They were probably referring to the fact that it uses GPS to get to the docking station, turn around, and then start backing. If GPS got it misaligned to begin with, then when backing the magnetic sensors potentially wouldn’t help much. The other factor is, if it’s slipping while it’s doing it’s shuffling trying to get the sensors lined up, it could eventually timeout and report a charging error (since it was misaligned). It does periodically check GPS as its backing. That’s why you see the pause and it reorients itself if needed. But it mostly uses the magnets when it’s on the docking station.
Reinstall of the docking station rewrites the GPS coordinates onto the map and the new pathway. A pathway that doesn’t come straight off the dock can also lead to some misalignment during the docking procedure. Say it goes off to the right just a little, the rover will line up just off to the right a little and then have to correct itself. Add in slippage on the dock because it’s not level, wet, muddy tracks, etc. it can potentially lead to charging errors. It’s usually really good about working through all of these issues though. But, sometimes it happens.
Apologies if I was unclear.
The rover was positioned perfectly, every time, including several times by me, physically placing it. There was never an actual misalignment.
New user encounter this charging issue. Bot Perfectly aligned and attempts to start charging but errors out with failed to charge. Could this be related to a high SOC when docking? My bot returned with about 70% due to rain. I also had the GFCI trip a couple times while trying to sort the issue. I walked away for 30 minutes in frustration. When I opened the app and pressed Charge, it worked, no realignment, physically didn’t touch anything. SOC was down to 67% at that point. Any thoughts?
I haven’t been able to recreate the issue again. I’ve recharged multiple times since without problems. Maybe the charger being wet contributed. I did notice that it can have trouble aligning when the pad is wet. When it makes the small lateral adjustments it often overshoots and slides slightly past the target. Maybe a line of grip tape in the tread footprint could help.
I wouldn’t modify the pad, the extra grip could throw off its algorithms and cause you the opposite effect during dry days. Wet and track slippage can be a factor, but generally it’s pretty forgiving about being off the lines and still charging. Hopefully it doesn’t happen again. If it does, submit a ticket to have them check it out.