Navimow robot mowers automate lawn mowing and mow the lawn according to the schedule. But if the mower is facing poor positioning, it could delay the scheduled mowing unless the positioning is improved.
In this case, the mower will start one-time mowing without any issues. However, it will not follow the mowing schedule you have set.
Let’s discuss the common reasons behind poor positioning preventing the scheduled mowing. We will also share some effective solutions you can try on your own.
Common Reasons for Poor Positioning
Outdated Firmware
Sometimes, there isn’t any problem with the mower. It’s just the outdated firmware causing the issue.
If there is a new firmware version available, but you are still using an old one, it could be the root cause.
Navimow releases new updates on a regular basis. It includes bug fixes, improvements, etc. It’s necessary to upgrade to the latest version to prevent any issues.
Poor NRTK Signals
If you are using NRTK, then the poor signals in your area can cause poor positioning. NRTK relies on satellites to determine the accurate positioning of the mower. If the signals in your area have dropped recently and the coverage is bad, you are likely to face the issue.
Navimow is currently working to expand the NRTK coverage. We are partnering with more providers for reliable performance. As we continue to collaborate with service providers, Network RTK availability will gradually expand to more regions.
You can check the Network RTK coverage in your area here.
Incorrect Charging Station Location
The charging station of the mower plays an important role in the mower’s positioning. If it’s not receiving signals, you will see a flashing yellow light. It indicates there is no signal. And on the application, you see, “Poor positioning. Scheduled mowing delayed.”
It usually happens because of the incorrect placement of the charging station and antenna (if you are using RTK). The mower requires stable GPS signals to perform, and without them, it cannot navigate the lawn precisely.
The reason is that the mower and the fixed GNSS reference antenna simultaneously observe common satellites. Then, the charging station transmits the reference antenna’s positioning data to the mower. It helps the system reduce common GNSS errors and improve positioning accuracy.
Moreover, the obstructions around the charging station weaken the mower’s own GNSS reception. They reduce the number of satellites visible to both the mower and the reference antenna.
Thus, if the charging station is not correctly placed and the mower is unable to connect to it, it won’t be able to navigate precisely.
To resolve this issue, you have to change the location of the charging station. We will discuss it in detail later in the article.
Antenna Location Problem
If you are using RTK, you have to place the antenna in your lawn. This antenna is essential for accurate positioning of the mower.
The mower requires stable connectivity and signals from the antenna to mow the lawn. Often, new users place the antenna without thinking about obstructions and nearby objects. Later, they face signal issues.
The antenna must be placed at a suitable location in the lawn. We will discuss how you can place it correctly later in this article.
Bad Weather
Poor signals aren’t always because of the wrong antenna and charging station placement. The problem could be bad weather.
If you are facing the poor positioning issue recently and the weather is bad, you should wait until the weather is pleasant. The mower will mow according to the schedule without any issues. But if the problem persists, you can try the fixes.
Weak Wi-Fi or 4G
Navimow robot mowers require strong Wi-Fi or 4G connectivity. Without it, the map doesn't load properly, which delays the mowing schedule.
People often have strong Wi-Fi signals inside their house. But the signal strength in the lawn area is poor. It badly affects the mower’s performance.
Secondly, Navimow mowers also use 4G for internet connectivity. If your mower is relying on that but the signals are weak in your area, the mower might delay the scheduled mowing.
Without stable internet connectivity, the mower faces various issues. It may also affect Network RTK positioning when correction data cannot be received. But keep in mind that weak Wi‑Fi or 4G does not directly weaken GPS signals.
Unless these issues are resolved, the mower will not follow the mowing schedule.
Further reading: Why is my Navimow GPS, RTK, or Positioning Signal Weak?
How to Fix Poor Positioning Preventing Scheduled Mowing
Update the Firmware
Before getting into other fixes and solutions, you should check the current version of the firmware. If there is a new version available, you should move to that one. There is a high chance it will resolve the issue.
Open the Navimow app. Go to Settings > Mower > Device Management. Look for Firmware Version. If there is a new version available, update it.
Before starting the update, make sure the mower is at least 20% charged. Put it on the charging station and turn off scheduled mowing if there is any in the next hour. Now, let the mower update.
Improve Wi-Fi Signals
If the Wi-Fi signals in your lawn are weak, you can upgrade to a better Wi-Fi router. It will offer wider coverage and better signal strength.
For large lawns, the best option is a mesh Wi-Fi system, which lets you place nodes at different locations for optimal coverage throughout the lawn.
Some people also use a Wi-Fi extender to extend Wi-Fi signals to the lawn. It can work well for small lawns.
Change the Network
Navimow robot mowers support both Wi-Fi and 4G. If one of them is weak and the other is strong, you can select the strong one for better connectivity.
Go to Network Settings in the app. You can select the mower to run on Wi-Fi only or 4G only. It will work better than auto-switching in this case.
Restart the mower and check whether it works fine.
Improve Charging Station Location
The charging station requires an unobstructed space. There should be no obstacle between the charging station and the sky.
Pick a suitable area in the lawn where there are no signal-blocking structures, such as dense trees, walls, and houses. There should be at least a 6.6ft distance between the charging station and these structures. Keep in mind that the charging station should not be under any shade or roof.
Place the charging station on a flat surface. There should be a 1.6ft clearance on both sides and 6.5ft clearance at the front.
The most important thing is the location. You have to select a place with more satellites. For that, you can use the Satellite Signal Analyzer.
Open the Navimow app. Go to Settings > Satellite Signal Analyzer. It will show satellites in all directions. The blue dots show the satellites visible to the Network RTK base station and the mower, and the orange dots show the satellites visible to the Network RTK base station.
Once you know the best location in the lawn, you can place your charging station there. It will solve all signal and positioning issues.
Place the Antenna Correctly
RTK users place an antenna in the lawn to receive GPS signals. It requires an unobstructed space to provide optimal coverage.
You need to place the antenna at a suitable location in the lawn. Ideally, it should be away from walls, dense trees, houses, and other tall structures that could block the signals. It requires an unobstructed view of more than 110⁰.
You can place the antenna in the lawn. Just make sure there is at least 6.6ft distance between walls, trees, and large structures. You can also install it on a wall or roof.
Check the satellites in the Satellite Signal Analyzer. Go to Settings > Satellite Signal Analyzer. Place the antenna at a location where you see more satellites.
Note: If there is no NRTK coverage in your area, you can install the antenna and switch to RTK.
Final Words
Poor positioning delays your mowing schedule. That’s because the mower isn’t able to receive GPS signals for precise positioning and movement. We have shared some common reasons why it happens. It will help you find the exact problem and root cause in your case. Once you figure out the cause of the issue, you can try the solutions we have shared to resolve the issue permanently.
If the issue still persists after trying all the solutions, you can reach out to Navimow support at “support-navimow@rlm.segway.com”
