Dolphin Active 20 Arrived!!! Questions...

[pjku79]

First off, I want to thank everyone's input for helping me choose this bot and for everyone's suggestion on going with Marina (saved me hundreds). Second, if I missed another thread that covers this, feel free to let me know. I tried to search, but didn't really come up with anything and didn't want to read through every Dolphin thread.

I have a few questions.

1. Based on reading, it sounds like the controller (on/off switch) for this is not waterproof, which means I can't just leave it in my backyard unguarded. What have people come up with to mount this externally and keep it from the elements?
2. What are people using other then the cart to help manage the cable? I was thinking something like a hose reel, but maybe there are better solutions.
3. I noticed my controller and app show the Active 30i options, but don't actually let me used them. Such a tease. I assume there is something on the Active 20 that tells it which bot it is. Is there a way to hack it so it thinks it is the Active 30i?

 

[PopcornGirl2]

Since I'm about to buy one of these, I'm going to lurk/follow this post.

 

[Arizonarob]

Based on reading, it sounds like the controller (on/off switch) for this is not waterproof, which means I can't just leave it in my backyard unguarded. What have people come up with to mount this externally and keep it from the elements?

The controller needs to be kept dry and out of the sun. Some people have mounted the controller inside of a shed or other structure.

What are people using other then the cart to help manage the cable? I was thinking something like a hose reel, but maybe there are better solutions.

Hose reel would work using the “over under” cord wrapping technique. Some just lay it in big loops on the ground too.

I noticed my controller and app show the Active 30i options, but don't actually let me used them. Such a tease. I assume there is something on the Active 20 that tells it which bot it is. Is there a way to hack it so it thinks it is the Active 30i?

It’s in the main board that makes those features active in the 300i/30i.

IMO, the cart would have been the way to go, as it holds the bot, controller, and cable neatly. You can always purchase it separately.

 

[mknauss]

I see nothing wrong with my storage method.....

 

[Mackhatter]

Did I miss some pages or is Dolphin pretty poor on operating instructions? I got a Nautilus cc Plus and there was scarce documentation.

 

[Jimrahbe]

Marty,

I am pretty sure you just gave @MyAZPool a heart attack...

I just lay the cable on the deck with very large loops.. The power supply is mounted off the ground on the side wall of my house, so it is under the eve.. The Robot is stored on a couple of small cedar 4 x 4's that keep the brushes off the ground..

I have another robot at a rent house and built a small "dog house" for the power supply that is mounted to a fence to keep it out of the weather..

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[pjku79]

My plan is to leave it in the pool most of the time. Hence the reason I ask about a dry space for the controller.

However, I did just purchase a this to put on my deck. I figure if I am going to have people over I may want to take it out of the pool and can put it in here.
Amazon.com : Keter Westwood Plastic Deck Storage Container Box Outdoor Patio Garden Furniture 150 Gal, Brown : Garden & Outdoor

For the cord, maybe something like this mounted to the side of my deck.
Amazon.com : FLORA GUARD Hose Bracket, Garden Hose Holder, Metal, Wall Mount (Silver) : Garden & Outdoor

Dry controller storage
Amazon.com : Plano Guide Series 3600 Size Polycarbonate Field Box : Gateway

Might be able to make one of these waterproof and could be used for both.
Amazon.com : Pataku Garden Hose Holder Storage Hanger Wall Mount Hangout Reel Storage Toolbox : Garden & Outdoor
Amazon.com : Suncast Deluxe Garden Hose Hangout with Storage Compartment - Garden Hose Reel that Holds 150' of Garden Hose - Storage Compartment for Nozzles, Garden Gloves and Hose Accessories - Beige : Hose Hanger : Garden & Outdoor

 

[mknauss]

Lordy -- you all are obsessed!

Have fun!!

 

[pjku79]

I tend to jump in head first

 

[pjku79]

The controller needs to be kept dry and out of the sun. Some people have mounted the controller inside of a shed or other structure.


Hose reel would work using the “over under” cord wrapping technique. Some just lay it in big loops on the ground too.


It’s in the main board that makes those features active in the 300i/30i.

IMO, the cart would have been the way to go, as it holds the bot, controller, and cable neatly. You can always purchase it separately.

Arizona, do you know what on the main board it looks at? Has anyone every looked at the difference between the 20 and 30i boards? I have a few electronic techs that can solder....

 

[Arizonarob]

Arizona, do you know what on the main board it looks at? Has anyone every looked at the difference between the 20 and 30i boards? I have a few electronic techs that can solder....

No not sure, but I believe it’s a different board altogether. Maybe Matt might know. @JoyfulNoise

 

[Jimrahbe]

I suspect it is the same board with just a different software loads or jumper settings..

The main problem is that the board is inside a sealed unit.. Feel free to open it if you want, but based upon older units that I have opened, getting it sealed up again is a hit or miss operation.

Thanks,

Jim R.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

The features you get are determined by software. The power supply communicates with the motor assembly in the robot. The motor assembly tells the power supply what “robot” it is (200/300/300i) and then the power supply makes the advanced features available via the smartphone app.

 

[pjku79]

hmmmm....

 

[Geebot]

The features you get are determined by software. The power supply communicates with the motor assembly in the robot. The motor assembly tells the power supply what “robot” it is (200/300/300i) and then the power supply makes the advanced features available via the smartphone app.

They actually "updated" the software about a month after I bought my S300 (about four years ago) which pulled a lot of the remote functionality from the iPhone app (it was almost identical to the S300i before that). Left me a bit miffed but I lived through it.

As for water resistance of the control panel, I've left my caddy (with control panel attached) out in unexpected rainstorms on more than one occasion (bright and sunny when I left the house, storm started before I got home). Pretty watertight but I would not recommend it as a standard practice.

 

[laprjns]

My guess would be that it is determined by the serial number and / or the part number stored non-volatile memory in the motor assembly.

 

[pjku79]

Any other thoughts on outdoor organizing?

 

[anthony21078]

I see nothing wrong with my storage method.....
View attachment 102704View attachment 102704

Is The robot supposed to be stored on its side if you can't hang it from the handle?

 

[mknauss]

I set it on its side to not sit on the brushes. No idea on hanging it.

 

[Pool-Dad]

Just purchased an Active 20 last week. So far I’m very happy with it‘s performance. Take it out most days and store in my garage on blocks just underneath the treads so the brushes are free.