost can't deliver, what other avenue to order from?

Thanks.

 

[sAxman_Returns]

hey guys, if I were to use borderlinx, how do I submit my invoice huh?

 

[seowbin]

chat with them, they will give you

cust.. something one, if i'm not wrong

 

[hansolo76sg]

so far my 350 is juz abt hitting 2 full tanks. its taken about 5 sessions to condition the battery so far.

nope i only run scoob every 3 days alternating in various rooms.

noted your point abt the external charger stopping at 3+ hrs to prevent killing it. what im wondering is perhaps the battery dont last as long is cos of the lack of trickle charge to fully recharge it?

Have u got one that last longer than mosmos's? If u do, were u using it on a daily basis for 2 complete missions? The slow trickle charging can be used for topping up, thats true. However, the trickle charge current apparently is a little aggressive, leading to premature battery failure in the earlier generations. Though they have revised the charging algorithm in the bot itself, nothing has changed for the external charger. Hence, removing the battery from the external charger after 3.5 to 4hrs is about right.

 

[thewiseone]

No, its not from glo, its from Vic. In any case, its really really expensive. In addition, u have to DIY and the !@#$! case is MANY times harder to crack open than a Roomba APS battery case. Buying a new case from Roombaexchange will set u back another US$20.00 not inclusive of shipping!!!!

My advise for yr Scooba Li-Ion, dont use it for 2 cycles. Keep it to 1 cycle cleaning, u should be able to get a decent mileage from it IMO.

I'm sick and tired of paying top $$$ for the Li-Ion and original NiMhs. I'm going for the 'original' looking batteries to save some $$$ instead.

Thanks for sharing. But a little too late as I already ordered from glo for my scooba .. haiz.. I tried to search for info in this thread on the li-ion, but it is not easy with so many postings...

The 4800mAH bat also from glo? But if I want to purchase normal NiMH, I'm afraid vpost can't deliver, what other avenue to order from?

Thanks.

 

[mosmos]

today collected glo li-ion battery from molecule.

I wonder can i tear the scrotch tape?

total cost: $115.50

 

[sAxman_Returns]

chat with them, they will give you

cust.. something one, if i'm not wrong

give siami?!

anyway purchased some good stuff from Amazon and ship to borderlinx in 1 weeks' time...

 

[thewiseone]

Your Scooba NiMh battery should last longer based on yr usage pattern, which is less stressful than mosmos and mine. In fact, based on such a stressful usage pattern, mosmos is already getting a LOT out of his battery. Before iRobot revised the charging current, the NiMh batteries based on occasional usage barely last more than 3-4 months!

My experience with batteries is this: if a battery pack consisting of mismatched cells is used, trickle charging can help weaker cells to catch up. However, it does not help in the long run as when a load is applied, that weaker cell will drop real quick and potentially risk reverse voltage. So if u have cells badly matched in a pack, basically u r scr*wed no matter how much trickle charging u attempt to use. This is basically what those 72hr or 16hr charging routine is trying to do.

so far my 350 is juz abt hitting 2 full tanks. its taken about 5 sessions to condition the battery so far.

nope i only run scoob every 3 days alternating in various rooms.

noted your point abt the external charger stopping at 3+ hrs to prevent killing it. what im wondering is perhaps the battery dont last as long is cos of the lack of trickle charge to fully recharge it?

 

[thewiseone]

Leave the scotch tape in tact. U r lucky, glo used glue on mine, leaving those unsightly and glooey stuff behind that i had a hard time cleaning up. Think he stopped using the glue to ensure that the case can be reused.

Thought u guys are sharing the same shipment, so should be able to save some $$$ on shipping isnt it?

today collected glo li-ion battery from molecule.

