Since the Roomba 530S does not come with it’s programming port exposed I had to do a slight modification in order to get it ready for hacking. Equipped with a 1/2″ spade bit and some masking tape I carved out a hole for my serial tether to plug into.
Parts:
- A Roomba 530/560
- A 1/2″ Spade Bit
- A drill or Rotary Tool
- Masking Tape
- Black Marker
- X-Acto Knife
- File or sand paper
Steps:
- Remove bezel
- Place masking tape so that it covers the programming port but has enough excess so that it will stick out from under the cover allowing you to make some markings
- Using magic marker or a sharpie, trace the two grooves around the center circle as well as the programming port itself
- Peel off masking tape
- Replace bezel
- Put the masking tape back in place, taking care to line up the 2 curved lines traced out earlier
- Use X-Acto knife to trim off excess
- Remove bezel again
- Drill out the hole for the programming port with 1/2″ spade bit
- Remove masking tape
- Use rounded file or sandpaper to smooth out the edges on the hole
- Put bezel back on