The Karcher RC 3000 Robot Vacuum Cleaner is not a new product. It was launched back in 2003. Some argue that this “obsolete” design cannot compete with modern robotic vacuum cleaners that use the latest technology for home navigation (SLAM, cameras, etc.). According to customers who fell into this trap, they later regretted the time and money spent, since such toys have to be cleaned after each session of their work. It is clear that there is no 100% autonomous vacuum cleaner on the market, but users buy them because they want to see a device that is as close to complete independence as possible. So, despite its technological “backwardness”, Karcher RC 3000 copes with this task perfectly.
Buyers of robotic vacuum cleaners who have experience operating the latest technology confirm that they do a good job of navigating around the house, but have to clean them after each use. At the same time, in addition to emptying the dust bag, they have to clean the brush, free hard-to-reach places from stuffy hair, etc. In addition, this technique often breaks down for various reasons. In order for the vacuum cleaner to work in “harsh” conditions (for example, in rooms with pets), some components must be replaced. Some do not encounter such problems, but their patience is overwhelmed by the fact that, in addition to the inconvenience of daily maintenance of the vacuum cleaner, all the changes that need to be made for its normal operation significantly increase its initial cost.
History of Kärcher
The company was founded by German inventor Alfred Karcher in 1935. Among other things, the company was engaged in the production of equipment for hardening steel, heating devices for aircraft engines and cabin heating systems.
In 1950, Karcher made a breakthrough in cleaning technology by creating Europe's first high-pressure hot-cleaning apparatus. Innovation has become a growth factor for the company. In 2011 alone, it launched the production of 100 new products. The world leader in the market for cleaning technologies continues to be distinguished by ingenuity, high productivity and innovative methods for solving problems.
First meeting
The vacuum cleaner users are confused by the stereotype that all robotic devices must remain connected to their base in order for their batteries to be charged. After the Karcher RC 3000 completes the cleaning cycle, and it is fully charged, the robot disconnects from the station and keeps aside until it becomes necessary. You might think that something happened to the device, but in fact, this behavior is normal.
When the RC 3000 LEDs are off, it doesn’t actually work! Nothing discharges batteries, nor IR sensors, nor timers, nor software, like some other robotic devices. Reading the manual and contacting customer support confirmed that this is actually the normal behavior of RoboCleaner.
Parking
If it is necessary that the device interrupts cleaning after the next charging cycle, then you need to press the button "parking robot". The indicator is activated. After his next return to the base, the vacuum cleaner is empty and recharged. Then the RC 3000 will turn off and stop in front of the station.
Buyers note that care should be taken when cleaning debris detection sensors. Accidental use of wet wipes can cause the robot to stop with a blinking red LED after charging. Only after the dust-covered IR sensors were wiped with the antistatic cloth used for computer monitors did the problem be solved. It should also be used to clean other sensors.
Unpacking
Karcher Robocleaner RC 3000 is packed in a shipping box with the company logo, inside which is the main box with colorful graphics and robot specifications. The vacuum cleaner is packed very well, which protects it from any possible troubles along the way. The robot and the station are packed in plastic wrap.
Content
After opening the box, you can find the base station. On the other hand, there is a package with the robot itself, and below it is a platform that is easily attached to the base.
In addition, there is a thick user guide in many languages, a store sticker and service information.
Instruction manual
The manual covers everything from initial installation, base positioning, parking to describing the RC 3000 and its parts. In addition, there is an extensive troubleshooting guide in case the device starts flashing a red LED or if all the indicators on the base light up. At the beginning of the instructions there is a quick link with pictures that are easy to follow.
Base station
The base is very light and easy to move with the handle. At the bottom there is space to accommodate excess sagging cable. A platform should be attached to it, which is not difficult, as the user manual perfectly illustrates this process.
Vacuum cleaner
The Karcher RC 3000 vacuum cleaner itself is a lightweight round robot. At the edges, it has a rubber bumper that protects furniture, etc., and also has several rubber bumpers protruding from above so that the device does not get stuck under the furniture.
It has a power button and two LEDs (red and green). The Karcher RC 3000 robot is equipped with four sensors to prevent it from falling from the stairs. There is also an infrared sensor window designed to search for the base, as well as an IR sensor in the dust compartment, warning of its filling and transmitting information to the program to start the required operation mode.
Robot vacuum cleaner "Karcher RC 3000" (reviews): silent mode how to turn it on?
The RC 3000 is very quiet when it cleans the house. Much quieter than the counterparts on the market. The base is loud, like a typical vertical vacuum cleaner. But this only lasts about 30 seconds after the robot returns to the station to free itself of debris and recharge. The base can be made quieter by reducing the vacuum created. To switch to silent mode, just click the Quiet mode button. The control LED will light up. But productivity will also decrease. After the 8-hour timer has been activated, the base station will return to normal mode again.
Types of cleaning
The programming of the vacuum cleaner is based on. The robot is configured for 4 different cleaning modes (this happens automatically, depending on the data received from the dust collector sensor):
- Normal cleaning. The vacuum cleaner runs in random mode at normal speed.
- Stain of dirt. The device moves slowly through the contaminated area.
