Drive Sunfire Plus EC Owner's Manual

POWER WHEELCHAIR

Sunfire Plus EC

OWNER’S MANUAL

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1.

PREFACE AND INTRODUCTION..……………………………………

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2.

SAFETY NOTICE………..…………………….................……… ………….

 Before driving
 While driving
 Labeling

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3.

4.

EMI……………………………………………..………………………………..

PARTS INTRODUCTION……………………………………………..……….

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9

5.

OPERATION…………………………………………………………………....

 Joystick and controller
 How to operate your power wheelchair
 How to set to freewheel mode

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6.

BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE……………………………………….....

 Charging the battery
 Battery
 Replacing Sunfire Plus EC batteries / charger

18

7.

INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE……………………………………..….

 Inspection
 Regular checking record
 Battery, fuse and tire
 Storage

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8.

TROUBLE SHOOTING & SPECIFICATION…………….………………

24

9.

WARRANTY………………………………………………………………….....

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TA BLE OF CON T ENT S

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1 . P R E FA C E A N D I N T R O D U C T I O N

Please carefully read this owner’s manual before using the power wheelchair. Improper use of the
power wheelchair could result in, injury.

This owner’s manual includes operating instructions for every aspect of the power wheelchair,

including assembly instructions and how to deal with possible accidents.

◆ The symbols used in this manual are explained below:

Read carefully the notes marked with these symbols:

 Warning

Improper usage could result in serious injury or death

 Attention

Improper usage could lead to injury and/or damage to your power wheelchair.

 Suggestion

Follow these instructions to keep your power wheelchair in a good operating

order.

◆ This manual includes a copy of repair and maintenance record chart and warranty information.

Please keep it in a safe place.

◆ If someone else uses the power wheelchair, please make sure that you provide them with the

instruction manual for his or her consideration.

◆ We reserve the right to make design modifications. As designs change some illustrations and pictures

in the manual may not correspond to the power wheelchair that you have purchased.

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2 . S A F E T Y N O T I C E

2.1 BEFORE DRIVING

The user should become familiar with the usage and operation of this power wheelchair

before driving.

Therefore, please always keep the following safety notices in mind.

◆ Drive on the pavement, or pedestrian areas only.

◆ Do not drive your power wheelchair after consuming alcohol or when tired.

◆ Please be careful when driving your power wheelchair in low light.

It has not been designed for use at night.

◆ The power wheelchair has been designed to operate on pavement for speeds up to 4mph.

■ Practice operating your power wheelchair

Before using the power wheelchair, familiarize yourself with the operation of your power wheelchair.

◆ Turn the speed dial to value 1 for your initial use.

◆ Be sure someone accompanies you for safety when operating you power wheelchair for the first

time.

◆ Only use a higher speed setting when you are confident that you can easily operate and control

your power wheelchair.

■ The Sunfire Plus EC power Wheelchair is only to be used by one person at a time

Do not carry passengers on your power wheelchair. (including children)

■ Do not use this power wheelchair to carry or haul goods

◆ The maximum weight with occupant is 300 lbs.

2.2 WHILE DRIVING

■ Carry out daily inspections. Refer to the section “titled” “DAILY CHECKING”

■ Do not move your body out of the power wheelchair while moving

◆ Such action may cause you to lose balance and risk injury from falling.

◆ Pay attention that your clothes do not tangle in the wheels.

■ Do not use your power wheelchair under any of these conditions.

◆ On roads with heavy traffic or roads that are snow-covered or icy.

◆ Do not drive at night , Do not drive in rain or show.

◆ Do not drive your power wheelchair in an “S” pattern or make erratic turns.

◆ Do not take the power wheelchair onto escalators.

◆ UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE POWER WHEELCHAIR BE USED

AS A SEAT IN ANOTHER POWERWHEELCHAIR (CARS, BUSES, TRAINS, ETC).

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2 . S A F E T Y N O T I C E

■ About Mobile Phones and other electrical equipment

◆ Do not use a mobile phone or other wireless communication device while driving.

◆ Always switch off the power wheelchair and remove the ignition key before using a mobile phone.

◆ Do not charge the mobile phone or any other electrical device from the power wheelchair battery.

