New addict with remote/docking/scheduling questions

[jennis9]

After reading posts on this forum, I am addicted. I went from one sage -- which is in service now, to four in less than a month (DD/new, Red/used and 4120/used - plus one non-working 4260 to sell - got that for the accessories). I have an arsenal of robots and want to use them all to their fullest potential, but I'm not sure how.

here's the equipment:
Dirt Dog (basement workshop only), Sage, Red and Blue (all 4100 series)
3 VW, 1 black remote, 2 scheduling remote, 3LH, 3 FC bricks, 1 reg brick and 2 home bases. All four have Nimh batteries.

I am planning on upgrading the firmware and scheduling these guys, here are my ?'s:
• Should I upgrade firmware on all bots? It sounds beneficial.
• Are all the home bases the same now? I have 2 casterHB...
• Should I hook the fast bricks to the HB?
• where do i find more info on scheduling/base location for crazy hallways. i don't understand the concept of the LHs yet and how to schedule a few rooms connected on a LONG hallway.
• just started using the black remote - and red is not responding to the power button. any suggestions?

Thanks in advance for input. I am searching out for answers and sometimes it's not quite the topic I need. operator error can be at play here since I am new and faking experience to my bot army. It's tough being the general.

[Gordon]

Well jennis9, your post seems to have gotten buried. Your sig say you don't do math, and mine should say 'I don't do scheduling', hence, there are other members far more capable with scheduling tactics, than I, who can advise you. In response to your Qs I'll toss out a few bits, and that will bump this thread into current time for you (so others may be enticed to contribute).

...one sage -- , to four ... here's the equipment:
Dirt Dog (basement workshop only), Sage, Red and Blue (all 4100 series)
3 VW, 1 black remote, 2 scheduling remote, 3LH, 3 FC bricks, 1 reg brick and 2 home bases. All four have Nimh batteries. ... - plus one non-working 4260 to sell

I suggest you retain the 4260 for parts, and that you store the three LHs until you have a 5XX-Roomba with which they will work.

I am planning on upgrading the firmware and scheduling these guys, here are my ?'s:
• Should I upgrade firmware on all bots? It sounds beneficial.

Another member will have to help you with this Q.

• Are all the home bases the same now? I have 2 casterHB...

Don't know about "all", so you should verify that each HB you wish to accept a swivel-caster Roomba will do so. The HB's which are designed to accept the swivel-caster machines have a larger base than older HBs. The extended base allows the newer caster-wheel to climb onto the base's ramp before the bumper (erroneously) strikes the HB's charging contacts (to then become repelled).

• Should I hook the fast bricks to the HB?

Apply the FCs to whichever Roombas require fastest re-charge; use the Standard power-supply on the least used Roomba.

• where do i find more info on scheduling/base location for crazy hallways. ... and how to schedule a few rooms connected on a LONG hallway.

I don't know of any specific guidance. You may have to so a lot of searching/reading; or, if lucky, someone that has such experience will post some words.

• just started using the black remote - and red is not responding to the power button. any suggestions? ...

Read posts in this thread to see if its switch-contacts are too dirty.

[jennis9]

Gordon, Thanks for the reply and the bump, your answers definitely gave me a few new tips... and thanks for the link too. I am slowly working my way through the forum and going to old posts as well. I wasn't sure about saving the 4260 and took a look at all of the parts I could salvage - good call. I also tested the bases and I'm good on these... I was amazed the first time I saw it dock on it's own! Are you a non-scheduler for a reason? Just wondering if I should re-think that plan, and not do math AND scheduling. ha.

If anyone can help me with my open issues - I'd appreciate the input. I need a little help scheduling these guys -- or ditching the idea that I should.

[Gordon]

... I was amazed the first time I saw it dock on it's own!

Yes! That, and watching the un-docking action are the only reasons for using a Home Base, IMHO! LOL.

... Are you a non-scheduler for a reason? Just wondering if I should re-think that plan, ...

The short-story is that I don't trust Roomba to survive an un-monitored cleaning session at my place. My wife has too many free-roaming pets, hence, any one of them can modify the cleaning environment by setting loose a toy, knocking bits off a table, or lying down in a VWU's beam.

[mfortuna]

The dirt dog should have scheduling capability built-in. You can test each roomba by entering a schedule in the remote and then transferring it to the robot. If accepted, the roomba will beep and then one of the LEDS will flash every few seconds. If not, then you will need a download cable. Chris (protechrobotics) has a loaner pool.

I don't schedule anymore. We have a dog now and some of his toys get caught in the brushes. Plus I have cleaned cat barf out of roombas one too many times.

When I used to schedule, it was one roomba per floor, each floor about 1000 sq feet. The robots usually did a good job because they normally didn't find the dock and ended up running until the batteries were dead.

Mike

[jennis9]

Mike - you had me at cat barf.... one element I hadn't thought of.

I have two evildoers in my home that cause trouble, I'd prefer to stay away from repair bills due to controllable circumstances. And like Gordon mentioned - there's always a stray toy to get stuck in the wheel. They are getting cocky and will now play chicken with the bots.

Thanks for the input on that issue. I will be OK not scheduling these guys.

[DBCubix]

I have two evildoers in my home that cause trouble, I'd prefer to stay away from repair bills due to controllable circumstances. And like Gordon mentioned - there's always a stray toy to get stuck in the wheel. They are getting cocky and will now play chicken with the bots.

Perhaps the optional taser attachment will help solve your problem.

[mfortuna]

I have an older cat that seems to have forgotten were the litterbox is but so far the mistakes have been in the basement. A urine detect and taser attachment would correct the issue nicely.

Mike