Friendly Robotics Robomow RL 1000 Operating & Safety Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Friendly Robotics Manuals
  4. Lawn Mower
  5. Robomow RL1000
  6. Operating & safety manual

Friendly Robotics Robomow RL 1000 Operating & Safety Manual

Hide thumbs Also See for Robomow RL 1000:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: Safety and Operating Manual
Operating & Safety Manual
RL1000 & Docking Station
www.friendlyrobotics.com
DOC0076A

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the Robomow RL 1000 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Friendly Robotics Robomow RL 1000

Summary of Contents for Friendly Robotics Robomow RL 1000

  • Page 1 Operating & Safety Manual RL1000 & Docking Station www.friendlyrobotics.com DOC0076A...

  • Page 2: Ec Declaration Of Conformity

    7. Technical documentation kept by Mr. Dedy Gur, QA director. I hereby declare that the above product conforms to the requirements as specified above. *The original RL500 was tested by BSI in 2000. All Friendly Robotics models currently sold were tested by F.Robotics Acquisitions Ltd.
  • Page 3 The products are manufactured by F. Robotics Acquisitions (Friendly Robotics). © Friendly Robotics, 2005-A. All rights reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, electronically or translated without the prior written consent of Friendly Robotics. Product, product specifications and this document are subject to change without notice. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Safety Warnings & Precautions ………………………………………….….……… 5 Safety Features …………………………………………………………….….…..…. 7 What’s in the Box …………………………………………………………………..10 Chapter 1 – Docking Station & Perimeter Wire Setup…………………….….….. 12 ® Chapter 2 – Preparing the Robomow ……………………………………………. 29 Chapter 3 – Manual & Automatic Operation…………………………………….…37 Chapter 4 –...

  • Page 5: Safety Warnings & Precautions

    Safety Warnings & Precautions Training and Instructions  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.  Do not use Robomow for any purpose other than for which it is intended.
  • Page 6 Never raise the mower or attempt to inspect the blades while the mower is operating. Always remove the power pack before lifting the mower or attempting any adjustments.  Do not start Robomow operation in automatic mode outside the plot bounded by the perimeter wire.
  • Page 7 Safety Warnings & Precautions Warning Decal Definitions 1. WARNING-this is a dangerous power tool. Use care when operating and follow all safety instructions and warnings. 2. Read the owner/operating manual carefully and follow all safety instructions. 3. Objects can be thrown from mower while operating, take caution. 4.

  • Page 8: Safety Features

    ® Robomow - Safety Features 1. Child Guard / Safety Guard 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. Lift Sensor There is a sensor located on the front caster wheel of the mower.
  • Page 9 11. Over-Current Monitoring Protection Each of the three blade motors and each of the two wheel drive motors are monitored continuously during operation for any situation that may cause these motors to over-heat. In such event, the Robomow will stop operation of at least that motor and possibly the mower itself and indicate that the motor is cooling down.

  • Page 10: What's In The Box

    What’s in the Box ® (Robomow ® 1. Robomow 2. Power Pack 3. Operating & Safety Manual 4. Standard charger Used for recharging the Robomow power pack. Indoor use only. 5. RoboRuler Used for setting the distance of the perimeter wire from the lawn edge. 6.
  • Page 11 What’s in the Box (Docking Station) 12. Base Used for directing the Robomow to the charging contacts. 13. Cover including the Perimeter Switch & a Power Supply Used for recharging the Robomow Power Pack and activates the perimeter wire, which defines the area in which the Robomow will operate.

