a look at permobil's 'power platform' control system!

Today we take a brief look at permobil's new wheelchair control system - the power platform! its currently being shipped on the 2023 VS (standing chairs) and later this year to be released on the F-series chairs (non-standing) and then ALL models next year (ish)
0:00 intro
1:27 M-VS overview
3:28 a closer look!
8:50 final thoughts
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[@purpleologist]

Thank you Dan! I've been waiting for this video!!

[@tntgamerdotnl]

Thanks for the sneak peek Dan 😊

[@Tech2HelpUs]

Very cool. Thanks for sharing this with us. I definitely want my next chair to be based on this new platform. Of course, I will look forward to a full review from you. Thanks again... 😎

[@charlottebaker7533]

Any chance you could show us how to adjust the permobil backrest the width and maybe even fit a different type of backrest like the Jay backrest?

[@TotallyNormal-]

the power platform control system is still 120 amp output, and very much a work in progress. they are pushing out OTA updates for things to add new features, and fix bugs etc. the connect module is also integrated into the same module. everything is still built by PG drives.

[@meggi8048]

can existing chairs m3 / f5 be upgraded with this power platform?

[@dudleysiegfried2823]

Hello all, my first time here. My Handel is Sieg. Anyway, I have a f3 that is giving me error code ics airplane mode 201e. Can anyone help me out ? It's Saturday night no one else available.

[@TotallyNormal-]

@@dudleysiegfried2823 brokenwheelchairs.com/page-3/page-22/

[@davidguillory4311]

I wish they build these wheelchair a lot more comfortable for people with spinal cord injury.

[@JordanLoweElevaToursCanada]

The new improvements on Permobil chairs never cease to amaze me. Is there a video somewhere where I can look at all of the technological stuff about the chairs that they are rolling out?

[@TotallyNormal-]

the power platform isnt at version 1 yet.. its still a work in progress for the software etc :^) but they can push OTA updates to add new features later on. but there are VERY few details out there about anything at this point.

[@JordanLoweElevaToursCanada]

@@TotallyNormal- OK that's understandable. I wonder if it will be as simple software update for existing at three with the same technology as our chairs. Because I use the myPermobil app for my wheelchair, so I'm wondering if it's just a simple software update or if I have to wait until I get a new power chair. Let me put it from the way I see it. I think if I already have the existing connect module on the back of my chair maybe there is someway that allows me to upgrade everything just over the Internet in the future

[@TotallyNormal-]

they have removed a bunch of the modules and wiring, and everything is integrated into a larger one now. also the joysticks have a different display etc. unfortunately its a lot more than software

[@JordanLoweElevaToursCanada]

@@TotallyNormal- I figured that was the case, guess I have to wait until 2025 or 2027. I am curious now though, this 2021 F3 that I'm sitting in right now was ordered on March 13, 2020 and I was supposed to have it either in the middle of the year or later that year. But of course after what happened around the world in 2020 makes me wonder if I'm still eligible in 2025 for an upgrade in two years, I guess that will be up to insurance.

[@anonymoose1981]

@@JordanLoweElevaToursCanada I work with permobil reps it won’t be an upgradable option unfortunately it will have to be a new chair

[@bullstudios1315]

I have a M3 i really like the style of permobil chairs

[@neurologiccure6732]

My last f3 was built at the end of 2018 and early 2019 not really sure which model mine might be(2017 or 2019) but I definitely have plenty of torque to climb and carpet isn't too bad but I have learned to make 10 point turns to reduce the bunching up under my drive wheels🤣 I'm due to get a new one in March I'm wondering if any of the new features you just seen will be integrated into my next chair here's to crossing my fingers 🤞

[@McWheeler93030]

Awesome to see improvements I have a f5 VS that was manufactured in December of 2022 (the 31st and delivered in February )

[@jasongooden917]

I have the same controller, different brand chair. the Alltrack M3 HD

[@LMT069]

i was going to send you the picture of the lighting board attached to my ics on my F3, it attaches to the eight middle pins.

[@Frank-xm1sx]

Hi Dan

[@snaggedon5518]

@TotallyNormal- Question What’s The Best Place To Get M3 Corpus Batteries From?

[@urdoneson46]

It's nice to see it mid wheel drive. Can it stand more vertical like the front wheel drive F5 VS? This is similar to the quickie q700m-up just more high tech

[@TotallyNormal-]

this chair is their new group 3, mid-wheel standing chair :^)

[@urdoneson46]

@@TotallyNormal- Do you know the angle on how vertical this chair can get? I have the F5 vs. Too bad they can't retrofit this controller

[@charlottebaker7533]

In the market for the F5 VS and have the option between buying a second hand ex demo F5VS without the new tech on which will be easier to get hold of but won’t have the new power platform on or going for the new F5 VS with the power platform, is the power platform worth it do you think? I’m so stuck as to what to do as I still don’t really understand the difference the power platform will have

[@skyrmaLT]

What's new about new joystick display exactly? Is it bigger, higher resolution, more colors or what?

