ZX-1 Power Add-on owners thread

[triumph]

I may be recalling wrong on that Permobile and ZX1 comment, maybe it was Smart Drive I was thinking of.
ZX-1 would benefit from some advertising/representation in media for sure.

[elarson]

I was just looking at Spinergy's website and see no mention of the ZX-1. I checked the Spinergy Facebook page, and it appears that triumph might be right because there are some recent videos of Spinergy partnering with Permobil: https://www.facebook.com/spinergywheels. I think that might be a good thing, and hopefully they will revive the ZX-1!

[elarson]

Manually releasing actuator

I'm looking for a way to manually releasing the actuator to un-dock the wheelchair when it does not have power. I was looking at the latest version of the ZX-1 Operators Manual (Rev 6-1, March 1, 2015) page 24 and it shows an actuator pin. I don't think we have this pin. We have a ZX-1 from 2013. Does anyone know if I could retrofit a pin like this?

[pattherat]

It's a 1/4 x 1 1/4" hitch pin. You can usually find at most hardware stores.

https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group...s%2C197&sr=8-4

You most likely won't be able to pull it with someone still in the chair because of the down force on the pin. The only way to release it with the chair occupied is to briefly plug in a charger to wake up the BMS.

[elarson]

Thanks Pat. That's logical, but not nice for when we are on a steep incline with lithium batteries or if the batteries run out. In both cases, not being able to do it while in the chair will be a problem.

[triumph]

I got my zx1 in 2013 and got stuck only once and it was on a trail about 1/4 mile from our vehicle. I stayed hooked up in ZX1 while my husband set the "free-wheel" mode so that we could tow me and it. I didn't need to un-dock then - we had charger when back to vehicle.
Pretty sure we could not have un-docked my wheelchair.

I have a friend who keeps his zx1 charger strapped to the top of the housing cage - he uses it to recharge at places he stops when traveling around town. I'm wondering if carrying a mobile battery charger in a backpack would be useful.

[pattherat]

elarson, I agree it can be a problem. I've been stuck twice, the first time I was alone and had to call for help. It can be a very dangerous situation if you are alone, but it's really no different than being in a conventional power chair and having the batteries run out. The only solution I have come up with is to add a small powertool battery to the front of the ZX1 and wire it and the ZX1 stock batteries through an on/off/on switch. That way if the main batteries die you can reach down and flip the switch and be back on your way again or just release the manual chair from the ZX1. I've done it to mine and it's saved me a few times. One thing Ive learned using lithiums is that once the green lights are gone and you are into the orange, get to a charger right away especially if you are alone.




triumph, Yes having a charger with you on long trips is a good idea.

[triumph]

I misspoke when I posted about a battery charger in a backpack. After reading your post, I meant a mobile battery, and you have given a great solution of using a small powertool battery! Long story short....my ZX 1 has been the best, most useful, piece of equipment I have used in my very long life. So, thank you for that.