  • Page 12: Chapter 1 - Docking Station & Perimeter Wire Setup

    Chapter 1 Docking Station & Perimeter Wire Setup Cover Cover Base Base Screw (x2) Screw (x2) Stake (x5) Stake (x5) Fence Fence Figure 1.1 Docking Station Assembly CAUTION! Refer to the specific safety instructions related with operation of the Robomow with a Docking Station, as specified in the Safety chapter. 1.1 Docking Station Zone Before setting up the perimeter wire and Docking Station, it is best to examine your lawn and determine the best location for the Docking Station.
  • Page 13 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. It is recommended to place the Docking Station as close as possible to a receptacle, roll the extra cable and store it near the power supply.
  • Page 14 • A minimum distance of 8 feet (2.5 meters) is required between the Docking Station fence and the perimeter island. See figure 1.5. Greater than 8 feet (2.5m) Figure 1.5 – Distance From Perimeter Island Place the Docking Station on level ground. Do not place the Docking Station on a slopping ground. See figure 1.6.
  • Page 15 • The Robomow is impervious to water and rain, however it is recommended to place the Docking Station away from sprinkler heads for maximum protection. See figure 1.7 Figure 1.7 – Avoid Placement Near Water Sprinklers Now, knowing the location of the Docking Station, you can begin to setup the Perimeter Wire in the docking zone.
  • Page 16 WARNING! Damage to the eye is possible. Use proper eye protection and wear appropriate work gloves when hammering the pegs. Hard or dry ground may cause pegs to break when driving them in. In extreme cases, watering the lawn where the pegs will be driven can be beneficial.
  • Page 17 Add pegs in to pull the perimeter wire down to the ground surface, below the Perimeter Wire grass tips. Figure 1.10 – Pegging the Perimeter Wire 1.6 Corners & Sharp Turns Care must be taken not to create a corner sharper than 90 degrees when setting up the perimeter wire. A corner sharper than 90 degrees can cause the Robomow to lose track of the perimeter wire.
  • Page 18 1.8 Defining Obstacles-Perimeter Islands Many obstacles can be left in the lawn without consideration to excluding them using the perimeter wire. The basic rule of thumb is that the obstacle must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) high from the ground and the obstacle must be relatively rigid.
  • Page 19 Figure 1.13 – Perimeter Wire Setup Distances for Obstacles Tree too close to perimeter, less than 4 Trees large enough to allow Small tree, must feet (1.2m), loop out with Robomow to bump into do not exclude with perimeter perimeter wire require a perimeter wire around it wire Minimum distance...
  • Page 20 1.9 Multiple Zones/Areas As mentioned earlier, your home may require more than one zone to be set up in order for the Robomow to work in all of your lawn effectively. Having two or even three zones does not affect the efficiency of the Robomow and in many circumstances is more desirable than one large zone.
  • Page 21 1.10 Slopes As a general rule of thumb, any slope that can safely be cut using a walk behind mower can also be cut using the Robomow in the automatic mode. The maximum slope limit is 15 degrees, the same as a traditional walk behind mower.
  • Page 22 1.12 Assemble Power Supply Cord to Docking Board Before securing the power cord to the Docking Station, carefully lay the length of the cord out, beginning from the Docking Station and leading to the main power supply to insure that the Docking Station is placed close enough to the main power for the supply cord to reach.
  • Page 23 Carefully align the three slots on the fence with the three tabs on the base. See figure 1.23. Once aligned, push the fence firmly down onto the base until it has snapped into place. Base Fence Figure 1.23 – Fence Alignment 1.14 Placing and testing the Docking Station •...
  • Page 24 • The longer distance (18 inches / 45 cm) is used where the area outside the immediate perimeter of the Docking Station has a wall or is not the same relative height as the perimeter edge. See figure 1.25. Area outside perimeter has a wall as an obstacle.
  • Page 25 Test the Docking Station setup. Connect the power supply to a regular household receptacle 120 Volts AC (models outside the US use a 230 volt main power). Press the ‘On’ button on the Docking Station Operation Panel. A small flashing green light next to the ‘On’ button indicates the system is on and functioning correctly.
  • Page 26 Setup in Non-Docking Zone 1.16 Perimeter Switch Placement and Perimeter Wire Setup Find a convenient spot outside the perimeter of the non-docking zone, but a location that is relatively easy for you to access. Consider placing the perimeter switch near shrubs or bushes to hide them. Now, knowing the Perimeter Switch location, you can begin the setup of the Perimeter Wire in each of the zones, as was explained in articles 1.3 to 1.10.
  • Page 27 Take the Perimeter Switch and squeeze the tabs on both sides of the Perimeter Switch as shown in figure 1.30, and remove the back cover from the Perimeter Switch. Insert the 3 C-cell batteries in the battery holder as shown in Figure 1.31 and reassemble the Perimeter Switch.
  • Page 28 1.19 Placing The Perimeter Switch The Perimeter Switch connector is designed for quick and easy disconnection, a flexible feature, should your lawn require more than one plot. You easily disconnect it by simply pulling the connectors apart. This allows you to easily move the perimeter switch between plots. The Perimeter Switch also comes with a large stake that fastens to the back of the perimeter switch, making movement from one plot to another easier by allowing you to disconnect the switch and move it with the stake still attached.

