iRobot Roomba User manual

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iRobot®Roomba®
OWNER’S MANUAL
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Dear iRobot®Roomba®Owner,
Welcome to the new world of iRobot. As an owner of iRobot’s
latest Roomba Vacuuming Robot, you join a growing group of
people around the globe who, like you, are discovering a smarter
way to clean.
Having practical robots that help you in your home is a new
reality. We encourage you to share your feedback as we continue
to develop new and better robots. Here’s what you can do to
participate in our efforts:
• Communicate with us if you have questions, comments
or require support. Many improvements to our products
start with suggestions from customers like you. Visit us at
www.irobot.com.
• Register online or by mail. You’ll be among the first to
hear about our newest robots, product enhancements and
special offers.
Thank you for joining the robot revolution. We look forward to
your valued input as we continue to deliver groundbreaking
products that will change and improve your world.
On behalf of the entire iRobot team,
Colin Angle
Co-Founder and CEO
iRobot Corporation

4iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Important Tips
Remove and clean Roomba’s brushes after every 3 uses.
Roomba contains electronic parts. Do NOT submerge Roomba or spray with
water. Clean with a dry cloth only.
Always consult your floor manufacturer for approved cleaning methods.
For Best Performance
• Roomba®is very effective at picking up hair. Remove and clean
Roomba’s brushes after every 3 uses.
• Empty Roomba’s bin and clean its filter after every 3 uses.
• Always store Roomba connected to its charger or Home Base™.
• Use the Virtual Walls®to keep Roomba cleaning where you want it.
• Keep wheels and brush free of hair and debris by inspecting and
cleaning the bottom of the robot regularly.

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Table of Contents
Anatomy ..................................................................... 6
Cleaning Pattern.......................................................... 7
Cleaning System ......................................................... 8
Cleaning Modes .......................................................... 9
Battery Storage and Charging....................................... 10 – 11
Virtual Walls®.............................................................. 12
Home Base™.............................................................. 13
Remote Control........................................................... 14
Scheduler Remote Control ........................................... 15 – 19
Maintenance............................................................... 20
Troubleshooting........................................................... 21
iRobot Customer Care ................................................. 22
Important Safety Instructions ....................................... 23

6iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Anatomy
Buttons and Lights
Bottom View
4100 Model Series
(Red, Sage, Blue)
Spot
Cleaning
Button
Cleaning
Button
Max
Cleaning
Button
(Sage and Blue only)
Status Light
Dirt Detect
Power Button
4200 Model Series
(Discovery, Scheduler)
Virtual Wall
Sensor
Bin Release
Battery Charger
Socket
Serial Port
Handle
Battery Charger
Socket
Serial PortBin Release
Virtual Wall
Sensor
Handle
Power
Button
Spot
Button
Cleaning
Button Max
Cleaning
Button
Status
Light
Dirt
Detect
Flexible
Brush
Main
Brush
Cliff Sensor
Openings
Edge-Cleaning
Side Brush
Dirt Detect
Sensor
Contact
Points for
Home Base
Vacuum
Inlet
Brush Guard Release Tabs
(yellow)
Brush
Bearings
Brush
Guard
Charging
Indicator
Replaceable
Caster Wheel
(Discovery,
Scheduler only)
Battery
Brush
Caps

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Cleaning Pattern
Roomba is a robot that cleans differently than the way most people clean
their floors. Roomba uses iRobot’s AWARE™ Robot Intelligence System to
determine the best way to pass over and clean every section of the floor.
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.
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.
TIP: Roomba takes approximately 45 minutes to clean an average room and
will pass over the same area of the floor multiple times to ensure total
floor coverage.
TIP: For fastest cleaning and best performance, clear your floor of clutter and
use a Virtual Wall to confine Roomba to one room.
TIP: Wires should be elevated off of the floor and rug tassles should be tucked
under the rug to prevent Roomba from getting stuck.

8iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Cleaning System
Roomba features a patented 3-stage cleaning system.
Floor Surfaces
Roomba works on wood, carpet, tile, vinyl, and linoleum, and will automatically
transition between different floor types. Roomba is not recommended for
shag carpet or rugs with tassels.
1
Side brush cleans
along edge of walls
and into corners.
2
Two counter-
rotating brushes
scoop up dirt,
hair and debris
into the bin.
3
Powerful vacuum picks up the
remaining fine particles, dirt, and
hair. The filter traps dust and
small particles.
Filter

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Cleaning Modes
Roomba will clean based on the cleaning mode you select. Roomba has up to
four cleaning modes, depending on your model:
Clean Mode (all models)
Roomba automatically calculates the room size and adjusts its cleaning time
appropriately. Roomba may clean for up to 60 minutes.
Spot Mode (all models)
Roomba will spiral approximately 3 feet in diameter and then spiral back to
where it started, intensely cleaning a localized area.
Max Mode
Roomba runs until its battery is nearly depleted, up to 120 minutes.
Scheduled Cleaning Mode
When a cleaning time is programmed with the iRobot Scheduler Remote,
Roomba enters Scheduled Cleaning Mode. When Roomba is in Scheduled
Cleaning Mode, the status light blinks amber. At the specified time, Roomba
leaves its Home Base, cleans for up to 60 minutes and returns to the Home
Base to recharge when it is done.

