CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE BY KARMA. WARNING ● As a manufacturer of powered wheelchairs, KARMA endeavors to supply a wide variety of powered wheelchairs to meet the many needs of the user. However, the responsibility of final selection of the type of powered wheelchair to be used by an individual rests solely with the user and his/her healthcare professional capable of making such a selection.
Page 4
reaching, mounting and dismounting activities in several combinations in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional BEFORE attempting active use of the powered wheelchair. ● For individuals with balance problems, practice mounting and dismounting activities WITH AN ASSISTANT in the presence of a qualified healthcare professional.
Page 5
● DO NOT use parts, accessories or adapters other than those authorized by Karma. Before attempting to sit in or exit the power wheelchair, turn the power OFF. This will ensure that the power wheelchair will not drive. Turn the power OFF while the wheelchair is not in use.
Page 6
/or electric shock could be encountered. BATTERIES ● The warranty and performance specifications contained in this manual are based on the use of deep cycle sealed lead acid batteries. KARMA strongly recommends their use as the power source for this unit. (Refer to chapter 6)
RAIN TEST ● KARMA has tested its powered wheelchair in accordance with ISO 7176 Part 9 Rain Test. This test provides the end user or his/her attendant sufficient time to remove his/her powered wheelchair from a rainstorm and retain operation.
Page 8
● If you have any defective parts or lose any parts, please contact your dealer for repair and/or replacement. Please only use parts authorized by karma. Use of parts that are not authorized by Karma will void your warranty. ● Part numbers are listed on our bill of materials (explosion drawings), which we give to our authorized dealers and service providers.
Page 9
If you cannot contact your dealer, please contact another authorized Karma dealer for service. If all else fails, contact Karma directly via our website or give us a call and we can refer you to your new service provider.
Page 10
anti-tippers, pelvic belt, or other additional safety accessories. WARNING ● When prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above or below knee, single or double) or other conditions that affects the user's natural centre of gravity and might cause the wheelchair to tip or the person on the wheelchair to fall off, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as well as attaching anti-tippers, pelvic belt, safety belt, or other additional safety accessories.
1.1 This owner's manual includes operation instructions for the aspects of the wheelchair, assembly instructions, and instructions on how to deal with possible accidents. This owner's manual is written for Karma powered wheelchair(s): Blazer series (KP-31 and KP-31T) 1.2 The symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special attention to the parts marked with these symbols.
2. SAFETY 2.1 Before Driving 2.1.1 The user must be familiar with the use and operation of this wheelchair before driving. 2.1.2 Therefore, please always keep these safety guidelines in mind. 2.2 Traffic Rules 2.2.1 Pedestrian traffic rules apply to this wheelchair, therefore please follow the rules.
2.4 No Passengers KARMA wheelchair is limited to only one single driver. Do not carry passengers (including children) on your wheelchair. 2.5 No Hauling Heavy Goods Do not use this wheelchair to carry or haul heavy goods. The maximum weight that can be carried, including goods, is stated beside "Max. User Weight"...
These conditions may cause your wheelchair to rust. (Figure 2.2) 2.10.5 Do not drive in a S curve, do doughnuts or make sudden turns. 2.10.6 Do not take an escalator. 2.11 Mobile Phones and Other Electric Equipment 2.11.1 Do not use a mobile phone or other wireless communication devices while driving.
2.12.11 Karma does not design wheelchairs to take jumps over or off obstacles. Doing so will void your warranty. WARNING ●Do not set the wheelchair in freewheel mode when on an incline or decline. ●If you breakdown on railroad tracks, first, check for an oncoming train.
2.14 Blazer Series Labeling Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair before driving it. Do not remove them. Protect them for future reference. [CE/ Weight Limit / Serial [Finger-Pinch] Number] Avoid it when flip back the armrest. [Recycle]...
Page 19
[Circuit Breaker] [Wiring Diagram] It this circuit breaker operates, Do not change the wiring. reset it by pushing the button. [Freewheel Lever] Follow the label to engage or release it.
