Friendly Robotics RL550, Operating Manual

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Chapter 1
Perimeter Wire Setup
1.0 Where To Start
In order to determine the best location to begin the setup, it is best to first make some basic
decisions based on your lawn. While many lawns can be effectively cut during the course of one
single, most lawns and homes are not laid out in such fashion to efficiently allow the Robomow to
operate freely all over the lawn. Because of this, the typical setup of the perimeter wire may actually
be two separate areas or zones, as they are called. For each zone that is set up, allow for
placement of one Perimeter Switch for that zone. Find a convenient spot outside the perimeter of
each zone, but a location that is relatively easy for you to access. It is recommended to place the
perimeter switch in a dry and sheltered location. Consider placing the perimeter switch near shrubs or
bushes to hide them. Now, knowing the Perimeter Switch location, you can begin the setup by starting the
wire at each of the Perimeter Switch locations.
Figure 1.1
Two separated zones
Back Yard
Perimeter
Switch
Front Yard
Perimeter
Switch
Fence
In figure 1.1, the front yard and the back yard are physically separated by fence. The fence prevents the
Robomow from moving freely between the front and the back. In this example, there are two zones, one for
the front and one for the back. Knowing ahead of time that two zones will be needed will help the setup go
smoothly.
1.1 Using The RoboRuler
The Robomow includes a ruler style measurement stick called a RoboRuler that is used to help position
the perimeter wire along walls, fences, sidewalk, driveways, flower beds and other perimeter zones. There
are two basic measurements that are used on the RoboRuler. The shorter distance is used along
perimeter edges where the area outside the immediate perimeter (about 12 inches/30 cm) is free of
obstacles and is the same relative height as the perimeter edge. The longer distance is used along
perimeter edges where the area outside the immediate perimeter has obstacles or differences in the height
along the perimeter edge. See Figure 1.2.
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