Automatic Litterbox Central

I just received my Litter Robot today. Unfortunately, none of my cats seem to be able to trip the sensor for the cleaning cycle to begin. My cats weigh 10, 12, and 15 lbs. If I press on the step, I can trip the sensor, but I have to push pretty hard. I looked at the web site and they suggested that you locate the sensor, press down on the base to separate, and clean with WD 40. I found the sensor, but I am not able to separate the contacts without the additional leverage of the drawer. Anybody have any ideas? I read somewhere that there is a way to make the sensor more sensive, but I can't find instructions.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

-Marc

We keep our litterbox in a closet on top of a rug (makes it easier to clean in there...just remove the rug). I finally realized that the litter-robot needs to have a hard, flat service so the sensor can trigger, otherwise when the cat steps on the step, the entire litter robot sinks into the carpet and the sensor never trips. I threw a piece of plywood in the closet and it now works like a champ.

-Marc

Let us know how it goes for you. We would love to know how you feel about it as time goes by and how the cats adjust.

Aron

Marc, I can easily talk you through adjusting the sensitivity. The sensitivity is set at the factory using a flat level surface. If you put your Robot or carpet, or a rug, or if your floor isn't level, you may need to do a slight adjustment on the sensitivity sensor. Please call me at 1/877-250-7729 if you need assistance.

Lauren wrote:Marc, I can easily talk you through adjusting the sensitivity. The sensitivity is set at the factory using a flat level surface. If you put your Robot or carpet, or a rug, or if your floor isn't level, you may need to do a slight adjustment on the sensitivity sensor. Please call me at 1/877-250-7729 if you need assistance.

Lauren,

Would you mind writing up the procedure here, so that others might be enlightened without needing to call customer support? Much appreciated!

Thanks,

Jeff

The sensitivity sensor is set at the factory using a hard, level surface. If you have your Robot on a similar surface, 5 pounds should be enough to trip the sensor. Factors that would require adjusting the sensitivity include: placing the Robot on a padded surface (such as carpet), a non-level floor, or a cat weighing less than 5 pounds. Other factors, such as the amount and density of the litter you have in, may also affect sensitivity.

When you push down on the Robot, you will feel a certain springiness to it. If it's hard to push down and the cat isn't triggering the Robot, the sensitivity needs to be increased. On the other hand, if the Robot feels too springy and the green light isn't going on, the Robot is too sensitive.

Here is how you can adjust the sensitivity. (This is easier than it sounds!)

First, remove the drawer. Locate the sensor front and center on the floor of the base. You will see two wires attached to a bolt, held in place by a nut. You will need a pliers or wrench to remove the nut. (Hold the loose wire in place as you remove the nut)

With the nut removed, the next thing on the top is a wire held in place with a round metal harness. Remove this wire.

The next thing on top looks like a washer. If you press down on the base, you will see that it is actually a nut with an extended lip at the top. Gripping this "T-nut" is how you will adjust the sensitivity.

TO INCREASE SENSITIVITY (if the cat isn't triggering the Robot to cycle):

Turn the T-nut a half a turn to the left. This will loosen the spring a little and make the sensor more sensitive.

TO DECREASE SENSITIVITY (if the green light won't come on)

Turn the T-nut a half turn to the right. This will tighten the spring and make the sensor less sensitive.

Now, you need to put it back together. Put the loose wire harness back on, centering it over the bolt as best you can. Replace the Nylock nut (flat side down) and hand tighten. Hold the wire again while you finish tightening the Nylock nut.

It's possible that you'll have to do this a couple of times until you "tweak" it to the exact sensitivity that works for you.

If you run into any trouble, call the Help Line at 1/877-250-7729!!