Contents

iRobot and Roomba are trademarks of iRobot Corporation. 2002-2003 iRobot Corporation. All rights reserved. Patents Pending. Made & Printed in China. To order extra Battery Packs, Virtual Wall Units, Replacement Filters or the Rapid Charger, contact your nearest Roomba retailer, or visit www.RoombaVac.com for online purchase options and additional purchase information.
Important Safety Instructions..2 Introducing Your Roomba FloorVac..3 Getting Started..4
Unpacking the Box... FloorVac Description.. Installing the Battery Pack... Removing the Battery Pack... Charging the Battery Pack.. Battery Life Indicator.. Setting Up the Room for Cleaning. Starting and Stopping Roomba.. Room Confinement (Using Your Virtual Wall Unit). Roomba Care Hints.. 9 12

Using Your Roomba..7

Caring for Your Roomba..9
Emptying the Particle Bin.. 10 Replacing the Air Filter.. 11 Cleaning the Vacuum Inlet.. 11 Cleaning the Main Brushes.. 14 Reinstalling the Main Brushes... 15 Maintaining the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush.. 15

Reference Information.16

Troubleshooting Tips.. Frequently Asked Questions.. Contacting Customer Support... Limited Warranty.. 19 21
Before using your Roomba, thoroughly read the safety instructions.

www.RoombaVac.com

Important Safety Instructions
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER OF ROOMBA, THE BATTERY PACK OR THE BATTERY CHARGER. NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. CHARGE USING STANDARD US (120V AC) OUTLET ONLY. Always be careful when using your Roomba. To reduce the risk of injury or damage, keep these safety precautions in mind when setting up, using and maintaining your equipment.
Introducing Your Roomba FloorVac
Congratulations! You are now the owner of the award-winning Roomba Intelligent FloorVac. Your Roomba FloorVac is an automated floor-cleaning device that helps keep your floors clean between periodic deep cleanings, without needing to be pushed or followed around. With a vacuum and agitator brush design, this device diligently cleans common household floor surfaces including hardwood, linoleum, tile and low- to medium-pile carpets, with little or no human supervision. When Roomba starts cleaning it travels around the floor in a spiral pattern (see Figure 1, below). Its Non-Marring Bumper will contact a wall, or it may try to find a wall after spiraling for a while. Roomba follows the wall for a short period of time, using its Spinning Side Brush to move debris away from the wall and into the Vacuums path. After cleaning along a portion of the wall or other object, Roomba criss-crosses the room in straight lines. Roomba repeats this cleaning pattern until its cleaning time has elapsed. This pattern is designed to provide maximum coverage of the room.

GENERAL

Read all safety and operating instructions before operating Roomba. Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings on Roomba, Battery Pack, Battery Charger and Owners Manual. Follow all operating and use instructions. Do not attempt to service Roomba yourself. Refer all non-routine servicing to qualified service personnel.

ROOMBA USE

This is an indoor device only. Do not use Roomba on wet surfaces or where contact with or immersion in water is a possibility. Before using this device, pick up objects like clothing, loose papers, pull cords for blinds or curtains, power cords, and any fragile objects. If the device passes over a power cord and drags it around, there is a chance an object could tumble off a table or shelf. Roomba is not a toy. Do not sit or stand on this device. Small children and pets should be supervised if Roomba is in use. Keep loose clothing, hair, fingers, feet and all parts of the body away from Brushes and moving parts. Do not use this device to pick up anything that is burning or smoking, such as cigarettes, matches, or hot ashes. Do not use this device to pick up flammable or combustible liquids such as gasoline. Do not use this device without the Particle Bin in place. See page 9 for proper installation of the Particle Bin. If the room to be cleaned contains a balcony, a physical barrier should be used to prevent access to the balcony and ensure safe operation. Always remove the Battery Pack before long-term storage or transportation.

Table Start

ROOMBA BATTERY PACK AND CHARGING
Operate your Roomba only from the type of power source indicated on the marking label. If you are not sure of the type of power supplied to your home, consult your appliance dealer or local power company. Charge using standard US (120V AC) outlet only. Product may not be used with any type of power converter. Any such use will immediately void the Warranty. Use only a Battery Charger supplied by the manufacturer to recharge this device. Do not use a Battery Charger with a damaged cord or plug. Charge indoors only. Never handle Plug, Power Cord or Battery Charger with wet hands. Always remove Battery Pack and disconnect Roomba from Battery Charger before cleaning Roomba.

Stairs

Figure 1: A typical Roomba cleaning pattern.
Roomba Standard Charger UL Approved Class 2 Transformer Input: 120VAC 60Hz 0.3A Output: 24VDC 500mA This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Getting Started

Unpacking the Box
Remove the contents of the Roomba box. You will have a Roomba Intelligent FloorVac packed for shipping, and a styrofoam box containing the following: 1. Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack 2. Battery Charger with AC Adapter (2 pieces) 3. Virtual Wall Unit requires two (2) D-size batteries (not included) 4. Two (2) Replacement Filters 5. Owners Manual (the document youre reading) 6. Insert sheet entitled Roomba Care Hints (not shown in Figure 2) Remove your Roomba from its protective plastic bag and turn it upside down, so the wheels are facing up. You will notice a protective cardboard sheath enclosing the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush. Carefully disengage the cardboard sheath from the black, flexible Side Brush, being careful to protect the side brush from damage. Turn your Roomba back over. Once you have unpacked your Roomba, check to make sure that you have all the parts shown here:

FloorVac Description

Your Roomba was designed and engineered using the latest technology and includes the following special features:
Figure 3a: Roomba Top View.
Easy To Grab Handle Room Confinement Sensor
Battery Life Indicator Removable Particle Bin
Wall Following Adjustment

Filter Door

located on underside of Particle Bin (not viewable from top)
Figure 2: Contents of package.
Room Size Selector Buttons Battery Charger Socket Main Power Switch

Edge-Cleaning Side Brush

Figure 3b: Roomba Bottom View Cleaning Side Up.
Rechargeable NiMH Battery Pack
Roomba Intelligent FloorVac

Virtual Wall Unit

Brush Release Screw

Two Replacement Filters

Wire Guards Agitator Brushes Pick Up Large Debris Vacuum Inlet Lid Filter Door Vacuum Picks Up Fine Debris
Battery Charger with AC Adapter (two pieces)
Installing the Battery Pack
1. Turn Roombas Main Power Switch to the Off position. 2. If you have used Roomba before, make sure that the Particle Bin is empty, then place Roomba upside down (with Cleaning Brushes showing) on a flat surface. 3. Guide the Battery Pack into the Battery Compartment using your index fingers as shown in Figure 4. 4. The Battery Pack will click into place when properly seated in Roomba. 5. Additional Battery Packs may be purchased. Please visit www.RoombaVac.com to purchase online, or for a list of retailers.

Battery Life Indicator

The Battery Life Indicator is functional only when Roombas Main Power Switch is turned on. Turn Roombas Main Power Switch on to activate the Battery Life Indicator. The Indicator will flash green in stand-by mode (battery power is not sensed) until a Room Size Button is pressed to start Roomba in a cleaning cycle (see Starting Roomba on Page 7). Once Roomba starts cleaning, the Battery Life indicator stops flashing, and displays battery life according to the following chart.
Color of Battery Life Indicator Battery Status
Note that no light is illuminated on Roomba when it is charging.

