AAT max-e User manual

max-e
Operator´s manual
The power kit for your wheelchair

CE-Declaration of conformity
The company AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH herewith declares that the
products of the powered systems max-e are developed and produced in ac-
cordance with the current regulations of the European Community
93/42/EWG.
This declaration loses all validity if an alteration of any kind not approved by
AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH was made at any one of the herein descri-
bed devices.
CE
Signature of the manufacturer:
Markus Alber
Managing associate
AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH
The powered drive system max-e is being
tested according to the norm DIN EN
12184-C11/99 at the Technical University
Berlin, testing and certifying facility for me-
dical products GmbH.
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max-e
max-e_gb_12_07
AAT Alber Antriebstechnik GmbH
Postfach 10 05 60 · D-72426 Albstadt
Tel. +49.74 31.12 95-0 · Fax +49.74 31.12 95-35
www.aat-online.de · [email protected]

Table of contents
CE-Declaration of conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Table of contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.1 Description of he products . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.2 Technical data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3 Delivery package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.4 Optional accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2 Mounting and initial operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.1 Brackets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.2 Battery pack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
2.3 Hook in the max-e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.4 Attach the control unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.5 Driving with the max-e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.6 Adjust the hand rest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.7 Swivel arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.8 Anti-tilt support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3 Safety regulations / notification of potential dangers. . . . . . 16
3.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.2 Technical requirements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.3 Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.4 Environmental influences. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.5 Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.6 Special tips for driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
4 Useful information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
5 Control unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.1 Control unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.2 Joystick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
5.3 Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
6 Battery pack / control unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.1 General information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
6.2 Change the fuses of the battery pack . . . . . . . . 25
7 Trouble shooting and indication of malfunction . . . . . . . . 26
7.1 Solving the problem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
7.2 Indication of malfunction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
8 Care, maintenance and recycling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.1 Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.2 Maintenance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
8.3 Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
9 Warranty and liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.1 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
9.2 Liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
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max-e

1 Introduction
With the max-e you transform your manual wheelchair easily and quickly
into a lightweight, fully functioning, powered wheelchair. Due to the directly
powered wheels of your wheechair the max-e accomplishes a permanent, ef-
ficient transfer of power while all advantages of a manual wheelchair remain
intact.
Max-e is appropriate for the application class A according to EN 12184
(Guidelines of the European Union). In addition, it also fulfills the require-
ments of application class B (for indoor an outdoor use) with one restriction.
The range lies at 15 km instead of the norm´s 25 km; however, with an extra
set of batteries the range can be increased to the required 25 km.
1.1 Description of the product
1.1.1 General survey
= Control unit
= Wheel of the wheelchair including grip ring and toothed ring
(20" or 24")
= Brackets on the wheelchair
= Battery pack plus bag
= Anti-tilt support
= max-e drive
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max-e

1.1.2 Control unit
= Display
= Horn
= Preset speed control (fast)
= Hand rest
= Joystick
= Preset speed control (slow)
= On/Off
1.1.3 Back side of the control unit
= Connection to wheelchair
= Socket for the charging cable
1.1.4 Drive unit
= Drive
= Exit of the power line and socket for the charging cable
= Battery pack
= Connection to the wheelchair
= Control unit
= Entry of the power cable at the max-e
1.1.5 Display (main screen)
= Display of the battery pack
= Speed
= Battery display of the control unit
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max-e

1.2 Technical data
* Please always observe the limits stipulated by the wheelchair manufactu-
rer.
** The range applies to a person weighing 70 kg that drives on even ground.
Diagram concerning weight and climbing capacity:
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max-e
Measurements
height = 28 cm
width = 34,5 cm
depth = 14,5 cm
Weight
drive = 8,8 kg
battery pack = 9,0 kg
control unit = 0,6 kg
bag for the batteries including straps = 180 g
charger = 0,5 kg
power cable = 220 g
Limits concerning the attachment to wheelchairs possible at a seat width of 28 cm
Maximum total weight admitted 200 kg (person, wheelchair, max-e) *
Speed
continuously adjustable
6 km / hours forward
3 km / hours backward
Capacity with one battery charge up to 15 km **
Maximum slope up to 20 % **
Battery Pack 2 x 12V/15Ah
Batteries for the control unit 2 x 1,2 V / min. 2100 mAh
Direct current motor electronically commutated 24 V
In the name of progress we reserve the right for technical and optical changes.

