Batteries And Charging; Charging The Batteries - Quantum Dynamo ATS Owner's Manual

V I . B A T T E R I E S

BATTERIES AND CHARGING

The power chair uses two long-lasting, 12-volt, deep-cycle batteries. These batteries are sealed and maintenance free. Since
they are sealed, there is no need to check the electrolyte (fluid) level. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to handle a longer and
deeper discharge. Though they are similar in appearance to automotive batteries, they are not interchangeable. Automotive
batteries are not designed to handle a long, deep discharge, and also are unsafe for use in power chairs.
WARNING! Battery posts, terminals, and related accessories contain lead and lead compounds.
Wash hands after handling.

Charging the Batteries

The battery charger is essential in providing long life for your power chair batteries. The battery charger is designed to
optimise your power chair’s performance by charging the batteries safely, quickly, and easily. Quantum Dynamo ATS
power chairs use either an onboard charger or an optional off-board charger to charge the batteries. The onboard charger
is plugged into the battery charger AC power receptacle on the electronics tray. The off-board charger is plugged into a
port on the front of your controller. See VII. “Operation.” Follow the directions supplied with the charger.
WARNING! You must recharge your power chair’s batteries with the supplied onbaord or off-board
charger. Do not use an automotive-type battery charger.
PROHIBITED! Removal of grounding prong can create electrical hazard. If necessary, properly
install an approved 3-pronged adapter to an electrical outlet having 2-pronged plug access. Failure
to heed could result in personal injury and/or property damage.
PROHIBITED! Never use an extension lead to plug in your battery charger. Plug the charger
directly into a properly wired standard wall outlet.
Battery Break-in
To break in new batteries for maximum efficiency:
1. Fully recharge any new battery prior to its initial use. This brings the battery up to about 90% of its peak performance
level.
2. Operate your power chair throughout the house and grounds. Move slowly at first, and don’t stray too far until you
become accustomed to the controls and break in the batteries.
3. Give the batteries another full charge of 8 to 14 hours and operate your power chair again. The batteries will now
perform at over 90% of their potential.
4. After four or five charging cycles, the batteries will top off at 100% charge and last for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the charger work?
The battery charger takes the standard wall outlet voltage of 120 VAC (alternating current) and converts it to 24 VDC
(direct current). The power chair batteries use direct current to run your power chair. When the battery voltage is low, the
charger works harder to charge the battery. This is why the ammetre initially reads 5 or more amps. As the battery voltage
approaches full charge, the charger doesn’t work as hard to complete the charging cycle. This explains why the ammetre
drops as it approaches a full charge. When the battery is fully charged, the amperage from the charger is nearly at zero. This
is how the charger maintains a charge but does not overcharge the battery.
Can I use a different battery charger?
You should use the charger supplied with the power chair. It is the safest, most efficient tool to charge the batteries. We do
not recommend using other types of chargers (e.g., an automotive battery charger).
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C H A R G I N G
Quantum Dynamo ATS/RevA/Apr04