36
WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
(FIGURE 4)
It is advantageous to recharge daily rather than only
when necessary. In fact, a battery’s life is extended if
the charge level is maintained well above a low condi-
tion.
The range per battery charge using recommended
batteries should be approximately 5 to 9 hours of
typical operation. Extensive use on inclines or the
age of the batteries may substantially reduce per
charge mileage.
MKIV RII Joystick
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR (BDI) is located
at the front of the joystick housing and provides infor-
mation on the remaining charge in the batteries. At
FULL charge the BDI will be GREEN. As the battery
becomes discharged, the BDI indicator will turn AM-
BER (YELLOW), then RED and finally FLASHING
RED. If the BDI is FLASHING RED, the user should
charge the batteries as soon as possible.
NOTE: Accurate readings are displayed when in neu-
tral.
Battery Discharge
Indicator (BDI)
FIGURE 4 - WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
CHARGING BATTERIES
WARNING
NEVER attempt to recharge the batteries
by attaching cables directly to the battery
terminals.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries and
operate the wheelchair at the same time.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries
when the wheelchair has been exposed
to ANY type of moisture.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries
when the wheelchair is outside.
DO NOT sit in the wheelchair while recharg-
ing the batteries.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries
using BOTH the on-board battery charger AND
an independent battery charger (plugged
into the joystick charger port) at the SAME time.
Doing so will reduce the life of the batteries.
READ and CAREFULLY follow the individual
instructions for each charger (supplied or
purchased). If charging instructions are not
supplied, consult a qualified technician for
proper procedures.
CAUTION
New batteries MUST be fully charged prior
to initial use of the wheelchair.
ALWAYS charge new batteries before ini-
tial use or battery life will be reduced.
As a general rule, you should recharge your
batteries as frequently as possible to assure the
longest possible life and to minimize required
charging time. Plan to recharge them when
you do not anticipate using the wheelchair.
There are some basic concepts which will help
you understand this automatic process:
The amount of electrical current drawn within a given time
to charge a battery is called “charge rate”. If, due to usage,
the charge stored in the battery is low, the charge rate is
high. As a charge builds up, the charge rate is reduced,
and the battery charger rate decreases to a "trickle charge".
NOTE: If the batteries need to be charged more of-
ten or take longer to charge than normal, they may
need to be replaced. Contact a qualified technician.
NOTE: The batteries can be charged using the
on-board battery charger OR by plugging an in-
dependent battery charger into the port located
on the front of the MKIV joystick.
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BATTERIES
PROCEDURE 9
