Karma STAR Series User manual

User manual
STAR Series
(KM-1504 / KM-1514)
STAR
STAR2

GENERAL WARNING
●DO maintain your wheelchair well, in particular check the tyre pressure since
this affects the efficiency of the brakes. For the correct tyre pressure, please
see the walls of the tyres.
●DO make sure both brakes are applied before getting in or out of the
wheelchair.
●DO make sure both brakes are applied when the wheelchair is not being
pushed or used.
●DO take care when climbing kerbs or turning on slopes.
●DO avoid steep or uneven surfaces that may cause the wheelchair to tip
over.
●DO avoid soft surfaces as the casters may become bogged down.
●DO travel smoothly in all conditions.
●DO look well ahead to anticipate hazards such as furniture, doors, potholes,
etc.
●DO make sure that both feet are safely on the footrests and that clothing is
safely tucked out of the way so that it cannot get caught in the wheels.
●DO take care when traveling up or down or across inclines.
●DO keep both hands on the push handles to control the wheelchair, if you
are the attendant.
●DO pay attention to keep the wheelchair balanced.
●DO check the frame and components regularly and refer to this user guide
during and after the warranty period.
●DO tie-up the upholstery or replace which with a new one when it becomes
loose.
●DO lubricate bearings regularly.
●DO equip with anti-tippers to avoid falling backwards.
●DO equip with a seat belt designed for disabled people.
●DO equip with "heel loops" for disabled people.
●DO clean both hands after oiling the wheelchair.
●DO keep far away from flame
●DO NOT overload the wheelchair in any circumstance.
●DO NOT hang anything heavy on the back of the wheelchair that could
cause the wheelchair to become unstable, particularly when negotiating
inclines.
●DO NOT allow more than one user at a time.
●DO NOT use with an unconscious patient.
●DO NOT use other transport to pull the wheelchair.
●DO NOT do "wheelies", since you might fall or tip over backwards and suffer
a severe injury.
●DO NOT sit in the wheelchair within a moving vehicle unless it has been
affixed the labels of hook mark. The labels of hook mark mean that the
wheelchair fulfils the performance requirements for a “Crash Test” of ISO
7176-19 and is suitable to use as a seat in vehicles that have been adapted

for this purpose.
WARNING:
●As of this date, KM-1504 has NOT been tested for safety in collisions according
to ISO 7176-19. Therefore, KM-1504 cannot be used as seats in any vehicles.
●DO NOT go too fast or turn too quickly.
●DO NOT stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
●DO NOT go down steps forward, whether solo or with an attendant.
●DO NOT attempt to lift the wheelchair by any removable (detachable) parts.
Lifting by means of any removable (detachable) parts of the wheelchair may
result in injury to the user and/or assistant or damage to the wheelchair.
●Do NOT use the wheelchair when the back is folded. This alters the centre of
gravity and may cause the wheelchair to tip backwards. The back should
only be folded for storage or transport of the wheelchair.
●DO NOT hang anything on the back joint that could cause the backrest
folding suddenly and may cause injury.
YOU AND YOUR KARMA SERVICE PROVIDER
●No tools are required for assembly. Your wheelchair should be assembled
by your authorized KARMA dealer. Your authorized KARMA dealer is also
your service provider. Unauthorized repairs, upgrades and add-ons will void
your warranty. Anything wheelchair related that requires tools should be
done by your authorized KARMA service provider. Your KARMA service
provider has the necessary service/maintenance manual for your
wheelchair.
●If you have any defective parts or lose any parts, please contact your dealer
for repair and/or replacement. Please only use parts authorized by KARMA.
Use of parts that are not authorized by KARMA will void your warranty.
●Part numbers are listed on our bill of materials (explosion drawings), which
we give to our authorized dealers and service providers. Customers should
order parts through their dealer as well as all repairs and scheduled
maintenance.
●Customers should go to their dealership for all service needs to guarantee
their warranty is not void. Always go to an authorized service provider.
Unauthorized repairs will void your warranty. Procedures other than those
described in this manual must be performed by a qualified technician.
They also have the service manual with a complete list of maintenance
required to keep your KARMA wheelchair in top performance. Check the
warranty section of this manual to find out what KARMA guarantees and
what maintenance service and parts that are not covered by the warranty.
●KARMA does not have an official list of service providers at this time.
Please contact your dealer for service. If you cannot contact your dealer,
please contact another authorized KARMA dealer for service. If all else fails,

