Operating & Safety Manual RM510 & Base Station www.robomow.eu / www.robomow.
The products are manufactured by F. Robotics Acquisitions (Friendly Robotics). Friendly Robotics products are CE approved. Friendly Robotics products comply with the requirements of the RoHS (Restrictions on Hazardous Substances) Directive 2002/95/EC and the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive 2002/96/EC. © Friendly Robotics, 2012-A. All rights reserved.
Table of Contents Safety Warnings & Precautions………………………………………………………….………….. 4 Warnings Decal Definitions…………………………………………………………………………... 6 Robomow® Safety Features…………………………………………………………………………. 7 How It Works……………………………………………………………………………………………. 9 What’s in the Box………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 Chapter 1 - Base Station & Perimeter Wire Setup……………………………………………….. 11 1.1 Preparations………………………………………………………………………………… 11 1.2 Planning the Setup………………………………………………………………………… 11 1.
Safety Warnings & Precautions Training and Instructions 1. Read this manual carefully before operating Robomow. Be familiar with the controls and the proper use of Robomow and follow all safety and warning instructions. 2. Do not use Robomow for any purpose other than for which it is intended. 3. 4. 5. 6. Never allow children or people unfamiliar with these instructions to operate Robomow. Never mow while people, especially children, or pets are nearby.
Base Station 30. Never let Robomow operate without supervision. 31. When programming the automatic start times and days, insure these windows of operation are programmed when children, pets and other bystanders are not on the lawn. 32. Do not place metal objects in the area of the Base Station contacts. 33. After removing the fuse from the mower always reset the current time and date. Failure to do so may result in non-intentional operation of the Robomow, which may cause sever bodily injuries. 34.
Warnings Decal Definitions These are the symbols on Robomow; Read them carefully before operating Robomow. DANGER! Sharp rotating blade. Keep hands and feet away. Serious injury can occur. Caution – Do not touch rotating blade 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. Safety alerts symbol – WARNING - this is a dangerous power tool. Use care when operating and follow all safety instructions and warnings. 2. 3. 4.
Robomow® Safety Features 1. Child Guard / Safety Guard (Level I) This menu option offers a safety feature to help prevent children or others not familiar with the safe operation of the mower to operate it freely. 2. Anti-Theft / Safety Guard (level II) The anti-theft system provides the user a disabling function that will prevent anyone from using or driving the Robomow unless they have the valid code to enter.
11.Base Station/Perimeter Switch and Perimeter Wire Robomow cannot operate without a perimeter wire installed and activated through the Base Station/Perimeter Switch. In the event the Base Station/Perimeter Switch is turned off or otherwise fails to function, Robomow will stop operating. Likewise, should a break in the perimeter wire occur Robomow will again stop operation. A break in the perimeter wire prior to operation will prevent Robomow from operating.
How It Works A one-time setup is required before operating the Robomow; a small wire, called the perimeter wire, is place around the edge of the lawn and any other areas where you do not want the mower to enter. Small pegs are supplied with the Robomow and they are used to fasten and hold the perimeter wire to the ground, below grass level; the wire will soon disappear under the growth of new grass and will not visible.
What’s in the Box Open the box and lift the Robomow from its carrying handle; Robomow and the Base Station are bound together with two strips; cut the strips and pull back the Robomow from the Base Station.
Chapter 1 - Base Station & Perimeter Wire Setup 1.1 Preparations Read carefully the Operating and Safety Manual prior to setup. It is recommended to mow your lawn using a conventional lawn mower and water the ground before starting the setup for easier driving of the pegs. Confirm all parts for the setup are included (refer to ‘What’s in the Box’ page 10). During the setup you will also need the following tools: Hammer Combination Small flat and Pliers Philips screwdrivers Figure 1.
Note: The power supply is suitable for outdoor use, yet it is required placing it in a sheltered place, dry location, which is well ventilated and not exposed to direct sunlight. WARNING! Serious Injury Can Occur! When placing the power cord leading to the Base Station, insure it is fastened securely to the ground and does not present a tripping hazard. Do not cross over surfaces such as sidewalks and driveways where it cannot be fastened securely.
Base Station Base Zone Zone B Zone A While the picture shows two wires separate, they should be adjacent Figure 1.4 (Option A) Three zones are looped together and connected to the Base Station Maximum length of wire connected to the Base Station in one loop is 500m (1650ft) Base Station Base Zone Zone B Distance between wires is larger than 1m (3ft) Distance greater than 1m (3ft) Zone A Figure 1.
