13 BATTERY GAUGE
Refer to Chapter 1 for how to read the battery gauge.
The battery gauge typically starts to flash slowly when the battery voltage falls below 23.3V whilst the wheelchair is driving on a
level surface.
For optimum accuracy of the battery gauge and low battery indicator, the control system should be programmed with the
approximate nominal capacity of the wheelchair battery. However, accuracy is not greatly affected if the programmed type and
capacity do not closely match the battery.
The most important factor affecting the accuracy of the battery gauge is the resistance of the cable and connections between
the battery and the control system. The control system must be matched approximately to the cable resistance of your
wheelchair to make the battery gauge accurate. The parameter for adjustment is Cable Resistance, refer to Chapter 3.
As a guide, 2.5mm
2
cable has a resistance of about 8 milliohms per meter; 4.0mm
2
cable has about 5 milliohms per meter and
6.0mm
2
has about 3.3 milliohms per meter. Circuit breakers and connectors usually account for about 15 milliohms.
These values will be chosen at the time the control system is being specified by the wheelchair manufacturer. Like the preset
acceleration rates, once the values for the battery are decided, they are programmed into control systems during manufacture
and should never need changing. If you need advice, contact Curtiss-Wright.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
