Aiper Scuba S1 Review

[FlyingScot]

So, I ran the S-1 tonight after uploading the new version and honestly didn’t notice much difference. It seemed to be doing some different patterns but I just kept it be and walked away. After 3 hours it was sitting in the corner of the shallow end waiting to be retrieved. I checked the entire bottom as it was dirty when it started and the whole floor was clean. So, my would be to not spend too much time watching it but just check out the results at the end. If it’s clean, and the filter basket is dirty, then nothing else matters.

My guess is the update simply changed the timer gates to shorter periods when it is stuck/not moving. Mine seems to be quicker to navigate out of a corner or stairs than before. Just a guess

 

[cssnms]

Well as a follow up to my last post firmware update, I was able to observe the S1 running today on floor only Eco mode and disappointingly the S1 would not advance past the incline to the shallow end.

The S1 spent 30 minutes of its 45 minute cleaning cycle traversing the same path back and forth across the pool, the same location where it would get stuck before, then shut down.

I followed up with the same Aiper CS rep that provided me with the firmware update to share my latest experience.

While I think the firmware update did improve the operating parameters it unfortunately has not completely solved the "incline challenge."

 

[Bbp]

I had been planning on sending the Pro back, but today it seemed to stick to a pattern and cleaned the entire pool. I've only been running it in floor mode. It hasn't been popping wheelies, getting stuck on the main drain cover, and lost in corners. All of which it had been doing at the beginning.

I have not figured out how to connect to check for a firmware update.

 

[korell]

I have recorded and posted a 1 hour time-lapse video of the Scuba S1 in my 16’ x 32’ deep-end pool in floor only mode before applying the firmware update to YouTube, for those interested.



I have also attached picture of my pool shape for reference.

 

[cssnms]

Your pool is similar to mine, my deep end is 6.6' shallow is 3.5'

 

[JayZed]

I have recorded and posted a 1 hour time-lapse video of the Scuba S1 in my 16’ x 32’ deep-end pool in floor only mode before applying the firmware update to YouTube, for those interested.



I have also attached picture of my pool shape for reference.
View attachment 580380
View attachment 580381

I can't see your video.
I get this error screen and this debug message:

"debug_error": "{\"errorCode\":\"api.invalidparam\",\"errorMessage\":\"An error occurred. Please try again later.\",\"HO\":\"GENERIC_WITHOUT_LINK\",\"Fn\":\"\",\"tL\":\"invalidVideodata.1;a6s.3\",\"XI\":2,\"cpn\":\"wp2sPQjoQ6992BAa\"}",

I'm guessing the link information is missing...

 

[korell]

Your pool is similar to mine, my deep end is 6.6' shallow is 3.5'

I think this style is pretty standard in our area. Mine is 8‘ deep with a 3‘ shallow end.

 

[korell]

I can't see your video.
I get this error screen and this debug message:

"debug_error": "{\"errorCode\":\"api.invalidparam\",\"errorMessage\":\"An error occurred. Please try again later.\",\"HO\":\"GENERIC_WITHOUT_LINK\",\"Fn\":\"\",\"tL\":\"invalidVideodata.1;a6s.3\",\"XI\":2,\"cpn\":\"wp2sPQjoQ6992BAa\"}",

I'm guessing the link information is missing...

That‘s strange… try this link:

 

[JayZed]

Thanks, that works much better.
It's a 32 second clip, correct?

Your pool looks identical to mine as well, except my stairs are on the other side.

It's good to see that it didn't have any trouble getting up the incline from the deep end to the shallow end.

So, are you going to apply the firmware update and do another short video?
That would be much appreciated.

 

[Dan-H]

I thought I would post an update on my Scuba S1. It was not cleaning the shallow end and I ended up returning it.

I opened a support case online and after a few back-and-forth emails they sent me a FedEx ground return label.

Their automated AI generated email responses conflicted with the emails from the support rep and it was a a bit confusing so I clicked on the "escalate link" and this was handled properly overnight.

I packed up the cleaner in the original box, in a box, in a box and dropped it off on Thursday 5/30. Today June 2, I received paypal notification of the return credit.

I'm sad this didn't work out. The unit seemed to be good quality and it also did a good job cleaning the deep end of the pool.

 

[korell]

Thanks, that works much better.
It's a 32 second clip, correct?

Your pool looks identical to mine as well, except my stairs are on the other side.

It's good to see that it didn't have any trouble getting up the incline from the deep end to the shallow end.

So, are you going to apply the firmware update and do another short video?
That would be much appreciated.

