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iRobot Advanced Power System Ni-MH Battery, 3000 mAh, 80501 by iRobot
Product DetailsManufacturer: iRobot Brand: iRobot Edition: Kitchen Model: 80501 Color: black Publisher: iRobot Studio: iRobot Music Label: iRobot Product features: - New 3000 mAh Nickel Metal Hydride battery keeps Roomba running at peak performance
- Cleans up to 4 rooms in 1 cleaning cycle
- Charges in 7 hours on standard charger (sold separately)
- For Roomba 500 Series only
- 7 x 2.2 x 2.3 inches; 3 pounds; made in China
Tools and Hardware Reviews of iRobot Advanced Power System Ni-MH Battery, 3000 mAh, 80501Customer Review: NiMh APS Battery Exceeds Specified Run Times Summary: 5 Stars
8/12/10 Update:
Four months after the purchase, both of these NiMh batteries show a maximum run time of 118 minutes. That is (as is normal and expected) an 11% decrease from the original run time. But, that is still 51% higher than the run time on the original NiCd batteries when they were brand new. If these batteries continue to lose 14 minutes of run time every 4 months, these batteries will still run for 90 minutes when they are 1 year old. That will still be 15% longer than the NiCd batteries ran when brand new. And, after 1 year, the NiCd batteries drained before completing a single small bedroom.
Before testing the maximum run time on a used battery, you must reboot the Roomba (see the Roomba battery maintenance internet page), recharge it, confine it in a test area with no charging station present, turn it on and press the dock button.
Use the same test area for each test.
Also, to get the best results from the battery, be sure to follow the battery maintenance tips on the Roomba battery maintenance internet page.
Based upon this interim result, I figure I may get more than one year of service from these NiMh batteries -- time will tell.
Original Review Follows:
Bottom line:
I bought two battery packs from SellBuzz. I am 100% satisfied with both batteries and with SellBuzz. Of course, the real test will be how long the batteries last before they have to be replaced. One year seems to be typical for average use.
The Roomba battery pack is a commodity item which should be purchased at the lowest price available -- so long as the vendor is reputable.
For best results, I recommend charging the new battery for 24 to 72 hours before the first use. It may or may not be necessary or productive. But, it cannot hurt. And, many NiMh battery manufacturers recommend this extended initial trickle charge. After the initial charge, follow the iRobot battery maintenance recommendations:
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When new, my OEM NiCd batteries lasted 78 minutes per charge (on my Berber carpet). Over time, the run time per charge -- as is normal -- diminished. On the first charge, these NiMh batteries lasted 132 minutes in the exact same test (a 69% improvement & 10% above the advertised run time for this battery). Testing the run time per charge is one way to verify you were not sold a used battery -- I was not. Please note that you need a valid reference point. The run time varies according to the surface being cleaned and the room configuration.
This battery is nothing special. It is simply 12 off the shelf 1.2V NiMh batteries connected in series to produce a 14.4V battery with a thermistor added so as to allow the charger to avoid an overheating condition. The only real variable is the mAH rating.
These are the things to check for in a 500 series APS (NiMh) battery:
1) Make sure the battery has 4 contact points.
2) The two smallest contact points are connected to the thermistor.
3) Of the two remaining contact points, the smaller of the two should be the positive terminal. Use a volt meter to compare the polarity of the old battery against the new one. If the polarity matches, the battery should be fine.
4) If you have a valid reference point (such as a test of the OEM battery run time when the Roomba was first purchased), test the run time of the new batteries with the exact same test. This will determine whether you were sold a used battery (highly unlikely).
Description of iRobot Advanced Power System Ni-MH Battery, 3000 mAh, 80501The APS Battery powers Roomba for up to 120 minutes of continuous clean up. Keep two batteries on hand to double the cleaning time. This APS Battery is compatible with Roomba® 500 Series models.
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