Roomba 530 Scheduling

Fryc · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 2

Hi, i've found your forum doing some research with google.
I'm from Italy and i have purchased a new Roomba 530.
I've read that is possible to program Roomba 530 for scheduling.
I' ve download Romba Status already.
Can you tell me which cable i have to buy. I haven't too much experience, so i would aprreciate if you give me a link to the exact item that i have to buy.
I'm from Italy, so i want to be sure before to order a product from USA.

I don't think that blutooth can be useful for me. A cable should be Ok
What i have to buy? Which model?

Thank you very much

vic7767 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3519 Location: Louisiana

The correct cable will depend upon what COM interface port you have. DB9 RS232 or USB. You can order from this site:

http://www.roombaexchange.com/products.php?cat=18&pg=2

You can also order a Create Cable from IRobot.

Fryc · Joined: 16 Jun 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks.
So if i buy this: http://store.irobot.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2586254&cp=2174941.2600082.2591512
i don't need anythingelse?
Is this correct?

vic7767 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3519 Location: Louisiana

Yes, that Create cable will work. I use one with my 535 and it works well, and I also use a Rootooth from time to time and it works very well also.

creacom · Joined: 13 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

From what I have read, it seems the 530 can be controlled and monitored using either the serial cable, bluetooth, or wifi, but where is the mini-din socket?

Fraggboy · Posted: July 13, 2008, 6:16 am Post subject:

creacom,

The connector is under the plate. Gently pry off the top plate, and you will find the mini-din socket.

ranma · Joined: 15 Jul 2008 Posts: 1

If you bought the Roomba 530, you unfortunately can not schedule it. You need the Roomba 535 or above and the Wireless Command Center to schedule the Roomba. The Roomba 560 and above have an on board schedule function as well as the wireless interface. The serial interface allows you to either control the Roomba or monitor the Roomba's sensors while it is running, but it does not allow you to download a schedule into the Roomba.

creacom · Joined: 13 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Ranma:

Thanks, but yes, the serial interface will allow me to schedule. I won't be able to "download" a schedule as you have said, but I can "press" the virtual "Clean" button.

I have ordered a RooTooth which I plan on using to connect my Roomba to my Mac Mini. The Mini will run a "cron" job to wake and guide the Roomba to a starting point. What I have not yet figured out is how to know when the Roomba thinks it is finished. (I don't see a variable to indicate completion in the API.) I need to know this because the Roomba has trouble finding the docking station in my house. I have seen it roll almost right up to it just to turn around and look for it elsewhere, eventually running out of battery power.

My hope is to start the Roomba through BlueTooth (RooTooth) from my Mac Mini, guide it to a starting point (possibly on the other side of a virtual wall), let it clean, and guide it back to the base when it is finished.

RayC · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

I recently purchased a 530 and I've read many posts regarding this scheduling issue. Can somebody please confirm if the 530 is capable of scheduling and what I would need to do this? I have searched this forum front and back but still cannot confirm the programming capabilities for the 530. One post seems to contradict the other. Sorry for my ignorance but I am new to this forum and very interested in modding this unit.

Thanks.

Ray

vic7767 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3519 Location: Louisiana

Another 530 owner has verified that you can use the SCI Open Interface to send instructions to the Roomba to schedule it. Check here:

http://www.roombareview.com/chat/viewtopic.php?t=9235

RayC · Joined: 16 Jul 2008 Posts: 2

Thanks for the confirming. I bought the serial cable and successfully programmed my 530 with the date/time and schedule thanks to the people in this thread.

Many thanks!

Ray

ludwigs3rd · Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Posts: 5

I just got a 530. Can someone please tell me how I can get to the mini-Din connector? I read here that I have to remove top plate (replaceable cover according to the manual.) I was able to get the exterior clips loose but the ring in the middle is caught on something. When I peeked under I didn't see any mini-Din connector. All I saw was two small black plates. Is the mini-Din going to be under those once I get the top plate loose? I'd appreciate any help anyone can offer.

vic7767 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3519 Location: Louisiana

The mini din connector will be visible once you remove the top plate. Besides the clips that hold the plate on it also must be guided out of the Roomba handle that is normally used to carry the Roomba around.

ludwigs3rd · Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Posts: 5

Thanks for the prompt reply. I feel like there is something around the center ring of the top plate (around the perimeter of the button area) that isn't allowing it out. Is it just me or do I just need to guide it out of the handle as you said?

ludwigs3rd · Joined: 03 Aug 2008 Posts: 5

I think I found my answer in this post.
http://www.roombareview.com/chat/viewtopic.php?p=42268#42268
This forum rocks! Thanks for all your help!