iRobot Scooba experience

[thewiseone]

Yes, its safe to buy from Woot. I've bought Scoobas and Roombas from them before. The US$5 is only for shipping within US (CONUS). U need to have a forwarding address in US like Vpost, Comgateway, etc. Ship it there and then forward the shipment to Singapore. The offer usually will not go on for a long time. If u want one, better hurry. That said, bear in mind the issues with XV11/12/15.

Safe to purchase from woot? They ship to Sg with only +5usd shipping cost? Does it mean they have many set of Neato to purchase?

Can give some idea?

 

[kun1he2]

Hmm... tempting indeed...

Maybe run Roomba on 1/3/5 and then Neato on 2/4/6, followed by Scooba on 7?

 

[Vachel Chan]

Hmm... tempting indeed...

Maybe run Roomba on 1/3/5 and then Neato on 2/4/6, followed by Scooba on 7?

Another solid combo I have seen being deployed is to use the Roomba for vacuuming, then the scooba for washing, then followed by the Mint to wipe up the water marks or stains.

The Roomba and Neato serves the same function of vacuuming.

 

[kun1he2]

Hmm, is the Neato RPS error an issue to be worried about?
Also, the broken wheel mounting issue?

Assuming not sending it back to US to RMA - how much would it cost to repair... assuming it is even possible to be repaired?

 

[uno_bliss]

Hmm, is the Neato RPS error an issue to be worried about?
Also, the broken wheel mounting issue?

Assuming not sending it back to US to RMA - how much would it cost to repair... assuming it is even possible to be repaired?

I bought Neato XV-11 in July 2011, never had RPS or Critical "whatever" error before, so my "not latest" version already alright. Thereafter got new firmware but I lazy to update. Oso prefer to wait & see, in case new firmware got new bugs.
I've also never had wheel spring problem or charging contact plastic melt.

My XV-11 only hiccups are often error message "can't navigate, please clear obstacles" when there was no obstacles in the way.
2-3 times it was evidently lost & couldn't find Dock, but that's cos it dropped into toilet/kitchen, after I "rescue" it, it must have messed up its mapping.

The other complains I have are design flaw, namely Beater brush tank-like rattling, not very good with sandy debris, leaves edges uncleaned. These are disappointments even as of Day 1 even without any breakdown.

That's why I think VR100 at least addresses the cleanliness issue.

 

[thewiseone]

The RPS issue seems to be a luck of draw... some people experienced it, some dont. I have NEVER once experienced an RPS error. As for the broken drive wheel mount, its both a QC and design flaw IMO. If u look at the 2 mounting points, one is attached to a small narrow protrusion of the wheel assembly while the other attaches to a narrow post that is part of the chassis. They are plastic in construction and quite fragile, being subjected to stress by the strong spring. One or both ends can break and your only solution is to drill new holes, screw in a threaded eye at each hole and clip the spring to the new points. Will it break again?? No one knows. Its a gamble u'll have to take.


Dont bother sending it back to US for RMA, the return shipping is not worth it IMO. Even if u do send it back, they will be using a similar fix as i've posted above (though they appear to mount a new point on the chassis using an existing hole and a screw).


Woot is currently having an offer for the XV12 at USD299.99. If u are prepared to write off this amount in the worst case scenario, then by all means go for it. U will not lose every $$$ and in case something does go wrong, u can probably sell off the parts. Someone even approached me to buy the LIDAR unit off mine!

Hmm, is the Neato RPS error an issue to be worried about?
Also, the broken wheel mounting issue?

Assuming not sending it back to US to RMA - how much would it cost to repair... assuming it is even possible to be repaired?

 

[kun1he2]

Thanks, would you also highly recommend getting the VR100 filter and brush to super-charge the XV-12? Did you happen to buy any spares?

 

[thewiseone]

If u are getting the XV11/12/15, then u SHOULD get the VR100 brush and filters. They will contribute to a SIGNIFICANT improvement in terms of suction power and longer maintenance. The VR100 filter is more resistant to build up of debris and dust, while allowing for a higher airflow. My VR100 filter used for 3 days without cleaning/emptying has a higher airflow rate than a fresh XV11 filter!

I'm afraid i dont have any additional VR100 parts, they are all reserved. If u have made up your mind to get the XV12, i would suggest u send a PM to fufu @ roomba review forum. It takes quite a long time to get the parts shipped over from Germany to Singapore. !@#$# DHL Germany is a joke.

Thanks, would you also highly recommend getting the VR100 filter and brush to super-charge the XV-12? Did you happen to buy any spares?

 

[Vachel Chan]

Hmm, is the Neato RPS error an issue to be worried about?
Also, the broken wheel mounting issue?

Assuming not sending it back to US to RMA - how much would it cost to repair... assuming it is even possible to be repaired?