Green Amber Red

Fully Charged Partially Charged Almost Discharged
Removing the Battery Pack
1. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 from above. 2. Place your index fingers under the Guide Tabs on the Battery Pack, then pull upward to release the Battery Pack.
Charging the Battery Pack
Figure 4: Installing Please note that before first use of Roomba, Roombas Battery Pack. you must charge the Battery Pack. 1. Turn Main Power Switch to the Off position. Make sure that the Battery Pack is inserted in Roomba (see Installing the Battery Pack, above). 2. Connect the Battery Charger to the Battery Charger AC Adapter, and insert the Battery Chargers Charge Plug into Roombas Battery Charger Socket as shown in Figure 5a. Please note that the Charge Plug will only fully insert into the socket in the proper orientation, as shown in figure 5b. 3. The Charge Indicator Light on the Battery Charger should illuminate. If this fails to occur, remove and reinstall the Battery Pack. Note that no light is illuminated on Roomba itself when it is charging. 4. The Charge Indicator Light will turn off when the Battery Pack is fully charged (approximately twelve hours for a fully discharged Battery Pack).
Flashing Red Fully Discharged BATTERY LIFE NOTES: 1. Roomba can run between about 60 minutes (on medium pile carpet) to about 90 minutes (on hard floor surfaces) on one full charge. In other words, Roomba can clean 2-3 medium-sized rooms on a single charge. 2. If cared for properly, the rechargeable Battery Pack should last for a long time. Like all rechargeable batteries, eventually the Battery Pack will wear out and should be replaced. When this happens, the Battery Pack may be disposed of in the regular trash. 3. Additional Battery Packs may be purchased, and a Rapid Charger that charges a battery in about two and a half hours is available as of February 2003. Contact your nearest Roomba retailer or visit www.RoombaVac.com for online purchase options and more purchase information.

Using Your Roomba

Setting Up the Room for Cleaning
1. For optimal cleaning performance, clear your floor of objects just as you would before using a regular vacuum cleaner. Do not leave the following items on the floor: clothing, loose papers, pull cords for blinds or curtains, power cords, or any fragile items. In addition, because Roomba contacts walls, furniture and other objects as it cleans, please remove any items that may be pushed and knocked over by light contact from Roomba. Avoid using Roomba on carpets with tassels or fringe edges.
Figure 5a: The Battery Charger is connected to the Battery Charger AC Adapter, and then inserted into Roombas Charge Socket.
Not recommended for use on shag or deep-pile carpets. 2. Roomba is designed to clean one room at a time. Confine Roomba to the room you want cleaned by closing all doors and use the Virtual Wall Unit to block all open door ways. See page 9 for instructions on using the Virtual Wall Unit.
Figure 5b: The Charge Plug only inserts completely into Roombas Charge Socket in the orientation shown. Press firmly to fully seat Charge Plug.
Plug easily pushes all the way in No metal prongs exposed Plug clicks in
Observe Roomba the first time it cleans a room to confirm it does not get wedged under or stuck on top of uneven surfaces. Roomba automatically senses stairs and turns away from them. However, if the room to be cleaned contains a balcony, a physical barrier should be used to prevent access to the ledge and ensure safe operation.

Starting Roomba

1. Always empty the Particle Bin before use (a simple two-step process; see Emptying the Particle Bin on Page 10). 2. Place Roomba on the floor in the middle of an open area in the room. 3. Turn on the Main Power Switch, located on the right side of the device (see Figure 3a). 4. Select your room size according to the chart. Select For Rooms Measuring Approximately Press the S, M, or L Button (these are the s 10' x 12' Room Size Buttons).
Roomba will play a short start up tune and then start cleaning. Note: Powering up Roomba off the

ground may prevent the unit from operating until you place it on the ground, turn the power off, then on again.
To Operate Virtual Wall Unit
1. Press the Virtual Wall Units Power Button to turn the unit on. The Power Light will illuminate. 2. Move the Range Selector Switch to the room opening size you are blocking. The range numbers shown are in feet. 3. Place the Virtual Wall Unit on the floor at either edge of the doorway or by the wall. Make sure that the Units Beam Emitter points across the opening to ensure Roomba does not cross the invisible beam. 4. The Virtual Wall Unit automatically turns off after an hour, or you can press the Units Power Button again to turn off.

14' x 16' 15' x 20'

5. Once you start Roomba, you only need to supervise it the first time it cleans a room. Identify areas where it gets stuck, then move problem objects out of the room or modify them or block them with the Virtual Wall Unit provided. Please refer to the illustration entitled Roomba Care Hints on Pages 12-13, as well as Troubleshooting Tips on Page 16 to help identify and easily fix problem areas. After this first use, there is no need to supervise the device unless you are operating it around small children or pets. 6. When Roomba is finished cleaning it will stop and play a cheerful tone sequence. It will flash its buttons and periodically beep for five minutes to remind you that it is done, then turn itself off.

Roomba bouncing off beam

13+ p to

Stopping Roomba

Roombas cleaning cycle can either be paused or stopped at any time. 1. To pause Roomba while it is cleaning, simply pick it up by its handle. The Room Size Button previously selected will flash. To unpause Roomba and continue the current cleaning cycle, simply press the flashing Room Size Button. 2. To stop Roomba and clear the current cleaning cycle, press any one of the Room Size Buttons while it is cleaning, or turn Roombas Power Switch off and on again. Roomba is now ready to start a fresh cleaning cycle. Press your choice of Room Size Button to start cleaning (making sure the Particle Bin is empty).

Shape of beam

Figure 6b: To block an opening, place the Virtual Wall Unit on the floor with the Beam Emitter aimed across the opening. For best results, place the Virtual Wall Unit next to doorway (as shown). Point arrow across open doorway.
Room Confinement (Using Your Virtual Wall Unit)
The Virtual Wall Unit keeps Roomba in the room or area you want cleaned. It blocks 13+foot-wide open doorways. Use the Virtual Wall Unit to block open doorways or clean one portion of a large room.
Additional Virtual Wall Units can be used to block off other sections of a room, additional doorways etc. Contact your nearest Roomba retailer for availability, or visit www. RoombaVac.com for online purchase options, and for more purchase information.
Battery Installation of the Virtual Wall Unit
1. Open the Battery Door located on the bottom of the unit by first loosening the screw. 2. Insert 2 new D size alkaline batteries (not included) by following the + and -symbols. Replace the Caution: Figure 6a: Close-up of 3. the Virtual Wall Unit. Battery Door and To ensure proper function and avoid battery leakage: 1. Do not mix old and new batteries. Power Button tighten the screw. Power Range 2. Do not mix alkaline, standard or rechargeable batteries.
Light Beam Emitter Selector Switch

Caring for Your Roomba

Your Roomba requires very little maintenance; however, before each use, you should empty Roombas Particle Bin (2 steps). The Vacuum Inlet (see Figure 3b) and Cleaning Brushes must also be removed and checked after every 10 floor cleanings and, if necessary, cleaned. If there is pet hair or long hair in your home, you may need to remove hair and other debris from the Cleaning brushes more frequently. If so, check the Cleaning Brushes (including their ends, or axles) every five floor cleanings to prevent build-up of hair, which can degrade cleaning performance. The Cleaning Brush axles cannot be checked without removing the brushes from Roomba. Note: Caring for the Cleaning Brushes involves completely removing them (see instructions on pages 14-15) to examine and clean the Brush Axles, as well as the Brushes themselves.