[@janetmooremendias233]

in need of a power chair for well over a decade. This looks good but I think basic power controls and definitely a tilt back, i think if I get one and use it regularly before I croak. I am partially deaf so that is why I asked for literature. Spin life had one advertised thank goodness they still send me catalogs. Honestly igave up years ago onthe subject. 04/18/2024 Thursday 1:46 pm

[@jimmellenberger8505]

I've needed a chair for the last 5 years, it took me two re-learning how to walk again. I've been hunting for two years, learning, biding my time, searching the Marketplace listings when my opportunity swam lazily beneath me, I pounced. The listing was for a Permobil F3 with no leg gear. The young lady's dad, a double-leg amputee, passed away last month, and she had this chair taking up space and making her sad. With no use for it, she posted it on the Marketplace, $500 or best offer. It had been up for a week, with the caveat that if she didn't sell it by the end of the month, she would throw it away. I quickly researched finding legrest and other parts, and explained that I'd have to spend a few hundred modifying it for my needs, would $400 cash-in-hand be an acceptable offer? She said absolutely, she wanted it out of the house and not be wasted. I shared that I, too, lost my dad last month, and that I would honor her dad's memory by putting the chair to a good and useful service, and would take good care of it, not flip it for the profit. I went down and picked up a 5½' scooter ramp, to be able to load it in my Odyssey, after taking the middle seats out. We were unable to connect the first day, and she thought I might've gotten mad, as some people do dealing on the Marketplace. But no, I'm a very, very patient buyer. I went back down, where her fiancé waited to make the deal. My getting the longer ramp was prescient, because they had stairs and no ramp to get it down, and I cannot lift much because of my own disabilities. The ramp was perfect. We got it off the porch, and while he set up, I drove the chair to the ramp, and we loaded it aboard. I immediately hit the Buy it Now button on ebay for the leg supports, and an actuator for them, and started using Dan's tutorials to look at what I needed to do to install them. By watching, I learned I needed a piece to allow them to function, and spent 3 days tracking down drawings to find the part number. I even emailed Permobil. Early yesterday morning, I hit on an inspiration and began messaging the sellers of Permobil parts, and the seller that I bought my legrest assembly from replied that yes, he had that part, and asked if I'd like to buy it. I replied yes, please let me know how much. I also downloaded the owners manual online to my phone, and started reading it, to learn how it all hooked together. Dan's leg support tutorial netted a screenshot that I edited to show the seller exactly what part I needed, so it was a HUGE help. Funny part, Dan was pointing right at the roller tray. Do not give up hope, be persistent, because I couldn't get Medicaid to get what I needed, I said, "FU, Jobu, I do it myself." (Major League movie quote.) I've seen other Permobil chairs on the Marketplace, another, a C300, was listed for $500, an M3 for $800. It has taken me less than a year once I got serious, buying a van, making a plan, and getting it done. Set a budget, and start hunting. They are out there to be found, and getting a quality machine at a good price is doable. My F3 was built last October. It turns 8 months old tomorrow, the 11th of May. One of the plans I have is going to a baseball game in July, when my team plays the Cardinals in St. Louis. I've been planning that since last spring. I'm looking forward to it.

[@keybutnolock]

Thanks for this, still lots of questions. Is it really backwards compatible. Are they going down the 'subscription' route with the apps and even extras (Rossmann). .... Thanks again.

[@craigcouch4561]

Do you have a foot rest for a permobil m3 ?

[@Tim15175]

I received a new Permobil M3 in 2022 to replace my Invacare TDX with gearless brushless motors. I could not get used to how crappy the Permobil handles. It makes no effort to hold itself in a straight line and let's the giant caster wheels pull it around. I don't know how you guys drive them so I watched this video out of curiosity because I have generally followed you from back when I was considering going with the Permobil. However, long story short, out of frustration I shoved it in my storage closet and went back to using the Invacare TDX as my primary chair. I love the Invacare even more now. I just don't understand what's going on with the M3. Does everybody with four pole motors (as opposed to gearless brushless) just get used to having the chair lurch sideways when you reverse out of the doorway or from a desk, and pull itself around driving down a sidewalk etc.?

[@PatriotsFriendsFWT_817]

Any advice on a portable power supply to keep a chair charged when the power goes out?

[@JordanHaisley]

The Ryobi 900w propane inverter generator does great.

