Quantum Rehab Dynamo ATS, Owner'S Manual

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26 www.pridemobility.com Quantum Dynamo ATS RevE/May03
BATTERIES AND CHARGING
B
ATTERIES AND
C
HARGING
BATTERIES
Your Quantum Dynamo ATS uses two long-lasting, 12-volt, deep-cycle batteries. These batteries are sealed and maintenance
free. Since they are sealed, there is no need to check the electrolyte (fluid) level. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to handle
a deep discharge. Though they are similar in appearance to automotive batteries, they are not interchangeable. Automotive
batteries are not designed to handle a long, deep discharge, and are also unsafe for use in power chairs.
WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds. Wash hands
after handling.
CHARGING YOUR BATTERIES
The battery charger is one of the most important parts of your Quantum Dynamo ATS. The battery charger is designed to
optimize your power chair’s performance by charging the batteries safely, quickly, and easily. The charging system consists of
the charger, the charger fuse, and the ammeter. The ammeter indicates the rate of charge necessary to fully recharge the
batteries. It is also a good indication of whether or not the charger is working. The ammeter and the charger are only functional
when the charger power cord is plugged into a wall outlet.
WARNING! You must recharge batteries with the supplied onboard or off-board charging system. Do not use an
automotive-type battery charger.
WARNING! Never use an extension cord to plug in your battery charger. Plug the charger directly into a
properly wired standard wall outlet.
To charge the batteries by using the onboard charger:
1.
Position the rear of your power chair close to a standard wall outlet.
2. Be certain that the controller power is turned off and the freewheel levers are in the engaged position. See “Your Quantum
Dynamo ATS.”
3. Extend the charger power cord and plug it into the wall outlet. Your Quantum Dynamo ATS incorporates an inhibit function
that disables your power chair when the charger is plugged into a wall outlet.
4. The ammeter indicates how much charge is needed to fully charge the batteries. Wait about a minute for the charger to
warm up. The ammeter may move up to as high as 5.5 amps, then gradually move back down to 0 amps as it charges.
5. We recommend you charge the batteries for 8 to 14 hours. As the batteries charge, the ammeter needle will slowly drop
to zero. When the batteries are fully charged, the needle will vibrate on or about the zero mark on the meter scale.
6. When the batteries are fully charged, unplug the power cord from the wall outlet, wind it up, and store it in a safe place.
OFF-BOARD CHARGER
Your power chair may be equipped with an off-board, or external, charger. Typically, external chargers plug into the joystick/
controller. If your power chair is equipped with an external charger, refer to the instructions that come with the charger.
BATTERY BREAK-IN
1. Fully recharge any new battery prior to initial use. This will bring the battery up to about 90% of its peak performance level.
2. Run your Quantum Dynamo ATS about the house and yard. Move slowly at first, and do not stray too far until you become
accustomed to the controls and break in the batteries.
3. Give the batteries another full charge of 8 to 14 hours and run your power chair again. The batteries should now perform
at over 90% of their potential.
4. After four or five charging cycles, the batteries will top off at 100% charge and last for an extended period.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)
HOW DOES THE CHARGER WORK?
The battery charger takes the standard wall outlet voltage of 120VAC (alternating current) and converts it to 28VDC (direct
current). When the battery voltage is low, the charger works harder to charge the batteries. This is why the charging ammeter
initially reads 5.5 amps or more. As the battery voltage approaches a full charge, the charger doesn’t work as hard to complete
the charging cycle. This explains why the amperage on the charging ammeter drops as the batteries approach a full charge.
When the batteries are fully charged, the amperage from the charger is nearly zero. This is how the charger maintains a
charge but does not overcharge the battery. Your power chair’s charger will not be able to charge your batteries after the
batteries have been discharged to nearly zero voltage. If this happens, call your authorized Pride provider for assistance.