1.3 Delivery package
The standard delivery package contains:
= wheelchair wheels including grip ring and toothed ring (20" or 24")
= battery pack
= charger
= control unit
= max-e power unit
...well as a power cable, battery bag, holding device for the control unit??and
an operator's manual (no picture).
In addition, you need brackets which must be fixed to your wheelchair.
1.4 Optional accessories
= spokes' protection (available for 20" or 24" wheels)
= anti-tilt support
= swivel arm
= voltage transformer for the car
Joystick options and steering for the attendant (no picture)
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max-e

2 Mounting and initial operation
Max-e may only be operated in connection with a special holding device,
which must be fixed to the wheelchair.
These brackets (holding devices) must be mounted to the wheelchair exclu-
sively by AAT Alber Antriebstechnik or their authorized dealers.
2.1 Brackets
The holding devices or brackets are specially developed and adjusted to
each particular type of wheelchair. The brackets in this picture, right and
left may look different from the ones on your wheelchair.
FPlease make sure that the brackets are tightly secured on the chair befo-
re each use. Do not use the max-e if the screws are loose. In such case
contact your dealer immediately.
2.2 Battery pack
Underneath your wheelchair's seat there is a bag attached for the battery
pack. You slip the battery pack into the bag...
...and secure it with a Velcro strap.
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max-e

2.3 Hook in the max-e
Carefully insert the max-e into the bracket on both sides.
FPlease insert the max-e with its wheelchair connections in a straight
line in reference to the brackets .
The device easily slides into the brackets by itself.
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max-e

Now put the plug of the power cable into its socket on the max-e.
Afterwards you put the plug of the power cable into the corresponding so-
cket on the battery pack.
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max-e

2.4 Attach the control unit
The wheelchair driver controls all functions of the max-e with the control
unit . With a special holding device the control unit can be mounted on
either the right or the left side of the wheelchair thus making it equally con-
venient for left and right-handed people.
A special dentification allows for the attachment of the control unit in in-
dividual positions particularly convenient for the user.
2.5 Driving with the max-e
When you turn on the max-e the drive unit´s axles emerge automatically. At
this point the motor shaft turns radially back and forth for a few seconds un-
til the toothed wheel and the toothed ring grip fully. At this point the wheel-
chair cannot be pushed manually any more.
2.5.1 Starter protection
Please make sure that the joystick of the max-e is in neutral position before
you start driving.
Fstart using the joystick only after the major screen appears on the dis-
play.
2.5.2 Overload
Should the max-e be overloaded, e.g. on slopes or when the wheels block,
the electro-magnetic brakes become activated after 2 seconds and the devi-
ce stops. You hear a signal tone and the display shows "overload". After anot-
her 3 seconds the picture on the display returns to the main screen.
FIn such case, please let go of the joystick and wait until the major screen
appears back on the display. Then you can continue driving while taking
into consideration the reason for the overload, e.g. remove the blockage
or turn around, if the slope is too steep, etc..
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max-e
Overload!

2.5.3 Radio interference
Should there be a radio interference while you are driving, the display will
show this, and the max-e brakes automatically. Whenever there is a radio in-
terference the search CCC appears in the top right corner of the display until
the communication is reestablished.
FIn such case, turn off the max-e and pull the power cable from the batte-
ry pack. Then wait approximately 3 seconds and plug the power cable
back in. Turn the max-e on again. If the device does not function correct-
ly after this reset, please contact your dealer.
2.5.4 Radio failure
Should there be a radio failure, the control system will try to use a different
frequency to communicate with the drive. This search may take several se-
conds. During this time you cannot drive with the max-e. The joystick must
be in neutral position.
2.5.5 Stand-by-Modus
Should you not use the control unit for 5 minutes, there is a warning signal
plus the display shows the message "stand-by in one minute".
FTo avoid the stand-by mode, press any key or move the joystick.
FIf the device goes into stand-by mode, you must press the On/Off button
to return to the previous mode. Within a few seconds you may continue
driving, since the driving axles remain active in the stand-by mode.
Should there be a situation when you do not need the max-e, simply remove
it and put it aside.
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max-e
Radio failure!