■ Automatic Power Shut Down

In order to avoid accidental battery run down, your power wheelchair is equipped with an automatic

power shut down. If the power wheelchair is turned on, it will automatically turn off after remaining

undisturbed for a period of thirty minutes. When this situation occurs, simply switch your power

wheelchair off and back on and it will be ready to use once again.

■ Ramps, inclines and drops

◆ Do not drive onto ramps that are steeper than the specified gradient. Refer to the section entitled

“CLIMBING ANGLE” in “8. SPECIFICATION”

◆ Always use a low speed setting when ascending or descending a gradient.

◆ Do not drive on roads with large drops or potholes. Refer to the section entitled “MAX.

GROUND CLEARANCE” in “ 8. SPECIFICATION”.

◆ Operate when driving on roads with inclines.

◆ Do not make sudden turns when driving on gravel roads or ramps.

◆ Always lean forward when climbing a steep gradient.

■ Starting and Driving

1. Make sure the seat is installed properly.

2. Fold down the armrests so that you can rest your arms.

3. Turn the power switch to “ON”.

4. Check battery indicator to ensure proper power as necessary, Recharge the batteries.

5. Set the speed dial to a safe and comfortable speed.

6. Check the joystick lever to ensure it operates correctly.

7. Make sure the electromagnetic brake works correctly.

8. Engage the 4mph switch if you are driving on the pavement.

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2 . S A F E T Y N O T I C E

 Warning!

◆ Do not set in the freewheel mode when driving on a gradient.

◆ Always re-engage the anti-freewheel device before use. Fail to do so may result in injury.

◆ Always fasten the seat belt when operating the power wheelchair.

◆ To protect your safety, the power will automatically cut off and electromagnetic brake system will

activate while driving down a steep gradient. This will limit the speed to a safe level. Turn the

power on again to re-start your power wheelchair.

◆ Maximum User Weight Limit

Refer to section titled “MAX. LOAD WEIGHT in “8. SPECIFICATION ”. Overloading past the

weight limit may lead to damage of your power wheelchair or cause it to malfunction and will

endanger your own safety. The warranty does not cover this type of damage.

 Attention

1. Avoid putting all of your weight on the footrest. This may cause the power wheelchair to tip.

Possibly resulting in injury.

2. Do not turn the power switch to OFF while driving as this will lead to an emergency stop and

possible risk of accident and injury.

3. Do not set to the higher speeds while driving indoors.

4. Do not adjust the speed dial while driving; a sudden change in speed may cause danger to you and

others, and may damage your power wheelchair.

5. Do not place magnetic devices near the area of the controller as this could affect the safe operation

of your power wheelchair.

7. While backing up the power wheelchair, be aware of people or objects behind you.

■ Stopping

◆ Release the joystick control lever completely. The power wheelchair will come to a stop.

◆ Turn the power switch to (OFF). Remove the key.

■ Driving on the pavement

 Ensure the speed limit switch is set to the slowest setting when using the power wheelchair.

This will limit the power wheelchair to a maximum speed of 4mph.

◆ The speed switch can be set to the fastest setting for use on the road or on private ground.

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2 . S A F E T Y N O T I C E

 Attention

When climbing an incline, do not zigzag or drive at an angle up the face of the of the

incline.

Always drive your power wheelchair straight up the incline. This greatly reduces the

possibility of a tip or a fall. Always exercise extreme caution when negotiating an
incline.

Never travel up or down an incline that is or covered by snow or ice.

■ Inclines and uneven terrain

When climbing an incline, try to keep your power wheelchair moving. If you must stop, start up again

slowly and then accelerate cautiously. When driving down an incline, do so slowly and in the forward

direction only. If your power wheelchair starts to move faster than you anticipated or desired it would,

allow the wheelchair to come to a complete stop by releasing the joystick. Push the joystick slightly

forward and continue traveling slowly down the incline.

■ Maximum recommended incline

The Sunfire Plus EC Power Wheelchair has undergone extensive incline testing. Our results show that

the maximum incline your Sunfire Plus EC can safely climb is eight degrees at maximum weight

capacity. Five degrees is the angle of most handicap access ramps. Any attempt to climb a steeper

slope may put your Sunfire Plus EC into an unstable position.

