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December 20, 2007 04:35 PM

Categories: Robosapien V1 & V2

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Bud

Member
Joined: 12/20/2007

I have a RSV2 which I received as a gift from my son about 17 months ago.  It has not been used much, but it has worked perfectly up until this week.  It was last used about 5 months ago, when my grandchildren were visiting. When we tried to start it up, it would begin its start-up sequence and then stop, but not always in the same place.  After about 10 attempts, I got the “bad motivator” message, and this prompted me to replace the batteries for the first time.  Still no joy. After reading some of the posts on this forum, I decided to try to open it up.  I tried again to start up, but got the same result.  Then as I was removing the batteries, I noticed that the two AAAs in one foot were quite warm.  This suggested to me that there was an intermittent short. When I got the body cavity open, I found many small crumbs of insulation from the wiring.    The picture clearly shows that some of the wires are in excellent condition, while others have insulation missing or in the process of breaking off.  In the right hand bundle from the leg, you can see that the violet and gray wires are in good shape, while the red, black, yellow, and green wires have lost much of theirs.  Also note that some of the locations with missing insulation are well away from the robot body, and were not in contact with anything. I know that it is much longer than 90 days since I got this robot, but clearly WowWee used some bad wire in making up the wiring harnesses.  I have been in instrumentation design for over 30 years, and have never seen insulation is such bad condition after such a short time. I do not have the materials or the tools to replace the wires in the circuit board connectors myself.  I could install replacement harnesses (both legs are bad), but I really think that WowWee should replace this robot.  This is a clear example of defective materials. Have others seen this problem?

Discussion:    Add a Comment | Comments 26-50 of 52 | Latest Comment | « Previous 1 2 3 Next »

MrScott Avatar
Member
September 3, 2008 12:36 PM

Here's how I expect that I'd proceed if (or when?!) my V2 gets smoked.

  • For each wire
  1. clip  each end a short distance from connector at each end
  2. cut a new wire slightly longer than section clipped out
  3. slide two pieces of heat shrink tubing onto new wire length (do not shrink them on yet)
  4. solder new wire to stub of wire at one connector
  5. solder other end of new wire to stub of old wire at other connector
  6. slide one of the heat shrink tubes over each solder joint and up to the connector 
  7. shrink the tubing in place
That assumes the connectors are intact and not burned up by the shorting.

ScottE -- collecting and building robots for 40 years - details in profile

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
September 3, 2008 3:15 PM

I have both called and emailed WowWee support for exactly that! I stopped at Radio Shack today and of course found out that they stock no such thing (anymore). Radio Shack is now good for NOTHING except cheap phones and computer supplies. They didn't even have compatible wire.

MrScott Avatar
Member
September 3, 2008 3:27 PM

My local RadioShack still has project supplies. Sockets, risers, cable, wire, battery holders, switches, etcetera.

ScottE -- collecting and building robots for 40 years - details in profile

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
September 5, 2008 2:25 PM

Hey guys, I need some advice here.

WowWee has responded back to me.  Here is what they had to say...

Steve

I will exchange the RSV2 for you. I will first need the production code. This code can be found inside the battery compartment of the remote or RSV2’s right foot. Please remove the batteries to see a code with numbers and letter on it on a white sticker. Please email me this code and wait for my approval. I will also need you to email me pictures of the cracked wiring to (email addy) As soon as you receive my approval, I will need you to ship us the following items:
RSV2’s remote control
RSV2’s battery covers
RSV2’s arm wires (please cut these wires that run from his body to his hands)

Please DO NOT send the parts collect and DO NOT put the full face value of the item. It will be your responsibility to pay for all customs and duties if there are any. Your package will NOT be accepted if we have to pay for any fees. We suggest you list the items at $5 USD.
Send these parts along with a copy of this email, your production code, ticket number and complete shipping address with telephone number to:

WowWee Canada Inc
As soon as we get your return, your new item will be sent to you. Please allow 3 weeks for delivery of your new unit.

Sincerely,
WowWee Customer Service

I would like to know you guys opinion and why would he want the ARM wires instead of the LEG wires?  And the battery covers and the remote...but not the RSV2 its self?  Will I have to tear this thing apart to get ALL of the arm wires?    What do you guys think about this?
 

MrScott Avatar
Member
September 5, 2008 2:42 PM updated: September 5, 2008 2:44 PM

I believe this is WowWee's way of making sure a defective robot is taken out of service, permanently.

By requiring key components be removed, it keeps the robot from getting into the hands of another user, who could then make another crumbling wire service claim. WowWee rightly only wants to replace a given defective robot once.

I stated that opinion in this thread just a couple of days ago.

http://www.robocommunity.com/forum/thread/12216/Crumbling-Wire-Insulation/#22534

With regards to the request

"RSV2's arm wires (please cut these wires that run from his body to his hands)"

I think they're talking about the cables that control the hands. There would be no need to disassemble anything. Just cut the cables where they exit the torso and enter the arm.

