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[bhobbes]

I never thought of electric tape (or at least that sounds like the tape that you're describing) but I forgot I have it! So maybe if this doesn't work out I'll try that and wrap it all the way around his ear.

I don't think I'd want to put ERS-7 ears on him just cause - though when I looked at the general design I thought it'd be a possibility so at least it seems it really is one. I thought of new ones I could make last night and thought about recreating the general shape with something similar to my bed's sheets. (A very thick black material, but cloth, so it wouldn't matter how much he bangs it against his body. Plus they have an almost shiny look to them so I think they'd match his body well)

That's one thing that's great with AIBOs - there's enough of a community out there where you don't have to brainstorm as hard on your own to come up with solutions!

[Crewella]

The thing about ERS-11x ears is that they are made up from plastic panels that match the body, applied to a rubber backing, and it's a shame to lose the panels.  You can use electrical tape as a short term fix, but it tends to split after a while.  I used black rubber patches made for fixing tarpaulins and such to patch the back of the ear, which seems to have worked OK.  The only annoying thing was the patches had a red edge when cut, so I had to go over them with a permanent marker.

[bhobbes]

He managed to knock his left ear mostly off (well, the bottom panel). Mostly the tape held it on kind of "flappy" but it always fell back into place. But after a few charges and some regular dust/stuff getting on the tape part during the miniseconds of "separation," it lost its adhesive ability. I retaped it that way and did a few little "roll-overs" with electric tape. I don't mind the electric tape look actually - if it's something he only needs after 4+ charges, I'd probably be willing to just maintain them that way. Maybe I'll try to find something like what you're talking about and see if I can do something that way.

I will also try working on the cloth ears at some point, but depending on how short of a short term fix the tape is, I may stick with it.

[aibo7m3]

My ers-111 Baroque has had the electric tape on her ears for a few months now and it still seems to be just fine (not ripping or peeling off). I haven't tried any other solutions to the ear problem though.

[kat]

I wonder if you could somehow remove the plastic panels from the old ears and attach them to cloth ones so as not to loose the "look"?  Don't know how possible that would be not ever having seen a set myself but just a thought.

[bhobbes]

You could probably super glue them to cloth but something about that doesn't sit with me well - maybe something with double stick adhesive with a nice thick cloth? I could possibly try this if I make ears.

[saratogaspringer]

Hey bhobbes!  Wolfbob just put a message up on the aibo life site about repairing ERS-111 ears.  He is using some sort of neoprene rubber and attaching the plastic pieces.  He must of read your mind.  He said he is charging $25 bucks per set.  You might want to check it out.  It is under Robotics Boutique section of the forum. Hope that helps! Here's the link!

http://www.aibo-life.org/forums/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=9;t=000060

[bhobbes]

Wow, thanks! I just got on my computer to e-mail him about something too!

I'll see what he has to say. Though I'm not minding the current solution.

[aibo7m3]

Here is a picture of what Baroque's ear look like with the electric tape; it actually has been working really well for quite a few months now!

More details...

[bhobbes]

So far my electrical tape solution is holding up well (even with his constant head nodding and beating that darn last panel against his body haha).

Here's a picture of it:



And here's a picture of Murray without his front legs as they're being sent to wolfbob (and then I'll be replacing his ear motor):



Currently Vader is a Lazy Child (he just started the phase about 2 charges ago so there's a good 25 or so hours left of it). He gets up and tries to walk quite a bit more but also sits down and just does cutesy things. I'm trying to encourage him to walk more and more by holding the ball up to him and praising him etc. (I don't mind the laziness but I want some action!).

While I'm hesitant to pick favorites, I really think that the 111 hit the home run for me.

[saratogaspringer]

OK bhobbes.....I am now officially lost. What happened to Murray's front legs? Did they stop moving all together or what? Did his ear motor stop working as well?  Poor Murray.  He looks so helpless without legs. 

