R-Net System R-Net System: Multi-Rehab Powerchair Control System
R-Net System R-Net System: Multi-Rehab Powerchair Control System
SERVICE
eWarranty
PG DRIVES TECHNOLOG Y Line Failure Agreement
Driving Innovations for a Better Quality of Life
SK78301/02/13
PG DRIVES TECHNOLOG Y
Driving Innovations for a Better Quality of Life
Multiple Input & Output Devices Joystick Modules
One of the key design objectives of the R-net System Stylish and ergonomic
R-NET SYSTEM
was to allow simple installation and control of High-resolution graphics LCD
multiple Input Devices. For example, the ability to Large and clear screen icons
connect a standard type Joystick Module and a Entry level LED option
Easy to operate push-buttons
Specialty Control Device into the same system. There
On-Board Programming option
is no need for any complex programming, and the
Programmable languages
potentially complex issue of safe transfer of control
Remote switch inputs
between the Input Devices is made simple and easy.
Apart from multiple Input Devices, R-net can control Modular powered wheelchair control system
multiple Output Devices, such as seating control Expandable up to 15 modules
modules and environmental control systems, as well CAN Bus communications
as multiple drive modifier devices such as the Connect & Go/Future Proof
Encoder or Stability Modules. This huge flexibility is Multiple profiles
made easy to use through R-net’s ‘Connect & Go’ and Multiple Input & Output Devices
‘Future-Proof’ capabilities. Advanced diagnostics
Friendly programming
Simple Simple servicing
3rd party module development kit
Installation of
Power Modules
Multi-Input
Seating/lighting Modules High power - 120A per channel
Devices Up to 8 channels
Advanced and precise drive control
2 universal Inhibit Inputs
12 programmable axes Mirrors all system programming
The R-net System Display & actuator mapping for each axis
Simultaneous actuator movements
R-net is a multi-module electronic system designed specifically to control the speed, direction Programmable speeds in each direction
and many other functions on medium to high specification powered wheelchairs. Although R-net Up to 16 universal Inhibit Inputs
is highly flexible and expandable with connection of up to 15 modules being possible, it is StVZO lighting control
extremely simple to install and use. A key feature is the ability of the system to provide a simple, Brake light
2 module solution at a competitive price, while also being easily expandable to address much
more complex Rehab type requirements.
The basis of R-net’s unique combination of flexibility and simplicity is the ReBus communications Profiles
protocol. This is a custom software communications protocol developed by PGDT specifically for
powered wheelchair applications. The underlying hardware link utilizes the well established and R-net can be set-up to work with single or multiple
proven CAN bus, the automotive industry standard. profiles, thereby addressing all systems - from the
simple to the sophisticated. Profiles are used to
Connect & Go Future Proof control the overall characteristics of a powered
wheelchair, allowing the whole performance to be
The R-net protocol takes into account many issues that affect wheelchair dealers and therapists, changed at just the touch of a button. A total of 8
such as: ease of installation, servicing, programming and upgrading wheelchairs to account for profiles can be supported and each can be dedicated
progressive conditions. Throughout the whole development program of R-net, the philosophy has to be multiple or single mode operation. Modes that
been one of ‘Connect & Go’, i.e. modules can just be connected and will function without the need may be accessed within a profile include Output
for complex programming. No other currently available powered wheelchair system is as flexible, Module functions such as seating systems, Infra-Red
intelligent or as easy to set-up as R-net. In a similar vein, R-net was designed to be able to control or PC Mouse control. The quantity and flexibility
accommodate further expansion. The protocol allows new modules to be added to existing of R-net’s profiles offers unmatched simplicity of
systems and to automatically teach the system about their capabilities and programming control over all the drive characteristics and ancillary PG DRIVES TECHNOLOG Y
requirements, without the user having to do any programming. R-net is therefore ‘Future-Proof’- functions available on even the most complex of Driving Innovations for a Better Quality of Life
The R-net Seating/lighting Modules provide The R-net product range has been expanded over the years to encompass
unparalleled functionality and control. Up to all the flexibility required from the market leader in wheelchair control
12 independent axes of motion, using single systems. The basic building blocks designed in from the very beginning
or multiple actuators, may be defined for has enabled R-net to evolve to meet the wheelchair OEM’s changing
PGDT has invested heavily in specialist drive test equipment, which allows detailed analysis each system. The actuators used and the requirements. The R-net includes multiple Joystick Module options,
of control system behavior and performance over all wheelchair operating conditions. For display indication for each axis are pro- Specialty Controls and the ability to control computers and smart devices
example, gradient control, curb climbing and high speed driving. This, coupled with the ever grammable. A total of 8 seat adjustment via the Bluetooth Mouse Module and Infra-Red control, the latter as
increasing speed and performance of microprocessors, means the R-net Power Module actuators can be driven at independently standard on the R-net Omni. By licensing the R-net protocol and providing
contains state-of-the-art drive control software, which provides new levels of responsiveness programmable speeds and with interlocking developer kits, PGDT is opening up the possibility of broadening R-net’s
signals - for instance, preventing further capabilities much more swiftly than PGDT could do by itself. We allow OEMs
and user-comfort. There is also the option to fit drive modifier devices, such as Encoder or
recline if the seat is already tilted beyond a to create competitive differentiation of their vehicles by commissioning
Stability Modules, which enhance constant speed control or steerability respectively, so
certain point. End-stop detection is optional custom modules from 3rd party designers that are compatible with the
Joystick Modules allowing the R-net to provide effective control in strenuous front wheel drive applications.
