Roomba 530 won't move forward

[Wall-E]

Thanks! I'll try the 2nd test now and get back in a few

[jimmyw71]

Same problem here. I used the diagnostic menu to find that the right bumper sensor was malfunctioning. I ordered the emitter (QEE113) and photodetector (QSE113E3R0) from Mouser Electronics. I am fairly capable with a soldering iron and was excited to get this thing running again. But when I soldered on the new pieces I noticed that with the camera not only was this one not shining with the unit on, but the left side was now not working.

The other sensors do light up in my camera so I know it's got to be something I did in the install. The sensors are facing inward like the left side and match the PCB drawing so I'm completely confused.

Is it possible that the Roomba's PCB shunted the entire array that plugs into the board? I don't have a voltmeter to test unfortunately.

I'm worried if I send the sensors in for repair that even though they get repaired there still may be an issue here.

Signed bummed in Phoenix

[vic7767]

I've have read this same issue from several posters. Normally what has happened is that a small portion of the foil trace has been removed from the PCB thus causing an incomplete circuit. Or, solder is not making contact between the sensor lead and the PCB foil.

[onzyone]

I can't find: QSE113E3RO is there another part that I can use?

[Gordon]

EL-IR928-6C.
Try Mouser.

[onzyone]

THanks Gordon,

Sorry for the silly question, but can you use an emitter as a photodetector? I have already ordered 2 emitters QEE113


http://ca.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Ever ... BCv0shs%3d

[Gordon]

... can you use an emitter as a photodetector?

No. PTs are very different and are not known as a trouble source.

I have already ordered 2 emitters QEE113 ... /ProductDetail/Everlight/EL-IR928-6C ...

The latter piece of order data suggests that you bought the EverLight-IR928-6C emitter (not the QEE113 IRED) -- which is good, since the EverLight's case shape should be an exact match for the original iRobot IRED.

Not to worry about having a spare IRED on hand. That ensures you will never need another one!

[onzyone]

Not to worry about having a spare IRED on hand. That ensures you will never need another one!

True =)

In the same post tho jimmy suggested to also get a photodetector (QSE113E3R0) from Mouser Electronics. But I can't find it. So I was wondering if there was another part number that I should look for ...

THanks again,
Jason.

[vic7767]

Here's what I order and use to repair the 9 beep error. These parts are available from Digi-key.

QSE113 Phototransistor IR 880NM Sidelooker

QEE113-ND LED IR Emitting 940NM Sidelooker

[Gordon]

... jimmy suggested to also get a photodetector (QSE113E3R0) from Mouser Electronics. But I can't find it. So I was wondering if there was another part number that I should look for ...

IMOH, iRobot uses EverLight electro-optical components whose optic axes stand a shorter distance above the PCB on which they are mounted.

When a DIYer decides to replace an EverLight IRED with a Fairchild (as I recall) QEE IRED Sidelooker there will be a mm or two height mismatch between new IRED & old PT because the QEE's lens is farther from the PCB. This is not a serious problem, and can be mitigated by bending the (short) PT slightly back, followed by tilting the QEE IRED forward (toward) the PT to improve aiming the major emitting and receiving axes into each other.

One possible difficulty with bending the PT is its case may be touching the PCB's surface (very little lead-length to bend), hence forcing even a small tilt would be unwise. One should not fret about leaving axes misaligned since both devices have large angles of adequate emittance / responsivity to work with.

OR, one may do the extra work of replacing the original PT & IRED with QSE113 Phototransistor IR 880NM Sidelooker and QEE113-ND LED IR Emitting 940NM Sidelooker as vic does. The Bump-Switch module has adequate interior height to accept the over-all taller cases of the Fairchild components.

[onzyone]

Here's what I order and use to repair the 9 beep error. These parts are available from Digi-key.

QSE113 Phototransistor IR 880NM Sidelooker

QEE113-ND LED IR Emitting 940NM Sidelooker

I have check and it seems like only -ND is there ... (turnes out that it was QEE113-ND that I ordered already. Love digikey support =))

US:
http://www.digikey.com/product-search/e ... rds=QSE113

CAD:
http://www.digikey.ca/scripts/DkSearch/ ... rds=QSE113

Just wanted to update,

Thanks for all of your help, I just replaced the Emitters on both the left and right side and the little robot that could is going again =)