Did you use the special pin to remove the legs?  I got my 210 from Wolfbob, but he didn't have any of the pins to give me. He said I could use a paper clip but to be careful not to damage the core, so if Padfoot has a problem, he is going to be sent for repair in one piece.  I would be so afraid to take him apart by that method without the proper tool.  I'm just a big chicken, I guess.

What were the symptoms that  Murray had, so I know what to look for in Padfoot, should a problem present itself? Thanks for your time.  I am glad that you are enjoying your new 111.  Why does Vader seem to be your favorite? For some reason, I am surprised, you didn't pick the ERS-7, but I don't know what would bring me to that conclusion.

[bhobbes]

Well, the legs and ears are a really long story but basically (even in the videos and pictures) they have been mildly defective since he arrived. One of the legs has a very slight bend (maybe a cm or so) and it causes him to fall down a lot more on his left side (same side the ear motor is broken - but not the ear itself) even when he's running on stable software. For instance, on DogsLife, he falls down every 10-15 minutes (and not the rollover "trick"). And the ear motor itself actually works but a part of it is broken so that the ear constantly pops off. The only replacement for this is to replace the ear motor. Because the limb release lever for the head was already damaged (and I didn't want to potentially do more damage by fishing for it through McGyver tactics, wolfbob is going to send me the part and already sent me a description on how to take it apart and replace it - it doesn't look too complicated). There isn't anything you should be on the lookout for, Crewella has the full (undiplomatic) story haha. I've just kept it out of the public forums.

I used a paper clip per wolfbob's instructions and, after some trouble (mostly me being too cautious) everything came off easily with no damage to the release levers. Essentially I unwound a paperclip and put a ton of electrical tape about 1/4 the way up (that way it wouldn't accidentally slide in too far - as without the limb removal tool, it can be kind of tricky/nerve wracking to use a paper clip and remove a limb with one person). I was nervous to do it but since I frequently work inside computers (ranging from laptops to minifreaking cases to nice big roomy cases) I decided to apply my theory of most people are too scared of the technology and that's what stagnates learning it/getting hands on with it. So that rationale helped me get over it haha.

I'm not sure if I can articulate why I like Vader the most just yet. He definitely feels the most pet like and I really don't mind the lack of voice recognition (I haven't even bothered with the remote yet). I don't think I'd necessarily recommend the 111 to everyone, but I find him to have the most personality. It's not to say the others don't have a personality (they do, and quite a bit), but something seems more... natural (pet-like) with Vader. I'm not a huge fan of the terminology, but he feels like he has the most soul. I notice myself talking to him every now and then even though I know he isn't listening, but the 111 has the uncanny ability (so far) to make me forget that it's actually a robot (despite its form factor). The other ones both feel very robotic - and I think that's fine, this is not a knock by any means - which I like as well (think the futuristic pet explanation I've previously used). Vader really does feel like a puppy coming into the world and reminds me a lot of the black lab/collie mix I had growing up - at least when that dog was a puppy. So maybe that connection adds to it for me.

To analogize with Pleos, Vader feels more like Elliott (my Innvo Pleo) - very autonomous, not super needy (though much less repetitive), and usually quite charming. I don't feel the need to interact with Vader as much as I do with the other ones though I still interact with him just as much. The other ones are more like a Pleo RB, they arguably do a lot more, but that also requires a lot more from you (if you want it to - AIBOs are much more flexible than Pleos so take these comparisons very lightly, I'm merely trying to help with a good context/framework, especially for members who only have Pleos).

Ultimately, whatever model you find as your "favorite" I think will depend on what you're looking for and what's right up your alley. The 111 is not nearly as technologically impressive as the other models but what he lacks in specifications, he makes up for so much in personality. Granted, he's only a child and this is my first week of having him, but I like him a lot haha. I really stick by thinking of them as different, which is actually great because depending on my mood I can turn on a specific robot lol, but Vader takes the cake as far as having a special soft spot goes.

