Owner’s Manual
How to use this manual We at Sunrise Medical want you to get the best out of your Powertec F50 powerchair. This Owner’s Manual will familiarise you with the chair and its features. It contains hints on everyday usage and general care in addition to information on the high quality standards which we adhere to and details about the guarantee.
Contents Introduction page 1 Guarantee page 2 Features and Options page 3 Safety Warnings page 4 - 6 Preparing your wheelchair for use page 7 - 12 The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod page 13 - 19 Parallel Swing-Away page 20 Using your Wheelchair page 21 - 22 Batteries and Battery Charging page 23 - 30 User Tips page 31 - 33 Transportation page 34 Lap belt instructions page 35 Maintenance page 36 Maintenance Chart page 37 Service History page 38 Sunrise Medical page 39
Introduction en pavements. This vehicle has been designed for a single occupant of limited mobility up to the weight of 118Kg who has the cognitive, physical and visual ability to control the vehicle safely. If you are in any doubt as to the suitability of the powerchair, contact your local Sunrise approved dealer for clarification, prior to commencing use. It is very important to read the relevant section of the owners manual when making any adjustments.
Guarantee Your guarantee 7) The above warranty conditions apply to all wheelchair parts, for models purchased at full retail price, 8) Under normal circumstances, no responsibility will be accepted where the Wheelchair has required repair or replacement as a direct result of.- The guarantee form is included in the Sunrise Pack, please fill in the relevant details and return to us to register your entitlement. THIS IN NO WAY AFFECTS YOUR STATUTORY RIGHTS.
Features and options Armrest page 11 Backrest page 12 Emergency Freewheel page 21 Speed and Directional Control page 13-19 Wheels and Tyres page 36 Seating page 9 -11 Kerb Climber page 21-22 Batteries and Charging page 23-30 Footrest page 12 The Powertec F50 has been designed for use by an individual on a daily basis. It is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. It is only intended for use as a pavement vehicle, but may also be used when crossing between pavements.
Safety warnings Safety warnings Emergency freewheel Safety is a very important with any vehicle that is power driven, here are some helpful tips to safeguard your use. Please remember that you have no braking facility when the freewheel lever is moved from the normal drive position to the freewheel position. General The wheelchair must never be left with the lever in the freewheel position. For a fuller description of this facility and its limitations to use please see later section.
Safety warnings Batteries Tyres Your wheelchair is supplied as standard from Sunrise Medical with maintenance-free batteries. These only require regular charging. Your wheelchair tyres can wear depending on use. Check them regularly in accordance with the service instructions in this manual, especially the pressure of the tyres. Do not, under any circumstances, tamper with the batteries. If in any doubt contact your local service agent.
Safety warnings Wheelchair range Use on a slope (continued) The range of your wheelchair can be affected by many factors such as user weight, terrain, ambient temperature and battery condition. The stated range in the sales literature should be seen as the theoretical maximum and may not be attained by every user. Failure to do this may cause the wheelchair to become unstable.
Preparing your wheelchair for use Power-base assembly Your Sunrise electric wheelchair has been designed with a unique capability - the front and rear sections of the powerbase will separate, allowing for greater ease when transporting your chair (Fig.1). To “re-dock” the two halves tilt the rear unit backwards resting unit on the small anti-tip wheels (Fig.1). Ensure that the drive lever is engaged, this will prevent the power base from moving. Offer the front sub frame studs “A” (Fig.
Preparing your wheelchair for use Fitting the batteries Your Sunrise wheelchair batteries are located in two battery boxes. With your powerbase fully assembled, drop the battery boxes into the centre of the powerbase. It is important to note that there is a left and a right hand battery box. The easiest way to remember which battery box locates where, is to ensure that the curved side panel of each battery box forms a natural wheel arch to the rear wheels. Locate securely, the battery boxes and lid clips.