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2 . S A F E T Y N O T I C E

This section provides the user with basic information that describes the problems with electromagnetic
interference (EMI), known sources of EMI, protective measure to either lessen the possibility or
exposure or to minimize the degree of exposure, and suggested action should unexpected or erratic
movement occur.

 Attention

It is very important that you read this information regarding the possible effects of

electromagnetic interference on your Sunfire Plus EC power wheelchair.

■ ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) FROM RADIO WAVE SOURCES

Powered wheelchair’s may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is interfering
electromagnetic energy (EM) emitted from sources such as radio stations, TV stations, amateur radio
(HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular phones. The interference (from radio wave sources)
can cause the power wheelchair to release its brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions.
It can also permanently damage the powered wheelchair’s control system. The intensity of the
interfering EM energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each power wheelchair can resist
EMI up to a certain intensity; this is called its “immunity level”. The higher the immunity level, the
greater the protection. At this time, current technology is capable of achieving at least a 20 V/m
immunity level, which would provide useful protection from the more common sources of radiated
EMI. This power wheelchair model has as shipped as with no further modification an immunity level
of 20 V/m without any accessories.

There are a number of sources of relatively intense electromagnetic fields in the everyday environment.
Some of these sources are obvious and easy to avoid. Others are not apparent and exposure is
unavoidable. However, we believe that by following the warning listed below, your risk to EMI will
be minimized.
The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classified into three types:

1. Hand-held portable transceivers ( transmitter-receivers with the antenna mounted directly on the

transmitting unit. Examples include: citizens band (CB) radios, “ walkie talkie”, security, fire, and

police transceivers, cellular telephones and other personal communication devices.

 Attention Some cellular telephones and similar transmit signal while they are ON, even when

not being used.

2. Medium-range mobile transceivers, such as those used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and

taxis. These usually have the antenna mounted on the outside of the power wheelchair.

3. Long-range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast transmitters (radio and

TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios.

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3 . E M I

 Attention Other types of hand-held devices, such as cordless phones, laptop computers,

AM/FM radios, TV sets, CD players, cassette and small appliances such as
electric shavers and hair dryers are not , likely to cause EMI problems to your
powered power wheelchair .

■ POWERED POWER WHEELCHAIR ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI)

Because EM energy rapidly becomes more intense as one moves closer to the transmitting antenna
(source), the EM fields from hand-held radio wave sources (transceivers) are of special concern. It
is possible to unintentionally bring high levels of EM energy very closer to the powered s control
system of power wheelchair while using these devices. This can affect powered power wheelchair
movement and braking. Therefore, the warnings listed below are recommended to prevent possible
interference with the control system of the powered power wheelchair.

■ WARNINGS

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from sources such as radio and TV stations, amateur radio
(HAM) transmitters, two-way radios, and cellular phones can affect powered power wheelchair and
motorized power wheelchair. Following the warnings listed below should reduce the chance of
unintended brake release or powered power wheelchair movement which could result in serious
injury.

1. Do not operate hand-held transceivers-receivers, such as citizens band (CB) radios, or turn ON

personal communication devices such as cellular phones, while the powered power wheelchair is
turned ON.

2. Be aware of nearby transmitters such as radio or TV stations, and try to avoid coming close to

them.

3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the powered power wheelchair OFF as

soon as it is safe;

4. Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the powered power wheelchair,

may make it more susceptible to EMI (Note: There is no easy way to evaluate their effect on the
overall immunity of the powered power wheelchair).

5. Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to the powered power wheelchair

manufacturer, and note whether there is a source of EMI nearby.

■ IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. 20 Volts per meter (V/m) is a generally achievable and useful immunity level against EMI

(the higher the level, the greater the protection);

2. This product has an immunity level of 20 V/m without any accessories and connected to it.

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4 . PA R T S I N T R O D U C T I O N

PARTS DESCRIPTION

1. Controller

2. Armrest

3. Headrest

4. Seatback

5. Seat

6. Seatback Release Lever

7. Drive Wheel

8. Caster Wheel

9. Footrest

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1.

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5.

6.

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9.

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