I have a wheelchair van that has a remote controlled wheelchair lift. The remote has been repaired several times and the pcb is getting to the point of not being dependable. The lift was built in the 90's and therefore is getting kind of outdated as far as parts are concerned. My question is, would it be feasible to build a remote controller, perhaps hard wiring one instead of trying to make a pcb? The pcb is fairly small as are the components, which means identifying individual ones could be impossible. Suggestions?

 

I have a wheelchair van that has a remote controlled wheelchair lift. The remote has been repaired several times and the pcb is getting to the point of not being dependable. The lift was built in the 90's and therefore is getting kind of outdated as far as parts are concerned. My question is, would it be feasible to build a remote controller, perhaps hard wiring one instead of trying to make a pcb? The pcb is fairly small as are the components, which means identifying individual ones could be impossible. Suggestions?

Any idea what sort of remote it is? I mean, there are IR remotes such as for TVs. These require line-of-sight and generally have a range of <20 feet or so. Radio remotes, for instance a garage door opener, work over a longer range and don't require line of sight. Some radio remotes, such as the garage door opener example, have a code to ensure each remote only works on a receiver with the same code entered.

If you can see and report any details, and perhaps post a photo, we might be able to help you find a new remote.

 

I have a wheelchair van that has a remote controlled wheelchair lift. The remote has been repaired several times and the pcb is getting to the point of not being dependable. The lift was built in the 90's and therefore is getting kind of outdated as far as parts are concerned. My question is, would it be feasible to build a remote controller, perhaps hard wiring one instead of trying to make a pcb? The pcb is fairly small as are the components, which means identifying individual ones could be impossible. Suggestions?

Well lit, sharp photos of both sides of the PCB and any technical documentation you might have about the signals it uses would help a lot. Almost certainly something can be made.

 

I picked up a 4ch 433Mhz key fob style TX/RX unit with relay output, 12v opereration on ebay for $8.00
You would want to ensure that any similar system would be disabled after use, to prevent spurious or other kind of activation when not in use.
Max..

 

If it is IR (like tv), you can use Arduino Uno and IR receiver (both are cheap on ebay) to take reading from the sending unit. Then either build your own using veroboard and program it to send signals that you recorded from original remote or buy a programmable IR remote from ebay (hopefully your original is using some market standard frequency to send signals) and program it. If it can all be done using Arduino software and hardware, then I can see it being done somewhat easily.

 

If you are able to determine the switching that provides the various functions then it should be fairly simple to install a different remote control package. But it should also be possible to connect a wired remote control box, which would be more reliable but less convenient. How many separate functions are controlled? That will determine which way to go, and what sort of replacement you would need.

 

If you are able to determine the switching that provides the various functions then it should be fairly simple to install a different remote control package. But it should also be possible to connect a wired remote control box, which would be more reliable but less convenient. How many separate functions are controlled? That will determine which way to go, and what sort of replacement you would need.

 

Sorry folks, I have not had any luck uploading some attachments so you could see the unit, both inside and out. It has six functions. The company that made the unit has their name inside so I contacted them and while they were very pleasant and helpful they said they could not sell a me a unit, I would have to go to Braun, the company that made the lift. I am now waiting for word from them. I suspect that if they can furnish me one it may be beyond my budget. Thank each one of you for trying to help.

 

When you say 'remote unit' is this wireless remote or hard wired?
Max.

 

I have a wheelchair van that has a remote controlled wheelchair lift. The remote has been repaired several times and the pcb is getting to the point of not being dependable. The lift was built in the 90's and therefore is getting kind of outdated as far as parts are concerned. My question is, would it be feasible to build a remote controller, perhaps hard wiring one instead of trying to make a pcb? The pcb is fairly small as are the components, which means identifying individual ones could be impossible. Suggestions?

I suggest, if you can't upload attachments, to ask if you can email a moderator your information and they can post it here.

 

I’d think very hard before continuing with this project. Any error in your design or failure in you DIY control, could dump a disabled person on the ground. With a high probability of severe or fatal injuries.

I once drove a van with a wheelchair lifts. The operation of the lift was one of the most intensive trainings that I received. The clients in the van all had very concerned families, who are not afraid of suing when any injury happens to their loved one. No matter how the injury occurred nor how rock solid your control is, you will be blamed.

