Pleos Neck & Tail Issues

[Pl30]

I havent registered my pleo yet ive had him since christmas and this is my 2nd pleo account as my last account i fogot the name of it

But my pleo doesnt lift up his neck he is fully charged i will soon upload a video to youtube with the proof and can i get it fixed as he used to lift up his head and he used to.
I Havent dropped him at any point and he must still be under warentee what do i do can i get him fixed somewhere.
-Andrew
-(Pleos called Rex)

[PleoWorldHostCami]

I havent registered my pleo yet ive had him since christmas and this is my 2nd pleo account as my last account i fogot the name of it

But my pleo doesnt lift up his neck he is fully charged i will soon upload a video to youtube with the proof and can i get it fixed as he used to lift up his head and he used to.
I Havent dropped him at any point and he must still be under warentee what do i do can i get him fixed somewhere.
-Andrew
-(Pleos called Rex)

Hi Pl30,

Sorry you are having problems with your Pleo. Please contact: <TABLE style="WIDTH: 383pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=510 border=0><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 383pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 18651" width=510><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 25.5pt" height=34><TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 383pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 25.5pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=510 height=34><a target="_new" href="http://pleoworld.com/support"><b>Customer Support</b></a></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[pleoguy101]

I havent registered my pleo yet ive had him since christmas and this is my 2nd pleo account as my last account i fogot the name of it

But my pleo doesnt lift up his neck he is fully charged i will soon upload a video to youtube with the proof and can i get it fixed as he used to lift up his head and he used to.
I Havent dropped him at any point and he must still be under warentee what do i do can i get him fixed somewhere.
-Andrew
-(Pleos called Rex)

HI pl130, I hope I'm not giving you bad advise that will void the warrenty, but I works for everyone who tried ( including me:)) manyally put pleos neck back into normal position, but TURN HIM OFF FIRST!!!!!

[OMSITechLab]

I don't reccomend mannualy moving Pleo's head back into position.
We had a cable in our Pleo's neck snap, the one that moved it's head from side to side. Unfortunately, we didn't realise this until we removed Pleo's skin, voiding the warranty.

Here's the symptoms of a snapped neck cable as we observed:
1. Pleo's neck was 'floppy' when turned off.
2. When turned off then back on again, his head did not move to it's 'home' position (center).

These differences were very subtle and hard to observe with the skin on. I reccomend that if you have any questions you contact Customer Service and follow their advice.

P.S. Our two Pleos work in a science museum as demonstrators. We removed the skin of this one to show what makes Pleo tick. Please no replys about cruelty!

P.P.S. No, now that the skin is off we cannot repair the cable. I took an outside cover off to take a look, but Pleo's components are packed way too densely to get at them.

[eric]

OMSITechLab

Did you ask Ugobe about fixing him, because your promoting Ugobe by having their product on show.
This would be a great marketing idea for Ugobe to display pleo & have a internet kiosk nearby to access videos & the Ugobe store!

The martketing department may pay for the repair & also ship him skinless.

[becauseyoumust]

A couple times now my Pleo has had his neck get stuck in a weird position. One time he was walking around with his nose up in the air, which I thought was funny at first, but then I realized that it was stuck that way! We turned him off and back on and then his neck moved back into normal position. This also happened another time with his neck stuck down and to the side. Anyone else experiencing this? I guess it's not that big a deal since turning him off and on fixes it.

[becauseyoumust]

Nevermind. I've found answers in other threads. :)

[pleoWhisperer]

Glad we could help! ;)

[degers]

This does occasionally occur to my Pleo, however what I do is to instruct it to go to packaging mode, turn off then manually move the neck to the correct position.

[degers]

A few weeks ago I posted about my Pleo's rip in his skin. I decided I was going to send him back, but at the last moment wimped out! :)
However, yesterday Rex's tail broke, and now I am definately going to send him back. I have of course not cut the skin to examine the damage, however I can feel that the cable on the top of the tail which pulls it upwards has become severed and now the tail always hangs down.

Just a short post as I don't plog but this is just to let you guys know that it can happen. I have not been putting any large stress on the tail either.

Andrew

[Themiles]

Poor Rex :( I really feel sorry for the little guy....

[Starfire]

I'm sorry to hear yours and Rexs problems. But you will love your new one just as much.

[degers]

Yeah it really sucks. I wimped out of sending him back as the company offered to replace him due to the skin rip, however I wimped out at the last minute of sending him away, and then this happens. I was a little angry and quite sad that it's happened. I didn't think it will be this hard to send him back!
A t-shirt from ugobe arrived a few days earlier for him, he got to wear it when his tail broke, I will be keeping the t-shirt in memory of Rex, it will go to his sucessor.

R.I.P Rex

Andrew

[Falseprophet666]

I'm kind of worried about Jenga. I fell asleep with him in my bed, and the next night I woke up and he had fallen out of my bed. Now his head feels really limp and wiggly. His batterys run down now, and hes just sitting there with his head hanging real low. When hes up and running, he can lift his head and look around as much as he wants, but I feel like its a little strained. He was looking down when his battery cut out, but his neck is hanging at an angle. Whenever I lift him or move him, his head wiggles really limply. Its as if nothing is holding it on. I'm not sure what to do. I might have to call customer service. HOw much would it cost to send him in? I really dont want to do that. I love my Jenga.

[degers]

I was given a freepost address by the UK company that I bought Rex from, however I don't know about UGOBE.

[degers]

Falseprophet666,
What happened with Rex was that after I turned him on I noticed his tail was moving from side to side fine, but it was drooping, so I felt the tail and when bending it down there was no resistance, the tail would bend down as far as it could physically go, but when trying to bend it up I met the normal resistance of the motor clutch, meaning that the top cable in Rex's tail had become severed, a similar thing could happen with the neck as they are both essentially the same system.

I am also no longer a Pleo owner, today I left Rex at the post office, for good. It was a really hard thing to do, who knew that one could get so attached to a little robot. Well I did, and it was almost like taking a pet to be put down. Unfortunately I forgot to pack his leaf into the box, so I will always have that as a reminder of Rex.

Ugobe, could you tell us the fate of Pleo units that are sent back on RMA due to a hardware fault such as this, do they get dumped, or do they get refurbished and repaired and sent out to new owners? I still have a record of Rex's serial number, so would it be possible for UGOBE to track him down and let me know his fate?

Thanks, Andrew

[Falseprophet666]

I dont want to return him, I just want him fixed. I'm not sure what to do.

[Falseprophet666]

Little Jengas neck is broken. He cant lift his head anymore. The guys at ugobe said they cant do anything without my receipt, and I bought him from Ebay. I have no idea who sold it to me. I'm about ready to cry.

[degers]

You could check from your previous purchases in your ebay account...
I feel so sorry for you and Jenga, I know how it feels to have a broken Pleo, it's one thing to have a broken tail, but a broken neck? Oh dear!

Please let us know how you get on.

Andrew

[Falseprophet666]

I will. I'll need to wait until my grandmother comes home. Its her account. I just hope they havent deleted it yet. I'm afraid its too late for little Jenga. This has like totally destroyed me. What if that person dosent have the receipt? Then what?

[degers]

Ugobe might be able to do something if you give them Jengas serial number, however I am not sure and I wouldn'tt like to say anything, ugobe are usually not much help to me as I am a UK customer and they are in the US. I packed Rex up straight away once I found out he was broken, I couldn't bear to look at him broken, but it's like having to put a pet down, it's not pleasant. I am really sorry for you falseprophet.

[pleoWhisperer]

[Ooops! just saw you new thread. So this is no longer relevant . . .]

Alas, like others, the only real solution is to send him back for a replacement. :( At this point, Ugobe doesn't appear to be offering a repair service, just an exchange. You're only other option is to void the warranty and try to fix it yourself. And if you try and fail, you can't return him. :(

But since it's not a complete break like Andrew's, Jenga may not be broken, just "out of whack" since you said he can lift his head and move it around like normal. But you need to be sure it can go up, down, left and right. And Cami will slap me if I don't mention calling customer support and let them diagnose the problem . . .