2.5.6 Weather conditions
We recommend not to leave the max-e in freezing weather conditions for a
longer period of time to ensure that the device functions correctly.
2.6 Adjustment of the hand reste
The hand rest of the control unit can be adjusted to the user.
Loosen the screws on the bottom side of the control unit. The hand rest is
already equipped with several possibilities of attachment which allow you
to mount the hand rest in the most comfortable position for the individual
user.
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max-e

2.7 Swivel arm
The swivel arm is an optional accessory, which makes it possible to swivel
your control unit into several different positions.
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max-e

2.8 Anti-tilt support
You may operate the max-e only with installed anti-tilt support.
If your wheelchair does not have a tilt support, which is standard with most
wheelchair manufacturers, we can equip your wheelchair with the necessary
anti tilt support as an optional accessory of the max-e.
Holding devices for our anti-tilt support are already mounted on the bra-
ckets of the max-e
2.8.1 Attaching and removing the tilt support
2.8.1.1 Universal holding device
Slide the tilt support all the way into the holding device on the max-e.
Lock it with the locking bolt . Push the locking bolt into the drilling on the
holding device while you press the unlocking button at the top of the lo-
cking bolt. When the locking bolt is inserted all the way you release the unlo-
cking button on the locking bolt.
FPlease check whether the locking bolts are tightly secured in the holding
devices. If you can remove the locking bolts without pressing the unlo-
cking button, they are not secured properly.
FPlease make sure that the tilt support is not jammed whenever you use
the max-e.
FPlease do not drive backwards against a wall with mounted tilt supports.
FPlease note that no tilt support can secure all potentially difficult situa-
tions, thus avoid any instable situations even with mounted tilt supports.
To remove the tilt support you press the unlocking button on the locking bolt
while you pull it out. Then take off the tilt support.
2.8.1.2 Multi holding device 1
Pull the locking bolt out sidewise and slide the tilt support all the way
into the holding on the max-e. Please note the instructions written on the
tilt supports. The one marked with an "R" ist the tilt support for the right
side, the one marked with an "L" is the one for the left side, so that the dril-
lings for the locking bolts correspond.
FPlease make sure that the tilt supports are secured in their respective
holding devices. If you can pull them out, they are not secured properly.
FBefore you start driving make sure that the tilt supports are not jammed.
FPlease do not drive backwards against a wall with mounted tilt supports.
FPlease note that no tilt support can secure all potentially difficult situa-
tions, thus avoid any instable situations even with tilt supports.
To remove them you pull out the locking bolts and take them off.
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max-e

2.8.1.3 Multi holding device 2
Pull the locking bolt out sidewise and slide the tilt support all the way
into the holding on the max-e. Please note the instructions written on the
tilt supports. The one marked with an "R" ist the tilt support for the right
side, the one marked with an "L" is the one for the left side, so that the dril-
lings for the locking bolts correspond.
FPlease make sure that the tilt supports are secured in their respective
holding devices. If you can pull them out, they are not secured properly.
FBefore you start driving make sure that the tilt supports are not jammed.
FPlease do not drive backwards against a wall with mounted tilt supports.
FPlease note that no tilt support can secure all potentially difficult situa-
tions, thus avoid any instable situations even with tilt supports.
To remove them you pull out the locking bolts and take them off
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max-e

3 Safety regulations and notification of potential
dangers
3.1 General information
All general rules for the safe operation of a wheelchair remain valid when the
max-e is used.
To guarantee a safe operation of the max-e we must ask you to observe the
following directions closely.
3.2 Technical requirements
The mounting of the brackets for the max-e or any alterations on them may
only be performed by AAT Alber Antriebstechnik or their authorized
personnel.
The max-e may only be mounted on wheelchairs of a seat width of a mini-
mum of 28 cm. The wheelchairs must be tested and coincide with common
technical rules. Finally, their operators' manuals must be observed when
using the max-e
When you operate the max-e you must observe all recommended limits of the
wheelchair manufacturer such as e.g. the maximum gradient or the admitted
top load, as well as their general instructions for operation. Listed restric-
tions and limits must be observed and may not be exceeded.
FThe maximum top load admitted is the addition of the whelchair driver's
weight, the wheelchair and the max-e.
FPlease always check the air pressure of pneumatic steering rollers. The
max-e’s driving qualities could be affected negatively, if there is not
enough air in the rollers.
FAttention please: If you travel to North/South America, Asien, as well as
the Pacific area, there is the possibility of malfunction due to the 868
MHz radio control technology of the max-e. You may not use this device
in these countries. AAT does not assume any kind of liability.
3.3 Operation
Thorough instruction to operate the max-e is part of the delivery package and
takes place at a time and place of your choosing with one of AAT's dealers.
FDo not operate the max-e without having received extensive instructions.
FThe max-e may only be operated by people who have been instructed tho-
roughly in the operation of the device, and who are physically and men-
tally capable to use the max-e safely in all possible situations.
FShould you not feel comfortable operating the max-e, please contact your
local dealer or one of our representatives.
FDue to the potential danger of tilting a wheelchair, the powered drive
max-e may only be operated with installed anti-tilt support.
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max-e

