THE PILOT FAMILY
OF WHEELCHAIR CONTROLLERS
P G D R I V E S T E C H N O L O G Y
POWER MODULE
Power and flexibility are the hallmarks of the Pilot+
controller family. The Power Module has an exceptional power-to-size ratio - up to a full 100A per channel from an extremely compact package. None of this, however, has compromised the smoothness and precision of control that is associated with PG Drives Te c h n o l o g y ’s controllers. Ease of installation onto the powerchair has been accomplished by using separate connectors for the batteries and each motor/brake. This allows manufacturers to
connect directly to the battery box and each motor/brake assembly, thereby saving on intermediate cable looms and simplifying servicing. Wiring is further simplified by the use of a serial data link between all system modules, the use of such a link allows very small flexible cable to be used which can be easily routed to any part of the powerchair. Versatility is enhanced by the introduction of some new features including variable front wheel drive control, three stage speed reduction for chairs with lifting seats, steer correction for mismatched motors and a short throw joystick option for users with limited hand travel. All the traditional programmability of speeds, acceleration and braking has, of course, been maintained, meaning powerchairs can be easily tailored to suit individual users.
JOYSTICK MODULES
In addition to the specialist Chin and Attendant Modules discussed later, the Pilot+ family includes two conventional Joystick Modules. One provides drive control and the ability to operate up to five seat adjustment actuators, while the other also offers pushbuttons to switch lights, turn indicators and hazard warning lamps. Both modules use the same stylish and robust housing. Special attention was given to the design of the push-buttons, these have been chosen for their light action and therefore require very little force to operate.
In addition, the colors on the control panel have been selected to highlight the switch area and to make the switch symbol very easy to read. As standard, both versions of the Joystick Module include: TruCharge battery gauge and diagnostics display, five stage speed and response adjustment, horn, security locking facility and battery charging socket. All of these features make the modules suitable for users of almost any age and disability. For manufacturers who wish to use their own joystick housings, the internal parts of the Pilot+ Joystick Modules can be sold in kit form, or PGDT can assemble these into the manufacturer ’s own housing.
●Small size - high power
●Speed stability on slopes
●Hand tremor control
●Easy to install
●Small interconnection cables
●More programmability
●Choice of stylish Joystick Modules
●Light action push-buttons
●Easy to read console
●TruCharge battery gauge
●Safety checks 100 times per second
●Soft-stop
●Security lock
●Safety fence programming
●On-the-spot diagnostics
●Fault log and elapsed timer
●Easy upgrades for lights and actuators
●StVZO compliant lighting
●Multiple actuator control
●Chin and Attendant Modules
●Selection of joystick knobs
●TÜV approved
●Designed to ISO7176/14 and EN12184
●Documentation for international approvals
THE PILOT FAMILY OF WHEELCHAIR CONTROLLERS
INSTANT DIAGNOSIS, SERVICING AND REPAIR
Whole life costs are an increasing factor in the success of a powerchair; PG Drives Technology wholly appreciate this point and are committed to features which aid manu- facturers and dealers alike. The TruCharge display gives a clear, easy-to-read pointer as to which part of the electrical system the detected fault may be in, and can even be used to diagnose faults remotely from the powerchair. One of the biggest problem areas, however, is intermittent faults, but these can be easily pinpointed by reading the Pilot+
fault log which records a history of the detected problems with the powerchair. As well as the fault log the Pilot+
records the amount of time the powerchair is in use. This facility is invaluable in establishing just how long a powerchair, controller or any other component has been in use, and data from this timer can confidently be used in warranty situations.
TOTAL COMFORT AND SAFETY
As with all PG Drives Technology’s controllers the TruCharge battery gauge is a standard feature. Unlike voltmeter based gauges, TruCharge gives an accurate and stable reading of the amount of charge left in the battery. This means users have the confidence to travel further without the fear of becoming stranded. To prevent unauthorized use or deter theft of the powerchair, a security lock facility is included, meaning the powerchair can be left unattended for periods of time without worry.