Where grass areas are contiguous, Robomow will automatically mow all zones and drive back for recharging in the Base Station at the end of each operation. The area that connects two attached big areas is called a narrow pass. There are two types of narrow passes (Figure 1.6): Base Station Base Zone Narrow Pass Type A At least 1m (3ft) between wires so Robomow can effectively navigate through in order to move between the two areas while mowing the lawn. Base Zone Base Zone Figure 1.
1.2.3 Defining Obstacles-Perimeter Islands Obstacles that are relatively rigid and higher than 15cm (6 inches), such as trees, phone poles and power poles can be left in the lawn without any consideration during the wire setup. The Robomow will turn when it collides with this type of obstacle. Other obstacles such as, flowerbeds, fountains and small trees, must be protected from the Robomow using the perimeter wire.
This area should be left out of the working area as the perimeter wire cannot be laid in slope greater than 15% (15cm height per distance of 1m) C D B A x Slope 0-33% Long distance of RoboRuler 34cm / 14inch Robomow can mow areas inside the working area with slope up to 33 cm per distance of 1 meter (33%) Slope 0-15% 0-15 cm 100 cm 1.3 Location of the Base Station There are two options to set the Base Station: 1.3.
The setup of the entering to the narrow pass leads to the Base Station should include triangles to reduce the chance that Robomow will enter towards the station while mowing the inner area (scanning); to perform the triangle setup refer to Figure 1.7. The distance between the wires lead to the Base Station and back to the lawn is 26cm (10 inches). The Base Station should be placed on the right wire of the narrow pass (when standing inside the lawn).
Leave 30cm (12 inches) at the starting point, where the Base Station is located Perimeter Wire – do not remove the plastic covering Direction of wire layout from the Base Station The Fence should be inside lawn Figure 1.13 – Direction of Perimeter Wire layout from the Base Station 1.4.2 Laying Out The Perimeter Wire Start setting the perimeter wire by placing pegs every few meters and at the lawn corners according to your plan; do not forget obstacles that need to be demarcated while laying the wire.
Important If the lawn's edge borders with a pond, swimming pool or watercourse or where the grass level is higher than 70cm (2ft) from the edge around it, then it is required to keep a distance of at least 1.2m (4ft) between the wire and the water (or chasm) otherwise supplement a fence or the same along the lawn's edge, so Robomow can detect it. The height must then be at least 15cm (6 inch). This will prevent Robomow, under any circumstances, from crossing the wire outside the working area 1.4.
1.4.5 Placing and Connecting the Base Station Connect the Perimeter Wire connector to the Base Station board (Figure 1.19). Before securing the Power Supply cord to the Base Station, carefully lay the length of the cord out, beginning from the Base Station and leading to the main power supply and insure it is fastened securely to the ground and does not present a tripping hazard. Do not cross it over surfaces where it cannot be fastened, such as sidewalks or driveways.
Flashing light indicates the system Figure 1.24 Base Station Operating Panel Continuous beeps indicate a disconnected/broken wire Discontinuous beeps indicate poor splicing of perimeter wires or perimeter wire, which is too 1.5 Robomow Preparation and Settings 1.5.1 Setting the Cutting Height Lift the Bumper Cover from the front side of the Robomow (figure 1.25). To change the cutting height, rotate the cutting height adjustment knob, as shown in figure 1.26.
1.5.3 Robomow Settings Control Panel On the top of the rear side of Robomow there is a control panel. The control panel consists of a display, keypad and operating lamp (figure 1.28). Operating Lamp STOP button UP arrow STOP Figure 1.
Weekly Program The ‘Weekly program’ menu allows you to set an automatic weekly program by the size of the area connected to the Base Station (follow the steps shown in figure 1.30 below). By setting the area of the zone connected to the Base Station, Robomow will automatically determine the most suitable weekly program to your lawn. Robomow will start mowing at 13:00 on the active days and will drive back for charging in the Base Station at the end of the operation.
1.6 Testing the Base Station and Perimeter Wire Position It is required to test the position of the Base Station and the Perimeter Wire to determine if any small adjustments need to be made. Position the Robomow inside the lawn towards the perimeter wire, at least 2 meters from the Base Station (figure 1.31) and press the ‘GO’ button.
Completing the Wire Fastening Once complete, walk back along the perimeter and add in wire pegs to those areas of the wire where it is not pulled down below the level of the grass tips and close to ground level. Wherever the wire is raised or loose, it should be tightened and pegged down with extra wire pegs (distance between pegs should be 0.5 to 1 meter (1.5-3 ft) in straight line and more when curved). 1.
