iRobot Scooba experience

[android]

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

May I know does the V7 firmware really extend the battery life? How can I flashed it onto a rommba 5XX? Thanks

 

[kimsim]

May I know does the V7 firmware really extend the battery life? How can I flashed it onto a rommba 5XX? Thanks

Can using Osmo to updated.

 

[android]

Can using Osmo to updated.

May I know where to get this osmo? how much does it cost?

 

[kimsim]

May I know where to get this osmo? how much does it cost?

He he I also dunno leh, you can looks for uno_bliss or jubooo.
They can do update and charged, may check out.

 

[uno_bliss]

May I know does the V7 firmware really extend the battery life? How can I flashed it onto a rommba 5XX? Thanks

Ans 1. Yes & no, see below explanation
Ans 2. OSMO v7: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/Roomba500OSMO.jpg

v7 = firmware released in Jun 2010. OSMO v7 will flash Roomba with Jun 2010 firmware

All Roomba that shows iAdapt on retail box are v7.
All Roomba manufactured after Jul 2010 are v7, including those that shows AWARE on retail box, and Remanufactured Roomba.

Will OSMO v7 extend battery life?
- it'll extend battery lifespan purely by changing charging pattern
Analogy: better eating habit since day 1 will let person live longer
If already old man, changing eating habit will do little to extend lifespan, the damage is done

May I know where to get this osmo? how much does it cost?

U can't buy OSMO. U can get Jubooo or me to OSMO for u, 3 mins process.
I do FOC for my customers of any item, or repair service. Non-customers will have small fee.
I also have Scooba OSMO: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/scoobaosmo.jpg
My repair service ad: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html?_nkw=repair

 

[android]

Ans 1. Yes & no, see below explanation
Ans 2. OSMO v7: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/Roomba500OSMO.jpg

v7 = firmware released in Jun 2010. OSMO v7 will flash Roomba with Jun 2010 firmware

All Roomba that shows iAdapt on retail box are v7.
All Roomba manufactured after Jul 2010 are v7, including those that shows AWARE on retail box, and Remanufactured Roomba.

Will OSMO v7 extend battery life?
- it'll extend battery lifespan purely by changing charging pattern
Analogy: better eating habit since day 1 will let person live longer
If already old man, changing eating habit will do little to extend lifespan, the damage is done

U can't buy OSMO. U can get Jubooo or me to OSMO for u, 3 mins process.
I do FOC for my customers of any item, or repair service. Non-customers will have small fee.
I also have Scooba OSMO: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/scoobaosmo.jpg
My repair service ad: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html?_nkw=repair

so apart from changing the charging pattern, what else does this new firmware do?

 

[uno_bliss]

so apart from changing the charging pattern, what else does this new firmware do?

Charging algorithm is main highlight of v7.
The other improvement is how Roomba move around different situations, eg. when stuck in tight corner.
For earlier Roomba that only "beep" during error situation, OSMO will make ur Roomba talk "Hey bozo... need a lil' help here!" (Al Pacino voice)

For Lighthouse 5XX, earlier versions spend 35 mins per Lighthouse area, so 2 LHs means 3x 35 mins = 105 mins ideal case. That's pushing the yellow 120 mins NiMH & exceeds the black 90 mins NiCD.

So since mid 2008, iRobot reduced it to 25 mins per Lighthouse area, I assume there's improvement in floor coverage efficiency.
Doing OSMO on 35 mins version will make them 25 mins version.

Doing OSMO also allows them to respond to Auto Virtual Walls which was invented end of 2009.

 

[Jubooo]

Gosh, I got nothing more to say..............

 

[kimsim]

Hi, My VacBin Mod V1.1

Today i took out and looks for the CHM and brush it is quite clean, only few hairs to stuck the bristle brush.

but when i open out the Vacuum Bin Wah~~ inside have lots of fine dust, hairs & debris.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZy-MkLMs4

Thanks, hope you will like my Mod Vac Bin.

 

[uno_bliss]

Hi, My VacBin Mod V1.1

Today i took out and looks for the CHM and brush it is quite clean, only few hairs to stuck the bristle brush.

but when i open out the Vacuum Bin Wah~~ inside have lots of fine dust, hairs & debris.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwZy-MkLMs4

Thanks, hope you will like my Mod Vac Bin.

Good work & thanks for update!

From ur video, I can tell fine dust is now at the two DIY filters and less on the standard filter below.
That's bcos, as I've mentioned in earlier post, air will choose the easiest path with biggest hole. So now suction is focused at ur two DIY holes.

If u want suction even stronger, then seal the bottom squeegy. If squeegy is completely sealed & ur DIY filters don't leak air, then u don't even need to empty lower compartment cos it'll remain clean. Ur v1.1 will be almost like 7XX Aerovac.

