Shoprider Trooper - Users Guide

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on insisting the best. The Shoprider Trooper Powerchair is the ultimate combination of style, comfort and user friendly. The compact features support easy transportation of your Shoprider Powerchair for today’s active lifestyle. We know that your Powerchair will provide many years of mobility for you. Enjoy the freedom of mobility wherever you go!

This manual contains important information regarding the safe use of the Shoprider Trooper Powerchair. Please read this manual carefully and thoroughly before using your Powerchair and make sure you understand all the instructions.

EMI WARNING

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) from Radio Wave Sources

Powered electric chairs may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference, which is a kind of 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 chairs to release its brakes, move by itself or move in unintended directions. It can also permanently damage the powered chair’s control system.

The sources of radiated EMI can be broadly classified into three types:

1. Hand-held portable transceivers (transmitters-receivers) with the antenna mounted directly on the transmitting unit. Examples include: citizens band (CB) radios, “walkie talkies”, security, fire and police transceivers, cellular telephones and other personal communication devices. NOTE: Some cellular telephones and similar devices transmit signals while they are ON, even when not being used.
2. Medium-Range mobile transceivers, such as those used in police cars, fire trucks, ambulances and taxis. These usually have the antenna mounted on the outside of the vehicle.
3. Long-Range transmitters and transceivers, such as commercial broadcast transmitters (radio and TV broadcast antenna towers) and amateur (HAM) radios. NOTE: Other types of hand-held devices, such as cordless phones, laptop computers, AM/FM radios, TV sets, CD players, cassette players and small appliances such as electric shavers and hair dryers, so far, as we know, are not likely to cause problems to your Powerchair.

Powered Chair Electromagnetic Interference (EMI)

Because EM energy rapidly becomes more intense the closer one moves to the transmitting antenna (source), the EM fields from hand-held radio sources (transceivers) are of special concern. It is possible to unintentionally bring high levels of EM energy very close to the Powerchair’s control system while using these devices. This can affect the Powerchair’s movement and braking. Therefore, the warnings listed below are recommended to prevent possible interference with the control system of the Powerchair.

WARNINGS

The following warnings listed below should reduce the chance of unintended brake release or Powerchair movement, which could result in serious injury.

1. Do not operate hand-held transceivers (transmitter-receivers), such as citizens band (CB) radios, or turn ON personal communication devices, such as cellular phones, while the Powerchair is turned ON.
2. Be aware of nearby transmitters, such as radio or TV stations, and try to avoid coming close to them.
3. If unintended movement or brake release occurs, turn the Powerchair OFF as soon as it is safe.
4. Be aware that adding accessories or components, or modifying the Powerchair may make it more susceptible to EMI.
NOTE: There is no easy way to evaluate the overall immunity of the powered chair.

Report all incidents of unintended movement or brake to your Powerchair provider, and note whether there are sources of EMI nearby.

Safety Instructions

Please use your Powerchair to enhance your active lifestyle. With increased mobility, please observe a few rules to ensure safe operation of your Powerchair. So please…

1. Do not drive the Powerchair without reading this manual.
2. Do not exceed the safe climbing maximum angle (Table 2).
3. Do not use the joystick in an erratic manner when going up or down an incline.
4. Do not carry passengers or exceed the maximum weight limit (Table 2).
5. Do not turn off the joystick controller by switching the On/Off Button when moving at any speed. This will bring the electromagnetic brakes on immediately and could cause damage to the joystick controller.
6. Do not drive over deep and soft terrain (soft dirt, loose gravel, deep grass).
7. Do not attempt to mount a curb height above 2 inches.
8. Do not mount or dismount the Powerchair unless the electromagnetic brakes are engaged and the joystick controller is off.
9. Do not operate the Powerchair if the unit is in freewheel mode.
10. Do not use on the road, except when crossing between sidewalks.
11. Do not sit on the Powerchair when in a vehicle, but transfer to a vehicle seat.
12. Do not exceed any grade over 6 degrees (10%).
13. Always stop fully before changing forward or reverse direction.
14. Always engage a slow speed when going down gradients (move the joystick slowly towards center position to reduce the speed).
15. Always approach and climb over curbs at slow speed.
16. Always approach curbs and gradients at 90 degrees.
17. Always use the safety belt.
18. Always keep the feet on the leg rest while driving.
19. Always make sure the batteries are fully charged before setting out on a journey.
20. Always charge the Powerchair in a well ventilated area to prevent any possible risk.
21. Always check that the drive wheels are engaged. Someone may have left the Powerchair in freewheel mode.
22. Always reduce your speed when turning sharply.
23. Avoid turning sharply on a slope or gradient.
24. To brake in an emergency simply release the joystick.
25. Always try to find a “dropped curb” or “curb cutout” whenever possible.
26. Always keep your Powerchair properly maintained.
27. Never try to use your Powerchair beyond it’s limitations as described in this manual.
28. Always put seat in most upright position whenever driving up an incline

Important Notes

The Shoprider Trooper Powerchair is designed to assist in your individual mobility needs. Any usage outside of the guidelines in this manual may result in damage to the chair or injury to the user or third party.