Preparing your wheelchair for use Fitting the seat frame Location bar To fit the seat frame to a fully assembled powerbase, locate the rear seat lugs into the two outer grooves on the seat location bar (Fig. 4). Lower seat to position the seat stem into the receiving collar (Fig. 5). Seat lugs Ensuring that seat is supported, fold down finger lever and pull outwards against the spring loaded pin allowing the adjustable seat stem to locate in the receiving collar at a required height.
Preparing your wheelchair for use Seat stem adjustment Locknut In order to provide fine adjustment of the angle of the seat frame, you will note that the seat stem is fitted with a locknut where the seat stem meets the under seat cross bar. To adjust the seat angle to a position between that normally provided for by the series of holes in the seat stem. To increase the angle turn the stem anti-clock wise, to decrease turn stem clockwise.
Preparing your wheelchair for use Never attempt to adjust the seat angle with the user still occupying the chair. Never attempt to drive the wheelchair with set angle in excess of 15° from horizontal. Armrests/skirt guard To fit the armrest/skirt guard assembly, ensure that locking pin (A) (Fig. 9) is in the ‘unlocked’ position shown. Lower the armrest into the support cups and press down to ensure a firm location. Release the locking pin lever to lock position.
Preparing your wheelchair for use Attaching the backrest The backrest of your Sunrise wheelchair is assembled by locating the backrest tube into their receivers as shown. Once inserted up to the shoulder the backrest must be secured by inserting the spring loaded release pin into the lower location hole in the receivers. To achieve this, the button on the top of the pin must be depressed during insertion (Fig.10). Backrest Release pin Fitting footrests Fig.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod Power supply Ensure the power lead is connected correctly into its socket on the rear of the control pod (Fig.12). The immobiliser plug When this is activated the chair will not function, other than the hazard warning light system. This may be useful if you wish to leave your wheelchair unattended (Fig.12). Immobiliser plug To activate the immobiliser 1. Switch the chair on via the On/ Off button (Fig.13). 2.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod Adjustable speed setting Your controller has five speed settings. To adjust: 1. Press the mode button until the speed settings indicator is flashing (Fig. 14). 2. Increase or decrease the speed setting by pushing the joystick to the left or right respectively, until the required setting is obtained. To activate the setting either push the joystick forwards to drive or press the mode button until the flashing lights are no longer flashing.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod Indicators Left indicator button The right hand button operates the right side, front and rear indicators, the left button operates the left side, front and rear indicators. To cancel press the button again (Fig. 16). Right indicator button Fig. 16 The horn button When pressed the horn buzzer will sound, it stops when you release the button (Fig. 17). Fig.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod Hazard lights Depressing the button will operate the front and rear hazard lights. This is effective either when the chair is switched On or Off. The two indicators will flash intermittently until cancelled by pressing the button again (Fig. 18). Hazard lights button Fig. 18 Main lights Depressing this button will operate the lights (Fig. 19) only when the chair is switched on. Pressing it again will switch the lights off. Fig.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod Actuator mode function This will be included on your remote control pod if you have one or more electric options fitted to your chair. Refer to Fig. 20. Menu select To chose an electric option press the mode button until the red lights are visible on the wheelchair diagram next to the joystick.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod Charging socket Note: If you need to stop in an emergency, the simplest and safest way is to just release the joystick. This will being the chair to halt in a controlled manner. See section on charging. Operation the control joystick When engaging the main On/Off switch, allow a few seconds prior to moving the joystick. This allows the system to self check.
The Penny and Giles Pilot + control pod Summary 1. To steer, simply move the joystick in the direction you wish to go (Fig. 22). 2. The further you move the joystick, the faster you will go. 3. New users should use slower speeds until they are confident when driving the power chair. Adjust the speed range as explained on the previous pages. 4. The brakes will automatically stop the wheelchair from any speed when the joystick is released. 5.