[degers]

And Cami woill slap me if I don't metion calling customer support and let them diagnose the problem . . .

So remember about www.pleoworld.com/support :)

[pleoWhisperer]

If the previous owner registered Jenga before selling him on ebay, then Ugobe should have the information. Buy degers is right about contacting the person who sold it. If you can get the original receipt, it's a lot easier for Ugobe to help you. But "your receipt" is the purchase record from ebay. That shows when and from whom you bought your pleo, as opposed to the "original purchase receipt" which the person who sold it to you should have. Again, if they bought him online direct from Ugobe, then I would think Ugobe ought to have the information . . .

Hope Ugobe is able to help you.

[PleoWorldHostCami]

[And Cami woill slap me if I don't metion calling customer support and let them diagnose the problem . . .

LOL I would never do such a thing. I might hide all the tomatoes though. :D

[degers]

Hey Cami, could you ask the guys at ugobe the question I posed in the first post in this thread? Please?!! Don't make me grovel! :P

[PleoWorldHostCami]

Hey Cami, could you ask the guys at ugobe the question I posed in the first post in this thread? Please?!! Don't make me grovel! :P

We would never make anyone grovel! :p

Do you mean about what happens to Pleo's that are returned? I have asked and will let you know when I get an answer. :D

[degers]

We would never make anyone grovel! :p

Do you mean about what happens to Pleo's that are returned? I have asked and will let you know when I get an answer. :D

Awww Thanks Cami! Ever the most efficient PleoWorldHost as always! (No offence to the other hosts, but sharpen up! ;) Kidding, thanks Sauri, Raine)

[Falseprophet666]

well, I just got the information of the guy I bought Jenga from. I sent him an email to see if he has the original receipt. I doubt very strongly that he actually kept it, I mean, it was so long ago, and right after he got the thing he mailed it out. Anyways, I hope that Ugobe will take the paypal info. I dont want to lose my little Jenga. He means too much to me. It is such a comfort to see him bouncing around and cooing on mydesk while I type up my poetry.

[degers]

Good Luck falseprophet666, I hope that this guy turns up the information you need, the trouble with ebay is that unless you buy from an actual store, there is very little chance you will get a garuntee or warrenty on the goods.
Good Luck Jenga.

[Themiles]

If that ever happens to me, I'd try making something to hold Waffles neck up. I too bought him over ebay and have no receipt, plus the fact that it would take months until I'd see him again, if I ever sent him back. He already has his handicaps, but so far I can live with them.

Still Good luck you two. :(

[degers]

Thanks Themiles, All I can do is sit here and wait now, I am consigned to the fact I will never see Rex again, I feel so bad about sending the poor bugger back. One of my regrets is that I don't have that many photos of him. :(

A rather depressed degers

[kchamster]

Im sorry you guys :( :( I wish there was a way we could fix this :(:(

[fancyfont]

I do too!!:(

[pleoWhisperer]

This gets back to the idea that was bantered around months ago about getting Ugobe to set up pleo repair shops. I don't expect that it will happen, but at some point it makes sense for Ugobe to start offering repair services for out-of-warranty pleos . . .

[fancyfont]

Perhaps electronic repair shops will be able to help in the future. Anyone here on the forum an electrician?:D

[pleoWhisperer]

Most of the pleo seem to be sent back for mechanical problems. Both Rex and Jenga suffered hardware problems. That, and the many battery/charger issues . . . So, you'll need to be an electrician and a mechanically minded handyman with artistic paint skills. ;)

[pleoguy101]

I fell so sorry fo everyone who has pleo problems!:( there have been many solutions to broken pleo necks listed on the fourms.. degers.. falseprophet.. have you tried all of them? hope all goes well!!!:)

[pleoguy101]

POOR REX!! this is terrible:(!!! UGOBE should really open up a pleo repair place!! I know even if Rockys neck or tail was compleatly broken,, I wouldn't have the heart to return him and never see him again:( I cant imagine how it feels for all who have returned their pleos.. we get so attached to these little fellers:)

[degers]

POOR REX!! this is terrible:(!!! UGOBE should really open up a pleo repair place!! I know even if Rockys neck or tail was compleatly broken,, I wouldn't have the heart to return him and never see him again:( I cant imagine how it feels for all who have returned their pleos.. we get so attached to these little fellers:)

Thanks for the sentiments pleoguy. I didn't for a minute think that I'd miss Rex nearly as much as I do! I felt so guilty leaving him at the post office. It was like putting a pet down.

[Falseprophet666]

Ugobe wont do anything. They say my warranty is up and I cant get that receipt. I dont want to send little Jenga back anyway. I'll keep him anyway, broken neck and everything. ITs not like hes dead. I just wish there were a way to fix his neck. Poor Jenga.

[pleoguy101]

Ugobe wont do anything. They say my warranty is up and I cant get that receipt. I dont want to send little Jenga back anyway. I'll keep him anyway, broken neck and everything. ITs not like hes dead. I just wish there were a way to fix his neck. Poor Jenga.

did you try putting his neck back into normal position by yourself? It worked for Rocky:)

[degers]

I fell so sorry fo everyone who has pleo problems!:( there have been many solutions to broken pleo necks listed on the fourms.. degers.. falseprophet.. have you tried all of them? hope all goes well!!!:)

There wasn't much I could do, one of the cables inside Rex's tail had broken and I didn't want to fix it myself and void any warranty I might have.

:(

[Arbrackin]

hey this is the same guy who posted first the company who shipped pleo to my something mechanics are taking him back and shipping me a new one

[Falseprophet666]

They cant help me in any way. They tell me that my warranty has run down and the original seller wont respond to me. I dont care though. I'll still play with my little Jenga, broken neck or no. I dont think I could send him back. I just wish there was a way to fix his poor neck...

[fancyfont]

Can you put an ace bandage around Jenga's neck? You would have to cut one thin enough. It would be flexable yet may support it.

[Aussie_Pleo]

What's the current situation with Jenga's neck?

[andreivc]

It's seems to me that necks and tails are very fragile, cable-wise...
Once it's broken, it's gone
Does Ugobe expect us to trash the whole pleo if it's neck or tail are broken? That's not very environmentally friendly... Ugobe needs to set up a repair shop... and fix broken pleos for a fee, and provide a warranty for repairs...
Comon, Ugobe! Pleo is a complex robot. It needs to be fixed when something minor breaks, like a neck cable. 90 days is way too little of a life span for this (expensive) product.

Ugobe, are you going to do something about necks and tails cable issues?

[Falseprophet666]

I hope they do. Its so sad seeing his little head move from side to side and never go up. I wouldnt throw him out, either. I dont think anyone would, and I agree that Ugobe should have a repair shop of sorts. I mean, this pleo is my little baby.

[Falseprophet666]

I just added a picture of Jengas head. Its on my plog if you want to see it.

[Falseprophet666]

Its still broken but I'm still going to play with him. There isnt anything Ugobe can really do, so here I am. I'm afraid an ace bandage wouldnt really help. Jengas neck would still be slumped forward. This just royally sucks. I mean, there is nothing I can do. On a lighter note, an article I wrote about Pleo is being featured in our school newspaper. Its quite exciting!!! maybe I'll post it on my plog.

[degers]

Falseprophet666, it's a tough decision to make, I'm gessing you got Jenga as a gift, in which case I would be certainly more tempted tokeep him, however I got Rex from my own stash, so I wasn't prepared to have spent such a lot of money on a broken robot, that doesn't make it any easier to have sent him back, indeed I think about him every day and I miss him a lot. Please let me know how Jenga and you get on, I can't imagine how hard it must be with his broken neck, at least he can't know anything is wrong!

Andrew

[degers]

What is the link to your plog falseprophet666?