You certainly would want to verify that from WowWee, as I have nothing other than an opinion to base this on. I don't work for WowWee, and my advice should not be considered official responses or approvals for anything you do.

ScottE -- collecting and building robots for 40 years - details in profile

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
September 5, 2008 3:17 PM

I had the same thoughts exactly...that they just wanted to be sure this particular unit is out of service. I have to send in the S/N, so I will ask them the specifics at that time. I will keep you informed.

I am a little curious why WowWee did not repond to our other RSV2 owners? Let's wait and see how this works out. Thanks for your input, Scott. I appreciate it.

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
September 6, 2008 7:55 PM

WowWee just emailed me again. I am now authorised to send in the parts they requested. This is a little different though. I am going to mail this to CANADA. It will probably go through customs and there might be additional fees I need to pay upfront. I will let you guys know what happens.

Generic Member Avatar
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  • member since: 09/18/2008
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September 18, 2008 11:52 PM

Hi I also got RSV2 with crumbling wiring which keeps saying "I have bad motivator" so I opened it up and made a picture of some damaged wires which I will attach with this posting.  It's serial number is 01006ws.  I sent an e-mail with that picture to manufacturer.  Seems like the damage is everywhere on leg, on wire bunches going to hips and alot of damage on inside of the body on the back.  can anybody suggest what to do with this now, bacause i have been calling and leaving messages for a couple of months now.  Messages have not been returned and no one has called back so far.

MrScott Avatar
Member
September 18, 2008 11:54 PM

I suggest you read this whole thread and do what Steve did.

ScottE -- collecting and building robots for 40 years - details in profile

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
September 19, 2008 12:17 AM updated: September 19, 2008 12:22 AM

Stan, first of all, I could not see the pic you posted. If you go here http://www.robocommunity.com/forum/thread/14020/My-Robosapien-V2-Has-wiring-p... You can compare your wiring to what mine looked like. Here's what I did:
I emailed Wowwee customer support and told them that I was one of many who had this wiring defect. Then I TOLD them I want either a repair, a replacement, or my money back! They responded pretty quickly! I believe if you say this while being courteous, they will respond to you as well. They are a big company and despite all this negative wiring bull-loney, they DO want you to be satisfied. They know about the problem and they are replacing the defective units as fast as they can. Just bare in mind that they also have to supply new RSV2's to the rest of the world as well, so we may have to be patient. Your chances of eventually having them replace your RSV2 is pretty good. The key is..be courteous!

milw Avatar
Moderator
September 19, 2008 6:31 AM

I've looked into this before, and at the time it was not possible to get just the wiring harness. The most helpful thing would be for steve_cb88 to include wire cutting instructions (lengths) and diagram for soldering new wires onto the existing connectors. That is what I did to repair my V2, but I never managed to write it up.

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
September 19, 2008 6:28 PM

Well, I now have my new RSV2! It was delivered today! Unfortunately, I had to go to work. When I get home I will take my time removing it from the box and try it out. I AM SOOOOO EXCITED RIGHT NOW! I can't wait to get home! My wife is looking forward to this as well.

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
September 20, 2008 2:20 AM updated: September 20, 2008 2:21 AM

I finally got this new RSV2 out of the package..after getting two papercuts and using a few bandaids! LOL! It doesn't have the laser tracking feature, but that wasn't important to me anyways. So far it seems to be operating normally. The hands operate fine and no heat from the batteries. It does seem to have a small problem as it goes in and out of puppet mode without me touching any buttons (that I was aware of). I will try it again in the daylight today. All in all, I am quite satisfied. I am feeling positive my probs are over.

Generic Member Avatar
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  • member since: 01/02/2009
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January 2, 2009 10:47 AM

hi all,

i have a white rs v2 which has been up until recently a real member of the family.. and then all of a sudden

Robo, BG Avatar
Member
January 2, 2009 11:11 AM

I'm late posting but I would like to point out that usually on a product the letters S/N are printed before a serial number and if you don't see that it's either a manufacturing number, a product id # (which might be the same as a S/N i'm not sure) or a model/software/prl number.

Steve I'm glad your V2 prob worked out! I don't own a V2 so I wouldn't suffer from this. But I can still offer my help. Wow Wee has... wait... actually I don't think I have ever gotten a support email back from Wow Wee before. I have sent them some but they never responded. Well my experiences with their customer service have been....questionable but I still like them a lot.

I'm sure they will replace the V2's with the problem ASAP.

Keep the robotic dreams alive,

-BG

steve_cb88 Avatar
Member
January 2, 2009 11:38 AM

BG, If you ever needed Wowwee support, you can get it right here at Robocummunity.com. There is a wowwee representative who is a menber here and she has been a lot of help to a few of us.
I have taken the time to remove the chest cover and have seen myself that the wires in this new unit are indeed good. Wowwee has made good by me. The Site moderators here have been very helpful too. I would strongly urge RSV2 owners to pursue replacement of defective wired units via email request to wowwee. Eventually, you WILL get a replacement. I have personally found that they WILL stand by their product.