I’m glad that second link worked out. I actually got the same error on the first embedded link when I tried it with my Android based Fire tablet. iPad and iPhone worked just fine. Yes, it is a 32 second video, 1 hour real time. Apparently iPhones automatically reduce the frame rate as recording time increases. 1 hour recording time just came out to be a 32 second video. I wish I could control the number of frames, but I‘d probably have to get a separate (paid) app for that.
Yes, I will update the Scuba this evening and record another time-lapse in the morning.
I’m probably keeping the Scuba regardless as it is ultimately cleaning my pool, but these are nice experiments. Unless of course the update for some reason makes it worse lol

 

[cssnms]

Response from the same rep Ive been working with concerning my on-going issue with my Scuba S1. Perhaps another firmware update in the near future.

"Dear Chris,

Thank you for your follow-up and detailed feedback regarding the Scuba robot's performance.

I understand your frustration with the robot not being able to navigate past the incline and reach the shallow end, especially with it traversing the same location for an extended period. I will forward your observations and concerns to the Aiper development team and emphasize the need for a thorough reexamination of the programming and more extensive field testing of the firmware updates. We value your input and are committed to ensuring our products meet your expectations. I will keep you updated on any progress or changes made to address these issues.

Thank you for your patience and continued support.

Best regards,
Yohanna
Aiper Customer Support"

 

[korell]

Thanks, that works much better.
It's a 32 second clip, correct?

Your pool looks identical to mine as well, except my stairs are on the other side.

It's good to see that it didn't have any trouble getting up the incline from the deep end to the shallow end.

So, are you going to apply the firmware update and do another short video?
That would be much appreciated.

I just posted a time-lapse video with the firmware update applied, and I think it is performing much better. It is still getting “confused” sometimes, but it will go back to performing the S pattern after a while. I think this video is slightly over 1 hour real time and the video turned out to be 34 seconds long.

 

[Bbp]

My pool is rectangle too. The Pro seems to run diagonally. I guess it doesn't matter as long as it does its job. I think diagonally helps for getting back up the slope. I really just want it to run back and forth short ways across the pool.

 

[XSaint]

I just purchased a Scuba S1 from Amazon after purchasing the Smorobot Tank C1 last week. My pool is all tile and has an irregular shape which caused the C1 to struggle when navigating the walls in standard (floor + walls) mode.

Hopefully I can provide a side-by-side comparison this week.

 

[Belo]

For those on the fence, I'll say that my return process was very smooth. No arguing, prepaid return and reimbursement. Good luck to those still using it. I think it's a nice product for the right type of pool.

 

[piezon]

Well as a follow up to my last post firmware update, I was able to observe the S1 running today on floor only Eco mode and disappointingly the S1 would not advance past the incline to the shallow end.

The S1 spent 30 minutes of its 45 minute cleaning cycle traversing the same path back and forth across the pool, the same location where it would get stuck before, then shut down.

I followed up with the same Aiper CS rep that provided me with the firmware update to share my latest experience.

While I think the firmware update did improve the operating parameters it unfortunately has not completely solved the "incline challenge."

That’s strange because mine has no problems going up and down the steep incline from shallow to deep.
As for wall cleaning, it’s getting about 50% coverage in the shallow end and the deep end is a joke.
I’m using it in floor only mode and am quite pleased with the results. And when I’m in the pool, I’ll put it on wall mode once a week and “assist” it along the shallow end walls & tile line.

 

[HermanTX]

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced the transformer plug becoming really hot.
When I leave it on for 3 hrs - the large plug becomes hot. The wire to the bot is fine and the lights on the bot work well during th charging cycle.

 

[cssnms]

That’s strange because mine has no problems going up and down the steep incline from shallow to deep.
As for wall cleaning, it’s getting about 50% coverage in the shallow end and the deep end is a joke.
I’m using it in floor only mode and am quite pleased with the results. And when I’m in the pool, I’ll put it on wall mode once a week and “assist” it along the shallow end walls & tile line.

To be clear my bot has no problems going straight up and down the incline either (length wise) but what it's not doing is traversing the incline running sideways (perpendicular). It gets 3/4 up the incline and can't seem to advance beyond that point. I posted a video in this thread.

We're not talking about a super deep end or steep incline, my pool goes from 6'6" to 3'6"

 

[piezon]

I’m glad that second link worked out. I actually got the same error on the first embedded link when I tried it with my Android based Fire tablet. iPad and iPhone worked just fine. Yes, it is a 32 second video, 1 hour real time. Apparently iPhones automatically reduce the frame rate as recording time increases. 1 hour recording time just came out to be a 32 second video. I wish I could control the number of frames, but I‘d probably have to get a separate (paid) app for that.
Yes, I will update the Scuba this evening and record another time-lapse in the morning.
I’m probably keeping the Scuba regardless as it is ultimately cleaning my pool, but these are nice experiments. Unless of course the update for some reason makes it worse

I am wondering if anyone else has experienced the transformer plug becoming really hot.
When I leave it on for 3 hrs - the large plug becomes hot. The wire to the bot is fine and the lights on the bot work well during th charging cycle.

Mine gets warm but not hot. Are you charging it in the shade?