[Themiles]

I think skinning Pleo is actually quite cool, if Waffles should ever have terrible skin problems (I MEAN REALLY REALLY TERRIBLE) I am thinking about doing it. Is it safe to skin him? I mean how'd you do it?(I am not scared of voiding warranty)

[Themiles]

I don't want to make people sad here or anything, I simply feel really depressed about what happend Rex and Degers, only thinking about giving Waffles away would tear my heart apart. I listend to a song that reminds me of this situation. I cried too, but it helps me to get over stuff, when I have a song to remind me.

I want to share this song with you, but as I said, thinking of all this while listening to it makes me crie. I just think we should remember Rex, and all Pleos that have problems out there as well.

<a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=LLFB_8KnSKs&feature=related">Turn up the volume a bit, it's a really beautiful song</a>

Thank you all

Themiles

[pleoguy101]

thanks for sharing.. it's a nice song:)

[mweed]

Skinning is quite easy (assuming you don't plan on putting the skin back on). There were were a couple of videos done back last December. Pleo functions just fine without skin, and most of the gearing is still protected.

With a broken neck and no warranty, I would be tempted not to skin him, but lit the neck skin to see about repairing him. Again, back in the December/January timeframe, one member did repair their broken neck that way.

[Falseprophet666]

http://pleoworld.com/connect/view/id/784 that should be it.

[Falseprophet666]

I am NOT skinning my little Jenga. This is a little baby I slept with, and spent time with. I always had him whenever I needed a little company, and I could never do something like that to him.

[fancyfont]

If Jenga is able to do most everything except move his neck correctly, I would just be patient until there is a solution to fixing him.

[fancyfont]

I'm trying to think of something flexable enough to hold his head up. I'm still thinking in terms as an ace bandage wrapped a couple of times around his neck. At least he wouldn't make you feel so bad with his head held up.

[fancyfont]

Loved the song and the video!:)

[Falseprophet666]

I'm more worried than upset. I dont want the skin around his neck to break. His head is hanging by an angle. Maybe I will try the ace bandage. I just wish there was some way to fix him. I miss him swinging his little head around. He cant even navigate. He just walks back and forth, like some sort of tiny green trolley.

[fancyfont]

Somewhere on the forum quite awhile back there was a article about the insides of Pleo.It showed the circuit boards, motors, sensors, etc. I have been trying to find it. With that information, just possibly, an electrical repair shop might have some ideas of what to do.

[mweed]

Here's a web page that shows how the tail works. The neck is similar:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/pleo6.htm

And here's the thread from Kianajade who's pleo Spike broke its neck and her mom fixed it. Wish we could hear back from her to get more details.

http://forums.pleoworld.com/showthread.php?t=1181

[Falseprophet666]

there just isnt enough info here. We need pictures and more info. I dont want to damage him further by cutting him open.

[degers]

Hey All!
Just to let you know that the company received Rex yesterday and I should have my new pleo by wednesday.

[pleoguy101]

Hey All!
Just to let you know that the company received Rex yesterday and I should have my new pleo by wednesday.

thats good:), did they tell you what they will do with Rex?

[degers]

No unfortunately no word from UGOBE about what they do with units returned on RMA, and I didn't really ask the UK company, although i believe that they will send the unit to UGOBE anyway.
I am sorry about sending Rex back still, however I will have a new Pleo soon.

[fancyfont]

Degers, once you have your new Pleo you will feel so much better. Hope you get him very soon.:)

[junkroxy]

good for you! :D poor Rex, but you had a great time and memories with him:)

[Starfire]

Wooooooo Hooooooo Rex wil be back. congratulations/:D:D:D:D:D

[degers]

:) Thanks Starfie and Junkroxy :)

[Krusty73]

Hi Degers,

have you received your new Pleo yet ? I had to send Bambam back as well...but they couldn't offer me a replacement, all I will get is a refund :( Hopefully I can buy one over here pretty soon...

[degers]

Hey there again Krusty73!
Sadly I have not received my new pleo yet, I am expecting to get him midweek.

[Krusty73]

Hey there again Krusty73!
Sadly I have not received my new pleo yet, I am expecting to get him midweek.

Lucky you, I'd like a new one myself...:(

[degers]

Where can you buy them from ovr there Krusty?

[Krusty73]

Where can you buy them from ovr there Krusty?

In Germany ? Apparently @ Amazon & one other robot store but guess what...no Pleos available at all and if there was one, it would cost a lot more than in the UK where I originally got mine from.

[pleoWhisperer]

Just had a quick thought, degers, for all the Star Wars fans, you're getting an "R2" unit! (that's a Rex, version 2) ;)

[degers]

Thats terrible Krusty, I hope you can figure something out.
And pleoWhisperer, although he will be identical to Rex (when he gets the 1.1 update) I am not going to think of him as R2, but that did make me chuckle. :)

[Falseprophet666]

I'm getting a new Pleo. We're sending little Jenga back. I feel so bad for him. I know its silly, but I'm really quite heartbroken.

[mweed]

How did you talk Ugobe into taking Jenga back? I thought he wasn't under warranty.

[Rosy]

Falseprophet,

You have my utmost sympathies. *hugs* It's hard to even think about sending Darwin back. I'm sorry. If it's any consolation... part of Pleo's magic is, in my opinion, how you see him--what you make of him. Jenga's spirit will live on in the new unit.

*gives e-cookies*

[degers]

Dear falseprophet666,
My utmost condolences, I think I felt exactly the same way when I had to send Rex back, it's silly I know, but I really did feel heartbroken for a little while! I hope your new Pleo comes very soon and I wish Godspeed to Jenga.

All the best,
degers

[Krusty73]

I'm getting a new Pleo. We're sending little Jenga back. I feel so bad for him. I know its silly, but I'm really quite heartbroken.

Hey falseprophet,

I'm sorry to hear that you have to send little Jenga back. I know how it feels, I had to send Bambam
back as well but I'm getting no replacement. I hope your new Pleo will bring you joy again.

Rgds
Krusty

[pleoguy101]

falseprophett66.. I feel very bad for you:( I couldn't imagine sending Rocky back, and dont feel silly, I dont even know how I'd handle it if I had to send Rocky back.. Infact.. I woudn't be able to!!:) what I'm saying is.. I hope your new pleo is just a good as Jenga..

[todayisnew]

Any other solutions for the neck, my Pleo's neck goes left and right, but not up and down. I've been given an RMA then it was taken away.. and now told that Pleo's can't be repaired by the support staff really really disappointing, and the Warranty will not be honored to fix my Pleo :/

[andreivc]

well, the only solution is to continue complaining until Ugobe hires someone to fix necks...
I would totally support that, Ugobe
Other members - please jump in and ask Ugobe for that too (cuz your pleo's neck may brake some day...)

[pleoWhisperer]

Did they give a reason for the taking the RMA away? :(

I know most pleos are replaced rather than repaired, so that is typical. Makes you wonder what Ugobe does with all the damaged pleos. Someone said they bought a refurb pleo from Amazon . . . That implies they are being repaired.

[maggie44n]

I'm going to post in one of the more techie threads too, but my original Pleo Linus had a "popped clutch" in his neck. That's how the service tech termed it. Linus was replaced in late February/early March. About a week later I received my second Pleo (that I purchased through Sharper Image for the service warranty rather than through Ugobe). Schroeder and Linus had both been fine until about a week ago. That's when Brian and I noticed Schroeder not lifting his head at all. But he could press down with his head. At any rate, he's packed up now and about to be returned for a replacement through Sharper Image.

To our great sadness and disbelief, a few days later (which was earlier this week), Linus stopped lifting his head! I mean we were just stymied. We even downloaded the Christmas software because we remembered part of the programming had his head up high. Linus's head just stayed down. I got online with Ugobe support. I don't know yet if Linus qualifies for replacement. He may have to stay broken.