contact KARMA directly via our website or give us a call and we can refer
you to your new service provider.
CE MARKING
●This wheelchair complies with the requirements of the Medical Devices
Directive 93/42/EEC.
CAUTION:
●When prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above or
below knee, single or double) or other conditions that affects the user's natural
center of gravity and might cause the wheelchair to tip or the person on the
wheelchair to fall off, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as well as
attaching anti-tippers, pelvic belt, or other additional safety accessories.
●When using the wheelchair, ALWAYS follow the Highway Code or your local
traffic regulations when outdoors and the guidelines written in this manual.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PREFACE...........................................................................................................................................................................1
2. SAFETY ..............................................................................................................................................................................2
2.1 DOORWAYS................................................................................................................................................................2
2.2 LEANING......................................................................................................................................................................2
2.3 NEGOTIATING INCLINES.........................................................................................................................................2
2.4 KERBS...........................................................................................................................................................................2
2.5 STAIRS..........................................................................................................................................................................3
2.6 STREETS.......................................................................................................................................................................3
2.7 GENERAL.....................................................................................................................................................................4
2.8 UPHOLSTERY..............................................................................................................................................................4
2.9 ANTI-TIPPERS.............................................................................................................................................................4
2.10 MAXIMUM USER WEIGHT LIMIT......................................................................................................................5
2.11 AVOID GENERAL MISUSE....................................................................................................................................5
2.12 LABELING..................................................................................................................................................................6
3. INTENDED USE & PARTS......................................................................................................................................7
3.1 INTENDED USE ..........................................................................................................................................................7
3.2 STAR WITH WITH 24〞REAR WHEEL PARTS DESCRIPTION......................................................................8
3.3 STAR 2WITH 24〞REAR WHEEL PARTS DESCRIPTION............................................................................9
3.4 STAR 2WITH 14〞REAR WHEEL PARTS DESCRIPTION S......................................................................10
4. OPERATION ................................................................................................................................................................11
4.1 PREPARING FOR USE............................................................................................................................................11
4.2 TRANSFERRING IN AND OUT.............................................................................................................................15
4.3 GENERAL USE.........................................................................................................................................................17
4.4 STORING...................................................................................................................................................................21
4.5 TRANSPORTATION.................................................................................................................................................21
4.6 PELVIC BELT (OPTION).........................................................................................................................................24
5. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................................25
5.1 DAILY CHECK ..........................................................................................................................................................25
5.2 REGULAR MAINTENANCE RECORD.................................................................................................................26
6. OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES........................................................................................................................28
7. TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................................................28
7.1TROUBLE OR PROBLEMS WITH YOUR WHEELCHAIR...................................................................................28
8. SPECIFICATIONS......................................................................................................................................................29
9. CLEANING & RECYCLING..................................................................................................................................30
9.1 CLEANING................................................................................................................................................................30
9.2 POST-CONSUMER RECYCLING.........................................................................................................................30
10. WARRANTY..............................................................................................................................................................31
10.1 SERIAL NUMBER..................................................................................................................................................31
10.2 WARRANTY POLICY...........................................................................................................................................31

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1. PREFACE
Please carefully read this owner's manual before using the wheelchair. Improper use
of the wheelchair could result in harm or injury. Therefore, for safe and enjoyable use
of the wheelchair, please read this owner's manual.
●1.1 This owner's manual includes operation instructions for the aspects of the
wheelchair, unfolding/folding instructions and instructions on how to deal with
possible accidents.
●1.2 This owner's manual is written for KARMA wheelchair: STAR Series.
●1.3 The symbols used in this manual are explained below. Pay special attention to
the parts marked with these symbols.
WARNING:
Improper use could lead the user to severe injury or death.
CAUTION:
Improper use could lead the user to severe injury and/or
damage to your wheelchair.
SUGGESTION:
Follow these instructions to keep the wheelchair in good
condition.
●1.4 This manual includes the repair and maintenance chart as well as the warranty.
●1.5 If someone else uses the wheelchair, make sure that you give him or her this
owner's manual for his or her reference.
●1.6 As designs change, some illustrations and pictures in this manual may not
correspond to the wheelchair that you purchased. We reserve the right to make
design modifications without further notice.