Battery Door

3. Batteries should be installed by an adult. 4. Non-rechargeable batteries are not to be recharged. 5. Rechargeable batteries are to be removed from the product before being charged. 6. Only batteries of the same or equivalent type as recommended are to be used. 7. Batteries are to be inserted with the correct polarity. 8. Exhausted or dead batteries are to be removed from the product. 9. The supply terminals are not to be short circuited. 10. Always use alkaline batteries. 11. Remove batteries before storing.

Emptying the Particle Bin
Emptying Roombas Particle Bin is a two-step process. Be sure to empty the Particle Bin before each use. Step 1: Emptying the Main Bin 1. Turn Roombas Main Power Switch to the Off position. 2. Press down on the Particle Bins Release Tab while simultaneously pulling the Particle Bin straight back. (Figure 7a-b). 3. Empty the Particle Bin into a trash receptacle. Step 2: Emptying the Particle Bins Filter Chamber 1. Flip the Particle Bin over to access the Filter Door. 2. Release the small Tab on the Filter Door and pull the Filter Door upward (Figure 8). 3. Empty debris from the Filter Chamber into a trash receptacle. 4. To reinstall the Filter Door, slide the Filter Door into place (Figure 9a). The Filter Door will click when it reattaches itself to the Particle Bin Filter Door (Figure 9b). 5. To reinstall the Particle Bin, slide it Figure 7a-b: Emptying Roombas Particle Bin. Press the Release Tab (Figure 7a) and Pull the back into Roomba. The Particle Bin Particle Bin Out (Figure 7b). The Filter Door is will click when it is properly seated.
on the underside of the Particle Bin.

Replacing the Air Filter

The Air Filter (located underneath Roomba's Particle Bin) needs to be replaced if it becomes punctured or if you notice a decline in the cleaning performance of Roomba. Two spare Replacement Filters are included with Roomba; additional Replacement Filters are available for purchase in packs of three. Visit www.RoombaVac.com for more purchase information, or contact your nearest Roomba retailer for availability. 1. Turn Roombas Main Power Switch to the Off position. 2. Press down on the Particle Bins Release Tab while simultaneously pulling the Particle Bin straight back (see Figure 7a-b). 3. Flip the Particle Bin over to access the Filter Door. 4. Release the small Tab on the Filter Door and pull the Filter Door upward. See Figure 8. 5. Unclip the old Air Filter from the Filter Door Frame (Figure 10a). 6. Slide the new Air Filter into the grooves on the Filter Door Frame (Figure 10b). 7. Click the new Filter into the Filter Door Frame as shown in Figure 10c. 8. To reinstall the Filter Door, slide the Filter Door into place (Figure 9a). The Filter Door will click when it reattaches itself to the Particle Bin (Figure 9b).

CLICK!

Figure 8: Accessing the Filter Chamber. Open the Filter Door on the bottom of the Particle Bin by releasing the small Tab on the Filter Door as shown and pulling the Tab upward. Clean the debris from this chamber each time you empty the Particle Bin.
Figure 10a-c: Snap out old filter from Filter Door Frame (Figure 10a). Slide new Filter into grooves on Filter Door Frame (Figure 10b). Snap new Filter into Filter Door Frame as shown (Figure 10c).
Cleaning the Vacuum Inlet
Figure 9a-b: Reinstalling the Filter Door. Glide the Filter Door into grooves (Figure 9a), and snap the Filter Door into place (Figure 9b).
NOTE: Always carry Roomba by its handle and never tilt it forward, as debris may spill out of the particle bin.
Over time, debris will accumulate in the Vacuum Inlet. Empty the Vacuum Inlet every 10 floor cleanings at minimum to keep air flowing through it, especially if you notice a decline in Roombas cleaning performance. 1. Turn Roombas Main Power Switch to the Off position. 2. Place Roomba upside down (cleaning surface up) on a flat surface. 3. Insert finger into the Release Tab of the Vacuum Inlet Lid and pull upward to remove the Lid (Figure 11). 4. Shake the debris into a trash receptacle. Vacuum Inlet Lid 5. Turn the Vacuum Impeller, the fan-shaped mechanism on the left side of the Vacuum Inlet, with your finger to make sure that it spins freely. 6. Replace the Vacuum Inlet Lid, pressing down on all four white circles on the Lid to ensure complete re-installation.
Figure 11: Removing the Vacuum Inlet Lid.
Cleaning the Main Brushes
It is important that you regularly remove and clean the Brushes of your Roomba. Debris can accumulate around the Brushes and the brush ends, or axles, causing a decrease in cleaning ability and potentially damaging the unit. In most households its a good idea to clean the Brushes after every ten floor cleanings. In houses with pets or long hair, clean the Brushes after every five floor cleanings. Note that the Cleaning Brush axles cannot be checked without removing the Brushes from Roomba. It is a simple process that you will master quickly with a little practice.
4. Pull the Brush Coupler off the end of the Brushes, then pull the Brushes to the right and up, free of the device (Figure 12d). 5. Clean any hair or other debris off the Brushes. 6. Clean any debris from around the Brush ends, or axles (Figure 13).
Figure 13: Clean and remove any debris built up or wound around the ends and metal axles of both Brushes.

Reassembling the Brushes

1. Put the Self-Adjusting Cleaning Deck back together by inserting the square ends of the two Brushes into the square sockets in the Cleaning Deck. 2. Insert the other ends of the Brushes into the small holes in the Brush Coupler. 3. Lower the Brush Coupler into its slot and screw in the screw. 4. Swing the Wire Guards back in place and snap them down into their slots.

Figure 12a-b: Unlatch the Wire Guards by pushing each of the two Release Tabs forward (away from you) while pushing down on the Wire Guards to elongate them, swinging the Wire Guards up and over the tabs. Once the Wire Guard has been freed from both Release Tabs, it can be swung up and away, exposing the Brushes.
Maintaining the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush
Periodically check the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush by spinning it to ensure debris has not built up underneath it. If it seems to be obstructed, remove and clean the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush. 1. Turn Roomba off and empty the Particle Bin. Turn Roomba over so the cleaning surface is up. Place it on a flat surface. 2. Turn the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush so the Screw Head can be accessed (see Figure 14). Point the screw head towards Roombas bumper, as shown in the image. 3. Using a small Phillips-head screwdriver, unscrew the holding screw. Place the screw aside. 4. Pull the Side Brush up and off of Roomba. 5. Clean out any hair or other debris that may have been caught under the Brush or on the Side Brush Shaft. 6. Push the Side Brush back onto the Side Brush Shaft. Screw the holding screw securely into the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush, being careful not to over tighten.
1. Turn Roombas Main Power Switch off and place Roomba upside down (cleaning surface up) on a flat surface, with the Front Bumper facing away from you. 2. Unlatch the Wire Guards that cover the Brushes by pushing the Release Tab backward (see Figure 12a). Pull the rear of the hinged Wire Guards up and out of their slots, and then swing them up toward the front of the device (Figure 12b).