  • Page 29: Chapter 2 - Preparing The Robomow

    Chapter 2 ® Preparing The Robomow Charging Contact Pins Carrying handle Bumpers with touch sensitive sensors Manual Controller Operating Lamp Power Pack ® Figure 2.1 - A basic ‘what is what’ of the Robomow 2.1 Inserting Power Pack Fuse Your Robomow is shipped with the Power Pack fuse removed and it will not operate without it. The fuse is contained in a small plastic bag attached to the top of the Power Pack.
  • Page 30 2.2 Using The Manual Controller The Robomow is equipped with a Manual Controller. It enables you to manually drive and operate the mower. To get started on using the Manual Controller, study figure 2.3 to view the various operating controls and their functions. Refer to Chapter 5, Manual Operation for full details regarding use of the Manual Controller.
  • Page 31 2.3 Manual and automatic operation The Robomow is safely designed so that operation in the manual mode is prohibited unless the Manual Controller has been removed from its’ holder and is in the possession of the user to operate the buttons. See Figure 2.4. The manual mode is used to primarily move/drive the Robomow into the lawn and to return it after mowing.
  • Page 32 2.5 Setting The Cutting Height And Ground Clearance Remove the Power Pack before making any adjustments. The Robomow has two basic adjustments, cutting height and ground clearance. When using the high cut blades, the cutting height is adjustable from approximately 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches (3.8 cm – 8.9 cm) and with the low cut blades from 1 inch to 2.5 inches (2.5 cm –...
  • Page 33 2.6 Set Country and Perform One Time Calibration The Robomow uses a sophisticated navigation system that utilizes an on-board compass type device, which responds to the magnetic poles of the earth. Magnetic North can vary from one point on the earth to another, based on geography.
  • Page 34 Figure 2.10 – Calibrating Sequence LCD Display Action Required Dock Zone Dock Zone GO’ Press ‘ Press GO Press GO GO’ Press ‘ Set Country Set Country Press GO Press GO Scroll up or down to Not Set! Not Set! find your country Scroll Scroll...
  • Page 35 2.7 Enabling the Docking Station Option Press the ‘GO’ button and the following will be displayed: Enable Dock Press ‘GO’ and scroll to display ‘ON’ Press GO Enable Dock Press ‘GO’ to confirm ‘ON’ setting Confirm Figure 2.11 – Enabling Docking Function 2.8 Testing the Docking Station and Perimeter Wire Position for Docking It is best to test the position of the Docking Station and to determine if any small adjustments need to be made before driving the rest of the stakes into place.
  • Page 36 2.9 Test the Perimeter Wire Position for Edge Mowing: As mentioned in Chapter 1, it is best to test the position of the perimeter wire on edge mowing to determine if any small adjustments need to be made to the wire position before driving the rest of the wire pegs into place.

  • Page 37: Chapter 3 - Manual & Automatic Operation

    Chapter 3 Manual and Automatic Operation 3.1 Activating The Perimeter Switch – Docking Zone Area/zone with Docking Station If the Robomow is operated from the Docking Station in automatic or manual-depart (see paragraphs 3.2 and 3.3), the Robomow will automatically switch the Perimeter Switch at the Docking Station Control Panel on and off to coincide with depart and dock events.
  • Page 38 Insert the Manual Controller back into the holder and pivot down flush. - Confirm the Perimeter Switch is turned on and the mower is pointed at any perimeter wire section (not an island or excluded obstacle). Press the upper scroll arrow once for the ‘Go to dock’ message option to display and then press GO.
  • Page 39 Chapter 3 Page 28 Edge Mowing – Non-Docking Important! When mowing in non-docking zone, it is required first to define the non-docking zone (Refer to section 6.2.4 ‘Work time’). Insert the Manual Controller into its holder and press the ‘Down’ scroll arrow to receive the display of the zone to be mowed.
  • Page 40 Skipping Edge Mowing The Robomow provides a means that will allow you to skip the edge mowing process and start directly with the scanning (mowing) process. In order to do this, simply press the ‘GO’ button two times at the initial startup of the mower. Pressing ‘GO’ the second time immediately following the first press will tell the mower to skip mowing the edge.
  • Page 41 The Manual Controller can only operate in manual mode when removed from the holder, which holds it in place during automatic operation. For safety it is designed in such a way that manual operation is prohibited while in the holder and automatic operation is prohibited when removed from the holder. You will also notice that the Manual Controller contains the keypad for starting automatic operation as well as the emergency stop.