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2. SAFETY
2.1 Doorways
The safest way to operate the wheelchair is on level floors that are free of obstacles.
Whenever possible use a ramp to enter or exit a facility. Keeping your hands on the
push rims will allow you to maintain maximum balance. Do not try to force yourself
over an obstruction by propulsion and never use the sides of a doorway to pull
yourself through a passageway.
2.2 Leaning
Do not lean over the side of your wheelchair since such an action may cause your to
lose balance and fall. (See Figure 2.1)
2.3 Negotiating Inclines
2.3.1 Never turn on a hill due to the danger of tipping.
2.3.2 When assisting, go straight up a slope. If user needs to go down midway, walk
backwards until user is on level ground (See Figures 2.2 and 2.3)
2.3.3 Do not drive up to 7 degrees of incline to avoid danger. When negotiating
inclines, don't propel up to 3 degrees of incline diagonally.
2.3.4 Avoid stopping on an incline, it can potentially cause you to lose control of the
wheelchair.
2.3.5 Do not use the brakes to slow down or stop the wheelchair, this could cause it
to seize up, causing you to lose control or fall out of the wheelchair.
2.3.6 Whenever possible, utilize help from an assistant/attendant while negotiating
inclines.
CAUTION:
●Although the product has met ISO 7176-1 requirements, we still
recommend you not to across a slope (in any direction) greater than 7
degrees. If your daily activities have to across slopes, we suggest you
purchase and install anti-tippers to increase the stability of the wheelchair.
2.4 Kerbs
2.4.1 Whenever possible get help from an assistant/attendant (if you have assistance
make sure that your chair is equipped with push handles)
2.4.2 Avoid hard impacts when descending a kerb. A hard impact could adversely

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affect the wheelchair.
2.4.3 Never try to scale or descend kerbs that exceed a normal height.
2.4.4 Always take care when climbing kerbs or turning on slopes and never move in
reverse without an assistant.
2.5 Stairs
2.5.1 Always use two or more assistants. Tilt the wheelchair to its point of
equilibrium.
One assistant (at the back) holds the wheelchair up against the first step, gripping
the handles firmly to lift. The second assistant, holding firmly a fixed part of the
front frame, lifts the wheelchair above the stairs and holds it while the first
attendant places one foot on the following step and repeat the operation (See
below Figure)
2.5.2 Never go down steps forwards.
2.5.3 Never use an escalator for transport, use an elevator.
2.6 Streets
2.6.1 Always use extreme caution when crossing streets. Reflective tape on the
wheelchair and/or your clothing will make you more visible to drivers.
2.6.2 Please comply with traffic safety code.
2.6.3 Avoid potholes and rough terrain that might cause the casters to become
stuck. (See Figure 2.4)

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2.7 General
2.7.1 The expected service life of the product is five years, presuming that the
product is used daily in accordance with the safety operation instructions,
inspection and maintenance instructions, and intended use, which described in
this manual.
2.7.2 Always make sure BOTH brakes are applied before getting in or out of the
wheelchair.
2.7.3 Never stand on the footplates when getting in or out of the wheelchair.
2.7.4 Never carry more than one passenger. KARMA wheelchairs are limited to one
user.
2.7.6 Use caution to assure your clothing doesn't get tangled with the wheels.
2.7.6 When the user is opearting the wheelchair using the pushrim, please push the
wheelchair gently. DO NOT apply a sudden huge force on the pushrim. It could
cause the chair to tip over. Please refer to the figure below for the best grip
points for using the pushrim.
2.8 Upholstery
2.8.1 When cleaning the upholstery, use warm water and a mild soap.
2.8.2 Upholstery cleaner/foam can also be used, but avoid other cleaning solvents.
2.8.3 Do be far away of flame, it might injury user and damage the wheelchair.
2.9 Anti-tippers
Please strongly consider purchasing anti-tippers and always use them to avoid
personal injury. The distance between anti-tipper and wheels is at least 5cm; the
height to floor doesn't be over 5cm.

