46
PROCEDURE 9
BATTERIES
FIGURE 6 - WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
MKIV- A JOYSTICK
MKIV- A+ JOYSTICK
Battery Discharge
Indicator (BDI) (in LCD
Readout)
MKIV- X JOYSTICK
Battery Discharge
Indicator (BDI)
Battery Discharge
Indicator (BDI)
CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE 7)
NOTE: New batteries MUST be fully charged prior to initial
use of the wheelchair.
WARNING
Never attempt to recharge the batteries
by attaching cables directly to the bat-
tery terminals or clamps. Always use the
recharging plug located on the side of the
wheelchair frame.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batter-
ies and operate the power wheelchair at
the same time.
During use and charging, unsealed bat-
teries will vent hydrogen gas which is ex-
plosive in the right concentration with air.
CAUTION
Always charge new batteries before ini-
tial use or battery life will be reduced.
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 bat-
teries when it is anticipated the wheelchair will not be
used for a long period of time.
The range per battery charge using recommended batter-
ies should be approximately 5 to 9 hours of typical opera-
tion. Extensive use on inclines may substantially reduce
per charge mileage.
B
A
T
T
E
R
I
E
S
WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
(FIGURE 6)
The Battery Discharge Indicator (BDI) is a bar graph dis-
play located on the MKIV joystick. It will keep you informed
as to power availability. A visual warning is given before the
power becomes too low to operate the wheelchair. At full
charge the two (2) LEFT segments and the farthest RIGHT
segment of the bar graph will be illuminated. As the battery
becomes discharged, the farthest RIGHT segment will pro-
gressively move to the LEFT until only the last two (2) bars
(LEFT) are illuminated. At this level the last two (2) bars
(LEFT) will start to Flash ON and OFF to indicate that the
end user should charge the batteries as soon as possible.
Description and Use of Battery Chargers
The charger automatically reduces the charge from an ini-
tially 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.
WARNING
If the charger circuit breaker is tripping ON
and OFF, unplug the charger and contact
Invacare Technical Services, 1-800-832-4707.
Summary of Contents for Storm Arrow
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