Parallel Swing-Away Arm Before adjusting the swingaway arm, switch off the controller to avoid accidental displacement of the joystick which would cause unwanted movement of your wheelchair. Gently apply pressure to the side of the controller nearest the user and as close as possible to the front of the controller. The controller will move outward and then backward before reaching its fully back position. Keep your fingers and clothing, etc., clear while operating the swing-away mechanism.
Using your wheelchair Kerb climber “U”brackets Fitting Offer the kerb climber up to the ”U” brackets, align holes in the kerb climber shaft with the alignment holes in the “U” brackets. Take the spring clips and feed the straight section into the “U” bracket alignment holes. Push in until the shaped section of the clip grips the outer surface of the “U” bracket (Fig. 24). Spring clips Fig. 24 Mounting the kerb Dismounting the kerb 1 Approach the kerb head on driving forwards slowly and steadily.
Using your wheelchair Kerb climber (Caution) It is not intended for permanent use. 1 Please show the utmost consideration for the other traffic on the road. Remember that the last thing a car or lorry driver expects to see is a wheelchair backing off the kerb into the road. If in any doubt, do not risk crossing the road until you are certain that it is safe. REMEMBER: The chairs automatic braking system will not work unless the handle on the right hand side of the chair is pushed down.
Batteries and charging General information Maintenance free batteries Batteries are the power source for almost all of the modern mobility products available today. The design of batteries used in mobility products is significantly different to the batteries used to start a car for example. Car batteries are designed to release a large amount of power over a short period of time, whilst mobility batteries (commonly called deep cycle batteries) release their power evenly, over a long period of time.
Batteries and charging Maintenance free battery care plan 9 The battery terminals need to be checked regularly for signs of corrosion. If any corrosion is apparent, then clean the terminals completely (a wire brush is ideal) and re-grease the terminal using Vaseline petroleum jelly, not ordinary grease. Ensure that the terminal nut and bolt, cable clip and exposed cable are completely covered with jelly. 1 Only use an approved Sunrise Medical charger compatible with the vehicle to be charged.
Batteries and charging General The external charger (Fig. 26) has been designed to charge two 12 volt Sonnenschien Dryfit Gel type batteries. On/Off switch on rear case Safety features The chargers have features which prevent hazards or accidents occurring as a result of connecting batteries the wrong way round, overheating caused by fault conditions, or attempting to charge wrong voltage batteries. The majority of charger sizes are electrically double insulated and no earth connection is required.
Batteries and charging Fault finding guide If, having followed the correct steps to start battery charging, the charger does not operate as described, then check as follows: No indicator The connection between the charger and the batteries has not been made. Mains supply Orange/green warning light Check that the mains supply is on, that any fuses are intact, and that the charger is switched on. Deeply discharged batteries Fig.
Batteries and charging Procedures for Charging. 24V 10A charger The 24V 10A charger has one bi-coloured orange/green indicator to show the charger operation (Fig. 29). Control box 1 Plug into the three pin charging point under the fornt of the control box (Fig. 28). 2 Connect the charger to the mains supply by means of the mains plug and switch on. 3 At the start of charging the charger will undergo a self test procedure, this is indicated by the indicator flashing, alternating orange/green (Fig. 29).
Batteries and charging Safety and caution notes 9 Use of an attachment, not recommended or sold by Sunrise Medical, may result in a risk of fire, electric shock or injury to persons. To reduce the risk of damage to electric plug and cord, pull by the plug rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger. Make sure the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped over, or otherwise subjected to damage or stress. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary.
Batteries and charging Important ! Never Charge a frozen battery. A fully charged battery will rarely freeze but the electrolyte of a discharged battery can freeze at 16° Fahrenheit (-9° centigrade), any battery that is suspected of being frozen should be thawed completely before charging. Do not rest a battery on top of the charger. Do not stand the charger on a carpet or other soft surface. Always place it on a hard surface.