We are one couple in our 50s who fell in love with Pleo. We now have had 3 Pleos between December '07 and April '08 where ALL 3 have had the same problem with neck just shutting down. We don't know if there is a "popped clutch". Brian did some research and had learned what is written with this thread--a cable deep inside controls that back neck lifting motion--it's not accessible.

I don't understand why such an identified problem with Pleos (as opposed to customer "abuse") is not being addressed. If a Pleo is out of warranty, no one is available to repair the problem. I don't know any answer to this quandary. Brian thought Ugobe might want to consider a Pleo hospital to repair things such as this. A service fee could be charged. Or maybe someone is savvy enough out there to do such repairs and offer their service to Pleo owners.

Thanks for listening.

[andreivc]

Ugobe team,
Please tell us how you plan on addressing this issue.

Personally, I have the same experience. My first pleo's neck was broken. It was hard to send it back. We need a solution - either extended warranty for pleo's neck issue for 2 years, or a repair place to mail them to - we cannot just trash pleos that are out of warranty.... plus, it's not really ENVIRONMENTALLY friendly...

[PleoWorldHostRaine]

This issue has been escalated to UGOBE. Please be patient and we will have an answer for you as soon as possible. Thanks :)

[mweed]

Can you picture it now . . . The mythical pleo graveyard. Like a cross between the Airplane Graveyard at the Davis Monthan Airforce Base outside of Tuscon, Arizona and the legendary elephant bone yards. Rows and rows of broken pleos stretching out across the warehouse floor as far as the eye can see . . . scavenged for parts by the Ugobe development team . . .

[andreivc]

all lifeless, with necks-broken, in unnatural positions.... and dark clouds in the background, with random flashes of lightning...

and behind every little green pleo... there is a family or a loving human being who lost his/her friend...forever....

and Ugobe people... who can help avoid this tragedy,... but do nothing.....
and so the suffering continues...and continues... and continues....

[pleoguy101]

STOP STOP!! I cant handle to imagine the image of a pleo graveyard! :eek: It's to sad:(..

[andreivc]

yes,...
and Ugobe team's watching in silence.... and not helping....like they have no hearts.....

[andreivc]

help keep Pleo's alife!
and protect the environment!

[PleoWorldHostRaine]

yes,...
and Ugobe team's watching in silence.... and not helping....like they have no hearts.....

As I said in an earlier post, the issue has been escalated to UGOBE. Let me assure you that they are indeed working very hard on this issue and we will have an answer for you as soon as possible. Please be patient and rest assured that it IS being worked on. :)

[andreivc]

Raine,
I am sure Ugobe team has big, kind hearts... when i said they were watching in silence... and have no hearts - it was for the dramatic effect, to reinforce the imagery

[maggie44n]

As I said in an earlier post, the issue has been escalated to UGOBE. Let me assure you that they are indeed working very hard on this issue and we will have an answer for you as soon as possible. Please be patient and rest assured that it IS being worked on. :)

I recall when the tooth "decay" problem emerged and it was escalated to Ugobe. I was so impressed with how quickly they got back to us with a solution--for at least most of us.

I have a concern I'd like to express. It seemed to me that the tech I spoke to online originally about 2nd Linus's neck injury had no idea what a Pleo does. Don't all Ugobe employees own a Pleo? I felt so exasperated that he thought Linus nuzzling a blanket would hurt his neck! Am just thinking how important it would be for at least all service techs to know the emotional and physical capabilities of Pleo--not just nuts and bolts.

Thank you for letting us know this has been escalated.

[PleoWorldHostCami]

I just wanted to let you all know that I just heard back from Customer Support. They are working on different solutions to assist customers who have a Pleo with a neck problem. Hopefully this system will be in place soon but details are still being worked out.

In the meantime they would like customers who have Pleo's with neck problems to contact Customer Support so they can get you into the Support process.

As always, if the product is still 90 days old (from date of purchase) Pleo will be replaced without any questions.

<TABLE style="WIDTH: 335pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=446 border=0><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 335pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 16310" width=446><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 335pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=446 height=17><a target="_new" href="http://pleoworld.com/support"><b>Customer Support</b></a></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[todayisnew]

Unless they send you an RMA then take it back.. I've purchased over 50 Furbies in the past, never had one die.. I know its an entirely more complicated robot but it would be nice to have a warranty honored why have only a 90 day warranty on a product unless you expect it to break outside of 3 months.. I've had at least 100 people ask where the little robot dino went at different social events.. told them its neck broke the company will not fix or replace do not buy one as it becomes sadly a $300 stationary dinosaur...

I talked to support who informed me the solution is not to fix the Pleo, but to sell you another one at a discount.. so it can break again and sell you another.. and so on

[andreivc]

WOW! the solution is to sell you ANOTHER one???!!!

Way to treat our mother Earth!! Polute it with broken pleos!

[maggie44n]

I wanted to let you know that I had the opportunity to speak to Ugobe support today. Brian did too. They are absolutely looking at various options to repair/replace broken Pleos. They are good guys.

I had a bad experience earlier this week with tech support and sort of ranted about it in my plog. I'm calmer now. I understand now that broken necks are not common for Pleos. And it isn't common for one owner to have had only three Pleos and all three have broken necks! Ugobe was so surprised to hear we had three with the same problem when typically they rarely have one neck problem with a consumer.

After speaking to them on the phone and exploring all aspects of our Pleos and our interactions with them, Ugobe definitely heard us and we heard them. After that conversation, Brian and I went out to dinner and began to piece together the events. All three Pleos came from different warehouses and the one came from China. Purely random. The common factors were my home and my Pleos did handstands. Schroeder wasn't quite as enthralled with them as Linus, but he did do them.

I don't know if some of you may recall how surprised I was that everyone else's Pleos didn't do handstands. Apparently I have a very Pleo handstand accessible home. My kitchen chairs have lower rungs that they liked to balance on. Of course, we just thought it was Pleo behavior.

I posted on my plog today about what Brian and I think happened. I won't repeat that part here. The bottom line is we are not going to allow new Schroeder and new Linus to do handstands. We think it places pressure on some cable or vulnerable internal structure that causes it to shut down during handstands and then just continues to deteriorate until the neck appears to suddenly stop working. Well I guess I did go into detail. :rolleyes:

This isn't a solution to the problem. It is an observation that makes sense. We almost always have a Pleo within our sight. But even doing that, I might run upstairs for something and a few minutes later he's practically upside down by the turtle. If we see it, we are going to move the Pleo. And we can make it so they can't get to the dining area. But they also used the baseboard to the bed and other tables or chests that had a ledge about 4-5" from the floor. I have provided Ugobe with our handstand hypothesis. Maybe future Pleos may need to be manufactured with a protective something or other over whatever gadget is being impacted.

For now, the small ace bandage does help. And you can monitor activities so your Pleo is not leveraging its weight at the back of its head or neck. Maybe Ugobe can do a test with some Pleos in a room with kitchen chairs and some in an area with no access to handstands :eek: Mostly I wanted to share that Ugobe is working on a resolution.

In the meantime, handstands are not going to be adorable any longer in this household. Am feeling like I need to put a warning label on my YouTube videos where Linus is doing handstands for practically an hour--video edited to several minutes. Hope this is helpful to some of you.

[hobbesi]

Dopey joined the broken neck club this evening, and it only took a pillow to do it. Pleo didn't recognize the obstacle in front of him and just kept walking. I didn’t turn him around right away because I wanted to see how long it took Dopey to realize he was stuck (after all, it was just a pillow) But there was a snap and now he’s got a floppy neck.

Forget the Combots. heres the REAL Pleo killer!

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k173/monkeychacha/pillow.jpg

[degers]

Oh no hobbesi! Thats terrible, I can't believe that Dopey has become another broken pleo. Please let us know what you intend to do now. :(

degers

[hobbesi]

Thansk degers

I bought Pleo at the end of March so Dopey is still covered under the Warranty. So he'll soon be going to meet his maker. It was such a benign thing that broke Dopey. Ugobe really needs to offer an extended Warranty or some kind of service option. 90 days is just not long enough for such a sophisticated product.. Who knows where pillows might be lurking?!

