Operation Manual

POWER SEATING OWNERS MANUAL

CAUTION: IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS

INFORMATION REGARDING THE POSSIBLE EFFECTS OF ELECTRO-

MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE ON YOUR POWERED WHEELCHAIR.

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) From Radio Wave sources

Powered wheelchairs and motorized scooters (in this text, both will be referred to as

powered 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 powered wheelchair to release its

brakes, move by itself, or move in unintended directions. It can also permanently

damage the powered wheelchair’s control system. The intensity of the interfering EM

energy can be measured in volts per meter (V/m). Each powered wheelchair can resist

EMI up to a certain intensity. This is called its “immunity 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.

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

warnings listed, your risk to EMI will be minimized. 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, 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; and

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 EMI problems to your

powered wheelchair.

EMC Part: 19254300 ● Rev. 03 ● 07/28/06