iRobot Scooba experience

[seeyourhead_jiejie]

using a step down transformer is better or to mod the charger for local use better?

i know this topic has been discussed in this same thread as early as 2-3 years back, but seems like no conclusion... so after 2-3 years of usage, any feedback?

i have been using the same transformer to power both my roomba and scooba on 24/7 for like 3yrs. and everything still working.

 

[Opps-gal]

Still need to vacuum the dust and hair droppings if using scooba to mop floor? Will the floor mat absorb the water from the scooba if it mops near the mat?

 

[nytiong2000]

Voltage Convertor needs to be reliable brand & have rating at least 80W.
Cheapo low wattage convertor will either fry within 1-2 hrs, trip the house, damage Roomba 110V charger by causing the capacitor inside to burst open splashing toxic vapour all over.

Voltage Convertor also waste more electricity cause they're obviously not 100% efficient in the conversion.
Plus the setting may sometimes be confusing, resulting in wrong setting & instant blow.

can someone share where they got their transformer? thanks.

 

[Jubooo]

Still need to vacuum the dust and hair droppings if using scooba to mop floor? Will the floor mat absorb the water from the scooba if it mops near the mat?

It is advisable to vacuum first unless your floor is not that dirty. Hair that manage to get into the tank might pose some problems in the later stage. The floor mat should be safe as scooba will skit around it and usually there will still be a 1-2 inch gap even if scooba comes into contact to the mat.

 

[Jubooo]

can someone share where they got their transformer? thanks.

A popular brand will be Newstar and is easily available at most hardware store.

You might like to consider modifying the charger to 240V for local use instead of getting a transformer. If you have kids around, there is also a tendency of them playing on the switch and burnt the charger. Countless of my customer already faced this problem.

You can contact me at 81254240 to modify it should you be interested.

 

[nytiong2000]

A popular brand will be Newstar and is easily available at most hardware store.

You might like to consider modifying the charger to 240V for local use instead of getting a transformer. If you have kids around, there is also a tendency of them playing on the switch and burnt the charger. Countless of my customer already faced this problem.

You can contact me at 81254240 to modify it should you be interested.

Thanks Juboo. No kids so appreciate the offer.. i was consideration going SLT to ask the shop help me but find it abit troublesome..ahaaha... im more concern of wattage.. i supposed the bigger wattage the better.. a 120watt should be safe i supposed?

 

[uno_bliss]

...SLT to ask the shop help me but find it abit troublesome...a 120watt should be safe i supposed?

SLT charger mod very ex, plus I'd customer who got their charger blown by SLT joker, then came to me for repair + mod.

For charger 240V mod, u can check with me unobliss@yahoo.com, or send me HWZ pm.

Voltage Convertor 120W for Roomba is fine (safe). Setting: Input 240V, Output 110V.
For other forum readers who contemplate using Voltage Convertor, for Pete Sake pls use high wattage rating. I've seen Roomba & Scooba charger damaged beyond repair due to under-powered Voltage Convertor. "With Great Cheapo-ness comes Great Consequences"

 

[Jubooo]

Thanks Juboo. No kids so appreciate the offer.. i was consideration going SLT to ask the shop help me but find it abit troublesome..ahaaha... im more concern of wattage.. i supposed the bigger wattage the better.. a 120watt should be safe i supposed?

You're most welcome. Should you change your mind, do not hesitate to contact me. The cost of modification is about the same as a transformer. I've done more than 300 mods so far and still counting...... Give it a thought, it's more economical and easier to convert.

 

[nytiong2000]

SLT charger mod very ex, plus I'd customer who got their charger blown by SLT joker, then came to me for repair + mod.

For charger 240V mod, u can check with me or send me HWZ pm.

Voltage Convertor 120W for Roomba is fine (safe). Setting: Input 240V, Output 110V.
For other forum readers who contemplate using Voltage Convertor, for Pete Sake pls use high wattage rating. I've seen Roomba & Scooba charger damaged beyond repair due to under-powered Voltage Convertor. "With Great Cheapo-ness comes Great Consequences"

eventually got a 150w as the price different between 120 and 150 is only a few bucks.. the shopkeeper who sold me the converter told me the transformer performance will drop about 50% after a year or 2.. so get something as high as you can. it also mean it's best to change your converter once every 2 years for those going by this route like me....

 

[nytiong2000]

You're most welcome. Should you change your mind, do not hesitate to contact me. The cost of modification is about the same as a transformer. I've done more than 300 mods so far and still counting...... Give it a thought, it's more economical and easier to convert.

thanks.. the forum really need more people like you.. ! i see ebay selling 240v charger for 60SGD.. you should at least charge $5 for your workmanship.. with 300 mods, you already made 1500.. enough to subsidise a new irobot.. ahaha

 

[uno_bliss]

eventually got a 150w as the price different between 120 and 150 is only a few bucks..

150W is good cos u'll be able to use for Scooba too. For the uninitiated, Scooba charger is ~50% more aggressive than Roomba charger, hence more wattage required to support it.

 

[tekster]

eventually got a 150w as the price different between 120 and 150 is only a few bucks.. the shopkeeper who sold me the converter told me the transformer performance will drop about 50% after a year or 2.. so get something as high as you can. it also mean it's best to change your converter once every 2 years for those going by this route like me....

Probably a newer model will be the market by then.

 

[Jubooo]

Haha, that's business bro. 200+ is the robots being sold and the rest is modification from you guys, thank you for all the support.

 

[thewiseone]

New Scoobas and Roombas !!!


http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/irobot-unveils-super-compact-scooba-230-new-roomba-700-series/?icid=engadget-iphone-url



Scooba 230

Roomba 700

 

[mosmos]

scooba 230 video here~

http://www.irobot.com/scooba230/

 

[tekster]

wa rao, the scooba 230 looks damn cute. but wonder how long it can clean before it stops.

 

[mosmos]

wa rao, the scooba 230 looks damn cute. but wonder how long it can clean before it stops.

according to their video, 20mins per cycle~

 

[mosmos]

new roomba and scooba prices are too high~

there is the 760,770,780 for the roomba
the price is 400,450,500

the scooba is 300

they will be released in the spring.

 

[uno_bliss]

scooba 230 video here~

http://www.irobot.com/scooba230/

After careful observation of the video, I'm pretty sure the brushes are stationary.
So it's basically, spray water, spread water using the stationary brush, then suck up dirty water.

- iRobot omitted Stage 1 - light vacuuming floor prep
- iRobot omitted front wheel, so I guess the front brushes act as forward-tilt support
- Seems like a kind of water bag system was deployed to save physical space, such that clean water & dirty water are sharing same space

I find the R&D for this new Scooba is A LOT less than the original design. Probably more focus on speed, light weight & navigation.

No high speed rotating brush = less power consumption
Smaller profile = lighter = less power consumption
in return...
Faster movement to cover area maybe average >4 times, to compensate for the lack of rotating brush

 

[thewiseone]

Isnt 20 mins the short cycle?

according to their video, 20mins per cycle~