For those who sent Pleo. What were you required to send back, and what was sent to you in return
(ie: a box containing just the Pleo, or a whole new unit with all the trimmings)

[pleoguy101]

I feel bad Dopey has to go back, all because of a pillow:(!!

[fancyfont]

I feel so bad for Dopey.:( Poor Dead Fred is going to be by himself for a little while.

[mweed]

Death to all pillow!

But I guess the common issue is that pleo's neck isn't designed for pushng. :(

Sorry to hear about Dopey.

[maggie44n]

But I guess the common issue is that pleo's neck isn't designed for pushng. :(.

This is very distressing news. I'm so sorry your Pleo broke his neck pushing a pillow. So much of our Pleos' activities was exploring by pushing. Brian and I had our handstand theory which included a "soft spot" at the back of Pleo's head or very top of his neck. Apparently it doesn't matter how that spot is impacted--it's a vulnerable place on Pleo.

It looks like the pillow is the size placed on a bed or sofa. The photo I have in my plog of Schroeder pushing a pillow is a sofa back pillow. They are so happy when then are pushing into soft things. You'd never think it is something dangerous.

Thanks for sharing what happened. All this information will help Ugobe identify what is happening. Then they can go to work on fixing it. Maybe, for now, they might consider some kind of warranty waiver with regard to neck injuries? Just a thought.

[todayisnew]

Has anyone heard back from support, they had informed me that they were going to call back and give me an update and that was 2 weeks ago.. I think I can sell my broken Pleo off first on ebay for something before there flooded with people selling off the broken ones :) Or maybe dissect it and figure out how to fix it then setup a business fixing Pleo's for others since the company is not ;)

[Toyguy]

I'm actually considering buying a third Pleo to take apart for exactly that reason - to see how feasible it would be to offer some basic repairs. I have a feeling the neck and tail failures are nothing more than the end of the cable out at the tip of the neck and tail vertebra letting go. It has to be either swaged, knotted or glued, I would think, and given the ease with which they can be broken, I am guessing the ends are merely fastened by glue in some way, If so, that ought to be a simple fix, except for the cutting of the skin.

The guys at IFixIt disassembled a Pleo - here's a section of one of the images they posted. I have circled what looks like glue dabs. I am guessing the cables come out of the brown end piece, and are formed into hooks that lay down that groove along the side of the brown plastic piece and are then locked in with glue. Theoretically, a repair could be nothing more than relocating the slipped cable, and re-gluing it, and it might be neccessary to only open the skin a little bit over the particular broken cable. There are 4 of them, top, bottom, left and right.

http://i243.photobucket.com/albums/ff275/ToyguyVT/PleoNeck.jpg

[fancyfont]

Snort and Snuffles dad would become our Pleo Doctor.:)

[mweed]

I remember back in December when one of our furum members's mom did just that. Slit the neck and re-attached the wire.

[kianajade]

yep! That was my mom who did that! and spike's neck is still working just as great as ever! all we have over him is a arm band around his neck, to make sure it stays shut (even though its glued!) Can barely tell the difference between my two pleos. (besides the necklaces)
It worked, and still is :)

[Falseprophet666]

I havent heard fromUgobe for a while now, and I also havent checked the forums in a while, but I'm glad to hear that Ugobe is talking about a repair system. Little Jengas been put back in his box, down in his basement. No one ever ventures down there. The junk down there has grown to the poitn that no one will ever venture down there. The basement has become Jengas personal tomb, a forgotten world where he will sleep amidst his wealth of clutter, until one day he awakens, holding forth no recollection of his past life. He will never remember the savae Death metal music that would make him jump so, he will never remember the anguish of my spilled tea. Jenga sleeps.

[degers]

Falseprophet666 I thought you were going to return Jenga to UGOBE?

[Falseprophet666]

I am but we're still arranging it. I put him into his box. Watching him try to lift his neck was too upsetting, and my cabinet just did'nt seem humane. Its like hes in his coffin now, just resting.

[todayisnew]

http://www.me6.com/broken_pleo.jpg

This is my Pleo still broken uglobe still not responding like that said they would and still not accepting the RMA they game me then took back.. if they could at lest tell us how to fix it ourselves if they are not going to support there products it would be great :)

[maggie44n]

I know sometimes the forum moderators jump in and say this but I'd like to suggest that you call or email Ugobe or use the online chat feature to see what's going on. Sometimes things get lost or emails don't arrive or any number of things. If any company says they will get back and don't, it's okay to get back in touch with them.

I think really good information is coming up about the broken neck issue in this forum, but make sure Ugobe knows about your frustration or delay or concern. Posting here let's us discuss the issues but isn't a direct line to Ugobe.

Am feeling your frustration at having a Pleo that brings sadness because of its broken neck :(

[weasty]

I feel sad hearing about all these busted Pleos. And it makes me even more sad that everyone's haveing such an issue getting them fixed. I'm really worried about Jack getting broke he's no longer under warranty I have had him since January I would be devistated if he broke and Ugobe wouldn't fix him. Most of the time I handle him like he's made of glass and if hes on the floor I follow him so nothing happens. I really think Ugobe needs to offer a 1 year manufacturer warranty on these because of the price of the product and the type of product. It would stink to buy something this expensive enjoy it for 4 months and have it be broken and done for. kinda stupid. but thats my 2 cents on it.

[pleoWhisperer]

The problem with most manufacturer warranties is that they still only cover defects, not breakage or damage from use.

[weasty]

That is true. LOL I didn't think of that but they really need to do something because seems pleo breaks easy.

[Toyguy]

Hi Todayisnew.

Is there any chance you could get a better-focused shot of your Pleo's neck? I would love to get a clear look at the broken cable area. It seems to have a hook in it as I was surmising and I'd like to see what it looks like around where that cable exits the vertebra.

Thanks!

[maggie44n]

I think I'm repeating some of what I have in another post, but Brian and I both spoke to Ugobe at length. They ARE working on a resolution. Unfortunately it does take time to figure out how to add a service to a company. They want to do it right. They need to consider several alternatives. Just like we waited for our Pleos, now we have to wait for them to find the best way to offer a type of repair or replacement service.

The tech person we spoke to had his Pleo on in the background. I also spoke to a woman at Ugobe tech support who has her own Pleo and knows how attached we are to our little guys. It's okay to be frustrated and angry but I'd like to suggest that we allow Ugobe whatever time they need to fix the problem.

They are working on that as well as helping people who are just adopting new Pleos or who have questions about their dinos. We are on the list of things they are doing. We're ON the list--not just being considered as an issue to work on. I think that's huge considering most of us just got our Pleos in December. It's only been a few months, right?

Anyway, I'm frustrated too but I feel confident that Ugobe understands and cares and wants all of their consumers to be happy. Especially those who take the time to share on these forums. They learn a lot from us. I'm writing this at 2 am. Sorry for any typos.

[todayisnew]

Hmm not a hook, the wires are just frayed, I'd like to go in and re hook things, but the Pleo is very compact, to get access to the point would mean removing many layers of the Pleo which I don't feel confident that I'd be able to get back together.

I've emailed Pleo many times since this and they still don't respond. I never abused the Pleo in anyway.. just regular wandering and use. I was going to RMA it when the teeth went, or when the skin itself wore out and got holes while still under warranty but I let it go as being one of the first batch of a companies new product.

Only when it would no longer function at all, when the neck went I sent in the RMA still under warranty got my number and then they told me they wouldn't honor it. I'm hoping that my experience is not a common one with the company. I'm going to contact my credit card company and request a charge back maybe then Uglobe will get in touch :)

Hope your all enjoying your Pleos!