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2.10 Maximum User WeightLimit
Refer to " Weight capacity " in Section 8. SPECIFICATIONS. Loads exceeding
maximum capacity can damage your wheelchair and cause malfunctions yielding a
safety hazard. The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper operation
of the wheelchair.
2.11 AvoidGeneral Misuse
2.11.1 Please note that our "Owner's Manual" contains a number of cautions -- any
vehicle can cause injury if misused -- use within our guidelines and with
reasonable care and your safety will be increased. Your wheelchair will give
years of safe use if used sensibly and carefully. Be aware that careless use
endangers your own safety as well as that of others. ALWAYS follow the
Highway Code when outdoors and the guidelines written in this manual.
2.11.2 Do not let children stand or play on the wheelchair. (See Figure 2.5)
Figure 2.1
Figure 2.2
Figure 2.3
Figure 2.4
Figure 2.5

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2.12 Labeling
Please carefully read all the labeling on the wheelchair before driving it. Do not
remove them. Protect them for future reference.

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3. INTENDED USE & PARTS
3.1 Intended Use
3.1.1 TThe STAR/STAR 2 is a self-propelled or transit wheelchair. That is, it can either
be propelled by an attendant(transit) or by the user(self-propelled).If it be
equipped with 14”rear wheels then it just can be propelled by attendant only.
3.1.2 These wheelchairs are suitable for users up to STAR 100kg/STAR 2 115kg in
weight. Hand brakes are provided for both rear wheels.
3.1.3 It has optional pneumatic tyres (tires) for traction and comfort. It also has an
extremely durable aluminum alloy frame with tough accessories and does not
suffer in dramatic extremes of temperature (neither user nor attendant need
touch metal parts in normal use).
3.1.4 When prescribing wheelchairs for use by full or partial amputees (above or
below knee, single or double) or other conditions that affects the users natural
center of gravity, we suggest contacting your therapist or dealer as well as
attaching anti-tippers.

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3.2 STAR with with 24〞Rear Wheel Parts Description
1. Backrest Upholstery
2. Armrest
3. Side Panel
4. Seat Upholstery
5. Cross Frame (Cross Bar)
6. Calf strap
7. Push Handle
8. Attendant Brake
9. Tipping lever
10. Rear Wheel
11. Hand Brake
12. Caster
13. Footplate

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3.3 STAR 2 with 24〞Rear Wheel Parts Description
1. Backrest Upholstery
2. Armrest
3. Side Panel
4. Seat Upholstery
5. Cross Frame (Cross Bar)
6. Footrest
7. Calf Strap
8. Push Handle
9. Attendant Brake
10. Tipping lever
11. Rear Wheel
12. Hand Brake
13. Caster
14. Footplate

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3.4 STAR 2 with 14〞Rear Wheel Parts Description s
1. Backrest Upholstery
2. Armrest
3. Side Panel
4. Seat Upholstery
5. Cross Frame (Cross Bar)
6. Footrest
7. Calf Strap
8. Push Handle
9. Attendant Brake
10. Tipping lever
11. Rear Wheel
12. Hand Brake
13. Caster
14. Footplate

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4. OPERATION
4.1 Preparing For Use
4.1.1 Unfolding
4.1.1.1 Unfold the push handle. (See Figure 4.1)
4.1.1.2 Holding the armrests, pull outwards. (See Figure 4.2)
4.1.1.3 Pointing your fingers inward with the palm of your hand on the frame, push
down until the seat is fully lowered. Make sure you hear the”CLICK”
sound and the frame is firmly seated in its holder. (See Figure 4.3)
4.1.1.4 Lift the footrests upward, swing them towards the middle and push them
down until they are fully locked. (See Figure 4.5、Figure 4.5)
4.1.1.5 Swing the footplates down. (See Figure 4.6)
4.1.1.6 Ready for action!
Alternatively, you can stand at the side of the wheelchair and complete step 1 by
pulling the nearest armrest towards yourself and pushing the other one away.
Figure 4.1
Figure 4.2
Figure 4.3
Figure 4.4
Figure 4.5
Figure 4.6
While completing step 2, never put your fingers around
the sides or under the wheelchair as they can be trapped
between the seat and the frame. (See the right figure.)

