SECTION 9—BATTERIES
72
FIGURE 9.6
MPJ Joystick
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 9.7 on page 73.
The far right side of the screen is the Battery Gauge Display (BGD). It provides information on the remaining charge in the
batteries. All battery indicators will be lit at full charge. The battery discharges as power is used. Indicators will turn off as
the battery discharges.
Charging Batteries
WARNING
Risk of Injury, Damage or Death
Improper charging may cause injury or damage
– Charge battery in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
– DO NOT attempt to charge the battery by attaching cables directly to the battery terminals.
– DO NOT attempt to charge the battery and operate the wheelchair at the same time.
– DO NOT attempt to charge the battery when the wheelchair has been exposed to any type of
moisture.
– DO NOT sit in the wheelchair while charging the battery.
– DO NOT leave the charger unattended when the breaker has tripped. Unplug and discontinue
use immediately. Contact a qualified service technician or Invacare for service.
NOTE: For this procedure, refer to FIGURE 9.7 on page 73.
NOTE: New batteries MUST be fully charged prior to initial use of the wheelchair.
NOTE: As a general rule, batteries should be recharged daily to assure the longest possible life and minimize the required charging time.
Plan to recharge the batteries when it is anticipated the wheelchair will not be used for a long period of time.
The range per battery charge using recommended batteries should be approximately five to nine hours of typical operation.
Extensive use on inclines may substantially reduce per charge mileage.
Description and Use of Battery Chargers
The charger automatically reduces the charge from an initially high rate to a zero reading at a fully charged condition. If left
unattended, the charger should automatically shut-off when full charge is obtained.
There are some basic concepts which will help you understand this automatic process. They are:
The amount of electrical current drawn within a given time to charge a battery is called the “charge rate”. If, due to usage,
the charge stored in the battery is low, the charge rate is high, as indicated by the GREEN light on the charger. Initially, the
GREEN light will stay illuminated for a short period of time followed by a longer period of off time. As a charge builds up,
the charge rate is reduced, and the GREEN light will stay illuminated for a longer period of time followed by a shorter off
time.
Battery
Charger/Programming Port
Batteries Full
Batteries
Empty
Information Gauge Display
