Planet PedAlert 100 User manual

PedAlert™100
&
PedAlert™ 120
Operator’s Manual
Notice: The manufacturer reserves the right to make changes to the device and Operator’s
Manual without obligation to notify any person or organization of the revision or change.
© 1996 PLANET LLC, Patent #6,174,294, B1

Dear Customer:
Congratulations on your purchase of PedAlert™. PLANET LLC
has enjoyed working with physical therapists and physicians
to develop this simple but important biofeedback device for
lower limb rehabilitation. PLANET is dedicated to providing
advanced instrumented rehabilitation equipment to make
clinical and related rehabilitation efforts more efficient and
effective.
Should you have comments or suggestions for improvements
on our products or service, please contact us.
Sincerely,
Thomas M. Crabb
President/CEO

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 General Information-------------------------------------------------1
2 Operation --------------------------------------------------------------3
3 Maintenance and Troubleshooting -------------------------------9
4 Service and Replacement Parts---------------------------------11
5 Limited Warranty and Liability ----------------------------------13
LISTOF FIGURES
Figure 1. The wire needs to be firmly connected ---------------4
Figure 2. On/Off and warning tone control-----------------------4
Figure 3. Settings for the force monitor (PedAlert 120) -------5
Figure 4. User must assure proper placement of foot ---------6
Figure 5. Adjusting the force to activate the warning tone---7
Figure 6. A standard 9V battery is easily replaceable ----------9
Warning
Read all directions before use!
• PLANET LLC is NOT responsible for any damages that
occur as a result of misuse of this device.
• If the patient feels any pain or discomfort while using
the device he/she should stop using the device immedi-
ately and consult his/her physician.
• This device is to be used only under the supervision of
a physician or a therapist.

PedAlert Operator’s Manual
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
• Cast Boot
• Sensor Sole
• Control Box
• 9V Battery
• Operator’s Manual
• Warranty
• Optional Carrying Case
(purchase through Planet
Products 1-800-338-2010)
PedAlert includes
Specificat ions
Control Box Size: 3" X 2" X 1" (LxWxD)
Weight: 12 ounces (with battery)
Power Requirements: Standard 9V battery
Weight Settings: Small - toe touch up to 75 lbs.
Large - toe touch up to 100 lbs.
Warning Tone: 80+ dB at 6 feet
Frequency = 3 kHz
Caution
If the patient has a hearing loss, particularly in the higher frequency
range, and cannot easily hear the alarm, we do not recommend the
use of this device.

2. OPERATION
To ensure best results in your use of PedAlert, follow these
steps.
2. 1 Assemble the PedAlert.
2. 2 “Warm up” the device by stepping at least 25 times
before calibration.
2. 3 Strap PedAlert over the patient’s shoe, cast, or
prosthetic.
2. 4 Set the weight threshold, placing the patient’s lower
limb on a scale in a manner most similar to the gait
used during the rehabilitation process.
Please note that this step requires the use of a scale.
2. 5 Monitor PedAlert usage.
2. 6 Understand operational warnings.
Each of these steps will be detailed in the following pages.
Helpful note for best results
For best results the therapist should step at least 25 times
wearing the device, to allow sensor to “warm up.” Then place
PedAlert on the patient’s foot and calibrate.

2.1. Assemble the PedAlert
1. Make sure wiring is connected to control box shown in Figure 1.
Attach control box to either side of the boot.
Figure 1. The wire needs to be firmly
connected for proper operation.
2. Turn system ON using On/Off switch shown in Figure 2. The
light will blink about once per second upon proper connection
and adequate battery power levels. If not blinking refer to
Section 3 - Maintenance and Troubleshooting.
Figure 2. On/Off switch and warning tone
volume are set with the same control.