Brush Coupler

Side Brush
Figure 12c-d: Remove the screw on the Self-Adjusting Cleaning Deck and pull out the plastic Brush Coupler and the two Brushes.
3. Unscrew the screw located on the right side of the Self-Adjusting Cleaning Deck with a Phillips-head screwdriver (Figure 12c). Remove the screw and pull up the Brush Coupler (see inset in Figure 12d), the component that holds the Brushes in place on the right side of the unit. The Brushes will come up with the Brush Coupler.
Figure 14: Unscrew the holding screw on the Spinning Side Brush as shown to remove it.
Reference Information Troubleshooting Tips
My Roomba turns on, beeps and shuts off 1. Make sure Roomba is fully charged and the Battery Pack is properly seated. 2. If Roomba is charged, then empty the Particle Bin (see Emptying the Particle Bin on Page 10) and follow the instructions for removing and cleaning the Main Brushes (see Cleaning the Main Brushes on Page 14). Pay special attention to the Brush ends, or axles. My Roomba is not working or there has been a decrease in the cleaning performance. 1. Ensure that the Battery Pack is properly seated and charged. 2. Check that the Particle Bin, Filter Chamber, and Vacuum Inlet are empty, and that the Vacuum Impeller, the fan-shaped mechanism on the left side of the Vacuum Inlet, spins freely (see the entire section entitled Caring for Your Roomba, beginning on Page 9). 3. While you are examining the Filter Chamber, check the Air Filter (attached to the Filter Door) to make sure it is not clogged or damaged. 4. Remove and examine the Brushes and their ends (axles) to make sure that there is nothing wound around the Brushes (see Cleaning the Main Brushes on Page 14 as well as Maintaining the Edge-Cleaning Side Brush on Page 15). Also check to see there is nothing wound around the Wheels or Wheel Axles. My Roomba Gets Stuck Your Roomba may occasionally get stuck, especially in rooms that it has not cleaned before. If it does get stuck, Roomba will try to free itself by turning in different directions. If it cannot free itself Roomba will flash its Room Size Buttons and periodically beep for five minutes to let you know it is stuck, before shutting off to conserve power. Your Roomba might get stuck for several reasons. 1. It is wedged or pinned between or under narrowly spaced objects. 2. A cord, string, rug fringe or carpet tassel is wound around its Brushes or Wheels. 3. One of the Wheels is no longer in contact with the ground. 4. Roomba bumps into objects and repositions them in such a way that an exit path no longer exists. Move or block any object that Roomba gets stuck on or under. Please refer to the illustration entitled Roomba Care Hints on Pages 12-13 to help identify and easily fix these problem areas. Once the problem areas have been amended, begin a new cleaning cycle by turning the Main Power Switch off then on again. Select your room size to start cleaning by pressing the S, M, or L Room Size Button. Part of my Roomba has broken Please call Roomba Customer Support at 1-877-855-8593. My Virtual Wall Unit is not working 1. Check that new batteries are installed. 2. Make sure the Beam Emitter is pointed across the opening you want to block (see Figure 6b). 3. If that does not work, turn the Virtual Wall Units Range Selector Switch up to the maximum setting for large openings. 4. Some large openings require that more than one Virtual Wall Unit be used. Purchase extra Virtual Wall Units by going to your nearest Roomba retailer, or visiting www.RoombaVac.com for online purchase options, and for more purchase information.

Roomba Battery Pack will not charge 1. Ensure that the AC Adapter is plugged into a working outlet. Try several outlets to be sure. 2. Ensure that the AC Adapter is fully plugged into the Charger. No metal (or almost none) should be visible once the plug is fully inserted. See Charging the Battery Pack on Page 6 for more tips on proper insertion. 3. Ensure that the Charge Plug is fully inserted into Roomba. The Charge Plug will only fit completely into the socket in the proper orientation (see Figure 5b). 4. Ensure that the Battery Pack is properly inserted. To be sure, remove it, inspect the contacts both in the Battery Pack and in Roomba to make sure that they are not blocked by dirt, and reinsert the Battery Pack. It should click into place on each side. 5. The Charge Indicator Light on the charger should illuminate. If it does not illuminate check all the connections. The Charge Indicator Light will turn off when the Battery Pack is fully charged. Note that no lights will illuminate on Roomba during charging. My Roomba moves too close to or far from my walls 1. If the Spinning Side Brush does not clean close enough to the wall, use a pen to push the Adjustment Tab toward the rear of the Bumper (see Figure 15). This will make Roomba follow closer to walls. 2. If the Spinning Side Brush is bumping into the wall, use a pen to push the Adjustment Tab toward the center of the Bumper. This will make Roomba follow further away from walls.
I cant find the answer to my question in the Manual. 1. Additional Troubleshooting Tips may be found by visiting the Support section of www.Roombavac.com. 2. Send email to roomba-support@irobot.com, or call the toll-free Customer Support Line at 1-877-855-8593.
Figure 15: Using a pen to adjust how close or far away Roomba will follow walls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why doesnt my Roomba clean my floor in straight lines? A: Roomba uses an algorithm-based cleaning pattern to clean your home most efficiently. When Roomba starts cleaning it travels around the floor in a spiral pattern (see Figure 1 on Page 3). Its Non-Marring Bumper will contact a wall, or it may try to find a wall after spiraling for a while. Roomba follows the wall for a short period of time, utilizing its Spinning Side Brush to move particles away from the wall and into the Vacuums path. After cleaning along a portion of the wall or other object, Roomba criss-crosses the room in straight lines. Roomba repeats this cleaning pattern until its cleaning time has elapsed. This sophisticated navigation ensures that Roomba will clean your whole room as thoroughly as possible. Q: Are pets and children safe around Roomba? A: Roomba has been designed with a number of safety features, including automatically shutting off when it is picked up or gets stuck. Children and pets should always be supervised around Roomba for optimum safety and cleaning performance. Q: Does Roomba clean corners and along the walls? A: Roomba has a Spinning Side Brush that cleans next to walls, most corners and other tough to reach places. Q: Will it go under kickboards, beds, and furniture? A: Roomba has been designed to fit under the kickboards in your kitchen. If your bed or furniture is more than 4 off the floor, Roomba will happily clean underneath. Q: What powers Roomba? A: Roomba is powered by a NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack. Q: How much suction power does Roomba have? A: Roomba uses a unique, three-stage cleaning system. Two counter-rotating Brushes sweep up larger particles, while a small, extremely efficient vacuum sucks up the smaller particles. The Spinning Side Brush sweeps debris from corners and edges of the room into Roombas main cleaning path. This allows Roomba to get impressive cleaning performance using only 30 Watts, much less power than is required by traditional upright vacuums. Q: How long will the Battery Packs charge last? A: The life of a fully-charged Battery Pack is dependent on the floor surface to be cleaned. A single charge can last from about 60 minutes (on medium pile carpet) to about 90 minutes (on hard floor surfaces). Q: How many rooms will Roomba clean before the Battery Pack needs to be recharged? A: It depends on the floor surface to be cleaned. For typical operation, Roomba cleans three 14 x 16 medium-size rooms. Q: How long does it take to recharge the Battery Pack? A: The Battery Charger that comes with Roomba takes up to 12 hours to recharge the Battery Pack. As of February 2003, you can also purchase the Rapid Charger accessory that recharges the Battery Pack within about two and a half hours. Contact your nearest Roomba retailer for availability, or visit www.RoombaVac.com for online purchase options and more purchase information. Q: Where can I purchase additional Battery Packs? A: You can purchase additional Battery Packs by contacting your nearest Roomba retailer, or by visiting www.RoombaVac.com for online purchase options and more purchase information. Q: How does the Virtual Wall Unit work? A: The Virtual Wall Unit is used to block open doorways and confine Roomba in a room. The Unit can also be used to divide a large room and force Roomba to clean just one side of the room. The Virtual Wall Unit sends a harmless, invisible beam across the opening, confining Roomba to the area where you want it. Q: Where can I purchase additional Virtual Wall Units? A: You can purchase additional Virtual Wall Units by contacting your nearest Roomba retailer, or by visiting www.RoombaVac.com for online purchase options and more purchase information. Q: Will the Particle Bin need to be emptied? Does the Filter need to be cleaned? How often? A: Debris from the Particle Bin (which includes the Air Filter) should be emptied after each use. See Caring for Your Roomba on Page 9 for more information. Q: How can I get extra Replacement Filters? A: The Filter needs to be replaced if it becomes punctured or if you notice a decline in the cleaning performance of Roomba. Two spare Replacement Filters are included with Roomba; additional Replacement Filters are available for purchase in packs of three. Visit www.RoombaVac.com for more purchase information, or contact your nearest Roomba retailer for availability. Q: Will Roomba clean all floor surfaces? A: Roomba cleans hardwood, linoleum, tile, and low- to medium-pile rugs. The device is not designed to operate on deep-pile carpets or carpets with tassels or fringe. Q: Do I need to change the floor adjustment when changing floor surfaces? A: Roombas Self-Adjusting Cleaning Head automatically traverses uneven floor transitions as it cleans carpet, hardwood, linoleum, and tile. Q: Will Roomba sweep water from the floor? A: No, Roomba should not be used to pick up any liquid including water. Q: Will Roomba fall down stairs or into a step-down room? A: Roomba automatically senses stairs and turns away from them. However, if the room to be cleaned contains a balcony, a physical barrier should be used to prevent access to the balcony and ensure safe operation. Q: If Roomba gets stuck, what should I do? A: Help Roomba get unstuck, then press the flashing Room Size Button to restart the Cleaning Cycle. Please refer to the illustration entitled Roomba Care Hints on Pages 12-13, as well as Troubleshooting Tips on Page 16 for more information.