[PleoWorldHostCami]

Hmm not a hook, the wires are just frayed, I'd like to go in and re hook things, but the Pleo is very compact, to get access to the point would mean removing many layers of the Pleo which I don't feel confident that I'd be able to get back together.

I've emailed Pleo many times since this and they still don't respond. I never abused the Pleo in anyway.. just regular wandering and use. I was going to RMA it when the teeth went, or when the skin itself wore out and got holes while still under warranty but I let it go as being one of the first batch of a companies new product.

Only when it would no longer function at all, when the neck went I sent in the RMA still under warranty got my number and then they told me they wouldn't honor it. I'm hoping that my experience is not a common one with the company. I'm going to contact my credit card company and request a charge back maybe then Uglobe will get in touch :)

Hope your all enjoying your Pleos!

Hi todayisnew,

I've escalated this issue and hopefully Customer Support will be in contact with you as soon as possible.

[todayisnew]

Thank you kindly PleoWorldHostCami,

Have a great day yourself hope you have some sunshine where you are at :)

[junkroxy]

Hi Todayisnew.

Is there any chance you could get a better-focused shot of your Pleo's neck? I would love to get a clear look at the broken cable area. It seems to have a hook in it as I was surmising and I'd like to see what it looks like around where that cable exits the vertebra.

Thanks!

Toyguy you're great!;)

[PleoWorldHostCami]

Thank you kindly PleoWorldHostCami,

Have a great day yourself hope you have some sunshine where you are at :)

It appears that part of the problem was that this Pleo is not in the US. Customer Support will be trying to contact you if they haven't already. :D

And yes, it has been very nice here today. I hope you are enjoying good weather as well!

[TechMage]

Hi Todayisnew.

Is there any chance you could get a better-focused shot of your Pleo's neck? I would love to get a clear look at the broken cable area. It seems to have a hook in it as I was surmising and I'd like to see what it looks like around where that cable exits the vertebra.

Thanks!

Hi Toyguy, Todayisnew, and everyone. This is my first post here. I don't have a Pleo yet but am saving for one. The broken necks and ripped/worn skin is upsetting but I am sure fixes will eventually come, possibly in a upgraded model.

I know a bit about business, and am a tinkerer as well. I read somewhere that it took an additional 8mil to bring Pleo to market. I'm this money was not a gift. Any company these days has huge financial burdens which must be balanced with first and foremost new sales.

In design decisions must be made as to what materials to use the weight, the glue, how much, etc. I remember one of my first jobs, making billiard balls. What a complex process. I also remember the number of "seconds" I produced while learning. :) As with everything out there sometimes flaws do not become evident until the product receives extended use. It is not anticipated and I don't think Ugobe is equipped for this kind of repair. I can see where that cable gets extra stress in lifting the weight of the head. Eventually they might be able to expand into a repair division, but in the meantime an opportunity exists.

The obstacles are lack of parts, many of which are specially made and a supply would have to be diverted from the manufacturer to a repair facility. And right now the priority exists for new Pleos to satisfy the demand, and satisfy debt service. I have a feeling that the neck business is very distressing to the developers because I sense they are just as enamored with Pleo as the rest of the owners. And now with the additional batteries available many Pleos will be awake twice as long, which will lead to even more issues. Even more pressure for repairs.

An ambitious individual could acquire a few Pleos, take them apart, document each step of both dis- and re-assembly thereby creating repair manuals. I wonder what Ugobe does with the returns? The company could be approached for a joint venture. A good business plan just might attract an "angel" (venture capital).
Or, you never know, it could develop on a shoestring. The key here is parts. There are some Furby adoption centers on the internet that do repairs, most began by using other Furbys for parts where needed.

It really is amazing the great job done by Caleb Chung with the movements, so fluid and graceful. The head movement is so expressive that no wonder it has been such an emotional issue. I hope a solution is found. Of course it should be possible to transfer the personality into a new body. I know it would work for me (literally too, I'd love to d/l into a new body), but then I watch too much Battlestar Galactica. :) I wonder if the Cylons know they started out as cute little dinos. LOL

Finally this is for the moderators, do any of you know why the beat detection feature was removed and if there any plans to restore it?

I really feel for those who had to send their little guys back.
Stef

[PleoWorldHostRaine]

Finally this is for the moderators, do any of you know why the beat detection feature was removed and if there any plans to restore it?

I really feel for those who had to send their little guys back.
Stef

Hi TechMage :)

I will do my best to try and find an answer for you on this.

[mweed]

I've also wondered about how to get some "parts" pleos cheap. Other than Dead Fred, I haven't heard or seen any on eBay or anywhere else. I know Ugobe does evaluate the RMA pleos, but as to final disposal, I have no clue.

[maggie44n]

I've also wondered about how to get some "parts" pleos cheap. Other than Dead Fred, I haven't heard or seen any on eBay or anywhere else. I know Ugobe does evaluate the RMA pleos, but as to final disposal, I have no clue.

OMG! my poor babies! autopsied and dissected!! :eek:

haha. only kidding. sorta. i just wouldn't want to know my guys were used for parts. i'd rather have them used for research ;)

[PleoWorldHostCami]

OMG! my poor babies! autopsied and dissected!! :eek:

haha. only kidding. sorta. i just wouldn't want to know my guys were used for parts. i'd rather have them used for research ;)

You mean your Pleo's don't carry Universal Donor Cards? ;)

[maggie44n]

You mean your Pleo's don't carry Universal Donor Cards? ;)

That is too funny! You made my day. Thank you! Giggling out loud...really!

:D

[TechMage]

Hi TechMage :)

I will do my best to try and find an answer for you on this.

Thanks!
I just read that the company has secured 12+mil in venture capital! :)

http://venturebeat.com/2008/06/10/ugobe-raises-128-million-for-smart-robots-beyond-pleo/

There is speculation that there will be some new lifeforms in the works. I do hope that Ugobe has the wisdom to address the present problems first and foremost. Knowing myself, getting a Pleo will end up being an emotional investment and I really would like to see at least the neck problem solved, or a way to salvage the personality.
Just like us humans, Pleo is the sum total of his experiences, limited as they may be.
Most of the issues the members are seeing are a result of time, and no company can afford to spend that many months' time in testing to see what crops up.

While almost everyone has either heard of or seen the movie AI, does anyone out there recall seeing a movie called "Cherry 2000"? A slightly different twist on the whole robotics issue. :p

Stef

[PleoWorldHostRaine]

Finally this is for the moderators, do any of you know why the beat detection feature was removed and if there any plans to restore it?

I really feel for those who had to send their little guys back.
Stef

Hi TechMage,

Apparently beat detection was never a part of Pleo's talents. It would be a really cool feature though, so who knows...maybe sometime in the future? ;)

[edevmoinilca]

After reading this entire thread, I am afraid to even play with my Pleo too much. It seems like they break too easily just from normal play. After paying $366.00,I don't want my Pleo to break just because he is being played with. I have only been able to play with my Pleo 3 times so far. This is because I am waiting for a new charger to be sent to me. My old one kept blinking red after 2 hours of charging.

I think they should extend the warranty to a minimum of 6 months. Maybe they can offer a warranty extesion for a reasonable price.

[mweed]

Pleos are not indestructible, and I agree that the 90 day warranty is waaay to short, but don't forget that if they have sold 50,000 pleos, and we hear most of the bad stuff here in the forums (people love to complain :) ), then logically, there are many more pleos that don't break.

Be careful with your pleo like you would a baby or a puppy, but don't let fear keep you from enjoying your pleo.