1.7.3 Laying Out The Perimeter Wire Now, knowing the Perimeter Switch location, you can begin the setup of the Perimeter Wire, as was explained in articles 1.2 and 1.3. The perimeter wire setup in a Base and non-Base zone is identical in terms of placement and fastening; At the location of the perimeter switch, strip back 5 mm (0.2 inches) of insulation from the wire end. Insert the wire end to the left side of the plot connector, as shown in figure 1.39 and tighten the screw.
Take the Perimeter Switch and squeeze the tabs on both sides of the Perimeter Switch, (as shown in figure 1.42A) and remove the back cover from the Perimeter Switch. Figure 1.42A Connect the power supply plug to the Perimeter Switch board (see figure 1.42B) and reassemble the Perimeter Switch.
Chapter 2 - Menu Chapter 2 introduces Robomow menu functions. To use the control panel read the instructions in paragraph 1.5.3. The main menu consists of four options: 2.1 Zones setup 2.2 Settings 2.3 Information 2.4 Service (password is required) Note: the numbers 2.1-2.3 refer to the headings on the coming pages. To browse through the main menu and the submenus, use the ‘GO’ button as a means to select or confirm different menu options or settings.
2.1 Zones setup The ‘Zones setup’ menu allows user to set the parameters that are specific per zone. It is possible to set up to three different zones: zone Base, zone A and B, when the main zone is Base Zone, the area where the Base Station is located (for multi zones setup refer to paragraph 1.2.2). 2.1.1 Set Zone: Base Enables to set all the parameters that are specific to Zone Base (paragraphs 2.1.1.1 to 2.1.1.6). 2.1.1.1 Weekly program The ‘Weekly program’ menu consists of four options (figure 2.2): a.
Program type There are three types of weekly programs that can be set by the user: - Set by area: Define the area size of the zone connected to the Base Station and the start time, at which you wish Robomow to start mowing; Robomow will determine the most efficient weekly program to your lawn based on the area given. Follow the screens and the instructions below (figure 2.
- Set by days: Select the days in which you wish Robomow to operate. Define the start time and the work time, which are common to all active days; Follow the screens and the instructions below (figure 2.
Example for using the advanced program (Figure 2.6) - - The lawn in figure 2.6 has two areas with narrow pass between them; The large area is 250m² where the small area is 50m², thus different work times are required to each of the areas; The mower cannot cross between the areas while working inside the lawn, but only when following the perimeter wire, thus an additional entry point is required to start the operation in the smaller area of 50m² (to set entry points refer to paragraph 2.1.1.
Shortcut buttons To display the program, press the ‘UP’ arrow while Robomow is in the Base Station. The program is displayed for 10 seconds before changing back to the main display. To update the program, press the ‘GO’ button within the 10 seconds that the program is displayed.
Entry points on/off – Allows user not to use the entry points. When setting the ‘Entry points’ to ‘off’ the mower will always start the mowing the inner area from the Base Station. 2.1.1 2.1.2 Set Zone: Base 2.1.1.1 Weekly program Set Zone: A 2.1.1.2 Entry points Set entry points Set Zone: B 2.1.1.3 Skip next start Entry points on/off 2.1.1.4 Islands 2.1.1.5 Work time 2.1.1.6 External base Figure 2.
The ‘Work time’ is set per zone, allowing you to set different operating time for several different zones that are of varying sizes. The ‘Advanced’ weekly program allows to set different work time per operation (refer to ‘Advanced weekly program’ in paragraph 2.1.1.1). Work time Press GO Zone: Base Max Confirm Figure 2.11 Setting the ‘Work time’ Press ‘GO’ to set ‘Work time’ Scroll to select different operating time. Zone: Base 1:30 Confirm Press ‘GO’ to confirm 2.1.1.
2.2 Settings The ‘Settings’ menu allows the user to set the options that refer to the Robomow itself and are common to all zones (figure 2.1). 2.2.1 Child Guard Child guard is a feature that when activated will help deter use by young children and other unauthorized people. It will prevent operation to those not familiar with the mower. The key sequence to unlock the guard for operation is pressing the ‘UP’ arrow key and then the ‘STOP’ key to unlock the controls.
2.2.5 Language Allows the user the option of viewing the LCD text in several different language versions. 2.2.6 ECO Mode The ECO (Economic) mode feature enables operating Robomow using minimum energy required to cut the grass and maintain the lawn. The ECO mode default is set to 'on'. Operation in ECO mode reduces Robomow noise level during operation and allows longer operation time.