Q: Is Roomba safe to use when I leave my home? A: Roomba can operate unattended, so long as small children and pets are not present to interfere with Roombas operation, and loose objects have been picked up. Q: Does Roomba pick up pet hair? A: Roomba picks up pet hair very effectively from carpet as well as hard surfaces. As with most vacuums, if pet hair is an issue in your house you may need to empty the Particle Bin and clean the Brushes more frequently to reduce the chance of clogging. Removing and cleaning the Main Brushes after every five room cleaning is recommended in these cases. See Page 9 for instructions on Caring for Your Roomba. HELPFUL HINT: If there is a lot of pet hair in the room (such as the first time Roomba cleans the room), the Cleaning Head will pick up a large amount of it. If the room is medium or large, you may want to use the "small room" setting a few times, enabling Roomba to stop cleaning after a short period of time so you can remove the collected pet hair. Upon completion of this process, you should be able to run Roomba on larger room settings (i.e. for longer cleaning periods), with a reduced chance of clogging from pet hair. Q: Do you offer spare parts? A: Certain spare parts are available for U.S. customers only. Please contact us with your request. Email us at roomba-support@irobot.com or call toll-free 1-877-855-8593. Q: How can I find out more about Roomba? A: The Roomba website, www.RoombaVac.com, is full of detailed information about the Roomba Intelligent FloorVac. You can also go to the Roomba Users Forum to chat with other Roomba users about their experience. To join the forum, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/roomba-users/join
Limited Warranty to Original Purchaser
This Roomba brand product, as supplied and distributed by iRobot Corporation, and delivered new, in the original carton to the original customer purchaser, is warranted by iRobot Corporation against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship for the qualifying limited warranty period as follows:
NINETY (90) DAYS LABOR AND PARTS
This limited warranty begins on the original date of purchase, and is valid only on products purchased and used in the United States, and does not include installation, removal or reinstallation. Warranty repairs must be performed by iRobot Corporations authorized service center. To receive warranty service, the original dated bill of sale must be presented upon request as proof of purchase to iRobot Corporations authorized service center. To obtain warranty service, support, or other information, please visit our website at www.RoombaVac.com. If you do not have web access, please call 1-877-855-8593. iRobot Corporation will repair or replace this product, at our option and at no charge with new or reconditioned parts, if found to be defective during the limited warranty period specified above. To request service, the purchaser must contact iRobot Corporation for problem determination and service procedures. iRobot Corporation does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of the product. All replaced parts and products become the property of iRobot Corporation and must be returned to iRobot. Replacement parts and products assume the remaining original warranty, or sixty (60) days, whichever is longer. This limited warranty covers manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship encountered in normal, and, except to the extent otherwise expressly provided in this statement, non-commercial use of this product and shall not apply to the following, including, but not limited to: damage which occurs in shipment; applications and uses for which this product was not intended; failures or problems which are caused by products or equipment not supplied by iRobot Corporation; accidents, misuse, abuse, neglect, misapplication, fire, water, lightning or other acts of nature; incorrect electrical line voltage, fluctuations or surges; damage caused by improper installation; product alteration or modification; improper or unauthorized repair; exterior finish or cosmetic damage; failure to follow operating instructions, customer adjustments, maintenance and environmental instructions that are covered and prescribed in the instruction book; use of non-iRobot or unauthorized parts, supplies, accessories or equipment which damage this product or result in service problems; failures or problems due to incompatibility with other equipment. THERE ARE NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED AND DESCRIBED ABOVE, AND NO WARRANTIES WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL APPLY AFTER THE EXPRESS WARRANTY PERIOD STATED

Contacting Customer Support
If you cannot find the answer to your question in this Manual or on the www.RoombaVac.com website, please send email to roomba-support@irobot.com, or call our toll-free Customer Support Line at 1-877-855-8593.