Please do not lift the wheelchair by the armrests.

First Time Use

Prior to using your Trooper Powerchair for the first time, you must charge the batteries fully (refer to Battery Charging Procedures). Charging may take up to 12 hours. Charging the batteries completely prior to first time use will benefit battery efficiency and life of batteries.

Feature Guide

Figure 2, reference:

1. Removable Armrests with Width, Height & Angle Adjustment (Flips Up for Easy Sideways Transfer)
2. Programmable VSI Joystick Controller with Adjustable speed & Battery Life Indicator.
3. Charging Port located at joystick controller and battery pack (Warning: When charging at the battery pack do not turn on thejoystick controller and try to operate the chair)
4. Reclining Deluxe Captain Seat
5. Adjustable Length, Height, Angle Foot Plate
6. Front Castor Assy (6” flat free tire)
7. Frame Serial Number (13 alphanumeric characters)
8. Rear Drive Wheel (9” flat free tire)
9. Anti-tip Wheel
10. Shroud
11. Swivel seat lever

Getting to Know Your Shoprider Powerchair

The Joystick Controller (VSI)

Figure 3, reference:

1. On-Off Button: This button turns the joystick controller (hereinafter referred to as VSI) on and off. Do not use this button to stop the power chair, except in an emergency.
2. Battery Gauge: This is a 10-segment display, which indicates if the VSI is switched on and gives the state of charge of the battery. Additionally, any faults in the Powerchair electrical system are also indicated by this display. Refer to Table 1 for more details.
3. Maximum Speed Indicator: This is a 5-segment display, which indicates the maximum speed setting selected.
4. Horn Button: This button operates the Powerchair’s horn.
5. Speed Decrease Button: This button decreases the maximum speed.
6. Speed Increase Button: This Button Increases the maximum speed.
7. Joystick: This controls the speed and direction of the Powerchair. Push the joystick in the direction you want to go. The further you push it, the faster the speed will be. Releasing the joystick will automatically engage the brakes and stop the Powerchair.
8. Charging Port: This is a secondary charging port, in addition to the charging port located on the battery pack. When using this charging port only plug into this port with the qualified Shoprider charger certified by the original manufacturer of the Powerchair. This port should not be used as a power supply for any other electrical devices. Doing either of these as stated above will void the warranty of the Powerchair.

Note: The controller can be fitted to suit either right or left-handed users. Please contact your provider for further assistance.

Locking/Unlocking the VSI Joystick

LOCK MODE: The VSI controller can be locked to prevent unauthorized use. The locking method is achieved through a sequence of key presses and joystick movements, as detailed below.

To lock Powerchair controller:

• While the controller is switched on, depress and hold the on/off button.
• After 1 second the controller will bleep. Now release the on/off button.
• Push the joystick forward until the controller bleeps.
• Push the joystick in reverse until the controller bleeps.
• Release the joystick, there will be a long bleep.
• The Powerchair controller is now locked.

To unlock the Powerchair controller:

• Use the on/off button to switch the controller on. The maximum speed/profile indicator will be rippling up and down.
• Push the joystick forward until the controller bleeps.
• Push the joystick in reverse until the controller bleeps.
• Release the joystick, there will be a long bleep.
• The Powerchair is now unlocked.

SLEEP MODE: If the controller is left on and not used for more than ten minutes, the controller will automatically ¡°go to sleep¡±. This is recognized by a slow intermittent flash of the battery indicator lights. Simply turn the controller off and back on to reset. Always leave the chair in drive mode. The freewheel option is there only to allow the chair to be pushed manually when the need arises (i.e., to store or push unit out of a tight space). Following the sticker picture put each lever in the direction of the person sitting down driving the chair.

The Powerchair will not function while the drive mechanism is disengaged (in freewheel). In addition, the VSI-50 will flash a fault code and beep steadily if turned on. Refer to Table 1 for more details.

Both left and right sides must be in drive mode for power chair to operate. Otherwise the Powerchair will flash fault code of 9 lights and will not operate.

Drive/Freewheel Mechanism

The drive/freewheel levers are found toward the rear of the Powerchair, both on top left and one on right. These levers will allow you to disengage the drive mechanism and push the Powerchair while in freewheel mode. (FIG. 4)

Figure 4

User Transferring

You can transfer either forward, left or right from your Trooper Powerchair. (Figure 5a)

Figure 5a

The armrests are hinged and can be pulled up and out of the way for sideways transfer. Do Not use the seat back as support. For support, only use the armrest. (Figure 5b)

Figure 5b