For my 1st prototype mod bin, I didn't put filter at the DIY slots: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/BinMod4.jpg
So hair & some sandy debris went below to the standard filter: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/BinMod6.jpg

For Kimsim v1.2, instead of using filter paper, u can try using plastic net with holes maybe 5 mm wide (visit aquarium shops): http://image.made-in-china.com/4f0j...Plastic-Plain-Netting-With-0-5mm-To-1-5mm.jpg

That way, v1.2 will have more dust & sandy debris on standard filter, while the plastic net will block hair, rubber band & peanuts, etc.
I assure u suction on the bristle brush will be even stronger, cos air can definitely move faster thru plastic net than filter paper.
U'll also solve the problem of clotting of ur DIY filters when more dust, hair & sand are stuck there.

 

[kimsim]

Good work & thanks for update!

From ur video, I can tell fine dust is now at the two DIY filters and less on the standard filter below.
That's bcos, as I've mentioned in earlier post, air will choose the easiest path with biggest hole. So now suction is focused at ur two DIY holes.

If u want suction even stronger, then seal the bottom squeegy. If squeegy is completely sealed & ur DIY filters don't leak air, then u don't even need to empty lower compartment cos it'll remain clean. Ur v1.1 will be almost like 7XX Aerovac.

For my 1st prototype mod bin, I didn't put filter at the DIY slots: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/BinMod4.jpg
So hair & some sandy debris went below to the standard filter: http://i1228.photobucket.com/albums/ee451/uno_bliss/BinMod6.jpg

For Kimsim v1.2, instead of using filter paper, u can try using plastic net with holes maybe 5 mm wide (visit aquarium shops): http://image.made-in-china.com/4f0j...Plastic-Plain-Netting-With-0-5mm-To-1-5mm.jpg

That way, v1.2 will have more dust & sandy debris on standard filter, while the plastic net will block hair, rubber band & peanuts, etc.
I assure u suction on the bristle brush will be even stronger, cos air can definitely move faster thru plastic net than filter paper.
U'll also solve the problem of clotting of ur DIY filters when more dust, hair & sand are stuck there.

Wah~ your experience and idea I really dounno how to said.
You will let me thinking a lots of resolving Problem into the both net added.

Yes net can be sovle the hairs to bloked on net, so wont get through into lower compartment. It is better idea.

But now in my mind, I will try to solve out to sealed up squeegy.
And using very fine filter or spun plus net to cover up that both filter paper.

Becuase I am the lazy also to do cleaning work of my vacuum bin, it have 2 compartment to clean out.

BTW my mod v1.1 will be v1.3 cause I wanna make it easy to cleaning out the bin and also can suction many dust, hairs & debris into upper compartment.

For my update will be on weekend ha ha.
I hope can be the same perform like 700 series, AeroVac 2.

Thank you, uno_bliss.

 

[android]

Charging algorithm is main highlight of v7.
The other improvement is how Roomba move around different situations, eg. when stuck in tight corner.
For earlier Roomba that only "beep" during error situation, OSMO will make ur Roomba talk "Hey bozo... need a lil' help here!" (Al Pacino voice)

For Lighthouse 5XX, earlier versions spend 35 mins per Lighthouse area, so 2 LHs means 3x 35 mins = 105 mins ideal case. That's pushing the yellow 120 mins NiMH & exceeds the black 90 mins NiCD.

So since mid 2008, iRobot reduced it to 25 mins per Lighthouse area, I assume there's improvement in floor coverage efficiency.
Doing OSMO on 35 mins version will make them 25 mins version.

Doing OSMO also allows them to respond to Auto Virtual Walls which was invented end of 2009.

Thanks for the replies.......

 

[kimsim]

Ha ha I got my latest idea to improved over that mod v1.3 and added conservative vacuum bin,
The idea can be used up from there, 1st I will try out using filter bag, to make a frame and put filter bag and paste at upper compartment, btw I do not need take more time to do cleaning that upper narrow compartment and blowing out the dust to stick at the bin.

After complete I will up date your.

 

[camelboss2000]

Hi all

I am new to the robot vac, can you advice me which would be the best brand and model and between irobot and neato. Also from the US web i saw that neato has 110 to 220v does that mean to say it can be use locally.

thanks

 

[kimsim]

Hi all

I am new to the robot vac, can you advice me which would be the best brand and model and between irobot and neato. Also from the US web i saw that neato has 110 to 220v does that mean to say it can be use locally.

thanks

So far Neato in Sg still not that common like Roomba,
For accessories and parts we won't know how much the cost for repair.

If Roomba, I can used it for modify and easy to find out the parts, once it is problem.
Cost will be cheaper to compared as Neato.