between limit switches or current detection, safe foundation of an R-net drive system. To keep updated on the full suite
the levels of which are programmable.The of available R-net Modules, visit the R-net pages on the PGDT website. If
The ergonomic requirements of the wheel- As well as the finesse of control, the R-net Power Module can supply an incredible 120A to each Seating/lighting Module contains up to 16 you are a designer of these types of products and you would like to
chair user were essential elements in the motor. This is in excess of 20% more than other Power Modules and will allow designers to Inhibit Inputs, which can be programmed in produce R-net compatible modules, please contact the US or UK based
development of the R-net Joystick Module. produce faster and higher gradient rated powerchairs. The R-net Power Module contains two an identical way to those on the Power Applications Support Teams at PGDT.
The use of a graphics LCD screen ensures a extremely versatile Inhibit Inputs. These can be programmed to provide infinite levels of speed Module.
clear display in all light conditions. The size reduction, full drive inhibits or prevention of movement of seat adjustment motors.
of the graphics on the screen can also be The R-net Complex Seating Module
optimized to make them as large as possible (CxSM) offers the OEM the opportunity to
to reflect the operating condition of the wheel- design custom seating applications. PG
chair. Any text displays are programmable, provides the CxSM hardware and the core
meaning the R-net System can be set-up to software functionality. The wheelchair
suit most local market requirements. OEM can use the software development
tools recommended by PGDT to develop
bespoke seating solutions.
Lighting Control
Furthermore, the positions of the display and
the buttons, and the operating forces for the Lighting and turn signal indicators are
buttons, are chosen to make the Joystick mandatory for most European markets and
Module as user-friendly as possible. The the safety requirements, which are based
Joystick Module is fitted as standard with on the automotive industry, are tough to
two jack-sockets for external ‘buddy’ type meet. Nevertheless, the Seating/lighting
buttons. There are versions of the Joystick modules comply with all relevant standards
Modules that contain rotary-type speed control and include features such as 12V control of
potentiometers and/or toggle switches as incandescent bulbs, LED clusters and turn PG DRIVES TECHNOLOG Y
well as entry level LED Joystick Modules. signal fault detection, as well as offering a Driving Innovations for a Better Quality of Life
R-net PM60 60A max. current Communication cables available in multiple lengths from 0.3 meters
Programming is an essential part of the provision of a powered wheelchair. It is understood that
R-net PM80 80A max. current to 3.5 meters
programming needs to be simple for the mainstream requirements, but also extremely flexible for
R-net PM90 90A max. current
the more specialist types of applications. The R-net system can therefore be programmed in three ways. R-net PM120 120A max. current General
Firstly, On-Board Programming (OBP), which uses the graphics LCD on the R-net Joystick Module Joystick Modules Supply Voltage 24VDC
Over Voltage Trip 35VDC
to provide a clear display of multiple profiles, and allows for easy navigation and adjustment of
R-net JSM-LED Joystick Module Under Voltage Trip 14VDC
the screens, using intuitive combinations of joystick movements and button presses. Access to Reverse Battery Protection 40VDC
R-net JSM-L-LED Joystick Module with lighting control
OBP can be made secure via a keycode or a hardware key. R-net CJSM-sw Joystick Module with jack sockets Operating Temperature -25°C to 50°C
R-net CJSM-L-sw Joystick Module with lighting control Storage Temperature -40°C to 65°C
Secondly, the Diagnostic Test Tool (DTT), a hand -held programming and diagnostic tool. The DTT and jack sockets Moisture Resistance IPx4
offers comprehensive and simple programming as well as convenient method of transferring R-net CJSM-sw-P Joystick Module with jack sockets Diagnostics LCD/LED information
and speed potentiometer Safety Multiple hardware & software
programming files between different wheelchairs and/or computers. The DTT also supports strategy
R-net CJSM-L-sw-P Joystick Module with lighting control,