Continued on next page

ABOVE, AND NO OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTY OR GUARANTEE GIVEN BY ANY PERSON, FIRM OR CORPORATION WITH RESPECT TO THIS PRODUCT SHALL BE BINDING ON IROBOT CORPORATION. IROBOT CORPORATION SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR LOSS OF REVENUE OR PROFITS, FAILURE TO REALIZE SAVINGS OR OTHER BENEFITS, OR ANY OTHER SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT, REGARDLESS OF THE LEGAL THEORY ON WHICH THE CLAIM IS BASED, AND EVEN IF IROBOT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. NOR SHALL RECOVERY OF ANY KIND AGAINST IROBOT CORPORATION BE GREATER IN AMOUNT THAN THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT SOLD BY IROBOT CORPORATION AND CAUSING THE ALLEGED DAMAGE. WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, PURCHASER ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY FOR LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO PURCHASER AND PURCHASERS PROPERTY AND TO OTHERS AND THEIR PROPERTY ARISING OUT OF THE USE, MISUSE OR INABILITY TO USE THIS PRODUCT SOLD BY IROBOT CORPORATION NOT CAUSED DIRECTLY BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OF IROBOT CORPORATION. THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT EXTEND TO ANYONE OTHER THAN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASER OF THIS PRODUCT, IS NONTRANSFERABLE AND STATES YOUR EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, or the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Roomba Accessories

The Following Accessories are available for purchase. Contact your nearest Roomba retailer for availability, or visit www. RoombaVac.com for online purchase options and more purchase information.

Rapid Charger

Recharges Battery Pack in about 2.5 hours! (Available February 2003) Part #02004

Extra Battery Pack

Keep charged Battery Packs ready to go! Part #02002
Additional Virtual Wall Unit
Close off extra large openings, or close off more than one opening at a time! Part #02003

500 Series

www.irobot.com

Dear iRobot Roomba owner, Welcome to the world of iRobot! As an owner of an iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot, you join a world-wide community of people who enjoy more free time. Roomba cleans routinely, so you dont have to. Now you can spend your time on more enjoyable and important tasks. The Roomba 500 series is the 5th generation of our awardwinning iRobot Roomba Vacuum Cleaning Robot. In developing this newest version, we incorporated feedback and suggestions from Roomba owners across the globe to make this robot more efficient and easier to use than its predecessors. Many advancements are made to our products based on suggestions and feedback from home robot owners like you. To share your feedback, stories or ask questions about your new home robot, please visit our Service and Support site at www.irobot.com. We encourage you to register your robot, either online or by mail. As a registered home robot owner, youll receive information and updates personalized to your robot and you can save helpful tips and product information in your account. To register online, go to www.irobot.com. Thank you for joining the iRobot community. We look forward to your valued input as we continue to deliver groundbreaking products to change and improve your world. On behalf of the entire iRobot team,
Colin Angle Co-Founder and CEO iRobot Corporation

Important Tips

B efore you use Roomba the first time, you need to activate Roomba by removing the battery pull tab.

Remove battery tab

Table of Contents
Anatomy... 6 Cleaning Pattern... 7. Cleaning System... 8 Cleaning Modes... 9 Battery Storage and Charging. 10 - 11 Virtual Walls.. 12 Virtual Wall Lighthouses.. 13 -- 15 Scheduling Roomba.. 16 -- 17 Home Base... 18 Wireless Command Center.. 19. Maintenance.. 20. Replaceable Modules... 21 Troubleshooting.. 22 -- 23 iRobot Customer Care.. 24
Turning Roomba on and off
Roomba does not have a power button. To turn Roomba ON, press CLEAN once. To start a cleaning cycle, press CLEAN again. Roomba will start a cleaning cycle. To pause Roomba, press CLEAN while Roomba is cleaning. To turn Roomba OFF, press and hold the CLEAN button until Roombas lights turn OFF.

For Best Performance

Roomba is very effective at picking up hair. Remove and clean Roombas brushes after every 3 uses. Empty Roombas bin and clean its filter after every 3 uses. Use the Virtual Walls or Virtual Wall Lighthouses to keep Roomba cleaning where you want it.

Battery Life

To extend the battery life, iRobot recommends always storing Roomba plugged in.

Voice Demonstration

Roomba features a voice demonstration to walk you through using Roomba. To start the voice demonstration, push and hold the DOCK/ DEMO button.
Important Safety Instructions.. 25
To abort the voice demonstration, press and hold the CLEAN button until the robot shuts down.
R oomba contains electronic parts. Do NOT submerge Roomba or spray it with water. Clean with a dry cloth only.

iRobot Roomba 500 Series

iRobot Roomba Anatomy

Virtual Wall Sensor

Cleaning Pattern
Roomba is a robot that cleans differently than the way most people clean their floors. Roomba uses its robot intelligence to efficiently clean the whole floor, under and around furniture and along walls. Roomba calculates the optimal cleaning path as it cleans and determines when to use its various cleaning behaviors: Spiraling: Roomba uses a spiral motion to clean a concentrated area.

Handle

Bin Release

Battery Charger Socket

Buttons and Lights (Models 510 - 545)
Spot Cleaning Button Dirt Detect
Buttons and Lights (Models 550 and above)

Scheduling interface

Wall Following: Roomba uses this technique to clean the full perimeter of the room and navigate around furniture and obstacles. Room Crossing: Roomba criss-crosses the room to ensure full cleaning coverage. Dirt Detection: When Roomba senses dirt, the blue Dirt Detect light is lit and Roomba cleans more intensely in that area.

Dock/Demo Button

Clean/Power Button
Cleaning Modes: While cleaning, Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts its cleaning time appropriately.

Brush Bearings

Bottom View
Cliff Sensor Openings Edge-Cleaning Side Brush Contact Points for Home Base Flexible Brush Main Brush Brush Guard Brush Caps
Spot Mode: Roomba will spiral approximately 3 feet in diameter and then spiral back to where it started, intensely cleaning a localized area.

Removable Caster Wheel

TIP: oomba takes approximately 45 minutes to clean an average room and R will pass over the same area of the floor multiple times to ensure total floor coverage. TIP: or fastest cleaning and best performance, clear your floor of clutter and F use a Virtual Wall to confine Roomba to one room.

Replaceable Squeegee

Dirt Detect Sensor

Brush Guard Release Tabs (yellow)

Cleaning System

Roomba features a patented 3-stage cleaning system.

Cleaning Modes

Roomba will clean based on the cleaning mode you select. Roomba has three cleaning modes.

Clean Mode (all models)

Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts its cleaning time appropriately.

Spot Mode (all models)

Filter
Roomba will spiral approximately 3 feet in diameter and then spiral back to where it started, intensely cleaning a localized area.
Scheduled Cleaning Mode (Models 550 and above)
Side brush sweeps 1 along edge of walls and into corners. Two 2 counterrotating brushes scoop up dirt, hair and debris into the bin. Powerful vacuum picks up the 3 remaining fine particles, dirt, and hair. The filter traps dust and small particles.
When a cleaning time is programmed, Roomba enters scheduled cleaning mode. When Roomba is scheduled to clean, it will occasionally flash its next scheduled cleaning time to indicate it is scheduled. At the specified time, Roobma leaves its Home Base, cleans, and then returns to the Home Base to recharge when its done.
TIP: hen using Roomba With Virtual Wall Lighthouses, Roomba will clean W for approximately 35 minutes per room.

Floor Surfaces

Roomba works on wood, carpet, tile, vinyl and linoleum, and will automatically adjust to different floor types.
Battery Storage and Charging
Roomba is powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable battery. Roombas battery can last for hundreds of cleaning cycles before a replacement is necessary.

