When To Charge Batteries; Charging Batteries - Invacare Ranger II Basic Service Manual

PROCEDURE 13

WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES

(FIGURE 5)
F
NOTE: As a general rule, batteries should be recharged
W
daily to assure longest possible life and minimize required
D
charging time. In fact, a battery's life is extended if the
W charge level is maintained well above a low condition.
Plan to recharge batteries when it is anticipated wheel-
H
chair will not be used for a long period of time.
E
E MCC-MKIV X, A or A+ Joystick
L
BATTERY GAUGE DISPLAY (BGD) is the bar graph
C display located on the MKIV X, A or A+ joystick. It will keep
you informed as to power availability. A visual warning is
H
given before the power becomes too low to operate the
A
wheelchair. At full charge the two (2) LEFT segments and
I
the farthest RIGHT segment of the bar graph will be
R
illuminated. As the battery becomes discharged, the
S farthest RIGHT segment will progressively 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.
MKIV RII Joystick
BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR (BDI) is located
at the rear of the joystick housing and provides informa-
tion 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 (YEL-
LOW), 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 neu-
tral.
Battery Discharge
Indicator
MKIV- RII
JOYSTICK
FIGURE 5 - WHEN TO CHARGE BATTERIES
Battery Gauge
Display
MKIV X, A OR A+
JOYSTICK
NOTE: MKIV X Shown.
CHARGING BATTERIES (FIGURE 6)
WARNING
Never attempt to recharge the batteries by at-
taching cables directly to the battery terminals
or clamps. Always use the recharging plug lo-
cated on the side of the wheelchair frame.
DO NOT attempt to recharge the batteries and
operate the power wheelchair at the same time.
During use and charging, unsealed batteries will
vent hydrogen gas which is explosive 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 longest possible life and minimize required
charging time. In fact, a battery's life is extended if the
charge level is maintained well above a low condition.
Plan to recharge batteries when it is anticipated wheel-
chair will not be used for a long period of time.
The range per battery charge using recommended batte-
ries should be approximately 5 to 9 hours of typical
operation. Extensive use on inclines may substantially
reduce per charge mileage.
Description and Use of Battery Chargers
The charger automatically reduces the charge from an
initially high rate to a zero reading at a fully charged condi-
tion. 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:
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, as indicated by the green light on the char-
ger. 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.
NOTE: If performing the charging procedures indepen-
dently, READ and CAREFULLY follow the individual in-
structions for each charger (supplied or purchased).
NOTE: If charging instructions are not supplied, consult
a qualified service technician for proper procedures.
48
FWD WHEELCHAIRS