Generic Member Avatar
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  • member since: 07/31/2009
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August 3, 2009 6:00 PM updated: August 3, 2009 6:09 PM

MrScott said: There have been some folks who got an out of warranty replacement on these defective RSV2s. It usually required sending back key components of the defective RSV2, so that the same busted bot didn't just move to another person for another replacement claim. http://www.robocommunity.com/forum/thread/12815/WowWee-RSV2-replacement-delay... If you contact WowWee Customer Service and specifically state that you have the same crumbling insulation problem that many other RSV2 owners have seen, you might get past the initial "no repairs" response. Other than that, you're talking about a product that's several years out of warranty. When is the last time you got a computer replaced when it was years out of warranty, or a DVD player, or a TV, or a dish washer, or a..... you get the idea.

Sure you wouldnt expect a repair or replacement of a product thats out of warranty by over a year or two or even 3 or 4 years, however if its a manufacturing design fault (which by reading all the posts & wowwees admission to it- it IS  a manufacturers fault), & where its a dangerous one! then there should be a recall or free repair/ replacement for this  (noted theres no product registration, then wowwee should recall/ replace/repair it when customer tells them about the problem-however this isnt the case- NOT in the UK anyway.)

I recently read an article about honda civics & accords that were made in 2001, theres a recall/ free repair (started Nov2008 & still getting recalled &solved right now: Aug 2009) on those cars as its a dangerous manufacturing fault ( the RSV2 has a dangerous manufacturers fault-so why NOT solve this? even if its 4 years since it was first manufactured)   

MrScott Avatar
Member
August 3, 2009 6:39 PM

This topic is deader than your rsv2.
You're pulling up quotes from 11 months ago, and the topic was old and worn then.

It's toy robot, not an automobile. You might as well be comparing apples to gravel.

Read what was said. The only thing that's changed since then is that the RSV2 is officially off the market now.

ScottE -- collecting and building robots for 40 years - details in profile

Generic Member Avatar
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  • member since: 07/31/2009
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August 4, 2009 7:25 PM

Thanks for the reply MrScott - the topic isnt dead for me :) but my lil bros RSV2 is dead though : I know its not an automobile lol - the point I was trying to make is.. that even though the car/product was manufactured like nearly 10 years ago the manufacturer is still doing a recall/repair- Ive seen other product manufacturers (like indoor lighting, lamps, other electricals etc) doing the same thing when it is a manufacturing fault, even though its a while since warranty expired. wowwee products have like 90 day warranty :)

BTW can you advise me what size/diameter heat shrink tubing is required for the wires? thanks :)

View unverified member's comment - posted by Alex R

MrScott Avatar
Member
October 3, 2010 10:42 AM

Alex R,

A year or so ago this was the best advice regarding getting replacements...

You needed

1- bought your RSV2 from a WowWee approved reseller (there's no published list of what those are)

2- have your original purchase receipt

3- are willing to send whatever pieces of the ailing RSV2 back to WowWee that they request. (presumably to make the remains identifiable as a robot that had aleady been replaced)

You'd contact WowWee support (RoboCommunity is not that) and tell them what's wrong, where you bought it, that you had the receipt, and request a replacement of the faulty robot.

Good Luck.

ScottE -- collecting and building robots for 40 years - details in profile

Generic Member Avatar
Member
October 4, 2010 5:46 PM

For anyone interested, I have found the digikey parts needed for the ends of the wire harnesses. They are, 455-1161 7 position housing, 455-1162 6 position housing, 455-1165 2 position housing, (all of these take a 455-2148-1 terminal - crimp on)
455-2266 2 position housing (which takes a 455-1135 Terminal - Crimp on)
In case you are wondering, some of the 2 position connectors are 2mm spacing, others are 2.5mm spacing. That is why 2 sets of parts.
Crimping is either a delicate job, or an additionsl crimp tool, but since it is between $460 and $900, I figure most people will try to do it soldering or crimp by pliers.

Generic Member Avatar
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February 25, 2011 1:31 AM

hi i had a problem with the on/off button one day it just would not start up so after a few tries i just put it in the cupboard, and done no more about it, then about a week or so later the dog and i heard a nocking traced it to the cupboard it was the v2 it had started working, i must have left it on, strange it should start after over a week later.

Robopolis Avatar
Member
January 22, 2012 4:26 PM

20706WS

Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis Robopolis

Generic Member Avatar
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March 9, 2012 11:21 PM updated: March 9, 2012 11:27 PM

36005WS (red)
does anyone know if these harnesses or suitable replacements can be bought?? the connectors are quite common at the board end
or perhaps just new connectors that can be assembled into replacement harnesses with slightly heavier guage better quality wire???


and some companies DO replace bad parts on old toys if its a manufactureing flaw....
just got a set of motors from a bad batch in 1998 replaced in a power wheels car LOL

Discussion:    Add a Comment | Back to Top | Comments 26-50 of 52 | Latest Comment | « Previous 1 2 3 Next »

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