The RPS error is really rare in the new sets that come pre-installed with 2.4 or higher. The critical battery error would usually occur once the set arrives. Usually it has nothing to do with the battery, but with the motherboard. A good tell-tale sign would be that upon unpacking, you are able to power the Neato without any charging.
The good working set should come completely drained and when you attempt to start it, it would prompt you to charge it.

As for the Spring falling out, it is pretty simple to fix it yourself.
-Open the 4 screws at the back of the Neato.
-Remove the wheel that the spring has fallen out from. (carefully detaching the wire socket)
-Attach a screw to the chipped off area at the tip of the wheel module (black tip), secure with S.glue for good measure.
-Attach another screw to the inside of the Neato (there is actually a small hole about 5mm in diameter. Do not screw it all the way in. The tip of the screw may pop up through the front plate.
-Secure the spring to both ends of the screw and fix the wheel module in place and screw the back cover on again.

*Normal Screws would do fine, no need for fancy hook screws.

Do not attempt to open more than the 4 screws at the back of the Neato. (the Neato uses about 30 screws secure the whole structure) There may be some guides that advise you to dismantle the set further to fix the broken screw. Terribly ill-advise. This is the most straight forward way.

*would put up a guide with pics on my blog next week.

 

[Jubooo]

Someone even approached me to buy the LIDAR unit off mine!

I have more than 10 LIDAR units available. Can direct him to me

Hmm, is the Neato RPS error an issue to be worried about?
Also, the broken wheel mounting issue?

Assuming not sending it back to US to RMA - how much would it cost to repair... assuming it is even possible to be repaired?

I have all parts to repair, come to me when you need

My XV-11 only hiccups are often error message "can't navigate, please clear obstacles" when there was no obstacles in the way.
2-3 times it was evidently lost & couldn't find Dock, but that's cos it dropped into toilet/kitchen, after I "rescue" it, it must have messed up its mapping.

Though your case is the drop into the kitchen, that is usually the first signal for coming RPS error. Guess you're still using more of your roomba

 

[uno_bliss]

Though your case is the drop into the kitchen, that is usually the first signal for coming RPS error. Guess you're still using more of your roomba

I use Roomba when I want clean, I use Neato when I want fast.

Another thing which could have led to my "can't navigate, clear my path" error, is that my upper floors are fenced by stair railings, the railing bottom is a continuous frame and above are just widely spaced vertical bars (ie. I_I_I_I). So Neato will keep knocking into the bottom frame while the vertical bars (~1 cm DIA) may not register fully by the laser scan. So to Neato, it's like something is constantly in its way, and it might think it's a chihuahua (in heat), so Neato tells the chihuahua to beat it! (in a polite manner like "clear my path").

Cos I get this error most frequently near the stairs, so it might not be a malfunction, but rather an algorithm to respond to surroundings.

Imagine if Roomba mounts a fan stand, it says "Please remove fan", then it mounts a comfy couch leg, it says "Please change couch", then it mounts toilet kerb, it says "Please relocate toilet". That'll be pretty annoying.

 

[bakasa2002]

You should use mint when you want it slow.

Anyone here use Mint+? Any review?

 

[kimsim]

You should use mint when you want it slow.

Anyone here use Mint+? Any review?

Mint Plus

Just one word "good"

Quiet+slim design. Cause my bed frame is too low until my Scooba can't reached, now I have Mint plus ha ha there is still wanna said.
I just used the magic clean wet tissue is ready good enough with long battery life.

Thanks to Mint +

 

[kimsim]

Check out this video on YouTube:

Mint Plus Home Reviews Part 3 - YouTube

 

[kun1he2]

I have all parts to repair, come to me when you need

Thanks, glad to know that...

Would you by any chance be bringing in the VR100 parts from Germany too?

 

[thewiseone]

Seems like there are german ebay sellers marketing the VR100. Prices are below the RRP of 649 euros, though i'm not sure if they are willing to ship out of Germany.

Thanks, glad to know that...

Would you by any chance be bringing in the VR100 parts from Germany too?

 

[Jubooo]

Thanks, glad to know that...

Would you by any chance be bringing in the VR100 parts from Germany too?

I will have the HEPA filter soon but I do not have the brush.

 

[bakasa2002]

Check out this video on YouTube:

Mint Plus Home Reviews Part 3 - YouTube

Thanks Kimsim! So you need not refill water any more but is one pcs of magiclean enough to cover the entire hse? Or you do it room by room?

 

[bakasa2002]

Roomote your Roomba! Nice!

 

[kimsim]

Thanks Kimsim! So you need not refill water any more but is one pcs of magiclean enough to cover the entire hse? Or you do it room by room?

Using water have another case.
Cause in the packaged is come with microfiber cloth.
Just is a option for u
So far I likely to used the dry cloth or water base or magic clean wet tissue for one room to be replace a new tissue.