CAUTION ●It is very important that you read this information regarding the possible effects of electromagnetic interference on your powered KARMA wheelchair. 3.1 Electromagnetic Interference From Radio Wave Sources 3.1.1 Powered vehicles may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), which is interfering electromagnetic energy (EM) emitted from...
unavoidable. However, we believe that by following the warnings listed below, your risk to EMI can be greatly minimized. 3.2 The Sources of Radiated EMI Can Be Broadly Classified into Three Types. 3.2.1 Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitter-receivers) with the antenna mounted directly on the transmitting unit, such as citizens band (CB) radios, walkie-talkies, security and fire or police transceivers, cellular telephones and other personal communication devices;...
3.4.5 Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake release to your powered vehicle dealer or KARMA, and note whether there was a source of EMI nearby.
Page 24
1. Turn Signal (Optional) 3.Taillight (Optional) 2. Freewheel Lever 4. Anti-Tipper (Optional) CAUTION: Standard equipments are subject to change without notice.
5. OPERATION 5.1 Controller Cable Tie Location 5.1.1 The controller for the Blazer series is packaged in the carton; after opening the carton, the controller needs to be equipped to the correct position by fastening two screws. 5.1.2 In the case that the controller cable ties becomes loose, please refer to the below figure for the locations to fasten the cable ties, and follow the instructions: 5.1.2.1 At Section A (see the figure below), loosen the cable and leave some...
5.2 How to Operate Your Wheelchair Control Panel Without Lighting Control (Optional) No Tilt With Tilt KP-31 Control Panel (Figure 5-1) KP-31T Control Panel (Figure 5-2) 1. Battery Gauge 7. Tilt Indicator 2. ON/OFF Button 8. Seat Function Button (Tilt) 3.
Page 27
Control Panel With Lighting Control No Tilt With Tilt KP-31 Control Panel (Figure 5-3) KP-31T Control Panel (Figure 5-4) 1. Battery Gauge 9. Right Turn Signal Button 2. ON/OFF Button 10. Hazards Indicator 3. Headlight / Taillight Indicator 11. Hazards Button 4.
Page 28
locking method is via a sequence of key presses and joystick movements, as detailed below. 5.2.2.1 To lock the wheelchair. 5.2.2.1.1While the control system is switched on, depress and hold the on/off button. 5.2.2.1.2 After one second the control system will beep. Now release the on/off button.
Page 29
●The controller unit is set to ensure that the chair can give its best performacne. Shoud the setting be adjusted due to medical needs, the adjustment should be made by KARMA dealers. Do not change or adjust the wiring layout of the chair for your safety.
Page 30
If only amber and red LEDs are lit, the batteries are moderately charged. Recharge before undertaking a long trip. If only red LEDs are lit, the batteries are running out of charge. Recharge as soon as possible. 5.2.11 Tilt and Reclining Operation 5.2.11.1 KP-31: Manual Reclining...
Page 31
5.2.11.2 KP-31T: Powered Tilt + Manual Reclining 5.2.11.3 T: means Powered Tilt 5.2.12 Tilt Operation 5.2.12.1 Turn the power on 5.2.12.2 Press the Seat Function Button once to toggle the control unit from Drive mode to Seat mode. Powered tilt function will be active as the Tilt Indicators are on.
Page 32
● When driving on an incline, the battery indicator light might move up and down. This is normal. ● Even if the batteries are used properly their capacity will decay over time, thereby reducing the drive range (maximum distance traveled per full charge).
5.3.3 Footplates Adjustment The footplate length should be adjusted according to the user's calf length. Go to your service provider for adjustment or follow below instructions: 5.3.3.1 Use the #5 Allen Key Wrench from KARMA Tool Kit to loosen the bolt...
Page 34
Figure 5-15 5.3.5 Seat Forward or Backward Adjustment (Seat Depth) 5.3.5.1 Use the #5 Allen Key Wrench from KARMA Tool Kit to loosen the two bolts under the seat. (Figure 5-15). 5.3.5.2 There are five evenly spaced holes for incremental adjustments which is in increments of 2.54 cm.
