Curtiss-Wright has introduced the R-net PM2-C, “the first in a new range of connected controllers and an important addition to the power chair manager ecosystem,” the company said in a Sept. 16 news announcement.
The new system “is designed to deliver advanced data-logging, powerful connectivity and unmatched customization for manufacturers, health-care providers, service technicians and end users,” the manufacturer added.
The R-net PM2-C features six independent logs to record specific events, such as the battery’s charge and discharge cycles, power chair configuration changes, and error occurrences. Each event will be time and date stamped, “providing a detailed record for analysis and warranty support,” Curtiss-Wright said.
Because the R-net PM2-C contains built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, data can be sent securely via the cloud or Curtiss-Wright’s My Powerchair app, “a connectivity that supports remote diagnostics, user notifications, and easy access to service information,” the announcement said. “The controller’s Charge Current Measurement feature enables precise tracking of battery usage, helping to monitor battery health and ensure proper charging practices. It also continuously monitors up to 16 power chair properties and, in the event of a fault, assembles a diagnostic package that can be automatically transmitted for rapid service response.”
The R-net PM2-C can pair with up to eight Bluetooth devices so power chair riders can also operate computers, smartphones and tablets directly from their power chair’s controls. The system offers up to 140A of drive current, which makes the R-net PM2-C Curtiss-Wright’s most powerful power chair controller so far.
Additional features include support for lithium-ion batteries with new state-of-charge parameters; battery management system interface for future integrations; Smart Fuse technology for cable protection; and easy installation, “thanks to familiar R-net PM120 footprint and connectors.”