To add further to the user’s peace of mind, the very latest micro-controller technology ensures that the control system is safe at all times. The hardware and software systems are checked for correct operation around 100 times per second.
As a result of these and other safety techniques, the Pilot+ is approved and certified by TÜV Product Service Germany; in addition, comprehensive documentation packages can be provided to support powerchair submissions to all other regulatory bodies in the USA, Europe and Asia. In recent times Electro-magnetic Compatibility (EMC) has become an important part of powerchair design, this is to ensure that no problems arise if devices such as mobile telephones are used close to a wheelchair. PG Drives Technology have invested heavily in their own, highly capable EMC testing laboratory and all the products in the Pilot+ family have been tested to levels far in excess of American and European legislation.
This means PG Drives Technology’s products can be incorporated with a high level of confidence that the powerchair will meet the EMC levels necessary for any world market.
In addition to these mandatory safety requirements, PG Drives Technology have included two other features to improve overall powerchair safety. Firstly a soft-stop facility is included as standard, meaning if the controller is accidentally switched off while driving then a sudden stop will not occur, instead the powerchair stops in a smooth controlled way.
Secondly, to eliminate the risk of incorrect programming causing a potentially hazardous drive profile, it is possible for the manufacturer to put a “fence” around the values that can be programmed. This “fence” effectively limits the minimum and maximum speeds and rates that can be set and is only alterable by the powerchair manufacturer in conjunction with PG Drives Technology.
The complete and versatile
drive system for wheelchairs
TRUCHARGE BATTERY LEVEL AND DIAGNOSTICS DISPLAY
HIGH BATTERY VOLTAGE SOLENOID BRAKE FAULT POSSIBLE POWER MODULE FAULT POSSIBLE JOYSTICK MODULE FAULT CHARGER CONNECTED
RIGHT MOTOR WIRING FAULT RIGHT MOTOR DISCONNECTED LEFT MOTOR WIRING FAULT LEFT MOTOR DISCONNECTED LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE
EASY SEAT ADJUSTMENT
All seat adjustment is controlled by the joystick thereby minimizing the user operations needed for precise positioning of the seat. Left or right movements of the joystick select different actuators, and forward and reverse movements actually move the seat. In total six adjustments are possible - both footrests, right footrest, left footrest, seat height, tilt-in-space and backrest.
ON/OFF
HAZARD WARNING
LEFT INDICATOR
RIGHT INDICATOR LIGHTS
HORN MODE
d versatile
m for wheelchairs
UP
DOWN
SELECT
SELECT
ACTUATOR & LIGHTING CONTROL
Installation of the optional Actuator & Lighting Module (ALM) couldn’t be easier: the Pilot+ system detects which actuators are connected and automatically enables only the relevant controls on the Joystick Module. Lights, turn indicators and hazard lamps comply with the German StVZO requirements which are mandatory for all outdoor powerchairs, providing constant brightness lamps and turn indicator fault detection.
Up to five seat adjustment actuators can be controlled from the ALM and each channel provides a 10A drive which is suitable even for heavy seat lift applications. The footrest channels can be operated independently or simultaneously, perfect for users who require such levels of adjustment. There is no need to fit limit switches at the end of actuator travel as the ALM automatically switches off when an end position is reached. This saves the cost, wiring complexity and potential unreliability of limit switches.
CHIN AND ATTENDANT CONTROLS
To supplement the range of conventional controls, the family includes Chin and Dual Attendant Modules. The Chin Module has independently height-adjustable on/off and mode switches, variable joystick forward direction, TruCharge display, actuator control, charging socket and a selection of specially designed chin cups and balls. This module can also be used in Attendant Only and Tray applications. The Dual Attendant Module allows the powerchair to be controlled either by the user or from the rear by an attendant. Control is easily exchanged via a push-button and the attendant can also alter
the maximum speed of the chair to a comfortable walking pace.
