Since the Roomba 530S does not come with it’s programming port exposed I had to do a slight modification in order to get it ready for hacking. Equipped with a 1/2″ spade bit and some masking tape I carved out a hole for my serial tether to plug into.
Parts:
-A Roomba 530/560
-A 1/2″ Spade Bit
-A drill or Rotary Tool
-Masking Tape
-Black Marker
-X-Acto Knife
-File or sand paper
Steps:
1 - Remove bezel
2 - Place masking tape so that it covers the programming port but has enough excess so that it will stick out from under the cover allowing you to make some markings
3 - Using magic marker or a sharpie, trace the two grooves around the center circle as well as the programming port itself
4 - Peel off masking tape
5 - Replace bezel
6 - Put the masking tape back in place, taking care to line up the 2 curved lines traced out earlier
7 - Use X-Acto knife to trim off excess
8 - Remove bezel again
9 - Drill out the hole for the programming port with 1/2″ spade bit
10 - Remove masking tape
11 - Use rounded file or sandpaper to smooth out the edges on the hole
12 - Put bezel back on Video of the entire process can be found at FettesPS.com.