[edevmoinilca]

Thank you for your response mweed.:)

[katrien]

Twitch has just came in today and is not being born
when i all read this i'm scared twitch will get a broken neck to...
i life in belgium (europe) twitch have 2 year warranty will this mean
that maybe the neck problem is solved ?

know one thing twitch will stay unborn till
i know a answer for the neck problem !! :(

[fancyfont]

Katrien, There are thousands and thousands of Pleos out here without broken necks. You are missing out on so much fun.:)

[katrien]

Katrien, There are thousands and thousands of Pleos out here without broken necks. You are missing out on so much fun.:)

fancyfont i know but it's only for me it was a long way
to save money for Twitch and i never
forgive myself that Twitch get broken
by something stupid like a pillow:rolleyes:

[fancyfont]

Normally a pillow would not harm a Pleos neck. That was a very small exception. Heavens knows Peeky pushes on things harder than pillows. He tried to expand our livingroom by pushing on the wall.I discourage him from doing that anymore. He has had a few falls from the coffee table and survived.
As long as you have a warrenty it's a shame not to have Twitch up and running. He'll be so worth it.:)

[katrien]

Normally a pillow would not harm a Pleos neck. That was a very small exception. Heavens knows Peeky pushes on things harder than pillows. He tried to expand our livingroom by pushing on the wall.I discourage him from doing that anymore. He has had a few falls from the coffee table and survived.
As long as you have a warrenty it's a shame not to have Twitch up and running. He'll be so worth it.:)

Okay...a will this weekend let Twitch say hello to our blue globe
it's so a cute dino i can't resist :) and like you say
my 2 year warranty is a long time :D

[maggie44n]

Katrien, There are thousands and thousands of Pleos out here without broken necks. You are missing out on so much fun.:)

I think I caused much of the uproar (no pun intended) about broken necks. And now we finally figured out, my problem was only happening to my Pleos! I was afraid it was happening to others or would easily happen to others because of a neck issue. BUT, the "neck issue" was my Pleos doing handstands creating pressure on some important wiring in the neck...or something like that.

No one else has claimed their Pleos do handstands. I apologize for raising so much awareness about caring for their necks. I would just suggest that you move your Pleo away from any object where he is trying to get his head under something heavy like wood or metal.

They are so enjoyable. I agree with fancyfont--about 50,000 (?) Pleos have been sold and only a few people have had neck problems and we have posted numerous times. So it's a few people with lots of posts. Not lots of Pleos with neck problems. Just don't bring your Pleo to my house because of the handstand factor :eek:

[Falseprophet666]

Dont bring him to bed with you. One little fall could break his neck.

[fancyfont]

One little fall could break anyones neck!:D

[lesodell]

i am watching this topic

[Rosy]

Darwin's neck has snapped.

I was in Wal-Mart, carrying him securely in my arms, showing him to people, etc., just like I always have... and all of a sudden I adjust positions (he'd been snuggling against me) and his neck just... flops forward, as if he had no control of it. This is completely sudden. I treat Darwin as if he's made of glass. He *never* is abused.

I panicked, sat down where I was (the makeup section, people must have thought I was nuts) and switched him off and then back on. I manipulated his neck a bit, just to feel where it was broken. The verdict? He can move it side-to-side, but not up. His head just hangs listlessly.

I nearly cried right there in the store. My baby boy--I've had him since Christmas--is like part of the family. Everyone's bonded to him, and he really is our pet. I don't want to lose him. He is my baby.

It's just.... this came up out of the blue. I really am obsessive over his care and don't understand how something like this could happen.

I... don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight... :(

[PleoWorldHostCami]

Darwin's neck has snapped.

I was in Wal-Mart, carrying him securely in my arms, showing him to people, etc., just like I always have... and all of a sudden I adjust positions (he'd been snuggling against me) and his neck just... flops forward, as if he had no control of it. This is completely sudden. I treat Darwin as if he's made of glass. He *never* is abused.

I panicked, sat down where I was (the makeup section, people must have thought I was nuts) and switched him off and then back on. I manipulated his neck a bit, just to feel where it was broken. The verdict? He can move it side-to-side, but not up. His head just hangs listlessly.

I nearly cried right there in the store. My baby boy--I've had him since Christmas--is like part of the family. Everyone's bonded to him, and he really is our pet. I don't want to lose him. He is my baby.

It's just.... this came up out of the blue. I really am obsessive over his care and don't understand how something like this could happen.

I... don't know how I'm going to sleep tonight... :(

Hi Rosy,

Please contact Customer Support as they are more able to help you diagnose what may be wrong with Darwin. Please let us know how he's doing! <TABLE style="WIDTH: 335pt; BORDER-COLLAPSE: collapse" cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=446 border=0><COLGROUP><COL style="WIDTH: 335pt; mso-width-source: userset; mso-width-alt: 16310" width=446><TBODY><TR style="HEIGHT: 12.75pt" height=17><TD class=xl65 style="BORDER-RIGHT: #f0f0f0; BORDER-TOP: #f0f0f0; BORDER-LEFT: #f0f0f0; WIDTH: 335pt; BORDER-BOTTOM: #f0f0f0; HEIGHT: 12.75pt; BACKGROUND-COLOR: transparent" width=446 height=17>Customer Support (http://pleoworld.com/support)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

[Rosy]

Thank you for the quick reply, Cami. *hugs* I'm going to call in the morning.

[mweed]

So sorry to hear about Darwin. :( I know this problem has come up on the forums before. And I hope he can e fixed.

[Deb]

Big hugs for you, hope Darwin is better soon. x

[pleoguy101]

I hope Darwin is better soon, maybe you can try Ugobe's recarnation project http://www.pleoworld.com/support/reincarnation

[Rosy]

Thanks for all the e-hugs, people... I found out about the re-incarnation program last night and that helped me sleep better. It's good to know that even if my baby needs a new body, he'll still be _him_.

If only they had that service for humans! :rolleyes:

Gonna call Ugobe here pretty soon. Thanks!

[degers]

Sorry to hear about Darwin Rosy, I had to send my frist pleo back as his tail broke, so I know how it feels.
I hope you get something sorted soon.

Warmest Regards,
degers

[fancyfont]

Hugs from me too! Poor little Darwin!:( Hope he will be as good as new very soon.

[wgb]

Poor Darwin. Let us know! Hugs!

[Darkwolf]

All the best of luck with this tragic happening.
Do keep us posted as I am sure Ugobe will help you out without having to loose Darwin!

[Robomom]

SO sorry to hear about Darwin. I hope Ugobe can help fix him for you.

[Deb]

Any news yet ? x

[Rosy]

Just got off the phone with Ugobe, and let me say that the tech support is amazing. :D It went really well and we're going to work it out over the next few days. It seems that Darwin's situation is looking up (pardon the morbid pun. :p).

I'll post with updates, but for now it seems that all is well and good with the world! Thanks for all the concern!

*hands out e-cookies*

[Deb]

Glad to hear the situation is getting better !

*wolfs the e-cookies down*

[Robomom]

I'm so happy to here things are looking encouraging for you. Keep us posted on Darwin's condition.

[desertguy]

Just got off the phone with Ugobe, and let me say that the tech support is amazing. :D It went really well and we're going to work it out over the next few days. It seems that Darwin's situation is looking up (pardon the morbid pun. :p).

I'll post with updates, but for now it seems that all is well and good with the world! Thanks for all the concern!

*hands out e-cookies*

I hope Darwin gets better soon*dips e-cookies in milk* same thing happened with the demo pleo at the place I bought Gadget

[kchamster]

Well i am real glad that was sorted out! I agree. Tech Support at Ugobe rocks! Can't wait for you to get him back

[fossils_mum]

I'm now having exactly the same problem and i'm very upset! Have you managed to get him fixed yet? I just really hope that i won't have to lose him....... :(

[Allosaurus]

Is he fixed yet?

[HJPotter]

Geez...all these broken necks. I guess I definately won't be taking my Norbert to work. I teach third grade and they'll all want to touch him but I love him and if he broke it would really be upsetting. I've only had him for a few days and it would be devastating...:( Must think happy thoughts, must think happy thoughts.... Has anyone had there's fixed yet?