  • Page 43: Chapter 4 - Setting The Weekly Program

    Chapter 4 Setting the Weekly Program 4.1 Setting the Time The first step before setting the weekly program is to set the current time: day of the week and clock. Note that the clock is on a 24hour military time scale. There are two options to set the time.
  • Page 44 4.2 Setting the Weekly Program Remove the Manual Controller and follow the steps as outlined below. Manual Press ‘GO’ User Options User Preferences Scroll up or down until the Press GO ‘Docking options’ is displayed Docking options Press ‘GO’ Press GO Weekly program Press ‘GO’...
  • Page 45 Note: The clock resets itself each time the Power Pack is removed for more than 30 seconds; ‘Set time’ message will then display: Set Time Press GO WARNING! Serious injury can occur. If the current date and time are not set correctly or are failed to be set when prompted, the times scheduled for automatic departure will not be correct.
  • Page 46 2. Robomow is in the Docking Station - press the up scroll arrow once – the weekly program is displayed for 10 seconds: This screen will display for 10 M T W T F S S seconds and then disappear. - - + (+ means active day) Pressing the ‘GO’...

  • Page 47: Chapter 5 - Charging

    Chapter 5 Charging 5.1 Charging Of all the areas regarding the Robomow, proper charging of the Power Pack is second only to safety in importance. Failure to follow the charging guidelines will result in poor performance and a short Power Pack life.
  • Page 48 5.3 Charging Using the Standard Charger Connected to the Charging Socket If the need arises, the Power Pack may be re-charged using the standard charger and connecting it to the charging socket on the Manual Controller holder. This is designed ONLY for indoor use and should never be used to charge the Robomow while still docked in the Docking Station.
  • Page 49 will change to that as shown in Figure 5.8, reminding you to keep it connected to the charger until the next use. Charging is such an important aspect for assuring good performance and Power Pack life that a special alert and power management system is incorporated into the mower to remind and alert you when the proper charging process is not occurring.
  • Page 50 The ‘Recharge Battery’ level has a higher priority in the power management system than ‘Time Completed’ for the obvious reason that the Power Pack voltage is at a lower level. For this reason, immediately following a ‘Recharge Battery’ message the Robomow will emit a buzzer sound every 30 seconds for the next 20 minutes in order to alert you that the mowing session is completed and it is now time to re-connect the charger to the Robomow.

  • Page 51: Chapter 6 - Settings And Advanced Features

    Chapter 6 Settings and Advanced Features 6.1 User Options Lifting the Manual Controller from its holder will change the text display on the LCD to the manual operating menu, as seen in Figure 6.1. Manual Figure 6.1 User options Pressing ‘GO’ once will take you to the next screen, ‘User Preferences’. Figure 6.2. Using the ‘Up ⇑...
  • Page 52 6.2 User Preferences Press ‘GO’ to view the menu of user preferences, beginning with ‘Sound’, Figure 6.3. Using the ‘Up ⇑ Down ⇓’ arrow keys will allow you to scroll through these menu items. Pressing ‘GO’ will take you to these various preferences. Figure 6.3. User Preferences User Preferences User Preferences...
  • Page 53 6.2.4 Work Time Allows the user the option of setting the operating time from the ‘MAX’ default setting to times ranging from 20 minutes up to 2 hours. Figure 6.4. This option is available for up to 4 different zones, Dock Zone, Zone B, C or D.
  • Page 54 6.2.7 Set Default Edge Selecting Default Edge restores the factory default edge distance to the specific zone selected. 6.2.8 Enable Dock This option should be set to ‘on’ when using Docking Station to enable the Docking options to the user. If it set to ‘off’ the Docking menus are hidden. 6.2.9 Blades replaced Choose this option after replacing the blades to restart the reminder counter.
  • Page 55 6.3 Information Information’ display will open the option to scroll between the following menus Pressing ‘GO’ at the ‘ (Figure 6.7): Total time Total time Indicates the total number of hours Indicates the total number of hours Press GO Press GO the mower has been in operation the mower has been in operation Indicates the last battery run time...
  • Page 56 6.4 Docking Options (for Docking Station only) Pressing ‘GO’ at the ‘Docking options’ display will open the option to scroll between the following menus (Figure 6.8): Press ‘GO’ Press ‘GO’ Docking options Docking options Weekly program Weekly program Press GO Press GO Press GO Press GO...
  • Page 57 One of the following displays is appeared One of the following displays is appeared when the mower is in the Docking Station when the mower is in the Docking Station 11:28 11:28 11:28 11:28 11:28 Mo10:30E Mo10:30E Mo10:30E Mo10:30E Mo10:30E Press the down Press the down Press the down...
  • Page 58 Never use the Robomow with a safety device or feature not properly operating. Never attempt to disable or bypass any safety device or system. See an authorized Friendly Robotics service facility for repair or information regarding any safety system or device.