[@davidguillory4311]

Hello Dan. 5🌟

[@danielkern1110]

Hey Dan, you don’t know me but I’ve been watching your videos for a very long time and I was curious where you get those nightshades for the switch box the seat controls the switch box I was curious what site you get those little dark shade switch box covers for the lights. If you can let me know I would appreciate it. I’ll talk to you later buddy please let me know if you can give me any any indication where I can get those light shade covers for the seed function box thanks love your videos by the way I’ve always liked him and loved him. Just keep them coming OK buddy thanks have a good evening.

[@luvaquad]

Hmm could this create battery charged displays - charger full / joystick not fully charged ? If I so much as elevate - I drain dat battery . Turn it off & back to a normal level & more cells reflect charged. We need a way to plug in on board portable chargers / bypassing the joystick . Does the companion rear control get in the way of battery life , in idle , on the go ?? Is the new set up fixing the battery issues of every feature sucking the volts away ? How can one disconnect the companion control in the rear that is always on ??? Why not have a option at the joystick where we the user may turn off that darn thing & back on if ever needed . Same question with .. why not be able to turn off features using amps .. like up up & away we elevate ??? Recline / tilt / footplate features really drain my batteries .

[@norwegianvodka3292]

To get this new UI on the controller menu is it just to update or do u need a new controller or this powerplatform system?? Is it enough to download the app

[@TotallyNormal-]

unfortunately, its not just an update.. its a completely different control system - it's still R-net based, but they were able to cut the number of modules on the new chairs in half!

[@BobBowhtr]

Hello Dan, I've been watching your videos for a while now, informative and entertaining. I started the process to get a Permobil standing chair over a year ago, nothing but issues with the OT and vendor. Now I'm hearing there are issues with the new chairs, have you heard anything? Thanks.

[@TotallyNormal-]

what issues are ya hearing about?

[@BobBowhtr]

@@TotallyNormal- I've heard there are problems with armrest pads and my vendor is telling me Permobil are having issues, he didn't go into specifics. As you stated they aren't to version 1, it may also have to do with the fallout from covid. Next I talk with him I'll try to nail down specifics. I'll let you know. Honestly, you're my go to guy for info, so if you haven't heard anything then it may be much ado about nothing.

[@TotallyNormal-]

yea i mean theres little stuff here and there that can have issues.. i went with non-stock arm rests to keep the chair width down and not worry about the plastic surrounds that randomly crack.. IMO there arent enough issues with the 3 series chairs to warrant going with another brand :^) just make SURE your DME doesnt cheep out and give ya something other than the permobil branded batteries! there was an issue with melting joystick ports, but that has been resolved now.. the volt pro chargers when they first came out had inferior connectors on them and would get hot.. but all that is good to go now :^)

[@BobBowhtr]

@@TotallyNormal- and that's why you are my go to guy for info. Wheelchair groups are ok for general stuff, but you seem to have an inside track on what's really going on. Thank you

[@TotallyNormal-]

not every brand is perfect.. but just remember, you'll usually ONLY hear from people having problems.. permobil isn't without its little issues.. but i still recommend them, amysystems, and bounder (in the USA - other countries have a lot of crazy/neat stuff ive never seen before) if possible, try and get yourself a demo chair to test out before committing to any model! - FYI if you're not used to front wheel drive - it takes a bit to learn. ya may hate it at first!

[@annoyedlemon]

shame they couldnt even do a basic intergation of their 2021/22 chairs to change system configuration

[@thejuanzo]

"Alternative controls" I don't wanna lose my power connections.....thoughts?

[@TotallyNormal-]

the power pins remain the same :^) there's now 4 data communication wires, instead of just 2

[@NancyTroutman]

Dumb question, do standing chairs also recline?

[@TotallyNormal-]

yup! to get to a standing position, the backrest essentially lays flat, while the rest of the chair also tilts forward.

[@cal30m1]

Why doesn’t Permobil allow the user set their own per-set seating memory?

[@TotallyNormal-]

on this new power platform system, it finally allows for setting memory positions, with no programmers or service technicians! :^)

[@cal30m1]

@@TotallyNormal- how can convince Permobil to allow us users to get an account with their quickconfig app?

[@TotallyNormal-]

right now there's conflicting information about the user app.. supposedly one exists.. but it keeps disappearing intermittently! they assure me it's in the works for changing some settings etc.. all we can do is wait, and hope they make good on it :^/

[@cal30m1]

@@TotallyNormal- 👍🏻

[@zemlianin]

I would like to draw your attention to - mehanol off-road transforming wheelchair - according to this text, Google finds a video, the author does not know how it turned out, could you help, evaluate the result