Page 35
5.3.7 Headrest Adjustment On the mounting bracket of the headrest, (See Figure 5-20), use the #4 Allen Key Wrench provided in KARMA tool kit to adjust the headrest in the following directions: left, right, forward and backward. (See Figure 5-21) The height of the headrest is also adjustable. (See Figure 5-22)
Page 36
5.3.9.3 Flip-up the footplates and swing the footrests to the side. 5.3.9.4 Shift your body weight out of the wheelchair to the place you're transferring to. 5.3.10 Suspension System Your power wheelchair comes with rear shock absorbers. If the shock absorbers need to be adjusted, please go to your authorized service provider.
Page 37
KARMA always recommend that the user transfers to the vehicle seating, because using a wheelchair as a seat in a vehicle does not provide the equivalent level of safety of a vehicle seating system.
Page 38
understand the fastening system's usage and its weight limitations. 5.3.12.1.5 See http://www.unwin-safety.com/ for more information. 5.3.12.2 Method of Restraint The Blazer series was tested with four point webbing systems. Please refer to the restraint manufacturer's user guide for further details of its operation.
body near the junction of the thigh and pelvis as pictured below (correct seat belt position). 5.3.12.5.4 Restraints should not be held away from body by wheelchair components such as armrest or wheels as pictured below (Incorrect seat belt position). Correct seat belt position Incorrect seat belt position 6.
Page 40
CAUTION ●Please follow the guidelines below to avoid accidents while charging. ●Be sure to only use a KARMA approved battery charger and charge the battery completely every time. The battery can be damaged if a non-genuine charger is used.
Page 41
dew or in an area where the humidity is high. ●Do not cover the wheelchair with any waterproof cloth or other objects while charging. Don't charge in temperatures lower than -10℃(14°F) or higher than 50℃(122°F) as the charger may not work well and the battery may become damaged.
6.4 Charger The battery charger supplied by Karma is for indoor use only, it must be protected from moisture and external heat source. CAUTION ● Before charging, make sure to set the 115V 230V switch to match the local AC voltage. If the switch is improperly set to a lower or higher...
Page 43
If the vehicle is not going to be used for a long time, please remember to charge the batteries at least once every two weeks. ● Karma recommends that both batteries be replaced if one battery is defective.
6.6.5 Carefully dust off all metal particles. 6.7 Replacing the Batteries Karma strongly recommends that bettery replacement and installation always be done by a qualified technician. To replace the batteries, please refer to the photo below of the batteries equipped on Blazer Series, and follow the below instructions to remove and load the batteries.
Page 45
Plug connecting to the breaker. Batteries of Blazer Series 6.6.1 Remove the Batteries 6.6.1.1 Use #3 Allen Key Wrench included in your KARMA Tool Kit to remove the six screws on the battery casing in the back of the wheelchair. (Figure 6-5) 6.6.1.2 Place the rear casing aside, and unplug the lighting...
Page 46
6.6.1.5 Hold the rear battery and slightly pull it back when one third of the battery is protrudent out of the frame. Then, push the front battery backwards from the front of the wheelchair. (Figure 6-9) 6.6.1.6 Place the rear battery on the ground, and keep the terminals facing inward.
Page 47
Figure 6-12 Figure 6-13 Figure 6-14 Figure 6-15 6.6.2.3 Re-tighten the screws on the partition plate (before the screws are tightened, adjust the strap first to so that the remaining end of the strap is not protruding out of the battery box). (Figure 6-14) Figure 6-16 Figure 6-17 6.6.2.4 Fixate the wires and the batteries by pulling firmly on the battery...
Page 48
● Please see the end of Section 11. Cleaning & Recycling for more information. SUGGESTION ● If necessary or if you have any question in the above procedures, ask for help from your KARMA wheelchair dealer for cleaning and replacing the batteries.
7. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE 7.1 Daily Check Check the following items before driving. If you find anything abnormal, visit your KARMA wheelchair dealer for further inspection before using it. Item Inspection Content - Is the joystick loose and/or making noise?
CAUTION ●Visit or contact a KARMA dealer for inspection and maintenance if you find anything abnormal. 7.2 Regular Maintenance Record To make sure your wheelchair is in good condition, visit your KARMA wheelchair dealer regularly for maintenance(and keep records accordingly ) every six months after purchasing.