3. Turn down the weight threshold control until you hear the
warning tone. Then set the volume level and check to assure
the patient can hear the warning tone. Once the volume is set
to an acceptable audible level, the patient should not lower the
level.
4. For PedAlert 120, set desired setting for front monitor, back
monitor, or front and back (both) monitor as shown in Figure 3.
If the switch is set to either “front” or “back” sensor, the total limb
load will not be monitored. If the switch is set to “both,” the
total limb load on the foot will be monitored.
Figure 3. PedAlert 120 users can set the force
monitoring section of the device to front only,
front and back (both), or back only.
2.2. “Warm Up” Device
For best results when setting the weight threshold, the therapist
should step at least 25 times wearing the device to allow sensor
to “warm up.”
2.3. Strap PedAlert Over Patient’s Shoe
1. Slip foot into boot. For best results, the patient should wear a
flat, soft-soled shoe.
2. Assure proper placement of foot within boot as shown in Figure
4.
Front
Both Back

3. Tighten Velcro™ straps.
4. Verify control box is securely attached. Refer to Figure 4.
Figure 4. User must assure proper placement of
foot in boot and securely attach electronics
module to the boot prior to use.
Helpful note for maximum accuracy
• The therapist should step at least 25 times wearing the
device, to allow sensor to “warm up” before calibration.
• The device should be set using the patient’s foot, not the
therapist’s.
• Patient should be wearing the same shoe to be worn dur-
ing therapy, preferably a flat, soft-soled shoe.
• Patient should place the lower limb on a scale in a manner
similar to the gait used during the rehabilitation process.

2.4. Set the Weight Threshold
1. The patient should step onto scale, gradually placing more
weight until the prescribed weight threshold is met.
2. While holding the load at or below the prescribed weight
threshold, set the weight threshold knob so the warning
tone is activated. See Figure 5.
3. NOTE: Turning the knob counter-clockwise reduces the
weight threshold. Turning the knob clockwise increases
the weight threshold.
Figure 5. The weight threshold
knob adjusts the force required
to activate the warning tone.
2.5. Monitor PedAlert Usage
1. The volume should be maintained so that the patient can
hear the alarm.
2. The light should blink about once per second, which sig-
nals proper connections and power levels.
3. Monitor patient to make sure that the gait and the limb
load applied are the same as when setting the weight
threshold.
4. DO NOT change the weight threshold unless instructed to
do so by a physician.

2.6. Operational Warnings
If any of the following indications occur, see the Trouble-
shooting Table on page 10.
• Red light not blinking.
• Beeping about once per second.
• Steady tone with no weight applied.
Warning
Recalibration will be required
if any of the following occurs:
• Changes in the patient’s walking patterns
• Adjustments to Velcro™ straps
• Extended use over several hours
• Temperature changes of +/- 10°F

3. MAINTENANCE AND
TROUBLESHOOTING
The only maintenance needed for PedAlert is to keep the unit
clean and occasionally to change the battery.
3.1. Keeping PedAlert Clean
Wipe the cast boot and control box with a damp cloth, use a
mild soap if necessary.
3.2. Changing the Battery
1. Remove control box from boot and disconnect sensor
cable.
2. Use your thumb to press inward and slide the cover from
the control box case (see Figure 6).
3. Gently remove the old battery and replace it with a new
9V battery.
4. Be sure that the battery snaps firmly into place. Replace
the cover on the control box case by sliding it closed, and
snapping into position when finished. Care must be taken
to route the wires so they are not pinched when closing
cover.
Figure 6. A standard 9V battery
is easily replaceable.

3.3. Troubleshooting
Problem You should . . .
Red light is not flashing 1. Check that power switch is on.
2. Check boot cable connections.
3. Check battery connections.
4. Battery may need replace-
ment.
Warning tone beeps on
and off repeatedly when
no weight is applied
1. Check battery and replace if
necessary.
2. See Sections 2.3 – 2.4.
Warning tone is on
continuously 1. Turn knob clockwise until
beeping stops.
2. Replace the battery.
Weight is applied and the
warning tone does not
sound
1. Check the volume control
knob; turn up if necessary.
2. Check weight threshold level
setting; test at lower threshold
setting.
For Model 120 Only
Check the front/back position
switch for proper location; test in
“both” setting.
Doesn’t maintain the set
weight threshold 1. Check weight threshold setting procedure. See Section 2.4 and
Helpful Note on page 6.
2. Sensor may be defective or
worn-out. See next page.