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Does Your Roomba Ever Go Missing?

kitchendetective

16 years ago

We are in love with our Roomba as it's much more effective than we had imagined. However, it does not obey the virtual walls, does not return to its dock, and I have to spend time finding it. Anyone else have this issue or know how to resolve it?

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Comments (8)

chefkev
16 years ago
Perhaps your Roomba likes to rumble, or is off doing the Rumba. It's rotten you have to go all "Rambo" and rescue your roaming Roomba. Sorry - I just couldn't help myself.
akarinz
16 years ago
My Roomba follows the virtual walls, as long as there is no interference with the ray. Having said that, I have lost it several times. ;)

I bought mine at HammacherSchlemmer, because I have heard they can be difficult and have problems. My first one, after a year, would not hold a charge. I returned it to the company and they gave me a full refund. I would check with the company.

Karin
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alywa
16 years ago
My Roomba works very nicely, but it doesn't find its way back home either. I don't use any virtual walls, so I'm not sure if it obeys them.

It can be a "treasure hunt" to find the little guy, but no big deal. I empty it each cycle anyway.
cuffs054
16 years ago
Mine does ok as long as I choose "clean", if I go for "max", it goes until it dies. Also mine has to try to dock multiple times before it consumates the deal. I noticed that the less clutter around the base the better.
pecanpie
16 years ago
Perhaps you purchased a teenaged Roomba. Give it time.
dadoes
16 years ago
If it wanders too far from the base, it may run out of power before the cleaning/coverage pattern brings it back. That's not unusual. iRobot suggests that additional docking stations can be purchased, if needed, and placed in different areas of the house to address the issue.

The purpose of "Max" clean is to keep going until power runs out, without docking.

Virtual walls don't stay powered-up continuously. They can be programmed to turn on and off with the cleaner per a schedule (see your instruction manual). Or, they can be turned on manually each time a cleaning cycle is run, after which they automatically turn off after a period of time (2 to 3 hrs).
kitchendetective
Original Author
16 years ago
Pecanpie and Chefkev, I'm LMAO at your responses. Dadoes, thank you for the info. I don't know what "max" clean is. I've only found "spot" clean and "clean." I'll try rereading the directions, but this isn't ringing a bell. What model do you have? I have read there is a very powerful model and I would, frankly, like to test it, as I'm not sure the one I have can stand up to my beasts and floors for very long. I did manage to find Roomba's latest hiding place today, so at least that mystery is solved. The dogs and cat seem to accept Roomba's presence now, like one more foundling pet in the house. DH, who is a very bright guy with a bunch of degrees, seems utterly charmed and enthralled by this thing. It's the weirdest thing. . .
oskiebabu
16 years ago
Mine left the house and is now vacuuming the lawn:-)

Greg

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