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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. In order to accommodate this variance, it is necessary to
calibrate the compass device to the area of the earth where the mower is being used. This is a one-
time process and need not be repeated unless the mower is moved several hundred miles from its’
present location. See Figure 2.10.
The calibration process is simple and the Robomow is designed to ask you to perform this step before
it can ever be used in the automatic mode. Remove the Manual Controller from the holder and drive
the Robomow to a smooth and horizontal area inside the lawn. If the grass is extremely high, adjust
the height and ground clearance adjustments to their highest position relative to the ground. Position
the Robomow in the center of the area and insert the Manual Controller back into the holder and pivot
the holder flush with the top surface of the mower. You may have to help push the coiled cord
attached to the Manual Controller into the space below the controller in order to get the holder flush
with the top. Turn the Perimeter Switch on to activate the perimeter wire, as it must be in operation to
perform this process. You will now be at the first display as seen in Figure 2.10. Follow the sequence
pictured in Figure 2.10 to complete this process.
During the calibration process, the Robomow will begin rotating slowly in a circle, pausing from time
to time. The Robomow can make up to four complete circles during this process, pausing several
times for several seconds each time along the way. The LCD panel will have a text message of
‘
Wait’
flashing on and off during this process. Only when the text message,
‘
Test Passed Press C’
is shown on the LCD is the process complete. Press the ‘
C’
button to return the LCD text message
back to the main menu message of
‘
Dock Zone - Press Go’
or
‘Zone A – MAX’
.
Though unusual, it is possible that the first attempt to calibrate can fail, where the text message on
the LCD is
‘
Retry Elsewhere’
.
While unusual it does not indicate a problem with the Robomow. It
simply means that something nearby is introducing too much interference to get an accurate
calibration. It can be metal objects or even underground wires. Once the calibration is completed,
this interference will not cause any problems to the Robomow. To re-calibrate, simply drive the
Robomow to another smooth level spot at least 10-15 feet (3 - 4.5 m) away from the spot first used,
and repeat the same steps for calibration. Once calibration is successful, the message requiring you
to calibrate will never be seen again.
