Robot Reviews

Hello all,

I live in a 220 Vac area (europe) and recently bought a Roomba 560 in the US. I was planning to use the charger with a 50 watt transformer. A few minutes after plugging it in the transformer burns out (with the associated smell).

Under severe pressure from my wife to put my investment to use I then deceided to purchase a 110-240 Vac charger from my local Roomba dealer.
Calling the dealer, he asked me where I had bought it and if I had plugged it in via the transformer. He said that according to Roomba manual it had to be ?reset? because of the 50/60 hz difference in 220v vs. 110v.
So I brought it to him and he ?reset? it (took the battery in and out and pressed some buttons) and sold me the 110-240v charger and charged me rather heavily (compared to the US) for the charger and the ?reset? procedure.
Soon after this all, my old physics/electricity classes sprung to mind. I recollected that ac is alternating and dc is direct current, therfore not having any frequency(hz). So the input frequency has no effect as the roomba charger output is always dc, right?. God, I felt sore in my behind. This guy had just f****d me and was probably laughing all the way to the bank.

Before having a little chat with the dealer, I just wanted your opinion.

Do you have any knowledge of the Roomba needing to be ?reset? when switching between charger input voltage as described above ?

Have you ever seen any warnings or directions in Roomba documents regarding using a US roomba in 220v, apart from the obvious(plugging 110v only into 220v)?

Should I be feeling sore?

Thanks

Brgds, Lalli945

Lalli945,


I'm sorry that you have been taken like that. Karma will prevail and show her ugly head when he least expects it!!

The only time we will ask to reset the Roomba is when it's acting funny, ie backing up in circles.. One would clean the bumper sensors, and reset the Roomba to give it a fresh start..

I don't know much about electrical, but I don't think one would have to reset the Roomba due to the Hz difference.

I would personally go back to the store, and demand the money back from him. If he doesn't comply, I would personally blog about that store online, like Craigslist.. I would let the community know about this crook so that he doesn't have the opportunity to rip other people off!!

Hello,
I have been using my roomba with a transformer for 2 years without problems. Only be careful with the transformer you buy, as it has to be a good one. I had one of 100W step-down - step-up and I'm very happy with it.

Sorry but yes you have been taken for a ride. The only values the roomba monitors is the voltage, that is why it is a specific 22.5v. The current supplied is limited by the power supply and is drawn by however much is needed to recharge the battery.

There is no need whatsoever to reset the roomba based on Ac frequency, all it sees is a 22.5v dc voltage.


You will definitely need more than a 50w transformer, hence why it broke, probably a 90+ would have been ok.

I agree with the poster, go back and chin him for this "service" because all he has really done is charge you for power supply and transformer.

I generally recommend a decent 75W transformer (NOT electronic voltage "convertor") for roomba and 100W for scooba PSUs, for continuous use. That gives a good 2:1 safety margin. You can get away with less, but given the small difference in price for lower wattage step down transformers, it's not worth the risk in my opinion.

(post deleted by poster)

ok, i got my new roomba 4000 today over the mail.
it is the red one with a black cap.

i discovered the person i bought it from included a uk converter:

brand: MW (AC-AC convertor)
model: mw2po45
cos=0.73
input: 230v-50Hz
output: AC 110v 45 W


is this a good one to use on this USA model, now needing to work in the netherlands?

btw it is a 3 pin model, all i have to do is attach a 2 pin traveladapter says my seller.
i hope this isn't a problem?

i don't want to burn out my new "pet." And i am a Roomba newbie.

gr.

stef
netherlands