Charging Roomba

Charge Roomba in one of two ways:
To extend the battery life, iRobot recommends always storing Roomba plugged in. For more details on how to maintain Roombas battery life, visit www.irobot.com.
Tip: If Roombas battery is warm, Roomba will wait for the battery to cool down before beginning a charge cycle. TIP: hen Roomba is on the Home Base, always make sure that the Home Base W Power and Docked lights are on.
Tip: For long term storage, iRobot recommends that the battery be fully charged and then removed from the robot and stored in a cool, dry place.

Roomba uses the Clean button light to indicate that it is charging. Use this chart to determine the status of the battery:

Cleaning Time

You should fully charge Roombas battery before each cleaning cycle. When fully charged, Roombas battery will last for at least one full clean cycle.
Clean button light Red Amber pulsing Green solid Amber flashing What it means Battery empty Charging Fully charged 16 hour refresh charge

16 Hour Refresh Charge

When charging for the first time, or if Roomba has been left off the charger for a long time, Roomba will initiate a special 16-hour charge cycle. This extended charge refreshes Roombas battery and extends the life of the battery. Roombas clean light will pulse quickly during the 16 hour refresh charge.
TIP: For best performance, always store Roombas battery in Roomba with Roomba plugged in or on the Home Base. Charge Roombas battery overnight for the first charge.

Clean Button Light

(included with models 510 - 530)

Virtual Walls

Virtual Wall Lighthouses

(models 535 and above)

The iRobot Roomba Virtual Walls create an invisible barrier that Roomba will not cross. The Virtual Walls can be set to block an area ranging from zero to eight feet long. The Virtual Wall beam is keyhole shaped. A small halo prevents Roomba from bumping into the Virtual Wall and a larger cone-shaped section blocks off areas of your home where you dont want Roomba to go.
Virtual Wall Lighthouses help Roomba navigate around your home, help Roomba find the Home Base, and allow Roomba to clean one room before starting the next. In Virtual Wall mode, they simply keep Roomba cleaning where you want it and out of off-limit areas.
TIP: irtual Wall Lighthouses turn on and off automatically with Roomba. When V they are on, a light will illuminate on the top of theVirtual Wall Lighthouse.

Lighthouse

Mode Selector

Virtual Wall

Battery Installation The Virtual Wall requires 2 D batteries and automatically shuts off after 135 minutes. If the power light blinks green, the batteries will soon need replacement. Range Adjustment Use the slider bar to adjust the length of the barrier. A higher range will drain the battery faster.

Use the mode selector to set the Virtual Wall Lighthouse in Virtual Wall or Lighthouse mode.
Battery Door D Alkaline Batteries

(not included)

C Alkaline Batteries

0-3 4-7 8+

Distance
TIP: Use the Virtual Walls to block doorways or to keep Roomba away from cords. Confining Roomba to a single room will accelerate cleaning. TIP: For best performance, place the Virtual Wall on the outside of the doorway you wish to block. Set the Virtual Wall to the shortest setting possible to extend battery life.

0m-1 1-5m 3m+

Virtual Wall Lighthouses indicate that their battery is low by flashing the power light repeatedly.
Additional Virtual Walls may be purchased at www.irobot.com Virtual Walls are compatible with all 500 Series Roomba vacuuming robots. 12 13

Lighthouse Mode

Virtual Wall Mode
In Lighthouse mode, the Virtual Wall Lighthouse helps Roomba navigate around your home and allows Roomba to clean room-to-room. Place lighthouses in the doorway between two rooms. Roomba will clean the room it starts in, navigate to the next room, and then clean the second room. When Roomba has completed cleaning, it will use the lighthouses to navigate back to the home base.
In Virtual Wall mode, the Lighthouse creates an invisible barrier that Roomba will not cross. Use the slider bar to adjust the length of the barrier. A higher range will drain the battery faster.
Place lighthouses in the center of the door frame

Range Setector

0-1.5m 1.5-3m 3m+

Lighthouse Home Base

In Virtual Wall mode, the Lighthouse blocks an area ranging from zero to eight feet long. A small halo prevents Roomba from bumping into the Lighthouse and a larger cone-shaped area blocks off areas of your home where you dont want Roomba to go.
TIP: Use Virtual Wall Lighthouses in Virtual Wall mode to block doorways or to keep Roomba out of off-limit areas.

Room 1

Room 2
Start Roomba here With two Virtual Wall Lighthouses in lighthouse mode, Roomba will clean Room 1 for approximately 35 minutes, then clean Rooms 2 and 3 for 35 minutes each, and then return to the Home Base. Room 3

TIP: In Virtual Wall mode, iRobot recommends setting up the Virtual Wall Lighthouse behind the door jam as shown on pg. 12.
Additional Virtual Wall Lighthouses may be purchased at www.irobot.com. Virtual Wall Lighthouses are compatible with models 535 and above.
Scheduling Roomba (models 550 and above)

Setting the Time

You must set the time before scheduling Roomba to clean.

1 Press and hold CLOCK

To delete a schedule
P ress and hold SCHEDULE button to cycle through Roombas scheduled cleaning times. cleaning time youd like to delete, press and hold DAY to delete the scheduled cleaning time. Roomba will beep to indicate the schedule has been deleted.
While holding SCHEDULE, press the DAY 2
While holding CLOCK, use the DAY, HOUR, and 2 MINUTE buttons to set the correct time. Release CLOCK. Roomba will beep to indicate 3 that the time has been set.
When Roomba is displaying the scheduled 3

Release SCHEDULE 4

Setting a Schedule
You can schedule Roomba to clean once per day, up to seven times per week. You must set the time before setting a schedule. To set a schedule:
1 Press and hold SCHEDULE

To change a schedule

Press and hold SCHEDULE button to cycle through Roombas scheduled cleaning times. cleaning time youd like to change, press the HOUR and MINUTE buttons to change the scheduled cleaning time.
While holding SCHEDULE, use the DAY, HOUR, 2 and MINUTE buttons to set the schedule. Release SCHEDULE. Roomba will beep to 3 indicate that the schedule has been set.
Viewing and deleting schedules
To view Roombas scheduled cleaning times:
Release SCHEDULE. Roomba will beep to 4 confirm that the schedule has been changed.
button to cycle through Roombas scheduled cleaning times. Models 535 through 560 may also be scheduled with the Wireless Command Center (sold separately).

Release SCHEDULE 3

Home Base
Roomba returns to the Home Base at the end of a cleaning cycle or when its battery is running low. Roomba needs to find the infrared signal of the Home Base in order to return. Always keep the Home Base plugged in. When Roomba is on the Home Base, the Power and Docked lights will be green to indicate Roomba is charging.

Wireless Command Center

The Wireless Command Center is compatible with models 535 and above only. The Wireless Command Center lets you conveniently control Roombas functions. You can use it to turn Roomba on and off, schedule Roomba to clean and steer Roomba around your room without bending down.

Home Base Location

You should position the Home Base on a hard level surface and in an area where Roomba has a clear path to return to the dock at the end of a cleaning cycle. If Roomba is unable to dock on its first attempt, it will try again until it successfully docks.