10 iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Battery Storage and Charging
Roomba is powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH)
rechargeable battery. Roomba’s battery can last for hundreds
of cleaning cycles before a replacement is necessary.
Battery Life
To extend the battery life, we recommend storing Roomba’s battery in the
robot with the power supply plugged in, or with Roomba on the Home Base. If
stored correctly, Roomba’s battery will take less than 3 hours to recharge.
Cleaning Time
You should fully charge Roomba’s battery before each cleaning cycle. When
fully charged, Roomba will clean for up to 120 minutes on hard floors and for
slightly less time on rugs.
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 Roomba’s battery and extends the life of
the battery.
TIP: For best performance, always store Roomba’s battery in Roomba with
Roomba plugged in or on the Home Base. Charge Roomba’s battery
overnight for the first charge.
Charging Roomba
Charge Roomba in one of two ways:
Or

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4100 Model Series 4200 Model Series
TIP: When Roomba is on the Home Base, always make sure that the Home Base
Power and Docked lights are on.
Charging Indicator Light Battery Status
Red Battery empty
Amber pulse Charging
Solid green Fully charged
Charging
Indicator
Light
Charging Lights
All Roomba models have a charging indicator light. Use this chart to
determine the status of the battery:
Charging
Indicator
Light

12 iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Virtual Walls®
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 three to
eight feet long.
TIP: Use the Virtual Walls to block doorways or to keep Roomba away from
cords. Confining Roomba to a single room will accelerate cleaning.
The Virtual Wall beam is keyhole shaped. A small
halo prevents Roomba from bumping into the
Virtual Wall and a larger lobe-shaped section
blocks off areas of your home where you don’t
want Roomba to go.
Battery Installation
The Virtual Wall requires 2 “D” batteries and
automatically shuts off after 110 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.
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.
TIP: Scheduling Virtual Walls (when programmed) will turn on a few minutes
before Roomba. See page 18 for details.
Additional Virtual Walls may be purchased at www.irobot.com.
D Alkaline
Batteries
(not included)
Battery
Door
Range
Shape of
Beam

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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.
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.
To manually dock Roomba, place it within five feet of the Home Base and
press Spot and Clean simultaneously. You can also drive Roomba toward the
Home Base with the remote control, and Roomba will dock automatically.
The Roomba Remote, Virtual Wall, and Home Base operate using an invisible
infrared technology. If they are all used in the same area, Roomba may see
multiple infrared signals and not operate. Roomba WILL NOT dock if you
have a Virtual Wall near the Home Base. Fluorescent lights also can impact
Virtual Wall and Home Base performance.
Chair Table
Home
Base
Stairs
Area Rug

14 iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Remote Control
The Roomba Remote Control lets you conveniently control Roomba’s
functions. You can use it to turn Roomba on and off, and steer it around
your room without bending down. It also gives you remote access to the
following commands:
Clean: Start Roomba in Clean mode.
Spot: Start Roomba in Spot mode.
Max: Start Roomba in Max mode.
Pause: Pause Roomba in the middle of the cleaning cycle. Press pause
again to continue.
Before using your remote for the first time, you must install 2 AA batteries
(sold separately).
TIP: You can use the remote to direct Roomba to the Home Base. Once
Roomba is in range and can “see” the Home Base, it will return to the
base and dock itself automatically.
The Roomba Remote Control, Virtual Walls, and Home Base all operate
using an invisible infrared beam. If they are all used in the same area,
Roomba may see multiple infrared signals and will not operate. The
Remote WILL NOT work when the robot is near Virtual Walls.
Power
Spot
Clean
Max
Directional
Buttons
Pause

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Scheduler Remote Control
The Scheduler Remote Control is included with the Roomba Scheduler.
Other Roomba models are compatible with the iRobot Scheduler Remote
Control Upgrade.
To schedule Roomba to clean, use the Scheduler Remote Control to program
your cleaning times. Then use the Scheduler Remote Control to send your
schedule to Roomba and the scheduling Virtual Walls.
Install the batteries and set the time before using for the first time.
Setting the Time
1
Open the Scheduler Remote Control’s front cover.
The display will turn red and read “SET TIME”.
2
Press New/Save and Delete simultaneously.
The display will change to read “SUN 12:00”.
3
Press to change the day.
4
Press to navigate to the hour on the display.
5
Press to change the hour. To select AM or PM,
simply scroll past 12:00.
6
Press to navigate to the minute on the display.
7
Press to change the minute. Hold to
scroll quickly.
8
Press New/Save to save. After the time has been
set, it will flash three times to indicate the time has
been saved. Close the Scheduler Remote’s cover to
verify that the correct time has been set.
Power Scheduling
Virtual
Wall
Spot
Max
Clean
Front Cover
Directional
Buttons