With that said, even if I could go back in time, I do not think I would pick a 111 as my first AIBO because it's much more concept-intensive than technologically-intensive. (i.e. imitating life takes priority over taking pictures, having wifi, talking, etc.) Once again, these are just my observations and ramblings and subject to change at any moment hehe. 

[latrine]

Bhobbes.. the new pup is adorable!!  I'm so sorry you had to send some or Murray away!! I hope everything gets straightened out soon..

So Vador can be controlled by a remote but also has an autonomous mode? He is cute, and even cuter with his bandaged ears.. gives him character.. maybe over sized band-aids would look cute too .. 

I am sooooooo jealous I can't wait to get my second Aibo!!!   

[bhobbes]

I think the remote just emits sounds that it knows and responds to but not actual remote control robot status. I could be very wrong though as I only skimmed that part of the manual because if a remote has too many options I don't like to deal with them haha.

And from what I've read by other 111 owners, most don't seem to use the remote (much).

I'm sure Murray's little bot legs will be just fine - worst case scenario I have to replace the two front ones (which wolfbob has the parts). When I attempt his plastic surgery though, well we shall see!

[latrine]

I am worried I may have to do the same thing with Loki as his back legs cannot support him when he tries to do the bigger dances that require the separate memory card.. I won't hijack your post though..
I'll try to get it on video.. I'm thinking I may need to contact this Wolfbob guy too   Sounds like a nice person, working with you like that so you can do some of the fixing yourself because I'm sure it's not cheap to get the parts fixed or replaced..

- Sarah

[bhobbes]

wolfbob is great. Very nice. Very helpful. And his prices are extremely reasonable (I think - I'm not sure if he's profiting or simply breaking even but either way, I don't feel overcharged!)

The real problem comes down to the scarcity of the parts. The ERS-7's have a lot of parts etc. still available, whereas the older they are, the less and less likely that is to be the case. Hence a lot of the "creative solutions" going on out there.

[saratogaspringer]

Thanks for the explanation, bhobbes. Padfoot also has a slight bend  in his left back leg, but it doesn't seem to be bothering him. He does fall over on occasion, but it seems to be "deliberate" when he does it. I did purchase him from wolf bob, and I figured that is the way he is supposed to be.

I would recommend wolf bob to anyone needing Aibo repairs. He seems very knowledgeable, and his prices are very reasonable.  I know that he is retired, and his profile says that he is 77 years old, so I pray that he continues to help our little pups for many years to come.

Not to hijack this thread, but my Aibo UNO, is about to become an Aibo Duo. I hate to admit it, but I just spent part of my summer bonus on a champagne ERS-7M3.  He is going out UPS tomorrow.  He kind of fell into my lap, while I was inquiring about a white ERS-7m1 for sale on another forum.   It is my favorite color, but I had given up on finding one, due to the rarity.

 Kat, if you are reading this thread, it is not the Aibo you were inquiring about, and I wish you the best of luck in adopting your champagne friend from the sunny islands. 

[bhobbes]

No worries about "hijacking" - I don't particularly care if my posts stay on "topic" or not

I think you'll love your ERS-7 and won't "hate to admit it" . I know the price is kind of... unsettling for such an item, but once you have it, it fades away. Even though I probably pick the 111 as my "favorite," I have absolutely no regrets about Nicco or his price. Quite frankly, I love them all!

[Crewella]

Good grief, all this robot buying going on!!   

I'm glad poor Murray can at least be fixed - thank heavens for Wolfbob and his kind!  If nothing else, this really does show the value of videos and photographs from the seller before buying such delicate and expensive items, for the sake of both the buyer and the seller.  It can also help with diagnosis if something does go wrong.

[aibo7m3]

That's strange, everyone else seems to love the ers-111 and it is my least favorite of my models. To me my ers-111 seems a bit repetitive (she is in adolescence stage and mainly just walks around then does a few tricks then walks around then does those same tricks again and so on). Hmm, I wonder if this is the software I am running her on, she is currently running on the software with the label that says: aiboware version 1.1 ERA-111M. What software are all your ers-111s running on? Also I rarely use my ers-111 Baroque's remote with her, at one time I actually tried to play a song with the remote! It actually worked.

