I’m new to the Yarbo, just got it running. I found mapping with the phone to be boring and mapping with the controller gets frustrating when trying to make a curved route. It would be nice to have an advanced version of the physical controller mapping. Specifically, around the movement controls. One or both of these options would make it more “fun” and easier to control the Yarbo with the physical controller.
Option 1: Left thumb-stick left track, right thumb-stick right track. Growing up in the 80s-90s, Tyco had an RC tracked car and this is how it was controlled. This would be the most “exciting” way to control it.
Option 2: Left thumb-stick forward/backward, right thumb-stick turn left/turn right.
My issue started with trying to follow curved tree lines, then became frustrated when trying to get a 90-degree turn long a fence line. When using the controller to make the 90-degree turn, it would often move forward or backwards instead.
not agree, this is not an rc car, is a mower. this type of control allow to use rover just with one hand. to curve just move a lit bit on the forward-right or left. to turn 90 just release forward and turn all right or left. that’s all
Not looking to remove the original configuration for those that prefer it. Looking for an advanced controller mapping option.
I have a lot of yard to map and a lot of no-mow zones to add in after mapping. In the 2 days of mapping I’ve done, the turning has become the most frustrating part (besides losing GPS and having to start over 3-4 times).
This probably isn’t it, but just as a quick check,
Verify that you do NOT have wifi enabled on the core. Any packet loss by that method will manifest as no-gps while the TCP stream times out. It’ll also stall the core for about 30 seconds.
If that’s not the issue, try the following strategy for mapping bad-gps sections -
a) Map the good sections, and leave the bad parts out
b) Edit the harder parts into the area, in smallish chunks.
That’ll minimize the number of do-overs, and when your fun-meter gets full, you can move on. Although if coverage for a section is that bad, you probably want to make it a dedicated area with a specific path. Perhaps dedicated rectangular areas with a spiral pattern cut might be useful, to provide that “in and out” pathing. Whatever, but you want the core to get back into daylight before the GPS gets called out.
If you have a 2nd phone with the diagnostic page open, you can watch the Heading DOP to figure out when things are going poorly. Anything above 2 is no good, and your path will need a bit of 1-something every now and again to reset the IMU. How often “now and again” is, is magic to me. Just realize that a running perimeter task will need those moments of daylight, also, so if you can’t map it, the job won’t run it anyway (hence, make a dedicated area for it).
It was connected to the wifi, but I do have a lot of mature trees in the yard, getting anywhere near them can lead to loss of GPS, particularly the pines. I also started “losing” GPS while it is charging. It has been “finding” the GPS as soon as it gets tasked with moving. That is a fairly new thing.
But, the original request of an advanced controller mapping option still stands. Turning it with the controller is frustrating, sometimes.
I think the controls are confusing, both, on the app and the physical one. Forward motion and counter-rotating works. But backwards moving is backwards. Rover turns left when joystick is in the backwards-right position and vice-versa. Also, the “safety” features on the physical controller are a pest and hand cramping. It’s not deemed necessary on the app…so why have them on the physical controller?
I agree. Also, trying to drive the snow blower you have to hold down the right shoulder, both triggers, and then move the stick. Put on gloves because it’s 5 below and good luck. So you wander around outside playing yarbo like a video game with your hands exposed for hours?
The app does sticky controls, like tap to turn on the auger. The controller should allow for this too. Advanced mode, I like it.
Yea, I stopped fighting with the Xbox controller thing after maybe 2 days. Doesn’t seem nearly as convenient as just using the phone app.
Including a physical controller was a nice idea, but I don’t think it’s well implemented currently. Not user friendly at all, and since the app screen doesn’t rotate, you can’t watch the app on your phone while controlling Yarbo with the controller.
@calin Thanks for your feedback on this! At the moment, we don’t have plans to change the safety system on the physical controller, as safety is a top priority for us. Regarding the reverse movement behavior, we appreciate you pointing it out and I’ll share this feedback with our product team for consideration.
