by glnc222 » January 15th, 2018, 1:48 am
I see no reason firmware errors could cause the behavior mentioned, instead of shutting the whole thing down. At the high level of the computer operation it would be difficult to discover what is happening, without the code and special tools. Memory defects? Flashing the firmware runs a risk of permanently ruining, "bricking", the device because the update process itself is performed by the firmware, with data over USB. Everything must be correct. But if you would have to replace the system board anyway....
Failure to move in straight lines (observable in Spot Clean) could suggest something in the tachometers on the the drive wheels, which are monitored to control short distance moves. Magnetic disks on the drive shafts. Or the processor does not handle the data properly. Or other problems with the drive wheels, debris in the motors, whatever.
Over USB it is possible to activate the drive wheels alone, with a long USB cable tether, to move a short distance for testing straight motion capability. Should be apparent from Spot Clean though. After long use, typical to check for motor debris though; blow out insides through any gap in the cases (they usually aren't made to open up though expert mechanics do so, resoldering things and what not, very skilled, and special tools).
There were no significant additions in later firmware versions though they go up to Rev3.4, tweaks to little things.
Most demonstrations of disassembly make use of powered screw drivers. I prefer manual tightening though, to avoid stripping threads in soft plastic. See Mods & Repairs list thread top of forum, for links to tool recommendations; the right driver can be manually twirled quite effectively. Be content there are not plastic locking tabs instead which break with such puzzle boxes. Don't lose any of the screws, metric sheet metal sizes not carried in U.S. stores, only mail order.
See the long video demonstration linked on YouTube by expert engineer refurbishing a Neato.