Batteries and charging The range of your vehicle 7 Lots of start/stop driving. Most manufacturers of mobility products state the range of their vehicles either in the sales literature or within the Owners Manual. The range stated sometimes differs from manufacturer to manufacturer even though the battery size is the same. Sunrise Medical measure the range of their vehicles in a consistent and uniform manner, but variances still occur due to motor efficiencies and overall product load weight.
User tips Caution Ramps When using a ramp, please ensure that is capable of taking the combined weight of the powerchair and yourself. If a ramp is being used to load a chair into a vehicle, please ensure the ramp is properly secured to the vehicle. Always approach the ramp head-on and exercise caution (Fig. 30). Please show the utmost consideration for the other traffic on the road. Remember that the last thing a car or lorry driver expects to see is a wheel chair backing off the kerb into the road.
User tips Transfer to and from the chair Sunrise Medical recommend that you consult your healthcare professional for assistance in developing your personal front or side transfer technique to best suit your needs, and avoid any personal injury (Fig. 31 and 32). Fig. 31 Fig.
User tips Gradients: ascents When going uphill, keep the chair moving. Keep the joystick pushed well forward and steer by moving it from side to side. If you have stopped on a hill, then you should start slowly, and if necessary lean forward to obviate the tendency for the front wheels to lift (Fig.33). Fig. 33 Gradients: descents On descents, it is important not to let the wheelchair accelerate beyond its normal level of ground speed.
Transportation Clamp points Transportation in vehicles We do not recommend that you transport the F50 in a vehicle, however should you still choose to transport the F50, please clamp the product using a 4 Point Webbing Restraint as per the diagram shown (Fig 35). Users should not remain seated in the wheelchair while travelling aboard any form of primary or secondary transportation. Only permanently installed car seats and seat belts will offer sufficient protection in hazardous situations.
Lap belt instructions Note: Lap belts are fitted as positional aids, and are not suitable as transportation restraints. Step 1 Place lab belt around chair. Step 2 Position belt such that fastening buckle is situated in the middle of the stomach. The positioning belt should be adjusted so that a hand can be placed between the user and the belt. Step 3 Secure lap belt round back posts using tri-glide fittings.
Maintenance Cleaning Electrical connections The wheelchair should be wiped over once per week with a slightly damp, not wet, cloth and any fluff or dust that has accumulated around the motors should be blown or dusted away. When inspecting electrical connections, pay attention to the battery connections, the connection of batteries to power loom and plug in sockets for the joystick, control box and lights and indicators.
Maintenance F50 maintenance and routine inspection SI Q X U AR MO ANN W MO N U T DA EE NT KL HL ERL THL ALL IL Y Y Y Y Y Y Charge batteries Check battery level indicator Ensure all removable parts are securely fastened Electrolyte level check (wet batteries only) SAFETY MUST BE OBSERVED! Ensure all electrical connections are made, and firm Wipe vehicle with a damp cloth Check tyre pressures Ensure lights and indicators are operational and clean Check tyres for wear Battery terminals inspection.
Service history This section is designed to assist you in keeping a record of any service and repairs to your Wheelchair. Should you decide to sell or exchange your vehicle in the future, this will prove most helpful to you. Your Service Agent will also benefit from a documented record and this manual should accompany the Wheelchair when service or repair work is carried out. The Service Agent will complete this section and return the manual to you. Customer Name.
Sunrise Medical Your new F50 is manufactured in the West Midlands by Sunrise Medical. With over 30 years experience behind us, we are one of the longest established mobility equipment manufactures in the UK. All our Wheelchairs,Powerchairs, Scootas and Stairlifts undergo rigorous tests to ensure that they meet our requirements of comfort, safety and durability. Our success is based on the strong traditions of quality, value for money and genuinely caring for our customers.
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Sunrise Medical Limited High Street Wollaston West Midlands DY8 4PS England Tel 01384 4466 88 Fax 01384 44 66 99 www.sunrisemedical.co.