AC Mobility
User Manual for the Atigra Mid Wheel Drive electric wheelchair
Page
14
of
23
January 2009
The closer the chair is to the source of the EMI, the greater the potential impact of the EMI on the operation
of the chair.
The effect of electromagnetic interference on your wheelchair
It is important that you are aware of the potential dangers that may arise from EMI with the operation of
your chair. Such interference may appear as the unintended release of the electric brakes on the chair and
possibly movement of the chair by itself or movement of the chair in unintended directions. EMI can also
permanently damage the wheelchair control system. The interference can occur without warning.
Any of these effects could result in severe injury to you or other people or cause other property damage!
Please remain vigilant for the possible effects of EMI and take care in the operation of your chair.
Immunity to interference
Wheelchairs differ in their ability to resist EMI. An immunity level of 20 volts per metre or more (a higher level
is better) is desired for reasonable protection against the common sources of EMI.
The Atigra Mid Wheel Drive wheelchair fitted with the Dynamic Controls DX controller system meets or
exceeds an immunity level of 20 volts per metre.
How to avoid EMI
Sources of intense electromagnetic fields as listed above may be encountered when driving your chair. Some
of these sources will be obvious and can be easily avoided. Some sources however will not be obvious and
exposure to the electromagnetic fields will be unavoidable.
You can help to avoid possible problems by :
•
being aware of sources of electromagnetic interference and their location, such as radio or TV
stations, and avoiding coming close to them
•
being aware of hand held devices that may be brought close to the chair. You should switch off the
power to the chair should you be aware that any source of possible electromagnetic interference has
been brought close to the chair
•
being aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the wheelchair or its controller
system, may make the wheelchair more susceptible to EMI
If the chair shows any signs of electromagnetic interference, you should switch off your chair immediately.
Do not attempt to turn the power on and drive the chair until you are satisfied that the source of
electromagnetic interference is no longer present and you are able to drive the chair safely.
Warning – use of devices that emit electromagnetic interference
Do not attempt to turn on or use a hand held transceiver or other hand held communication device eg CB
radio, mobile/cellular phone while your wheelchair is switched on.
Advising your dealer
You should contact your dealer immediately and report any unintended electric brake release or movement of
the chair. Please advise your dealer if there was a source of electromagnetic interference nearby.
Warning #2 - Setting up the chair for the first time
Every wheelchair is different in its driving and operating characteristics and it is important that you take time
to understand the all the chair functions and safety features before starting to use it.
Please take note of the following important factors to be discussed and established
BEFORE
using your chair.
This should be done in conjunction with your health professional and wheelchair dealer.
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