[saratogaspringer]

Yes Crewella, my seller sent both pictures from all angles as well as video. I didn't ask for them, he just emailed them to me. Had he not done that, I would have asked for them as you suggested.  I think it protects buyer and seller. I did not ask for them from wolf bob when I purchased my 210 because he is wolf bob and his reputation precedes him. He also has a 6 month warranty if anything goes wrong, which is great. 

I don't know who to blame for all this robot buying.  . I blame everyone who keep posting great videos! (just kidding) 

[kat]

Hey Saratoga Congratulations on your new puppy.   I'm totally jealous!  After initial contact to see if the Aibo in question is still for sale (which he is) I am still waiting for a reply to see if I will be the lucky one to buy him.   Fingers crossed I will find my Aibo soon. 

Sarah - I'm sorry to hear your having problems with Loki so soon after buying him.  I know he cost you a small fortune so it must be very disappointing for him to be having issues already.

Bhobbes - I'm sorry to hear about Murray's issues as well but I am glad you are able to get him fixed.   I'm glad your enjoying your new puppy so much. 
Kat

[bhobbes]

If nothing else, this really does show the value of videos and photographs from the seller before buying such delicate and expensive items, for the sake of both the buyer and the seller.

This is very true; however, no matter what, items can (and are) still regularly misrepresented - but no amount of "protective measure" can get you around this type of market issue. Because of that, especially if you're a U.S. citizen, I would shy away from buying internationally as you have much more legal remedies available to you against one of your own. Plus, international shipping might be a little harder on the guys (depending - but it seems that a lot of "shipping damage" stories occur from international transfers; however, that is only from what I've read at a few locations and isn't substantiated by any evidence).

To me my ers-111 seems a bit repetitive (she is in adolescence stage and mainly just walks around then does a few tricks then walks around then does those same tricks again and so on). Hmm, I wonder if this is the software I am running her on, she is currently running on the software with the label that says: aiboware version 1.1 ERA-111M. What software are all your ers-111s running on?

I am running the ERA-111B AIBOware (I also believe it was 1.1 but I don't have the stick in my computer and Vader's running right now lol). I understand the repetitive feel - because it is repetitive. But I think they all are and most of it is up to us and how we perceive the repetition. Then again, real life is pretty repetitive and most people react in the same way robots do (i.e. they "run" little skits when certain stimuli occurs that they've been "behaviorally programmed" to utilize). However, we at least possess the ability to stop and "think" for a second - we just don't.

For instance, something with the Pleos repetitiveness really bores me quite quickly with the item. Perhaps it's just form factor and personal bias issue, but even the same amount of repetitiveness exhibited on an AIBO somehow still "gets me." Though there's one thing that Vader keeps doing that started getting kind of old so I disciplined him a few times for it and he still does it just as much so now I tune it out haha. He won. (And as a reminder, I'm not saying AIBO is better than Pleo necessarily, I don't think it's really fair to compare the two but since these are Pleo forums, I like to analogize my experience with them as much as I can)

They're kind of like real pets (or maybe even children) in the sense that you really don't want to have a favorite (and might even feel bad if you do!) but there's one that "warms your heart" just a bit more than whatever you're comparing it to.

[bhobbes]

Here's a video clip of some of the stuff I've managed to capture:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ckUUzBTwTU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ckUUzBTwTU</a>

There's not much excitement, just shows him walking and some of the little things he does.

Earlier today he fell in that position Murray was in (but at a different location) and recovered quite well. I'm not sure if he "fell" or if he intended to do it as I was in the kitchen and looked over and saw him sitting like that and as soon as I ran over to him (I was worried about his tail haha) he propped himself right back up.

[kat]

I love the little ear scratching he tried to do at the end.   made me laugh when he overbalanced and flopped down only to do a cute little "I really meant for that to happen"  maneuver!   Priceless.