Electronics

Roomba 530S Serial Port Mod

March 10, 2012

Since the Roomba 530S does not come with it’s programming port exposed I had to do a slight modification in order to get it ready for hacking. Equipped with a 1/2″ spade bit and some masking tape I carved out a hole for my serial tether to plug into.

Parts:

  • A Roomba 530/560
  • A 1/2″ Spade Bit
  • A drill or Rotary Tool
  • Masking Tape
  • Black Marker
  • X-Acto Knife
  • File or sand paper

Steps:

  1. Remove bezel
  2. Place masking tape so that it covers the programming port but has enough excess so that it will stick out from under the cover allowing you to make some markings
  3. Using magic marker or a sharpie, trace the two grooves around the center circle as well as the programming port itself
  4. Peel off masking tape
  5. Replace bezel
  6. Put the masking tape back in place, taking care to line up the 2 curved lines traced out earlier
  7. Use X-Acto knife to trim off excess
  8. Remove bezel again
  9. Drill out the hole for the programming port with 1/2″ spade bit
  10. Remove masking tape
  11. Use rounded file or sandpaper to smooth out the edges on the hole
  12. Put bezel back on

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