We just want robot to help us cleaning the floor, not we have to taking care of robot.
What ever it is can clean up for you. For long-term investment is small cost, that's just fine. Cause in the future you may need such as accessories or parts for backup.

Hope you don't wrong.

 

[uno_bliss]

Hi all

I am new to the robot vac, can you advice me which would be the best brand and model and between irobot and neato. Also from the US web i saw that neato has 110 to 220v does that mean to say it can be use locally.

thanks

There's on going discussion about iRobot here, with occasional off-topic discussion of Neato.

iRobot is a US robotics company, well-established (since 1990) market leader (>6 million home robots sold worldwide). Time-tested customer support & large pool of users who discuss various usage & technical issues on forums.
- Roomba moves around the house bumping into objects & progressively figures out where to clean.
- Roomba typically spends 60-75 mins for 4-5 rm HDB going over each spot average 4 times.
- For very large area >1000 sq ft, Roomba may miss out certain areas due to low battery.
- Reasonably easy to troubleshoot & repair, spare parts are not hard to find.

Neato is relatively new (officially early 2010) & small robotics company (~20 staff), with flagship product XV-11 which started selling Feb 2010.
- XV-11 uses very different navigation system, involving a 360 deg scanning laser (non-dangerous unless direct eye contact).
- Using laser to study the floor layout, XV-11 is able to move systematically around the house going over each spot once, 4-5 rm HDB should be completed ~30 mins.
- XV-11 can handle very large areas >1000 sq ft by continuously charging low battery & continue where it left off.
- Very little documentation on troubleshoot & repair, spare parts are currently rare. Some faults are non-user serviceable, and can only be repaired by US Neato technician.

U can visit my eBay iRobot store: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html
I've sent u a HWZ pm, any queries just email unobliss@yahoo.com

 

[camelboss2000]

Thanks you for the info as i was worry for the maintenance parts as well. What would you recommend for a (3 bed bed rooms) like 5 room hdb size, for roomba. i read about the vac bag if i am correct for one of the roomba model. I s this a better model. What would be the cost like

Thank you

 

[camelboss2000]

I almost forgot to ask, whats the meaning of re-manufactured model.

thanks

 

[Jubooo]

I almost forgot to ask, whats the meaning of re-manufactured model.

Remanufactured can be a store returned or customer warranty exchanged. iRobot will recertified it's fully working and resell it at a lower price. It might contain some slight blemishes as it might had been used by customer. In US, they have very good return policy and that's why they have many of this remanufactured items.

Any 500 series I sell is good for a typical 4-5 rooms HDB as all my roomba batteries is of the high capacity APS NiMH type, even for the 510 & 530.

If you need self-docking after cleaning, you need to go for 530 & above. 550 & above will give you scheduling function. 570 & above will come with lighthouse for room to room navigation. If you need AeroVac bin, you can checkout the 550 that comes with it and also extra freebies worth almost $100.

Feel free to visit my website Robovac iRobot Store for more information. For Neato XV-11, see here Robovac iRobot Store - Neato XV-11

- XV-11 uses very different navigation system, involving a 360 deg scanning laser (non-dangerous unless direct eye contact).

The laser pointer you play with your cats with is a Class 2 device that depends on the blink reflex for eye safety.

The RPS in the Neato is a Class I certified device during all procedures of operation. A Class 1 laser is safe under all conditions of normal use. Both you and your pet are safe from the RPS.

 

[uno_bliss]

Thanks you for the info as i was worry for the maintenance parts as well. What would you recommend for a (3 bed rooms) like 5 room hdb size, for roomba. i read about the vac bag if i am correct for one of the roomba model. I s this a better model. What would be the cost like

Thank you

I handle all sorts of iRobot repairs at low fee & very seldom require parts replacement. Fee is purely to make up my time & effort.
U can read my iRobot repairs T&C here: http://shop.ebay.com.sg/uno_bliss/m.html?_nkw=repair

For 5 rm HDB, after less off all the built-in cabinets, toilets, storeroom, etc. typical remaining floor area is ~800 sq ft or less.
All Roomba models can pretty much handle effectively as long as u use on regular basis, eg. 3 times/wk.

Roomba doesn't use Filter Bag, it has a detachable bin with vacuum motor & filter paper.
iRobot had been using Standard Bin for many yrs, and introduced Aerovac Bin not too long ago to address maintenance issue with pet fur & long hair.
Standard Bin requires user to clean Roomba spinning brush regularly to remove long hair/pet fur that can jam the brush.
Aerovac Bin keeps Roomba spinning brush much cleaner, hence less maintenance.

... whats the meaning of re-manufactured model. thanks

iRobot US sells with 30 days free trial, common practice in US. When iRobot get trial return units, they'll re-condition them until like new.