Just sayin’

 

That’s a good point. There are safety trips and limits that need to be incorporated into such a design. When something fails it needs to fail correctly as in not running out of control. It can be done and I would use Bluetooth for such a device. It has built in security and limited range and other safety built in as far as RF. You need to think long and hard about the actual controls and safety aspects.

 

I’d think very hard before continuing with this project. Any error in your design or failure in you DIY control, could dump a disabled person on the ground....

That’s a good point ... You need to think long and hard about the actual controls and safety aspects.

I agree with both of you but on the other hand, he's talking about a 6-function remote. Reproducing the behavior of that remote is not likely to negate any of the safety factors already present in the lift itself. I would NOT recommend hacking into the lift mechanism and its control system, for all the reasons you've cited. But the remote is fair game, in my opinion.

 

At this point it is not known if it is as Post#9.
Max.

 

At this point it is not known if it is as Post#9.
Max.

Good point. I was obviously thinking a "remote" with a PCB implied a wireless control, but it is ambiguous.

 

I agree with both of you but on the other hand, he's talking about a 6-function remote. Reproducing the behavior of that remote is not likely to negate any of the safety factors already present in the lift itself. I would NOT recommend hacking into the lift mechanism and its control system, for all the reasons you've cited. But the remote is fair game, in my opinion.

Until the remote fails and the lift is halfway between ground and the van. Not electrical ground but the sidewalk, driveway or parking lot.

Suddenly you find yourself with a 300 pound client in the air and no easy way to get them off the lift. It happens.

 

Until the remote fails and the lift is halfway between ground and the van. Not electrical ground but the sidewalk, driveway or parking lot.

Suddenly you find yourself with a 300 pound client in the air and no easy way to get them off the lift. It happens.

I'm imagining a system where a failure of the remote could not cause such a thing, something more like my garage door (the topic of a concurrent thread!). Until we learn more about what the TS has to deal with, we're left to speculation. We need details.

 

This is a general description from their web site.

Wheelchair vans with handicap lifts are equipped with a safety lift interlock. Wheelchair lift safety interlocks are designed to prevent operation of the wheelchair van or wheelchair lift in unsafe situations. For example, if the wheelchair lift is in operation, the wheelchair accessible van cannot shift into “drive.” And if you were to accidentally try to go down the road with your lift out or if a wheelchair were to come too close to the open doorway of the wheelchair van when the wheelchair lift is not at vehicle level, an alarm will sound to warn the wheelchair user. The alarm would prevent an individual from falling out of the wheelchair van.
These wheelchair lift interlocks—and their functionality—are mandated by NHTSA.

Also most mention remote Pendants optional, although one mentions a radio remote control.
Max.

 

I'm imagining a system where a failure of the remote could not cause such a thing, something more like my garage door (the topic of a concurrent thread!). Until we learn more about what the TS has to deal with, we're left to speculation. We need details.

Ok, I’m in agreement. But the point of that post is that there are systems where that is exactly what would happen. It happened to me. I had to wait for an hour for the office to arrive with equipment that would lower the lift. There were other clients expected at home. Someone had to provide PR to the families. And someone had to drive to me with the equipment. And they had to wait for someone to come in and cover for the care of the clients still in the facility. While waiting, I kept asking why that equipment wasn’t on board. So yes, one could say it shouldn’t happen, but it does.

 

This is a general description from their web site.

Wheelchair vans with handicap lifts are equipped with a safety lift interlock. Wheelchair lift safety interlocks are designed to prevent operation of the wheelchair van or wheelchair lift in unsafe situations. For example, if the wheelchair lift is in operation, the wheelchair accessible van cannot shift into “drive.” And if you were to accidentally try to go down the road with your lift out or if a wheelchair were to come too close to the open doorway of the wheelchair van when the wheelchair lift is not at vehicle level, an alarm will sound to warn the wheelchair user. The alarm would prevent an individual from falling out of the wheelchair van.
These wheelchair lift interlocks—and their functionality—are mandated by NHTSA.

Also most mention remote Pendants optional, although one mentions a radio remote control.
Max.

But what do they say for when the lift is stuck? Or when the interlocks fail and the lift descends in a rapid uncontrolled descent?