- Very dirty stain. The robot slowly moves back and forth through the dirty area.
- Extensive very dirty surface. The device slowly radially passes through the zone, describing the star.
The base monitors the duration of the vacuum cleaner and informs it either of the need to continue after emptying or charging, or of its termination, giving the command to park.
Moving around the house
The Karcher RC 3000 Robot Vacuum Cleaner is considered “stupid” due to its simple random cleaning method. If he encounters an obstacle, then he simply changes direction in an arbitrary order. Some argue that this type of navigation is ineffective when cleaning a house.
However, despite this, the Karcher RC 3000 vacuum cleaner is called by users as doing its job perfectly. It cleans very well - this is visible with the naked eye. True, the corners remain uncleaned, since the device does not have a side rotating brush.
Trash bin
Compared to other brands, the RC 3000 dust collector is quite small (0.2 L). But this is not a problem, since after filling it, the robot returns to the base in order to automatically release it.
Preparing home before launch
This task is important both for other robotic vacuum cleaners and for ordinary ones. All loose objects (toys, cables, carpets with long tassels, clothing, etc.) should be lifted from the floor. Users note that 5 cm fringed mats present an insurmountable obstacle to a vacuum cleaner. Before leaving, they need to be removed.
Charging
Charging the battery may take up to 60 minutes (usually the first time you connect). If the charge drops below a certain level during harvesting, the robot will begin to search for the base. As soon as it is docked, its dust collector will be released for about 30 seconds, and then charging will begin, which will be indicated by a flashing green LED.
timetable
Karcher RC 3000 can not be pre-programmed, which scares some. However, many users do not see a problem in this. It is enough just to turn on the robot right before leaving, and set the time of its work, for example, to 6 hours.
Base Search
The placement of the base station has a decisive influence on whether the robot can constantly return to it. It is best to install it facing the corridor leading to other rooms. The device easily overcomes the thresholds while cleaning the living room, dining room, bathroom and kitchen, and also easily moves between rooms. According to user reviews, the robot successfully docked with the base in 100% of cases. If the device does not find the station for some time, it turns off the garbage collection system and focuses on finding the base.
Storage
If you plan on long-term storage of the device, then this must be done with fully charged batteries. If the vacuum cleaner does not work when you try to start after a long break (the batteries are exhausted), then you must follow the instructions for charging them.
Maintenance
Robot vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 user reviews find it quite simple to maintain. The manual describes how to open the dust cover, remove or clean the flat filter, and how to remove or clean the brush.
In addition, it indicates that it is necessary to clean the lower sensors. True, it does not specify how often this needs to be done. It is clear that it depends on the house.
Maintenance of the base is also simple. The LED lights up when it is time to replace the bag. You just need to pull it out and put another in its place. After 5 bags, it is necessary to replace the engine filter (it is included in the kit).
Specifications
- Cleaning productivity - 15 m² / h.
- Operating time on a single charge - up to 1 hour.
- Engine power - 600 watts.
- Charging time - up to 20 minutes.
- The volume of the dust bag (robot / base) is 0.2 / 2 liters.
- The noise level in quiet mode is 54 dB.
- Dimensions RoboCleaner / base - 285 x 105 mm / 500 x 250 x 230 mm
- The weight of the RoboCleaner / base is 2 / 5.8 kg.
Advantages and disadvantages
Positive sides:
- Batteries last over 5 years. According to user reviews, even after this period, the vacuum cleaner is able to work for 20-30 minutes.
- No daily maintenance needed. Just press the button to start the device.
- Karcher RC 3000 is quieter than its competitors.
- There is no need to clean the waste bin.
- The vacuum cleaner does not need to be brushed as often as others (once every two weeks).
- Despite accidental navigation, it moves well. Docks in 100% of cases.
- It does its job well, no worse than competitors.
- Does not damage furniture.
- Hair does not wrap around the edges of the brush.
Disadvantages:
- The robot does not have a side brush that could improve the quality of cleaning.
- Unable to set work schedule.
- The only way to prevent the robot from cleaning the room is to close the door to it. If you do not want a certain part of the room to be cleaned, you will have to come up with a way to influence the bumper, for example, use a board.
Conclusion
Vacuum cleaner Karcher RC 3000 - yellow robotic vacuum cleaner, solid and reliable. The manufacturer has created exactly what many users are looking for - a minimum of maintenance with good floor cleaning, especially from pet hair and garbage. The robot is not stuck anywhere. It is enough to press a button so that the device performs its work during the day without worrying about cleaning its brush for at least two weeks. The vacuum cleaner moves perfectly around the apartment and always finds the base station. The garbage bag often does not have to be changed.
The company's support service works flawlessly. Consumables in the vacuum cleaner are disposable base station trash bags, batteries, and probably a brush (although users on the forums have never mentioned the need to replace it).
If you calculate how many parts you have to replace in 5 years of operation of robotic vacuum cleaners from other manufacturers, you can be horrified by the amount of money spent. "Karcher" is more expensive only at the very beginning, but it will be cheaper if you consider the purchase of spare parts and consumables for its competitors.