● When the tread depth is below 1 mm, the tire does not have good traction. This may lead to vehicle slippage and makes braking distances much longer. Thus, go to your Karma dealer to replace the tire as soon as possible if it has less than a 1 mm tread depth.
PCB circuit board. 7.4.3 Please clean the vehicle by wiping it with either a dry or moist cloth. 7.4.4 Please take the vehicle to an authorized KARMA wheelchair dealer for repairs and adjustments. Improper adjustments could lead to wheelchair malfunction or an accident.
7.6.5 Please store the wheelchair in a location where it is out of direct sunlight, rain and dew. 7.6.6 When stored for a long time, please charge the batteries to full and then disconnect the battery terminals. Please ask Karma dealer for the details. CAUTION ●...
7.7 Instructions for Lubrication 7.7.1 Left & right caster bracket. (Figure 7-1) 7.7.2 Left & right joint of backrest. (Figure 7-2) 7.7.3 Left & right connecting tubes. (Figure 7-3) 7.7.4 Left & right trunnions. (Figure 7-4) Figure 7-1 Figure 7-2 Figure 7-3 Figure 7-4 CAUTION...
8. OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES The available optional accessories may be modified. Please contact your dealer for more details. 1. Parallel swing away 2. Assistant brake 3.Contour adjustable Hand bar controller headrest 6. Tie-down bracket 8.Elevating footrest 5. Anti-tipper 7. LED lighting 9.
9. TROUBLESHOOTING Trouble or Problems with Your Wheelchair You can inspect the following before taking your wheelchair to a KARMA wheelchair dealer. Problem Checking Points and Corrective Action Is the power turned OFF? Turn ON the power. Do the batteries still have power?
9.1 VRII Controller, Battery & Diagnostics Indicator The following table indicates what the gauge will display for any given state. Indication Status Meaning What to Do The battery needs Check the connections to charging or there is a the battery. If the 1 signal bad connection to the connections are good, try...
Page 58
A communication fault Make sure that joystick 7 signals is indicated. cable is securely connected and not damaged An actuator trip is If more than one actuator is 8 signals indicated. fitted check which actuator is not working correctly. Check the actuator wiring.
10. SPECIFICATIONS (±1 cm ±0.5 kg) Model KP-31 KP-31T Description Seat Width 42 cm 47 cm 42 cm 47 cm Seat Depth 40 cm/42.5 cm/45 cm 44 cm Front Seat Height Backrest Height 51 cm/56 cm 4° Seat Angle (-1)~14°...
-The test condition: size of test dummy used: 140 kg KP-31 KP-31T Test Requirement Min. Max. Min. Max. Static Stability Downhill 19.5° > 24° >19.5° >24° With Locked 21° >24.4° 11.6° >24° Rear Wheels Static Stability With Uphill Un-Locked >25°...
11.1.4 If you can't find shelter, proceed to your destination. However, we do not recommend you do this often as it may shorten the life of your wheelchair or cause damage. 11.1.5 Driver's seat upholstery: use soapy water. Wring out the sponge/ cloth before scrubbing.
12.2.2 The warranty repair can be performed by authorized KARMA wheelchair dealers only. 12.2.3 KARMA is not responsible for the transportation costs for repair and replacement. 12.2.4 Replaced parts will be the property of KARMA.
12.5.3 Tampering by changing or adding components to the vehicle, which are not approved by KARMA; 12.5.4 Damage caused by using non-KARMA genuine parts or other parts not recommended by KARMA; 12.5.5 Abuse or misuse of the vehicle such as driving over curbs and overloading the wheelchair with passengers or goods;...
12.8 Transfer of Warranty Rights If you purchase a second-hand KARMA wheelchair while it is still with in the warranty period, bring the Owner's Manual and the vehicle to the dealership where the wheelchair was purchased for registration.
Page 65
Warranty Form (You may photocopy this from) Full Name: Gender: Date of Birth: Address: Model: Serial Number: Date of Purchase: Dealer's Data Name of the Store: Phone Number and Address: If you have any suggestions on how to improve our products, please don't hesitate contacting your local dealer to let us know what you think of your wheelchair.
Page 68
Karma reserves the right to modify information herein without further notice. 104-45041 Rev.02 JAN2014...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the KP-31 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers