Hi @Nink, Maybe I didn't state it properly. I'm not suggesting modifying the Roomba charging circuit and the serial port connector provides enough power to run the EZB controller and its camera. What's really nice is that I can always connect the the EZB controller as power stays on even when the Roomba shuts down on the dock I just use a buck converter to step down the Unregulated Roomba power for the EZB

The only problem is when you want extra power for servos or an iPad, but I have some yet untested ideas that I'd like to prove our before sharing

For my Use Case I assume an infirmed person at the far end who can't be plugging in chargers or pushing buttons

Your idea of modifying the charging pads is interesting, but the Roomba charging circuit is complex. Connect a voltmeter to the charging doc pads and note that it's only about 2v when there is no Roomba docked, I assume for safety even though the charger puts out 22v

Regards, Frank

I guess we can always use your magnetic charger from our other thread. It will actually line up now :-)

Oh, I like that idea.

The Roomba and dock would always be in alignment for the connection and the Roomba would pull away to disconnect it

Excellent!

I pursue that over the next few days

great teamwork...

I'll let you know if my other untested idea works too

Here is the picture of the strapdown for the tripod.

I like to see others working on this.

I am going to use a surface tablet and skype. It is simple and should work perfectly.

I will let you know.

Ellis

@Ellis, Very nice mount

If you decide the use the Surface, I guess you could also let that serve as a ARC program on the Roomba

What are your plans to charge it?

frank

I like the straps. I was thinking I may build a light weight frame and disguise the Roomba. I thought about 3D printing but 10 rolls of fillament and one month later .....

here is my charger. Stealing Franks original idea. 4 extra large paper clips, 4 neodymium magenta (one on ether side of paper clip on charger so they hold in place), a lead acid 12v battery, a float charger and a voltage regulator.

Hot glue paper clips in place but keep them loose on the charger as the Roomba docks differently every time so the need to float around a little bit (wiggle them when almost dry) but can’t float to much or they will lock together and either blow a fuse or bbq your Roomba.

Need to change to lithium ion as battery is heavy. Also need a better magnetic connection idea but it all works.

That was quick...

What will be using the extra power?

Is that just for the iPad?

Where you planning to have a servo push the CLEAN button?

Not sure why I need more power but 200mA I can’t charge EZB and IPad. I also need a PC on board as I can’t punch through firewall at work so I was going to put a mini PC with two video Ports on board (or a USB monitor) 1 for monitor (no point of having an IPad if I have a PC on board) the other for remote takeover of PC (HDMI dummy plug) I could just leave PC on desk at work but if I move telepresence to another area it will be on separate network segment so won’t be able to connect. If PC is on board with EZB then I should always be on same segment.

I think I will need some Servos. push elevator button, use a pointer, control gimble for monitor, run a Kinect for camera and depth or maybe 3D Lidar . Ohh I need some LEDs because you always need LEDs. An LTE Modem a GPS, a speaker, a decent microphone, temperature humidity sensor so I can complain about the weather.

OK I think I need more power LOL. (None of this will happen)

For clean button maybe I might just open it up and run a a couple of wires off the button. you think there would be a wake command for that.