The boundary wire (edge wire) defines the lawn mower's working area and ensures efficient operation by preventing it from leaving the designated area.
It creates an electromagnetic signal that is picked up by the mower's sensors.
Key Components:
- Boundary Wire: Installed along the perimeter of the working area.
- Signal Generator: Located in the charging station: emits the boundary signal.
Installation Checklist:
- Plan the layout:
- Identify obstacles such as trees, flower beds, and paths.
- Avoid sharp angles: do not use 90° angles at corners but 2 * 45°.
- Mark off areas such as garden ponds or steep slopes.
- Install the cable:
- Lay the cable flat on the ground, bury it, or place it under paving stones if necessary (up to 5 cm deep).
- Ensure a complete loop to the charging station.
- Use stakes to secure the cable at regular intervals (every 30-50 cm).
- Ensure there are no loose sections to avoid the mower getting stuck.
- Be careful not to damage the cable when hammering in the stakes. Too hard hammering can cut the cable and create faults.
- Connect to the station:
- Connect the ends of the boundary wire to the designated ports on the charging station (The cable that comes in under the charging station should be connected to the red clamp marked with a “+”. The cable that does NOT go under the charging station should be connected to the black clamp, marked with “S1”)
- Test for a stable signal before starting the mower – the charging station's indicator light should be green.
Common Errors and Troubleshooting
Error Codes and Messages:
Robot lawn mowers often display specific error codes related to boundary wire issues or the robot's operation being hindered.
Note, that the indicator light on the charging station should be constantly green. If it flashes green, it is a sign of poor connections or a break in the cable.
- “No signal detected” - flashes red in a triangle on the machine's display.
- Cause: Break in the cable or faulty connection.
- Solution:
- Inspect the cable for visible damage.
- Use a cable tester to locate the break.
- Repair using waterproof connectors.
- “Weak signal”, the machine makes periodic errors, runs in circles sometimes and stops in the middle of the path due to lack of signal from the edge wire.
- Cause: Long cable runs, interference, or moisture.
- Solution:
- Start by checking the machine's error messages in the app or on the machine's fault memory. If it is edge wire related, proceed with the following points.
- Check that the total cable length does not exceed the manufacturer's limits.
- Investigate if nearby devices are causing electromagnetic interference.
- Check for moisture in connectors or cables that may have caused oxidation and signal problems. Replace defective connectors and repair damaged cable areas.
- Tighten the connections at the charging station.
- Avoid excess edge wire lying coiled behind the charging station.
- Ensure that the edge wire is not lying too closely together and interfering with the signal (see the manual for the recommended distance for your model).
- “Mower is operating outside the area”
- Cause: Incorrect cable placement or signal disturbance.
- Solution:
- Adjust the boundary wire to ensure proper coverage.
- Test the loop's continuity using the station's indicator – check if the charging station lights green.
- Check if similar products are installed in the area, e.g., at a neighbour's. Adjust the distance between edge wires and charging stations according to the manual for your model.
- “Intermittent connection”
- Cause: Loose connection links or physical damage.
- Solution:
- Secure the cable connections again.
- Replace worn or corroded connection links/connectors.
- Check the output terminal and the ends of the edge wire for corrosion/rust.
Alternative Solutions:
- Cable tester for edge wire: Detects breaks or weak points in the cable.
- Check the charging station for insects:
Insects can find their way into the charging station, which can cause damage or disruption to its function. The inspection should include the following:
-Inside the charging station: Check for spider webs, dead insects, or live pests that may affect the electrical components.
-Ventilation openings: Ensure that the ventilation openings are free of blockages such as insects or dirt.
-Charging points: Inspect the charging contacts for insect debris that may hinder proper charging.
-Generally around the charging station: Inspect the area around the station for insect nests or signs of activity that may lead to recurring problems.
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Test area: An effective method for diagnosing faults in the edge wire is to set up a test area (approximately 2 m x 1.5 m) in a small size and test the robot within this area.
If the machine works fine in the test area, the fault is likely in the edge wire in the garden (see video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTnutx7QYEM).