Growling

[dale@thecoys.net]

Originally Posted by therealzam

When the device shakes, that indicates something is wrong. If it's the batteries, the batteries could just be going bad. Perhaps the tolerance is different between the 180 and the older model.

If you are swapping the batteries between devices, you may want to CAREFULLY clean the battery terminals on both the devices and potentially the actual batteries. Don't do this without looking for instructions online.

In either case, your batteries are probably going bad. You may want to look into having them repaired / replaced.

Please read more carefully. The OP said:

Originally Posted by gsouser

...180 seems to make the noise more often when I am maxing out the speed compared to the 167

In other words, apparently the OP is pushing to "max out" the speed.

[Gihgehls]

It is entirely possible the i167 is running older, more aggressive firmware than the i180. That could explain why it feels more responsive. The newer firmwares have made the machines more and more conservative.

[SegNerd]

In case it wasn't clear, Segways actually do growl, and this is mentioned several times in the manual. It is an intentional part of the design, but it does indicate that there is a problem. The problem could be the batteries, but it could also be many other things.

[PeteInLongBeach]

The noise from this "description" could be several things, from stick-shake to worn drive couplings. We should hear a recording / video of this issue before making any conclusions...

[rotorblades]

Originally Posted by JohnG

Not sure what you mean by "growling," as the primary noise that comes from the Segway is generated by the gearboxes, not by the motors. So changing batteries wouldn't appear to do anything to help make the i180 quieter.

Gearboxes were originally tooled by a third-party that went out of business. Segway bought the tooling and moved gearbox production in-house in-between production of the i167 and the i180. I think that's the primary reason for the differences in noise levels -- exact same design, but different production lines.

my gears seemed to have higher levels of whine a few months ago in mildly warmer weather now that it is colder the noise seems lessi have a 2014x2 with 980 easy miles im worried that my gearboxes may have cheap oil in them with now viscosity issues =what to do? my instinct is to leave them alone but sometimes a factory messes up
or"saves money" should i worry? i dont believe it is connectors= wrong word

[dale@thecoys.net]

Originally Posted by rotorblades

my gears seemed to have higher levels of whine a few months ago in mildly warmer weather now that it is colder the noise seems lessi have a 2014x2 with 980 easy miles im worried that my gearboxes may have cheap oil in them with now viscosity issues =what to do? my instinct is to leave them alone .....

I think you have excellent instincts.