par glnc222 » Lun 3 Juil 2017 18:29
The D models, original Botvac, and the original more expensive Connected, but not latest D3, D5, have a USB port under the dust bin. There is also a serial connector on the edge of the Botvac system board (unknown whether on new D3, D5 yet -- no reports), which hobbyists and engineers can use to add WiFi with an ESP8266 among other components. The USB port supports a text command language for reading sensors, lidar, and controlling motors for diagnostics usable with a terminal emulator program, or a graphic interface Neato Control Program for Windows from Russia, another thread here (good for display of the lidar scan etc; multilingual). Neato Robotics supports WiFi programming with Neato Developers Network online, but the code to expand Neato Control Program has not yet been added -- the programmer does not have any new models. Others may add something in future.
Neato Robotics stopped delivering software updates via USB with the Botvac models. There is no need for the simple robotics software used, improved over years. Additions for new features are limited to buying new robots -- they do not sell software separately(common practice in computer industry). The WiFi robots do get updated over WiFi, but typically for complications of the WiFi itself, with changes in that entire technology not limited to the robot. WiFi is not as simple as may first appear, because of advanced security features for enterprise use etc., different routers, remote servers and so on -- integration with other products such as Amazon Alexa etc.
The D models replace a poorly designed bearing on the brush in the original Botvac, with a more robust bushing used on the German Vorwerk VR200 version, less susceptible to damage from fiber debris.
You should need only one layer of tissue on the filter, to keep air flow high. You can also vacuum the filter pressing the hose against it to remove fine particles.
For carpets I preferred the all blade brush, requiring no cleaning of fiber and not pulling fiber from carpets. The combo brush with bristles may do more with pet hair. The helical blade brush improves on the original flat blade brush on hard floors. Neato brushes are available separately. At long intervals the blades must be replaced, from wearing down the edges.
Many experiments with filters at robotreviews.com, "Electronic Filter Monitoring" thread. See "Mods & Repairs" index thread for many details of Neato robots, user additions and repairs.
I use a Samsung robot on wall to wall carpet, with a washable filter, though more expensive than Neato. I previously used a Roomba, Neato XV, and Neato Botvac. The Samsung required improvements I made the same as did all the other robots. It all depends on your environment and uses.