2.3 Information The ‘Information’ display (refer to figure 2.1) is used for information only, it allows the option to scroll between the following menus: 2.3.1 Operation Total time - Indicates the total number of hours the mower has been in operation. First operation – Indicates the date, in which the mower was first operated. Figure 2.17 Operation menu Operation Press GO Total time 253h47m First operation Date: 13/03/08 2.3.2 Battery Battery voltage – Displays the current voltage of the batteries.
2.2.11 Temperatures Displays the temperatures on the drive motors, mowing motor and on the Main Board. Temperatures Press GO Drive temp. Press GO Mow temp. +24 C Figure 2.19 Temperatures menu 2.3.2 +75 F Left drive +26 C +78 F Right drive +26 C +78 F Main board +35 C +95 F Configuration Displays the configuration of the Robomow: Main Board part number, software version and Base Station Board part number (figure 2.20): Configuration Main board Press GO ESB5000E Software Figure 2.
Chapter 3 – Operation and Charging 3.1 Edge Mowing The first mowing chore for Robomow is mowing the edge. Edge is the outer perimeter of the active zone Robomow is working within. This is essential where you placed your perimeter wire in the wire set-up. Edge mowing provides a clean even cut around the perimeter and helps to minimize the amount of trimming along walls and other obstacles.
3.5 Operation in Base Zone – Manual Start Manual Depart mode can be used in cases such as the following: - Mowing the lawn at times other than when programmed. - When the lawn is occupied and the yard must be cleared of debris, objects, pets or people first. For initiating a manual start for mowing, press the ‘GO’ button once to start the sequence: 1. If entry points were set (see 2.1.1.2), you will be asked to select the entry point for the current operation. 2.
Non-Base Station Zone – When Robomow has operated the allotted time, it will simply stop in the lawn, waiting for you to drive it back to the Base Station. The LCD will display a ‘Recharge battery’ message if the mowing time is set to ‘MAX’ or ‘Time completed’ if the mowing time has been set to any time other than ‘MAX’. If Robomow has completed its mowing and it is more than 15 minutes before you arrive to move it, the LCD screen will be blank.
Chapter 4 - Text Messages and Troubleshooting 4.1 Messaging Robomow is equipped with an LCD panel that will notify you in the form of a text message when common operational faults occur to instruct the user to perform a certain function or action. If the LCD screen is blank, pressing the ‘GO’ button one time will wake the mower up and the last fault or message displayed prior to stopping will now be displayed.
Message Displayed Check power (Winter charger) Check signal Press GO Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action - Power supply cable is not plugged properly into the mains supply. - Confirm power supply is plugged into the main power receptacle. - No power to receptacle or main power is shut off - Turn power on to the main receptacle.
Message Displayed Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action CAUTION – Remove battery fuse before lifting the mower - The Robomow has driven onto an obstacle, raising the front end. Remove or exclude this object from the mowing area. Frnt wheel prob - The Front Wheel has left the ground for more than 8 – 10 seconds. - The Robomow is being used on a slope too steep for safe mowing. Exclude this from the mowing area. - High grass is preventing the front wheel from fully riding on the ground.
Message Displayed Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action No wire signal - Base Station / Perimeter Switch is not turned on or not connected to the zone intended to mow. - The perimeter wire is not connected to the Base Station / Perimeter Switch - The perimeter wire is cut - Make sure the Base Station is connected to the mains supply - Disconnect the Base Station power supply from the mains power and reconnect after 10 seconds.
Message Displayed Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action - Perimeter wire cut - Wire disconnected from the Base Station / Perimeter Switch - Confirm wire is plugged in and wire leads are firmly attached. - Walk along perimeter, including islands and look for obvious cuts or break in the wire. Repair with Robomow wire splice connectors. - In case the wire cut is not visible call your service dealer for more information how to find the wire cut.
4.2 Other Operational or Fault Problems Problem Encountered Robomow operates at the wrong times Robomow has skipped the scheduled operation 'Cut wire’ indicator flashing on Perimeter Switch or the Base Station beeps continuously for 'Cut wire’ ‘Poor connection’ indicator flashing on Perimeter Switch or the Base Station beeps intermittently for poor wire splicing or too long wire Probable Cause/Event - Confirm that the time in the mower is set correctly (hour and date) - Set the time (See paragraph 2.
Problem Encountered The Robomow is noisy and vibrates Poor quality of mowing (grass clippings are left on the lawn) or Uneven mowing results Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action - Damaged or unbalanced blade - Check the lawn is free from branches, stones or other objects that can damage the blade before operating the Robomow. - Replace the blade - Grass is too high in relation to the set cutting height - It is recommended to cut not more than a 1/3 of the green part of the grass.
