Asked
— Edited
Hi guys.
I am currently looking at a Roomba IRobot 530 on a popular auction site I want to get. I don't wish to appear rude but I need some quick advice before I place a bid, as the clock is ticking. eek
Does the 530 have a comms port to connect the EZ-B4?
Is the 530 compatible with the EZ-B4?
I've never had a robot vac so it's all new to me. I know DJ does reference the iRobot but there's no mention on models.
Cheers.
I have some more advice for you. If you plan to use a factory cable, unscrew the two little screws and take it apart and check the wiring. I had a brand new factory cable and it came in very Shotty. It blew up my 530 and I had to get another motherboard because of it. If you inspect first, then you will be happier later on.
my 2 cents.
:-)
@ Steve G, for what it's worth I just ran jumper cables from roomba's power pin (actually I gave up on the PS2 connector and ran jumpers to all the pins) to a stepdown converter @ 8.5V. I run the old EZ 3 and wireless cam all through the Roomba's power to the stepdown. Works great. But do this at your own risk
@MovieMaker.
Thanks for the heads up. I'm actually using a mini Din plug I had laying around and soldering my own wires. Thanks for the advice though.
@pacowang.
Thanks for sharing what you have done and the advice. Cool idea powering the EZ-B3 from the Roomba's power supply. I think I'll stick to an external LiPo to power my v4 though. I just liked the idea of convieniance to power a small remote off the 530 so I wouldn't have to add a manual power switch.
@Richard and Doc.
I thought I would dive in and hook up my 530 to the EZ-B. I downloaded your project first (Richard), but after I hit "init", nothing worked. So I tried DJ's Roomba project and I got some temperamental movement. I got nothing at first then it burst in to life moving forwards, but wouldn't stop, turn, anything. After I picked it up it stopped and I tried again. This time I hit turn left which it did, but pressuring stop or anything else had no effect.
Any ideas what's up?
What ports are you using? Check my Movement Panel to see if it is using the uart or D0... I can't remember now...
I am using UART port 1 which sends data (to the Roomba) on the EZB digital pin 5... I just tried it... it works no problem on my 530 and 650 Roombas...
@Richard.
DOH, I had a Homer Simpson moment, sorry. I looked at the UART scripts to check what port you were using and saw it was port 1. So I connected it to D1, not UART 1 (D5/D6), took a time out and realised my mistake blush. It's all working now. Now what I need to do is figure out how to turn on the sensors, auto cleaning mode, and seek and dock.
@Steve... That's pretty easy... I don't have time today, but remind me tomorrow and I will shoot you those commands....