Unknown vacuum device - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: najrao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 11:35:43 am
content: Please see attached pictures and help me identify this object. It has never seen any use before, and reverse image search gave no joy. There may have been more to it on the top, I see provision for mounting screws.It has a 800+W vacuum sucker inside, a modest bag filter in the bottom compartment, and a suction pipe inlet at the top. A triac control is implemented on the PCB, but there is no operator control or even a switch. I have fitted a push ON-OFF switch and bypassed the triac control for checking.Disassembly is very difficult. Have done it once, just to see the vacuum motor.The control wires leading from the PCB end in small micro-switch/es, and an inconsequential LED indicator (may be PWR ON).On the PCB, I see strange looking device with two LED'S. There are also two more LED's mounted separately. None light up on power on to the board. Strangely, the front of the PCB as a whole is cased by a transparent dark purple plastic 'window', suggesting remote infrared control.There is no name or label, but I see a logo on the bottom.Some suggestion of 'dentist's suction pump', don't know what it means.Thanks for your interest.Edit: Attachments failed, please see second post.

author: najrao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 11:45:08 am
content: Unable to attach some pictures, even resized. Pls bear with me. Trying again.It worked two hours later!

author: thm_w
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 29, 2023, 09:45:19 pm
content: Image search for self emptying vacuum base, and you'll find similar items. The robotic vacuum uses the infrared LEDs to locate the base, maybe to communicate as well, then goes to it to empty its local dirt storage and charge its batteries.Brand is ecovacs.https://www.ecovacs.com/The vacuum motors they use can be quite good.

author: najrao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2023, 10:45:05 am
content: Thanks, thm_w.The good part is that the logo matches. The website shows no comparable device, however.Image search title suggested produced no joy.No possibility of arobotvac attaching itself to this.This deviceis the vacuum; it has a 800W mains sucker inside, and a spout on thetop** to attach a hose. Also, there is a filter bag in a bottom chamber, which has a hinged shutter on which itsits!There is also a 'charging' socket at the top, fed by works on the PCB, presumably low voltage dc for a battery operated accessory.Nothing stirs if the PCB input (and motor) are powered, none of the four LED's on the PCB wake up. Clearly, an accessory is required to get this going. What acc? I have just wired the motor only direct through a switch, for testing; the sucker puts out a really powerful vacuum. Perhaps the triac is arranged to soft-start. Direct on line jerks the whole unit to tangle the power cord!The mystery eludes me.Edit : ** I should have considered if I am holding itupside down! May be whatever sits on the top is really thebottom, so the perspective changes.S

author: GLouie
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 30, 2023, 05:33:37 pm
content: Since the logo matches, it looks to me like the Ecovacs Deebot N8+ auto empty station, without the base or robot and indeed, upside down. I think it is supposed to empty what the robot picks up.https://site-static.ecovacs.com/upload/us/file/support/2023/10/31/072647_1222-DEEBOT-N8Instructionmanual.pdfIf working, the LEDs should be infrared, so try pointing a digital camera at the LEDs; most cameras can see infrared and display it.You could post more photos that show the device better.

author: najrao
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 31, 2023, 06:57:44 am
content: Bingo, GLouie, well spotted. Pictures in the manual fit device very well.There is no chance I will restore it to original functionality. So, interest in the PCB would be only to see if it does any speed control or soft-start. I will check the LED's by cell- phone camera.I may still find use for it as a local, stationary vacuum cleaner around my work area.Thanks a million.Edit: Powering up the PCB does not show any of four "LED"s lighting up on cell camera.