3.4 Environmental influences - EMV
Electro-magnetic compatibility (EMV) is understood as the capacity of an
electric device to function properly within its electro-magnetic environment
without inadmissably influencing said environment including other devices
therein.
max-e mastered the EMV tests required by German jurisdiction successfully.
3.5 Driving
It is indispensible that all restrictions and limits stipulated by the wheelchair
manufacturer must be closely observed.
FAlways start with the lowest possible speed.
Although max-e masters gradients up to 20 % you may never exceed the ad-
mitted gradient stipulated by the wheelchair manufacturer.
FYou may not operate the max-e without anti-tilt support.
3.6 Special tips for driving
If the max-e is turned off, all advantages of a manual wheelchair remain.
Once you turn on the max-e the pinions of the drive couple pneumatically
into the toothed rings mounted on the wheels. A manual emergency unlo-
cking button (see 7.2.2) is located on the right side of the drive.
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max-e

4 Useful information
To operate the device safely, it is indispensible to know the driving qualities
of the max-e thoroughly. The comfort and safety of our clients are important
to us; therefore, we would like to give you some useful tips for the operation
of the max-e.
FIt is best to make the first few attempts using the device outside because
in narrow rooms you may collide with furniture and other obstacles.
FStart with the lowest possible speed and acquaint yourself step by step
with the device's driving qualities.
FSelect a low speed for operation indoors.
FWhen you start driving, the joystick should never be pushed through all
the way because this could cause jerking, uncontrollable movements
(danger of accident).
FPlease use the joystick carefully. In dangerous situations brake until you
stand still to avoid potential powerful jerks.
FBrake the max-e carefully by letting go of the joystick, though never grip
the gripping rings on the wheels while braking. You can bring about an
immediate standstill by briefly pressing the joystick in the opposite di-
rection that you are driving.
FTo keep the wheelchair from tipping over sideways, you should avoid dri-
ving parallel to steep slopes. Countersteer when you cross steep sidewalk
ramps.
FCross obstacles such as ramps of sidewalks with both wheels simultane-
ously. If the ramps are high, always master them backwards since the
steering rollers may potentially block when you drive forward. Also take
into consideration the hight adjustment of your anti-tilt support.
FYou must observe the regular traffic rules when driving on public roads.
Potentially required additional accessories must be mounted should they
be stipulated by law. Please contact the appropriate facilities, should
you have questions.
FAttention please: If you travel to North/South America, Asien, as well as
the Pacific area, there is the possibility of malfunction due to the 868
MHz radio control technology of the max-e. You may not use this device
in these countries. AAT does not assume any kind of liability.
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max-e

5 Control unit
Your max-e is ready to use when you receive it. If the mounting was done cor-
rectly, you can turn on the device and start driving.
However, please acquaint yourself with the max-e's driving qualities to get a
feeling for the device's various function.
5.1 Control unit
All the device's functions are controlled by the control unit.
FIf the control unit is removed from its holding device when already turned
on, the joystick loses all functions. At this point you cannot drive with
the max-e. This is a precaution so that nobody, except for the person sit-
ting in the wheelchair, can operate the device.
5.1.1 Preselected speed
FWith the keys + and - the control unit you can select the desired
speed.
5.2 Joystick
With the joystick you control the direction and the speed of the max-e in a
continuously adjustable way.
FUse the joystick carefully since you also manipulate the driving speed.
FThe joystick can be moved in all directions (360°).
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max-e