NeatoControl - program for diagnostic neato robots

[vic7767]

heX, finally able to connect to a Neato using the NeatoControl program and was able to detect dust bin sensor change once. Then began receiving the error in the picture. The error continued until I used Task Manager to halt the program.

The IP address used with the Airconsole was 192:168.10.1:2167 (raw serial) The connection would timeout when trying to first connect until I used port 8080 (web socket) once via Tera Term and then start up NeatoControl.

[heX]

finally able to connect to a Neato using the NeatoControl program
Then began receiving the error in the picture.

Good news!
I fixed the bug in the next release.

[shirgal]

heX , nice one , going to test it also.

[Vink]

Hi, thanks for this useful software (espesially LIDAR data 2D monitoring), I've found the reason why my Botvac some times full speed hit a shoe chest in a hallway

But, beta version 1.9 really buggy indeed... I had to use a 1.7 version to make alive my Botvac after using LDS modes in 1.9 version.

[glnc222]

The "Testmode Off" command must not have been sent. Neato firmware does not cancel Test Mode just from disconnecting the USB. This command can also be sent with a terminal emulator.
Test Mode is needed for the motor control commands, running separate motors over USB. Neato Control probably sets Test Mode as soon as connected.
There was some note in the release notes about fixing failure of Neato Control to send the Testmode Off command.
There was also an original note that the program should be closed before disconnecting the cable; closing the program supposedly included issuing the command. Any unusual Windows termination of the program would prevent this final step. It is reminiscent of the prompts in Notepad etc. to save or not, when closing the program, a closing procedure included in the code.

If Neato Control sets Test Mode all the time, there could be a problem using this program while the Neato is cleaning, for telemetry over a wireless link. The cleaning program does not run in Test Mode I think.
I will notify Hex separately to insure this is recognized.

[Vink]

hmm, tnx for response

I do know about issues concerning USB disconnecting before test mode off. The problem was that there were no responses from either Neatocontrol tabs, nor Botvac itself after using LDS scanner tool in 1.9. Connectin and reconnecting did nothing then report of no Neato port found (or similar information). Botvac did react to buttons, but had no control of its wheel motor.
As I said 1.7 helped me and works flawlessly to me

[vic7767]

heX posted that the 1.9 release was for TCP/IP testing only and other maintenance functions were not supported.

[Vink]

I think you misunderstood me. I'm just informing about problems that occure. No offence, Vic

[vic7767]

No offence, Vic

Vink, no problem, no offense taken.

[Vink]

[heX]

Version 1.10

Download

Changes:
bug fix.

[shirgal]

heX Thank you !

Yuval

[vic7767]

heX NeatoControl ver 1.10 seems stable using raw port 2167 and using the Sensors page, when switching to Scanner page and selecting LDS, the connection times out. Also when sending commands using the Commands page if you send the help command, the system times out and the connection is lost, but, setting the fuel gauge will work as well as other commands.

[Apollon]

As here are the pros, I'd like to ask if a support of the Vorwerk VR200 would be possible.

Via USB (Neato serial driver) NeatoControl already works quite well, however as the VR200 has Wifi built in, a support via Wifi would be great. Before the release of the VR200 there was an iOS App announced, which yet hasn't been released and since has been hushed up.

It is possible to activate Wifi via USB terminal commands and connect it to a wifi network. There the VR200 listens on port 49001. If you try to connect to that port, the Display of the VR200 shows a message that "App control" is active and the motor starts. However it is not possible to send commands via telnet as the connection immediately gets lost. I have no idea how the api could look like, there's no documentation.

Maybe anyone has suggestions on how to get control over Wifi.

Apollon.

[vic7767]

Apollon It's not WiFi, it's TCP/IP protocol that is used with heXs' NeatoControl program. WiFi is just the transport of the messages that are generated between NeatoControl and the Neato, Botvac, and the VR200. Serial converted to TCP.

[Apollon]

@vic: no offence, but I did understand that the tcp/ip protocol just sends the commands to another device that is attached via usb to the robot. However, I'd love to get you guys involved in (directly) communicating with the VR200 via WiFi, 'cause I don't have the knowledge to do so...

[glnc222]

AS Vorwerk has no distributor for the vacuums in the U.S., you are more likely to find this kind of work on the German Roboter-Forum, if at all. For some unknown reason, Vorwerk has not pursued global distribution of their robots, perhaps out of concern for brand reputation where customer service must be available locally. On this forum there will more likely be projects for adding the hardware needed to the Neato Robotics models. When dealing with hardware supplied in a Vorwerk product, the software involved is proprietary and not likely accessible. Amazing reverse engineering does get reported from Russia, so maybe something will show up on Russian forums. Buyers of very expensive Vorwerk products are less likely to be hacking them than cheaper Neato products -- where voiding warranties may be less of a concern, for example.

[Apollon]

OK. Thanks. The information I have is from the german forum. But the commnuity there is smaller. And as the NeatoControl Software is from here, I gave it a chance especially because the VR200 has the same terminal commands as the neato. But I already thought noone outside Germany actually has a VR200. ;-(

Apollon.

[glnc222]

The Neato Control Program is from the heartland of Russia with lots of expert programmers and engineers. It is posted here for wider distribution courtesy of members from Russia -- and the program author there, member Hex here. Some links to Russian forums may be in this thread or the download package.

[vic7767]

Apollon No problem. It seems that the VR200 takes and displays similar commands and outputs, The present issue with the Neato is that as long as there is a device connected to the USB port (WiFi Router) no movement commands can be sent and the Neato complains that there is a USB connection and will not move. It seems that with the VR200 there is a better WiFi interface without the USB port and all you are stuck with now is getting the Android and iOS apps built and accepted. Possibly in the near future someone on this side of the pond will obtain a VR200 and hack the WiFi hardware for a mod to stick into the Neato and Botvac models.