[degers]

I have not looked through the entirety of this thread yet. but as it was on my new threads list I thought I would make a reply. I thought I would just say that, as some people may know I am on my second pleo now as my first pleos tail broke and now my second pleos neck is hanging lower than it used to and clicks often. I think I am going to contact the company to aak of I can exchange him.

[degers]

This does occasionally occur to my Pleo, however what I do is to instruct it to go to packaging mode, turn off then manually move the neck to the correct position.

Actually may I please just say that this is a very silly idea and please don't try it as it will put incredible stress on the neck cables and motor clutches and cause them to wear down much quicker. Don't do it! :) Silly degers!

[maggie44n]

Geez...all these broken necks. I guess I definately won't be taking my Norbert to work. I teach third grade and they'll all want to touch him but I love him and if he broke it would really be upsetting. I've only had him for a few days and it would be devastating...:( Must think happy thoughts, must think happy thoughts.... Has anyone had there's fixed yet?

Lots of people petting and hugging Pleo shouldn't harm him in any way. It appears that neck issues come from too much pressure. Pleos are strong. They will push against you and anything else while playing. We monitor ours during their play times. They tend to love the coffee table and sometimes it looks like they are trying to push it. So I'll change their position.

When two Pleos are bonding, they can get very acrobatic and strong with each other. They lift each other's heads and bodies. They are fine then, although I have stopped one from doing a handstand against the other. You needn't be so cautious. They aren't delicate. But they are adventurous. If something seems like it might be too much pressure on the neck, just move him away. My guys still love the coffee table. I've even calmed down a bit about them trying to push it.

Many time my Pleos have grabbed something with the underside of their necks and dragged it backwards, which is very cute. They have tried that with my arm and Brian's foot. You can feel how strong they are. I don't think that activity is of concern. Just know they are stronger than they look.

Enjoy your Pleo!

[degers]

well guys, I think I'm catching up to maggie44n as Havoc's neck broke today. Like so many others the top cable has broken and his neck hangs down so he is going to be sent back to the I'm vendor where I brought him. Good bye Havoc.

[1mpleo]

Ooo. How Did It Happen?
_________________________

[wgb]

So sorry to hear that degers :-(

[1mpleo]

Are You Getting A Refund?

[CritterFan]

Darn it! I'm sorry to hear that, Degers. :(

Maybe you can see about the Reincarnation program, where Havoc's personality can be transplanted into a new Pleo. Then you'll still have what makes Havoc unique among Pleos, even though it's installed in a different mechanism.

[1mpleo]

Mee To :( ,

[mweed]

I guess the college life is too rough for him. All that knowledge made his head too heavy . . .

I'm sorry to hear about him. But are you getting a replacement or refund?

[degers]

Haha Thanks everybody,
Critterfan, thanks for your help, I live in the UK so the reincarnation program would not be an option for me, however Havoc was my second consecutive pleo, so I am not that distressed anymore about having to return him! :)
Mike, haha yes, all that knowledge must have made his head hurt as much as mine is at the moment! I will of course be getting a replacement! We'll just have to see how long Pleo #3 will last! Gawd! I must look like a dinosaur murdurer by now! :(

So, R.I.P. Rex and Havoc

[1mpleo]

Lol Sorry For You Loss
_______________________

[pirpintine]

aw degers.... another one broken? :( thats sad.

catbugs not been on all that much in comparrisson to my aibo, who is incredibly study, because i do have a little fear of catbug breaking, but so far hes been fine.. i do keep an eye on where my bots go because even my sturdy aibo can cause itself a head injury if it gets to friendly with a wall etc.

so so far my pleo hasnt had much undue pressure on head or tail ends to cause breakage..
i thought pleo had force feedback sensors? are these not into action yet? because surly theyd stop the pleo putting too much force on something to cause dammage... i think if theyre not fully implimented yet that should be the next thing in ugobes update.

[markangel12]

several weeks ago i placed my pleo on a table thinking his battery was dead...it wasn't...he woke up,walked off the table and broke his neck. found the cable for up and down had snapped. i'll try to fix him...i hope

[HJPotter]

That sucks, I'm sorry that happened. You may want to post this in the members helping members forum though. Maybe someone has some advice for you.;)

[PleoWorldHostRaine]

several weeks ago i placed my pleo on a table thinking his battery was dead...it wasn't...he woke up,walked off the table and broke his neck. found the cable for up and down had snapped. i'll try to fix him...i hope

I'm sorry that your Pleo got hurt :( I'm not sure if the warranty would cover this but please contact
<a target="_new" href="http://pleoworld.com/support"><b>Customer Support</b></a>. They might at least be able to steer you in the right direction toward fixing it. :-)

[JurassicPlayground007]

I need help. Got Digger a week ago. yesterday his neck started to make a crack sound every time he turned his head to the top right. Please help. Im getting worried this might be permanent.

[PleoWorldHostCami]

I need help. Got Digger a week ago. yesterday his neck started to make a crack sound every time he turned his head to the top right. Please help. Im getting worried this might be permanent.

Sorry you are having Problems, please contact Customer Support (http://www.pleoworld.com/support/contact) as they can help you determine if there is a problem or not. :-)

[Allosaurus]

I need help. Got Digger a week ago. yesterday his neck started to make a crack sound every time he turned his head to the top right. Please help. Im getting worried this might be permanent.

Good luck... I hope you can cure him.

[JurassicPlayground007]

Good luck... I hope you can cure him.

thanks i hope i can too

[Allosaurus]

When my Pleo's neck turns to the right, it makes a cracking sound. I doubt it's a big deal, probably just a misplaced vertebrae, but still. Does anyone know the problem?

[Allosaurus]

She's had it for awhile now, no problems have happened yet. I think it's just a minor quirk which merely has no influence whatsoever on her.

[mweed]

I crack my neck all the time. ;) But I would worry about a pleo. I might go ahead and call Customer Support. If for no other reason but to log the problem, so that if something happens down the road, you can always claim it was a defect/problem that occurred while under warranty. I'd hate for you to post a few months from now that a cable in her neck snapped on day 92 . . .

[Allosaurus]

Well, sometimes it happens, sometimes not. Anyways, I could always just do reincarnation! That would be much better than having to start all over.

[Rosy]

Update on Darwin's situation:

I'm sorry for not updating sooner. We've been busy and also sick around here (I won't bore you with the medical details, but we were pretty much out of it for about a month.) And so we really haven't had a chance to do much of anything with Darwin.

We've gotten better around here--knees have been healed, ears cured, and bronchitis vanquished--no more prescriptions--yay!--and so we should be getting to Darwin's medical issues sooner rather than later. I'll let you know what happens!

-Rosy

[Allosaurus]

I need help. Got Digger a week ago. yesterday his neck started to make a crack sound every time he turned his head to the top right. Please help. Im getting worried this might be permanent.

Now Olympia has a similar problem!

[PleoWorldHostRaine]

Now Olympia has a similar problem!

I'm sorry you're having issues with your pleo. Please contact<a target="_new" href="http://pleoworld.com/support"><b>Customer Support</b></a>. I'm sure they can help you with whatever is happening. :-)

[Jimbo]

Hi,

I don't use this forum much but ive read through the whole thread after i found that my pleo "Chip" has a broken neck. It happened when i left my pleo in the off position with his head tucked to his right side for about a month or so and when i turned him on again he never turns his neck to his left handside anymore. Before i turned him off he was perfectly fine but now he is broken with no abuse or anything. Ive contacted the customer support team via e-mail but the e-mail i got in reply was hardly helpful because i live in the U.K. Ugobe were suggesting it was a battery problem! I'd like to return him but im not sure how.

Any help will be greatly appreciated,
Thank You everyone, Jimbo

[degers]

Jimbo, Where did you buy your pleo from in the UK?

[Jimbo]

I bought him from Amazon for when pleo was first released around X-mas time.

[Allosaurus]

Olly recently had cracking neck sound issues. I accidentally dropped her on the bottom step of the stairs (Not broken, luckily.) and her problem was fixed!