16 iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Setting Schedules
To schedule iRobot Roomba to clean:
1
Open the Scheduler Remote Control’s front cover to
enter Scheduler mode.
2
Press New/Save to begin setting a schedule.
3
Press to select the day of the week.
4
Press to navigate to the hour field.
5
Press to schedule the hour. To select AM
or PM, simply scroll past 12:00.
6
Press to navigate to the minute field.
7
Press to schedule the minute.
8
Press to navigate to the Once/Weekly field.
9
Press to choose Once or Weekly. Choose Weekly
if you want Roomba to clean on the same day and
time every week.
10
Press New/Save once to save the schedule.
The LCD will flash three times to indicate that the
schedule has been set.
Don’t forget to send the schedule to both Roomba and the scheduling
Virtual Walls. See pp. 17 – 18 for details.

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Sending Schedules
After setting a cleaning time, you need to send the schedule to Roomba and
the scheduling Virtual Walls.
To send a schedule to your Roomba:
1
Power on Roomba with the Power button.
2
Open the Scheduler Remote Control’s front cover,
point the remote at Roomba and press Send All.
The display will flash to indicate the remote is
sending the schedule. Roomba will play a song to
indicate the schedule is received and the Status
light will begin blinking.
3
Make sure Roomba is on the Home Base or in the
center of the area you want to clean. Roomba will
clean at the time you have scheduled.
Roomba’s Status light will blink amber to indicate
that Roomba is scheduled to clean.
To accept a schedule, Roomba must either be at least eight feet from the
Home Base or charging on the Home Base and Roomba’s power must be on.
iRobot Scheduler, Virtual Walls, and Home Base all operate using invisible
infrared beams. If used in the same area, Roomba may see multiple infrared
signals and not respond to commands. Make sure all Virtual Walls are
turned off when using Scheduler.

18 iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
Sending Schedules
To send a schedule to the scheduling Virtual Walls:
1
Press and hold the power button on each scheduling
Virtual Wall until the Scheduled light turns on.
2
Point the Scheduler remote at each scheduling
Virtual Wall and press Send All to send the
schedule. The display will flash, indicating that the
remote is sending the schedule to the Virtual Wall.
3
The Virtual Wall’s Scheduled light will blink to confirm that it is scheduled
to automatically turn on at the time you programmed.
TIP: You can clear the schedule from the scheduling Virtual Wall and Roomba by
removing their batteries, or by deleting all cleaning times from the remote
and re-sending the cleared schedule to the scheduling Virtual Walls.
0-34-78+
Scheduled
light

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Changing Schedules
1
Open the Scheduler Remote’s cover. The display should
read “SHOW .” If it reads “Set Time”, see p. 15.
2
Scroll through the programmed schedules
using or until you find the schedule you
want to change.
3
Press New/Save when the remote displays the
schedule you wish to change.
4
Scroll to the field you wish to change using the and buttons and
use the to change the time, day, or frequency.
5
Press New/Save to save the new time.
6
Send the updated schedule to Roomba and
the scheduling Virtual Walls. See pp. 17 – 18
for details.
Deleting Schedules
1
Open the Scheduler Remote’s cover. The display should
read “SHOW .” If it reads “Set Time”, see p. 15.
2
Scroll through the schedules using or until the schedule you wish
to delete is displayed.
3
Press Delete to clear the schedule.
4
Send the deleted schedule to Roomba and
the scheduling Virtual Walls. See pp. 17 – 18
for details.
TIP: You can clear the schedule from the scheduling Virtual Walls and from
Roomba by removing and replacing the batteries.
0-3 4-7 8+
0-3 4-7 8+

20 iRobot Roomba Owner’s Manual
1
Remove and empty
Roomba’s bin
2
Clean Roomba’s filter
compartment
3
Clean Roomba’s brushes
A. Remove brush guard by pulling
both yellow tabs
Maintenance
To keep Roomba running at peak performance, it is recommended that you
perform the following maintenance tasks every three uses:
Press button and
pull to remove bin
Empty bin
B. Remove and clean Roomba’s
brushes. Remove brush caps and
use scissors to cut any hair wrapped
around the brush. Use the Roomba
cleaning tool to comb hair from brush.
C. Remove and clean hair and dirt from
Roomba’s brush bearings.
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: If you notice Roomba picking up less debris from your floor, empty the bin
and clean the brushes.
Do not attempt to run Roomba without the bearings. If you misplace
Roomba’s brush bearings, contact iRobot Customer Care for replacement
bearings.
Excessive build up of hair in Roomba’s brushes and bearings can
permanently damage Roomba. Inspect brush bearings regularly.
A. Clean or replace filter*
B. Clean filter
compartment
Brush
bearings
Brushes
Brush
caps
Visit www.irobot.com/usetips
for instructional photos
*Replace filter every 2 months