39
Issue 10
WARNING
If you need to stop in an emergency,
the simplest and safest way is to just
release the joystick. This will bring the
chair to halt in a controlled manner.
A second means of bringing the chair
to a halt is to press the On/Off switch.
This method is not recommended as
the chair will stop very abruptly and
will cause unnecessary wear in the
chairs braking system.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod
Charging socket
See section on charging.
Operating the control joystick
When engaging the main On/Off switch,
allow a few seconds prior to moving the
joystick. This allows the system to self
check. If you move the joystick too soon,
the battery level indicator display will
flash, disabling drive to your wheelchair.
Whilst this is not harmful to your
wheelchair, you will need to switch off
and then back on to clear the system.
To steer, simply move the joystick in the
direction you wish to go. Proceed slowly
at first, i.e. do not push the joystick too
far forward.
Brakes will operate as soon as the
joystick is released and allowed to return
to its centre position. On level ground,
this should bring you to a halt within
one chair’s length (6 km/h model). On
a steep hill, it may travel slightly further
and you will notice the brakes being
automatically applied when the chair is
nearly stationary. Once the brakes have
been applied, switching off will make no
difference to the brakes, although it is
always safer when remaining stationary
for a period of time to switch off.