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4.1.2 Folding
4.1.2.1 Flip up the footplates. (See Figure 4.7)
4.1.2.2 Lift the footrests upward, swing them outward to the side and push them
down until they are fully locked. (See Figure 4.8、Figure 4.9)
4.1.2.3 Pull up on the seat upholstery by holding it in the center of its front and
back edge. (See Figure 4.10)
4.1.2.4 Press the two release levers on the backrest frame (push handle tubes) to
fold the backrest down for compact storage and easy transport.(See Figure
4.11)
4.1.2.5 Folding is now completed.
Figure 4.7
Figure 4.8
Figure 4.9
Figure 4.10
Figure 4.11
CAUTION:
●Be careful not to get your fingers caught when folding the wheelchair.
4.1.3 Adjustments
4.1.3.1 Your wheelchair may be supplied with quick-release wheels. If so, please
follow the instructions below
4.1.4 Rear Wheel Removal
4.1.4.1 Support the weight of the chair with one hand by holding the push handle.
4.1.4.2 Depress the hub cover and hold down the quick-release mechanism.
4.1.4.3 Remove the wheel. (See Figure 4.12)
4.1.4.4 Rear Wheel Attachment
4.1.4.4.1Pick up the wheel: Hold the center of the rear wheel by grasping two
adjacent spokes with four fingers of one hand, use the thumb to depress

13
and keep depressed the quick-release. Take the quick-release axle and
depress the button in its center. This retracts the bearings at the
opposite end of the axle. This will allow you to push the axle through
the center of the hub of the wheel. Your wheels are now ready to be
assembled to the frame of your wheelchair.
4.1.4.4.2 First ensure that the brake is in the OFF position. Take up the
assembled wheel and axle and depress the button in the center of the
axle, as above. This retracts the ball bearings that will allow you to push
the axle into the wheel bracket that is located on the lower rear frame of
the wheelchair. When you remove your thumb from the button on the
axle, the ball bearings should be visible protruding from the axle at the
back of the wheel bracket. This will secure the wheel safely in the frame.
(See Figure 4.13)
CAUTION:
●You must make sure that the axle is fully located in the wheelchair bracket
and that the ball bearings are fully open and have positively attached the
wheel in the frame.
●The rear wheel can be mounted at different positions on the frame to alter
the seat height and overall stability of the chair. Changing the wheel
position should be carried out by your approved repairer or therapist.
Figure 4.12
Figure 4.13
4.1.5 Important DO's and DON'Ts
4.1.5.1 Do: keep axles clean and lubricate with light oil or maintenance spray.
4.1.5.2 Do: maintain correct tyre pressure if pneumatic tyres are used.
4.1.5.3 Do not: Try to detach the wheels while the wheelchair is occupied even it is
installed with anti-tippers.

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4.1.6 Adjust Footplate Height
4.1.6.1 To adjust footplate height use the Karma tool provided to loosen the bolt
at the bottom of the footrest arm.
4.1.6.2 Adjust to required height and re-tighten. (See Figure 4.17)
Figure 4.17
Figure 4.18
4.1.7 How to use the tipping lever
4.1.7.1 Unfold the tipping lever with foot slightly. (See Figure 4.19).
4.1.7.2 Step the tipping lever downward with foot and hold the both push handles
and push them downward by two hands simultaneously to lift the caster to
over come the obstacle. (See Figure 4.20)
4.1.7.3 The tipping lever can be folded with foot if you do not use it. (See Figure
4.21)
Figure 4.19
Figure 4.20
Figure 4.21
4.1.8 Footrest Installation and Adjustment
Install footrest:
4.1.8.1 Unpack the footrest box and take the footrest out of the box. Unscrew the
screws of the footrest by using 5mm Allen key which bundled in the tool
box. (Figure 4-22).
4.1.8.2 Attach the sleeve to the front tube (slot side faces inwardly) and align it
SUGGESTION:
●Make sure that the footplate height is adjusted properly according to the users
calf length to reduce pressure on the body.
●The footplate height must be at least 5cm from the ground. (See Figure 4.18.)