Navimow mowers are equipped with advanced navigation technologies that help users to map their lawns with perfection and enjoy exceptional mowing results.
However, the mowers might drift while mapping if there is unstable internet, outdated firmware, poor positioning of the charging station/antenna, etc. You have to find the root cause to fix the issue.
This article is all about the common reasons why Navimow mowers drift during mapping. We will also share some effective solutions you can try to fix the problem on your own.
Common Reasons Navimow Mowers Drift During Mapping
Outdated App/Firmware
If the mobile application or the firmware is outdated, you are likely to face issues while mapping. Make sure you update the application when a new update is available. It fixes bugs and errors for smooth operation.
When you set up your mower for the first time, you are asked to update the firmware. It’s an important step. After that, you should regularly update the firmware after every release.
Unstable Internet Connection
When you start mapping your lawn, the application shares the preparation checklist. It allows you to see if there is anything you should do for better results.
Check the Wi-Fi signals. If it says the signal is weak, it means you have to improve it. You can install a better router or use an extender.
When the Wi-Fi is unstable or weak, the mower behaves abnormally. It could drift during mapping because of no connection with the internet or delays.
Poor Charging Station Placement
The charging station plays an important role in the navigation of the mower. Normally, GPS signals have a significant error, which is why mowers use RTK. The mower knows the exact position of the charging station; it compares it with the GPS/GNSS value and then corrects the errors.
If you have placed the charging station without considering the recommendations, the mower won’t be able to connect with it when the distance is too long. The unstable connectivity causes drifting during mapping.
Long Grass/Obstacles
Before mapping, you should clear the lawn and mow the grass. The grass should not be longer than 3.6 inches. Otherwise, the mower will consider long grass as an obstacle and deviate from its path. Shorten the grass and get rid of tall weeds and hanging branches.
The lawn should be clean and clear, free from small obstacles. If there are stones, toys, twigs, and other objects within the area, you should clear them in the first place. Otherwise, the mower will avoid these obstacles and drift from its path.
Improper Placement of the Antenna
If you are using RTK, you have to place the antenna at a suitable location. It requires an open area with no walls blocking views in any direction. There should be no trees, roof, or any obstruction between the antenna and the sky.
If the antenna is wrongly placed, the mower will lose connectivity in parts of the lawn. It will cause an error in the position, which is the primary reason for drifting.
Network RTK Issues
Navimow mowers also support Network RTK. If you are using that, make sure its coverage is available in the area you live in.
Network RTK is still unavailable in some regions due to limited service coverage. It is expanding over time. However, in North America, many regions are still without full access.
Navimow uses stable and paid service providers for reliable performance. The current lack of coverage in certain areas is temporary. As we continue to collaborate with service providers, Network RTK availability will gradually expand to more regions.
How to Prevent Navimow Mowers from Drifting During Mapping
Try Quick Fixes
Before you dive into other solutions, it’s better to start with the basics. Here are a few things you can try:
- Delete and reinstall the Navimow app
- Update the firmware
- Restart the mower
- Check Wi-Fi signal strength and improve connectivity
Improve Charging Station Area
Check the location of the charging station. It should be on a soft and flat surface. Do not place the station on a slope.
The area should be open. Avoid trees and high walls to prevent signal blockage. Keep the station at least 6.6ft away from trees, house walls, fences, and other structures.
Another important task is to keep the charging station away from devices that could cause electromagnetic interference. If there is a generator or substation, place the charging station in another suitable location.
Wherever you place the charging station, just make sure there is at least 1.6ft clearance on the left and right sides. And there is 6.5ft unobstructed space at the front.
Check Antenna Positioning
If you use RTK for positioning, you must place the antenna at a suitable location, and we have already discussed how it causes drifting.
Select any place in your lawn where the antenna has no obstruction. Install in a wide and open space at least 6.6ft away from trees and buildings.
If there is no place available in the yard, you can also place the antenna on the roof or wall.
Simply put, you need to ensure the antenna receives signals without any obstruction. It’s necessary for the accurate positioning of the mower.
Prepare Lawn Before Mapping
Before mapping the lawn, you have to do a few things.
Firstly, clean and clear the area. If there are any small objects, such as rocks, toys, and twigs, you should pick them up and dispose of them properly. These small objects cause the deviation of the mower while mapping.
Secondly, you should keep the grass shorter than 3.6 inches. If the grass is longer than that, mow the area first. Because tall grass behaves like an obstacle. Whenever the mower sees tall grass or weeds, it changes its path.
Manual vs Auto Mapping
Navimow offers both Auto Mapping and Manual Mapping. If your lawn has clear boundaries and well-defined edges, you can select Auto Mapping. The mower will automatically cover your whole lawn.
Manual Mapping is suitable for lawns with unclear boundaries and uneven lawn edges. It’s a preferred method as users can move the mower like an RC car and map the lawn as they like.
While doing manual mapping, you must stay within 19.7 ft from the mower. You should walk behind it to prevent drifting due to loss of connectivity.
Check Network RTK Coverage
If you wish to use NRTK, make sure there is coverage available in your area. Check Network RTK coverage.
In the case of no available coverage, you should switch to RTK. You only need to install the given antenna with the mower. Then, you will be able to map the area without any drifting.
Navimow is expanding NRTK coverage rapidly. When the coverage is available in your area, you can switch back to it.
Try Smaller Zones
If there are GPS and signal issues and the mower is drifting, you can try smaller zones. The mower calibrates its positioning in the lawn through the base station.
Therefore, you can try to be as close as possible and split the zone into two. For more details, check out how to do multi zone mowing with Navimow mowers?
Still Facing Issues? Contact Customer Support
If you have tried everything but are still facing drifts during mapping, you can reach out to customer support at "navimowsupport-us@rlm.segway.com."
Provide the following details:
- Serial Number (SN) of your Navimow
- App version number
- Phone’s model and operating system version
- The date and time the issue occurred
- A video showing the problem
Final Words
Navimow mowers could drift while mowing because of signal issues, wrong placement of the antenna/charging station, unstable internet, long grass, etc. We have shared some common reasons why Navimow mowers drift during mapping. It will help you figure out the root cause in your situation. After that, you can try the solutions we have shared. Once you have resolved the issue, the mower will not drift. It will precisely move as per your command and create a flawless map.