Chapter 5 - Maintenance and Storage WARNING! Serious injury can occur. Always remove batteries fuse before any maintenance or cleaning is done or before lifting Robomow. Blade is very sharp and can cause severe cuts or lacerations. Always wear heavy work gloves when working with and around the blade. 5.1 Recommended Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Service Interval Maintenance Procedure Regularly Remove the batteries fuse and check any damage on the blade.
Important! Do not place used batteries in your household trash. Batteries must be collected, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner. Return the old batteries to an approved sealed lead (acid) battery recycler. 5.4 Base Station Keep the Base Station entrance and area clean from leaves, sticks and twigs and any other debris that may tend to collect in these areas. Do not spray a water hose directly onto or into the Base Station. Use a damp rag and brush to clean the outer surface.
5.6 Splicing the Perimeter Wire If the perimeter wire needs to be spliced: Use the connectors supplied in the box, as shown in figure 5.2. It is waterproof and gives a reliable electrical connection. 1 1. Strip 1cm (0.5 inch) of each wire ends together and twist the stripped ends together using pliers. 2. Insert the twisted wires into the splicing connector. 3. Screw the wire connector on the twisted wires; make sure is tight. 2 Figure 5.
Base Station / Perimeter Switch It is recommended to remove the Base Station for the winter period: - Disconnect the power supply from the mains power; - Open the Base Station / Perimeter Switch cover; - Disconnect all connectors from the board; - You can now remove the Base Station cover/ Perimeter Switch and place it in dry storage; - It is recommended to store the power supply in a dry storage; if not possible, protect the cable end from moisture to prevent corrosion while not connected to the Base Stati
Chapter 6 - Specifications Dimensions 64cm (25 inches) Length x 52cm (20 inches) Width x 30cm (12 inches) Height Weight 17.6kg (38.8 lb) Noise Level Measured sound level: 77.2 dB Guaranteed sound level: 80 dB Mowing System Cuts 1cm (0.4in) outside the wheels Mowing width - 20cm (8 inches) Cutting height – 20-80mm (0.8-3.2 inches) Blade motor RPM – 5800 Theft Guard Code Fill in the four-digit code you have selected for the Theft Guard system as a safe record in the event you forget the code selected.
Chapter 7 - Accessories Blade Keep a spare blade on hand. Sharp blade is important for safety and good cutting performance. Peg Pack (50) For larger lawns and additional zones. Perimeter Wire For larger lawns and additional zones. Perimeter Switch Convenience of having a switch for each zone and not moving one switch from zone to zone. (operated by electricity) Batteries Pack for RM Perimeter Switch Preferable for areas where electricity is not available or not close enough to the Perimeter Switch.
Tips for maintaining your lawn Robomow®- Lawn care has never been so easy Best time to mow Mow your lawn when the grass is dry. This prevents the clippings from clumping and leaving piles on the lawn. Mow it late in the day rather than during the heat of the day. Mowing frequency Mow often, producing short, small clippings. During the active growing season the mowing frequency should be increased to once every 3-5 days, before the grass is too long.
RM Series Limited Warranty Friendly Robotics warrants to the original purchaser that the RM series ‘Product’ is free from defects in materials and workmanship when used under normal residential* purposes for a period of 24 months, 12 months for the batteries, beginning from the date of purchase. Product accessories, including replacement parts are warranted for a period of 6 months from the date of purchase.
EU Declaration of Conformity Manufacturer: F. Robotics Acquisitions Ltd. Hatzabar St., Industrial Zone P.O.Box 1412 Pardesiya, 42815 Israel The products covered by this Declaration 24 Volt Battery operated Automatic Lawn Mower model RM200 (with Perimeter Switch) 24 Volt Battery operated Automatic Lawn Mower model RM510 (with Base Station) F. Robotics Acquisitions Ltd.
EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY*) (Noise Level) F. Robotics Acquisition Ltd. hereby certifies that equipment described below 0.1. Type: 24 Volt Battery operated Automatic Lawn Mower 0.2. Make (Trade name): ROBOMOW 0.2.1. Model/Type: RM200 (with Perimeter Switch) RM510 (with Base Station) 0.3. Manufactured by: Name: F. Robotics Acquisitions Ltd. Address: Hatzabar St., Industrial Zone P.O.Box 1412 Pardesiya, 42815 Israel 0.4. Person who keeps the technical documentation: Name: Mr. Dedy Gur, QA director.
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