multiple European language options. Designed to ISO7176/14
jack sockets and speed potentiometer
R-net CJSM-sw-T Joystick Module with jack sockets EMC Susceptibility (sample powerchair) Tested at 30V/m to EN12184 and
Thirdly, and necessary only for advanced installation and set-up, there is a PC Programming Tool. and toggle switches ANSI/RESNA requirements
This is a Windows-based software package, which presents the many programmable options of R-net CJSM-L-sw-T Joystick Module with lighting control, Emissions To EN55022 Class B
jack sockets and toggle switches ESD IEC801 part 2
the R-net in a user-friendly and logical format, thereby allowing very complex set-ups and
R-net CJSM-sw-P-T Joystick Module with jack sockets,
adjustments to be achieved relatively easily. The dealer version of the PC programmer is Power Module
speed potentiometer and toggle switch
available with multiple European language options. R-net CJSM-L-sw-P-T Joystick Module with lighting control,
jack sockets, speed potentiometer Drive Current 60A, 80A, 90A and 120A
Diagnostics and Servicing and toggle switch PWM Frequency 20KHz±1%
R-net Attendant Joystick Module for Attendant Brake Outputs 12 or 24V, 0.1 to 1.0A
With the requirements of the powered wheelchair provider in mind, the diagnostics process was Seating/lighting Modules Joystick Modules
again a major design consideration. The Joystick Module’s LCD can provide simple, yet informative,
diagnostics messages that the user can interpret. These messages can be programmable to ISM-L Lighting Module TruCharge Battery Gauge 10 steps, digital
different languages. More advanced information for service personnel is available through the SM Seating Module used with PM90 only Joystick Operations >15 million cycles
ISM-XL Seating/lighting Module with X seat channels Charging Current 12Arms max.
Joystick Module’s OBP screens, the DTT or via a PC Programmer. The PC Programmer and DTT
CxSM Customizable Complex Seating Module Charger Connector Use Neutrik NC3MX
provide a particularly useful live-diagnostics feature, whereby the activation of a particular input,
such as a joystick movement or a button press, and the corresponding output can be monitored Expansion Modules Seating/lighting Module
on the screen, to ensure correct operation.
Omni Color LCD Universal Specialty Input Device Lights 21W total, 12V constant
IOM Basic Input and Output Module Indicators 42W per side, 12V constant
One of the problems associated with diagnosing a multi-module system is establishing exactly
Mouse Module Bluetooth Mouse Control bulb fault detection
which module may be defective. For this reason, each R-net Module contains an independent Standards Meets StVZO requirements
Encoder Module Motor Encoder Interface
error log, which can be viewed via OBP, DTT or PC Programming. ASM Advanced Stability Module Actuators 2, 4, 6 or 8
Drive Current 12A continuous at 24V
R-net’s Connect & Go capabilities really help when it comes to service issues in the field. The Programmers Endstop Detection Automatic
programming of all R-net Modules is mirrored within the R-net Power Module. This means that if Simultaneous Drive Any combination
any of the other modules within the system have to be replaced, this can be achieved by simply OBP Dongle Dealer Dongle
NO RE-PROGRAMMING NECESSARY
DTT Diagnostic Test Tool
plugging in the replacement module. The R-net Power Module will then automatically transfer the CONNECT & GO PC Prg Dealer Dealer PC Programmer
appropriate setting to the replacement module, so completely eliminating the need to reprogram PC Prg OEM OEM PC Programmer For specifications of expansion modules refer to the respective
the new module - making the process simple and error free. technical manuals.
PGDT also runs servicing schemes with powered wheelchair OEMs that will allow providers to 196mm 79mm 180mm 48mm 104mm 42mm
7.72” 3.11” 7.10” 1.89” 4.09” 1.65”
replace certain components within Joystick Modules. This will, of course, result in quicker,
easier and lower cost repairs. All PGDT produced R-net Modules will be eligible for the unique
eWarranty scheme, in which PGDT directly swap-out defective modules to a provider. For more
details on eWarranty, visit the Service Center at www.pgdt.com. 114mm 96mm 105mm
4.49” 3.78” 4.13”
PG DRIVES TECHNOLOG Y
Driving Innovations for a Better Quality of Life