I wonder can i tear the scrotch tape?

total cost: $115.50

 

[hansolo76sg]

ic.. maybe this explains why i had the charging problem initially which i thought was due to the modified PSU.

mismatched cells might juz be what i have. o well i juz hope the warrantied refub batt irobot is sending me dun screw me 2x

Your Scooba NiMh battery should last longer based on yr usage pattern, which is less stressful than mosmos and mine. In fact, based on such a stressful usage pattern, mosmos is already getting a LOT out of his battery. Before iRobot revised the charging current, the NiMh batteries based on occasional usage barely last more than 3-4 months!

My experience with batteries is this: if a battery pack consisting of mismatched cells is used, trickle charging can help weaker cells to catch up. However, it does not help in the long run as when a load is applied, that weaker cell will drop real quick and potentially risk reverse voltage. So if u have cells badly matched in a pack, basically u r scr*wed no matter how much trickle charging u attempt to use. This is basically what those 72hr or 16hr charging routine is trying to do.

 

[thewiseone]

This is why people like glo is charging the $$$ for their Li-Ion cells. Its not the Li-Ion cells within the pack thats expensive, its the TIME, HASSLE, LABOUR, etc. of matching cells thats costly. U must first have access to a large pool of cells. U next need an analyser to determine the properties of the each cell. U pick cells with close/similar properties and assemble them into a pack. U next have to test them and cycle the pack to make sure the charge control circuit is working and stable. Very very troublesome ...

ic.. maybe this explains why i had the charging problem initially which i thought was due to the modified PSU.

mismatched cells might juz be what i have. o well i juz hope the warrantied refub batt irobot is sending me dun screw me 2x

 

[molecule]

today collected glo li-ion battery from molecule.

I wonder can i tear the scrotch tape?

total cost: $115.50

Tell me how it goes. I've charged mine but yet to run it. I've left the scotch tape on, it ain't the prettiest thing but I guess it's there for a reason.

 

[mosmos]

Tell me how it goes. I've charged mine but yet to run it. I've left the scotch tape on, it ain't the prettiest thing but I guess it's there for a reason.

I had not charge the battery and after 1 mission, it still has power.

 

[thewiseone]

In its fresh state, this battery should be able to give u slightly more than 2 complete missions. Notice how much lighter and cooler the battery is as compared to the Scooba NiMh?

I had not charge the battery and after 1 mission, it still has power.

 

[mosmos]

In its fresh state, this battery should be able to give u slightly more than 2 complete missions. Notice how much lighter and cooler the battery is as compared to the Scooba NiMh?

yes it much lighter and cooler.

btw do i need to charge 16hrs for 1st time?

 

[thewiseone]

No need, this @!#@#$ xxhrs charging for 1st time is more for battery packs with a no. of cells inside. The Scooba Li-Ion is different, it has individual charging controller for the smaller grouping of cells plus the cells are matched by glo. As such, i dont see the need for the 16hrs initial charging. In addition, this Li-Ion can be left on your external charger 24/7 with no damage.

yes it much lighter and cooler.

btw do i need to charge 16hrs for 1st time?

 

[frankloh]

If I am not wrong, using your old roomba charger you still need to initialise your battery with a 16hrs first charge. (Charging will still be in series)

Unless you are using an external Lithium charger capable of handling 3~6 individual cells, then only you need not initial charge it, as all cells are charged individually.
(Your battery suppose to have another additional power connectors for it to work in this type of charger)

yes it much lighter and cooler.

btw do i need to charge 16hrs for 1st time?

 

[thewiseone]

The Scooba Li-Ion battery has BUILT IN INTERNAL CHARGING CONTROLLERS, it doesnt matter what external charger (external in reference to the battery) u use. BTW, we are talking about Scooba battery.

If I am not wrong, using your old roomba charger you still need to initialise your battery with a 16hrs first charge. (Charging will still be in series)

Unless you are using an external Lithium charger capable of handling 3~6 individual cells, then only you need not initial charge it, as all cells are charged individually.
(Your battery suppose to have another additional power connectors for it to work in this type of charger)