Owner`s manual

For service assistance, please call your authorized ActiveCare dealer.
Wildcat/Wildcat 450 Owner’s Manual 4
Eletromagnetic Interference (EMI)
This portion of the manual will provide the user with basic information about the problems with
EMI (electromagnetic interference), protective measures can be used to either lessen the
possibility of exposure or to minimize the degree of exposure; this section also shows some
conditions that unexpected or erratic movements may cause.
◊ Caution
It is very important that you read this information regarding the possible effects
of electromagnetic interference on your electric ActiveCare power wheelchair.
ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMI) FROM RADIO WAVE
SOURCES
Power wheelchairs 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 power
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 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 as shipped,
with no further modification, has 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) or hand held radios,
(security, fire, and police transceivers), cellular telephones and other personal
communication devices.
NOTE: Some cellular telephones transmit a signal while they are ON but not being used.
2. Medium-range mobile transceivers, such as those used in police cars, fire trucks,
ambulances and taxis usually have the antenna mounted on the outside of the
wheelchair.