PRODUCTS
Power Modules
Pilot+ 50-xM 50A max. current, x meter cable Pilot+ 80-xM 80A max. current, x meter cable Pilot+ 100-xM 100Amax. current, x meter cable x = cable assembly length.
Options 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 e.g. Pilot+ 50-2.0M is 50Apower module with 2m cable assembly
Joystick Modules
Pilot+ JSM On/off,Mode, Horn, TruCharge, Charging/Programming Socket Security Lock, Actuator Display
Pilot+ JSM-L As above but with Lights, Turn Indicators and Hazard Buttons
Pilot+ JSM-sw As JSM but with jack sockets for On/ Off and mode switches
Pilot+ JSM-L-sw As JSM-L but with jack sockets for On/ Off and mode switches
Pilot+ JSM-P As JSM but with potentiometer maximum speed control
Pilot+ JSM-P-L As JSM-L but with potentiometer maximum speed control
Pilot+ JSM-T As JSM but with toggle switches for On/Off and Mode
Pilot+ JSM-L-T As JSM-L but with toggle switches for On/Off and Mode
Actuator & Lighting Modules
Pilot+ ALM-x 2, 4, or 5 Actuator Channels, x denotes channels required
Pilot+ ALM-L Lights, Turn Indicators and Hazard Lamps Pilot+ ALM-xL Combination of above
e.g. ALM-4L would have 4 actuator channels, lighting, turn indicator and hazard lamp control
Other Modules
Pilot+ Chin Chin, Attendant or Tray Joystick Module Pilot+ Dual Dual Attendant Module
Power Module Connectors
PG80-B Battery connector kit PG80-M Motor connector kit Other Items (Further Details on Request)
PP1a Dealer Programmer
PP1b OEM Engineering Programmer Joystick Knobs Various types available
SPECIFICATIONS
General
Supply Voltage: 24VDC
Over Voltage Trip: 35VDC Under Voltage Trip: 13.5VDC Reverse Battery Protection: 40VDC Operating Temperature: -25 °C to +50°C
General cont.
Storage Temperature: -40ºC to +65ºC Moisture Resistance: IP54
Diagnostics: TruCharge display, detailed fault codes, fault log, elapsed time.
Safety: Multiple hardware & software strategy.
Designed to ISO7176/14.
Documentation for approvals applications Power Module
Drive Current 50A , 80A and 100A PWM Frequency: 20kHz±1%
Solenoid Brake Outputs: 12V or 24V, 0.1Ato 1.0A Programmable Functions:
All within Power Module Joystick Modules
TruCharge Battery Gauge: 10 steps, digital Joystick Operations: >20Million cycles Joystick Type: Inductive, EMC hardened Charging Current: 12A
Charger Input: Neutrik 3 pin NC3FPP equivalent, pin 1+ve, link pin 3 to -ve to inhibit Actuator & Lighting Module (ALM)
Lights: 21W total, 12V constant
Indicators 42W per side, 12V constant, bulb fault detection.
Standard: Meets StVZO regulations
Actuators: 2,4, or 5
Drive Current: 10Acontinuous at 24V End-stop Detection: Automatic
Simultaneous Drive: 2 channels at once
DIMENSIONS
180mm (7.1 )
125mm (4.9 ) 158mm (6.2 )
46mm (1.8 )
32mm (1.3 ) 77mm (3.0 )
1 Airspeed Road Christchurch Dorset BH23 4HD UK Tel +44 (0) 1425 271444 Fax +44 (0) 1425 272655 www.pgdt.com
2532 East Cerritos Avenue Anaheim
CA 92806-5627 USA Tel: +1 (714) 712 7911 Fax: +1 (714) 978 9512 www.pgdt.com
PG DRIVES TECHNOLOGY INC
Taiwan International Business Center 4F, 25, Sec. 1 Tunhua S. Rd.
Taipei Taiwan ROC
Tel +886 (0)2 2579 1821 Fax +886 (0)2 2579 8381 www.pgdt.com
PG DRIVES TECHNOLOGY LTD
PG DRIVES TECHNOLOGY ASIA Certificate No FM 21061
