Bumper sensor Roomba 500?

brianharte · Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 12 Location: UK

Hi All,

I am not having much luck. I have recently recieved back my vic modified gear unit (excellent job) and now I am on to my next problem.

I suspect it is a bumper collision sensor problem and have no idea how to diagnose or treat it other than compressed air which I have tried under the bumper.

The symptoms are that when roomba collides with an object about 10-20% of the time it will tried to collide with it again about 10 times (back and forth movement very fast) until it gives up and turns. It didnt used to do this and i'm a little worried.

Any advice or next steps would be appreciated.

Best wishes,

Brian

vic7767 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3520 Location: Louisiana

Try removing your Roombas front bumper and cleaning the IR sensors located in the center of the bumper as well as the cliff sensors on the bottom.

brianharte · Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 12 Location: UK

I have had a good clean and still the problem persisit.

It is hard to film as it doesnt do it all the time but one symptom is that sometimes Roomba hits a wall and keeps trying to go forwards (ie. wheels spin as it is pushing against the wall).

It only started happening today.

I have taken off the bumper and cleaned all around. There are two smaller than cent sized sensors at the direct front with two pieces of springy metal either side. Either side of these are two lever type sensors.

If I run roomba without the bumber I can press in the lever ones and roomba changes direction. If i hold my hand in front of roomba it slows but then hits my hand and trys to push through it.

Are there any more tests to do and does it sound like a sensor problem?

Brian

ps. I can try and get some video tomorrow when it is light or some pics if you dont know which sensors I am talking about.

vic7767 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3520 Location: Louisiana

Hate to say it but if your Roomba is still under warranty, now would be the time to open a ticket or call IRobot for a warranty replacement. It seems as thought your Roomba may have a failing sensor. It is difficult for most owners to place the new 5XX models into the factory test mode so you probably won't be able to isolate the problem any further.

brianharte · Joined: 12 May 2008 Posts: 12 Location: UK

Hi Vic,

There is no warranty as I live in the UK. Do you know which sensor it sounds like as I was looking on Roombaexchange and there are a few.

Thanks

Brian

vic7767 · Joined: 14 Jan 2006 Posts: 3520 Location: Louisiana

I think Chris on RoombaExchange sells the Create comm cable. It might be cheaper if you order that and find yourself a PC and Comm program then put your Roomba into the factory test mode and see if you can isolate the problem. If you PM me I will send you the SCI commands to put your 5XX Roomba into the factory test mode.