When To Charge Batteries; Charging Batteries - Invacare Pronto R2 Series Servise Manual

BATTERIES

WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES

(FIGURE 7)
It is advantageous to recharge daily rather than only when
necessary. In fact, a battery's life is extended if the charge
level is maintained well above a low condition.
MKIV RII Joystick
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR (BDI) is located at
the front of the joystick housing and provides information on
the remaining charge in the batteries. At FULL charge the
BDI will be GREEN. As the battery becomes discharged,
the BDI indicator will turn AMBER (YELLOW), then RED
and finally FLASHING RED. If the BDI is FLASHING RED,
the user should charge the batteries as soon as possible.
NOTE: Accurate readings are displayed when in neutral.
MCC-MKIV X, A or A+ Joystick
BATTERY GAUGE DISPLAY (BGD) is the bar graph dis-
play located on the MKIV X, A or A+ joystick. It will keep you
informed as to power availability. A visual warning is given be-
fore 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.
NOTE: Accurate readings are displayed when in neutral.
MKIV- RII JOYSTICK
Battery Gauge
Display (BGD)
MKIV X, A OR A+
JOYSTICK
NOTE: MKIV X Shown.
FIGURE 7 - WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
Battery Discharge
Indicator (BDI)
39
CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE
8)
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 control-
ler OR the side/rear 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 fully BEFORE
initial 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 batteries when
it is anticipated the wheelchair will not be used for several
days.
The range per battery charge using recommended bat-
teries should be approximately 5 to 9 hours of typical op-
eration. Extensive use on inclines or age of batteries may
substantially reduce per charge mileage.
Description and Use of Battery Chargers
The charger automatically reduces the amount of charge
from an initially high rate to a zero reading at a fully charged
condition.
SHUTOFF PROCEDURE.
A. For PRONTO Models - If left unattended, the
R2
charger will automatically shut-off when full charge
is obtained.
B. For PRONTO
R2-250 Series
output and green light will stay ON until the power
switch on the battery charger is moved to the OFF
position.
There are some basic concepts which will help you
understand this automatic process:
The amount of electrical current drawn within a given time
to charge a battery is called "charge rate". If, due to usage,
the charge stored in the battery is low, the charge rate is
high. (For PRONTO Models - this is indicated by the
R2
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.)
PROCEDURE 11
Models - The Charger
B
A
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