  • Page 59: Chapter 7 - Text Messages And Troubleshooting

    Chapter 7 Text Messages and Troubleshooting 7.1 Messaging The Robomow is equipped with a sophisticated monitoring system that will notify you in the form of a text message in the LCD panel when common operational faults occur. In addition, it will also communicate in text form several messages that are meant as a prompt to the user to perform a certain function or action.
  • Page 60 Message Displayed Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action Drive Overload - The drive motors have been working - Wait until the message ‘Drive overload – under a severe load for too long. Press GO’ is displayed. Cooling, Wait… Drive problem - Internal failure - Contact service provider - Enter the correct 4-digit code.
  • Page 61 Message Displayed Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action - Mower is searching for the Docking - Drive the mower manually for charging in the Low battery Station but the battery voltage is too Docking Station low to continue the searching process - Robomow charging is not allowed when the - Robomow is charged through the plug ambience temperature is going down below Low temp.
  • Page 62 7.2 Other Operational or Fault Problems Problem Encountered Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action - In general, every time the mower does not depart at the scheduled time it is recorded (refer to section 4.4 for more details). under the ‘Weekly Program Display’ - Confirm the time in the mower is set - Set the time (See paragraph 4.1) Robomow does not leave the...
  • Page 63 Problem Encountered Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action - Confirm wire is plugged in and wire leads are - Wire disconnected from switch firmly attached - Walk along perimeter, including islands and 'Cut wire’ indicator flashing on obstacles excluded with the perimeter wire and - Perimeter wire cut Perimeter Switch look for obvious cuts or breaks in the wire.
  • Page 64 Problem Encountered Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action - Connect the charger to the mower and keep it - Power Pack is not fully charged connected until the ‘Ready – Keep Charging’ message displays in the LCD screen. - ‘Work Time ‘ for that zone is set to - Work time can be changed under ‘User stop at a pre-determined duration.
  • Page 65 Problem Encountered Probable Cause/Event Corrective/User Action Raise ground clearance to the Low ground clearance. uppermost position. The Robomow gets stuck Cutting height too low. Raise cutting height frequently when traveling over less than optimal Fill in all holes, cover or exclude all terrain.

  • Page 66: Chapter 8 - Specifications

    Chapter 8 Specifications Bottom Dimensions 89cm l x 66.5cm w x 31.5cm h (35” x 26” x 12.5”) Weight 22.6kg (50lb.) Unit + 12.6kg (28lb.) Power Pack Front Noise level < 85 db (A) Mowing Width 3 Blades and a total cutting width of 56cm (21”) Cuts 1.5cm outside the wheels Mowing Height 6 settings at the front and 2 at the rear...

  • Page 67: Chapter 9 - Maintenance And Storage

    Chapter 9 Maintenance and Storage Recommended Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Service Maintenance Procedure Interval Check and remove grass clippings and dirt from the mowing deck if necessary, particularly when mowing wet and damp grass (refer to section 9.1) Each Use Charge the Power Pack after every use. 50 Hours Remove Power Pack and check any damage on the blades (refer to section 9.2) Replace the blades;...
  • Page 68 Whenever replacing the blades, it is recommended to restart the counter of the blades replacement reminder by choosing the ‘Blades replaced’ option under the ‘User Preferences’ menu and press the GO button again to clear the reminder. Figure 9.1 Squeeze tabs & pull Squeeze tabs &...

  • Page 69: Important Information

    9.4 Power Pack Always follow the maintenance and charging instructions found in Chapter 5 for the Power Pack. 9.5 Disposing of the Old Battery Pack Important! Do not place used batteries in your household trash. The battery must be collected, recycled, or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner.
  • Page 70 You may place the Friendly Robotics wire nut connector onto each end of this cord for protection in the winter. If this or a similar weather resistant connector is not used, oxidation may occur. Do not forget to disconnect the perimeter wire ends from the plot connector and protect the ends of these wires in a similar way as the power supply leads.

  • Page 71: Chapter 10 - Accessories

    Chapter 10 Accessories Perimeter Switch Convenience of having a switch for each zone and not moving one switch from zone to zone. Peg Pack (50) For larger lawns and additional zones. Perimeter Wire For larger lawns and additional zones. Power Pack Convenience of increasing capacity with a second battery.
  • Page 72 Friendly Robotics is not liable for indirect, incidental or consequential damages in connection with the use of the Friendly Robotics Product covered by this warranty, including any cost or expense of providing substitute equipment or service during reasonable periods of malfunction or non-use pending completion of repairs under this warranty.
  • Page 73 www.friendlyrobotics.com...

Table of Contents