Modernising The Electrolux Trilobite
Modernising The Electrolux Trilobite
Hey! My 11 year old ZA1 Trilobite gave me an error 11 the other day, and since I don't know if I'll be able to find a new mainboard for it anytime soon, or even repair it's current one, anyone think its possible to use some other control system for it? Possibly an Arduino? I have little experience in these matters, only used Picaxe stuff so far, so any input is greatly appreciated!
- vic7767
- Robot Master
- Posts: 15556
- Joined: January 14th, 2006, 7:31 pm
- Location: Haughton Louisiana - USA
Re: Modernising The Electrolux Trilobite
There is another controller you might consider: http://www.ez-robot.com/Explore/
Re: Modernising The Electrolux Trilobite
I do like the look of that, especially since the programming side seems fairly simple, which is exactly what I need, thanks!!
I assume getting the thing moving would be a reasonably simple task, however I'm clueless how the ultrasonic sensors on the bumper of the Trilobite are set up, and how these would interface with any controllers?

- vic7767
- Robot Master
- Posts: 15556
- Joined: January 14th, 2006, 7:31 pm
- Location: Haughton Louisiana - USA
Re: Modernising The Electrolux Trilobite
The drive motors would need to be controlled using H-Bridges that the EZ controller would then control, same thing with the ultrasonic sensors. The EZ controller has both ultrasonic and IR control interfaces already built.
Re: Modernising The Electrolux Trilobite
Looking at the bumper, it seems each receiver has some form of serial communication as each only has 1 wire I think, and the emitter bar has a 4 pin connector. Would it be possible to solder these straight to the board of a normal off-the-shelf ultrasonic sensor, or is their some simpler way of doing it and I'm missing the obvious?
Re: Modernising The Electrolux Trilobite
Did you make any progress on this? I have one ZA2 that has a main board that is beyond repair and another that isn't working properly ...
It would be nice to replace the mainboard and make Trilobite IOT.
I have had Trilobite, Roomba (x3) and a Navibot and the Trilobite had the best cleaning performance of all (but is a little noisy!).
It would be nice to replace the mainboard and make Trilobite IOT.
I have had Trilobite, Roomba (x3) and a Navibot and the Trilobite had the best cleaning performance of all (but is a little noisy!).