Home Base Table

Stairs
To schedule Roomba to clean, use the buttons on the Wireless Command Center as if they were on the robot itself. See page 15 for details on setting Roombas clock and setting, changing and deleting schedules. Before using your Wireless Command Center for the first time, install 4 AA batteries.

Area Rug

To manually dock Roomba, place it within five feet of the Home Base and press DOCK.
All Wireless Command Centers are setup to work exclusively with the Roomba they are packaged with. If you own a second Wireless Command Center or Roomba, visit www.irobot.com for details on setting up the Wireless Command Center with other Roombas. 18 iRobot Roomba 500 Series www.irobot.com 19

Maintenance

To keep Roomba running at peak performance, it is recommended that you perform the following maintenance regularly:
1 Remove and empty 3 Clean Roombas brushes

Replaceable Modules

Roomba has a number of modules that can be replaced, including its drive wheels, side brush, main cleaning head, vacuum bin, caster wheel and battery. To access Roombas replaceable modules, remove the bottom cover of Roomba by removing the 4 screws on the bottom of Roomba and the side brush. Refer to the table below to determine the part number of each replaceable module.

Roombas bin

Press button and pull to remove bin
A. Remove brush guard by pulling both yellow tabs

2 Clean Roombas filter

compartment
A. lean or replace filter* C

Empty bin

B. emove brush caps and use scissors R to cut any hair wrapped around the brush. Use the Roomba cleaning tool to comb hair from brush.

Brush caps

Bottom cover Left wheel module Right wheel module Cleaning head module
Side brush module Front caster wheel
B. lean filter C compartment
C. emove and clean hair and dirt from R Roombas brush bearings.

Brushes Brush bearings

Battery Vacuum bin module Chassis
*Replace filter every 2 months
Visit www.irobot.com for information on keeping Roomba running at peak performance.

Replaceable cover

Tip: Bin emptying and brush cleaning should be done after every 3-5 cleaning cycles depending on the amount of hair, dirt, and debris in your environment. Tip: f you notice Roomba picking up less debris from your floor, empty the bin I and clean the brushes. E xcessive build up of hair in Roombas brushes and bearings can permanently damage Roomba. Inspect brush bearings regularly. D o not attempt to run Roomba without the bearings. If you misplace Roombas brush bearings, contact iRobot Customer Care for replacement bearings.
Part Name Side brush module Right wheel module Left wheel module Cleaning head module Vacuum bin module Battery Front caster wheel Part Number 18103

Troubleshooting

Roomba will tell you something is wrong with a two-tone uh-oh sound. A narrated voice will tell you there is an issue when you try to start a cleaning cycle.
If you are having a problem that you cannot solve by referring to Roombas troubleshooting interface, refer to the table below.
Problem Roombas power light will not illuminate Roomba is not picking up debris Roomba does not charge on the home base Likely cause Roombas battery has extremely low power Roombas dust bin and filter are full Power supply is not plugged in correctly Roomba is not seated correctly on the Home Base What to do Charge Roomba for at least 16 hours. Empty Roombas bin and clean Roombas filter. Clean Roombas brushes. (see pg. 20) Ensure that the power supply is correctly connected to the wall and to the Home Base. Pick-up and place Roomba on the Home Base. Confirm that both the Power and docked lights illuminate.
Refer to the chart below to resolve Roombas problem.
If the problem is not resolved, visit www.irobot.com/support.
Roomba says Remove and clean Roombas front wheel
Likely cause The front wheel is stuck
Inspect and clean Roombas cliff sensors Inspect and clean Roombas drive wheel(s)
Roombas cliff sensors are dirty A drive wheel is stuck
What to do Roomba is stuck or something is wrapped around the front wheel. Remove and clean hair and debris from Roombas front wheel. Wipe off Roombas cliff sensors with a dry cloth. Roomba is stuck or something is wrapped around a drive wheel. Clean Roombas wheels, push them in and out and confirm that they turn freely. Turn over Roomba. Remove and clean Roombas brushes. (see pg. 20) Turn Roomba over and clean the side brush. Remove the sidebrush with a screwdriver to thoroughly clean it. Contact iRobot Customer Support. Contact iRobot Customer Support.
Please remove and clean Roombas brushes Please clean Roombas side brush Charging Errors 1-10 Error 1-10

The main brushes cannot turn The side brush cannot turn Roomba has a charging error Roomba has an unspecified error

iRobot Customer Care

If you have questions or comments about Roomba, please contact iRobot before contacting a retailer. Please visit our web site at www.irobot.com for support tips, frequently asked questions, or information about accessories and other iRobot products. We would like to hear from you. Should you still need assistance: Visit the iRobot support web site at www.irobot.com/support Call our customer care representatives at 877.855.8593
Important Safety Instructions
C AUTION: DO NOT EXPOSE THE ELECTRONICS OF ROOMBA, ITS BATTERY OR THE CHARGER. THERE ARE NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. CHARGE USING STANDARD U.S. (120V AC) OUTLET ONLY.
Always exercise caution when operating your Roomba. To reduce the risk of injury or damage, keep these safety precautions in mind when setting up, using and maintaining your Roomba:
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Read all safety and operating instructions before operating Roomba. Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings on Roomba, battery, charger and in owners manual. Follow all operating and use instructions. Refer all non-routine servicing to iRobot.
iRobot Customer Care Hours:
Monday Friday 9AM 7PM Eastern Time Saturday 9AM 6PM Eastern Time

ROOMBA USE RESTRICTIONS

Roomba is for indoor use only. oomba is not a toy. Do not sit or stand on this device. Small children and pets should be R supervised when Roomba is cleaning. Clean with a dry cloth only. Do not pour or spray water onto Roomba. Do not use this device to pick up anything that is burning or smoking. Do not use this device to pick up spills of bleach, paint, or other chemicals, or anything wet. Before using this device, pick up objects like clothing, loose papers, pull cords for blinds or curtains, power cords, and any fragile objects. If the device passes over a power cord and drags it, there is a chance an object could tumble off a table or shelf. If the room to be cleaned contains a balcony, a physical barrier should be used to prevent access to the balcony and ensure safe operation. Always remove the battery before long-term storage or transportation.
ROOMBA BATTERY AND CHARGING
Charge using a standard U.S. (120V AC) outlet only. Product may not be used with any type of power converter. Use of other power converters will immediately void the warranty. Use only the charger supplied by the manufacturer to charge this device. Do not use a charger with a damaged cord or plug. Charge indoors only. Roombas power supply may be protected with a surge protector in the event of severe electrical storms. Never handle chargers with wet hands. Always disconnect Roomba from the charger before cleaning.

Get iRobot accessories at: 800.727.9077 or visit store.irobot.com
*See registration card for details. Pricing and availability subject to change. Shipping and handling not included.
2007 iRobot Corporation, 63 South Avenue, Burlington, MA 01803. All rights reserved. iRobot, Virtual Wall and Roomba are registered trademarks of iRobot Corporation. Home Base, Dirt Detect and Lighthouse are trademarks of iRobot Corporation. U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,594,844; 6,690,134; 6,883,201; 6,809,490; 6,956,348; 7,155,308; 7,173,391. Other patents pending. 097.06