Taking control of your mobility

Here we’d like to guide you through the range of drive control options available to you. We start with the most basic and walk you through the pros and cons of each, depending on your preference and abilities.  Choosing the right controller form the outset will help you upgrade or adapt your control system in the future. Joystick type and other powered functions can make all the difference to ensuring your chair is specified to suit your changing needs.

R-Net JSM LED Controller.

The basic joystick – JSM LED

Starting with the basic LED, this is small and compact with no display. The LED uses light indicators to help you navigate the menu for speed and seat positions.

Pros
If you are set and forget kind of driver, and you are not needing to change speeds or seat position often, then the simplicity of the small joystick could be the right choice for you.

Cons
Without the LCD display, you could lose track of your menu navigation and have difficulty changing from speed to seat functions. If you have many powered seat functions to operate (power legs, back, tilt, lift, lights, steering lock) then the LED display is not as user-friendly.

JSM LCD

R-Net JSM LCD Controller.

Most wheelchairs are fitted with the simple LCD display joystick. With a display you will see what speed profile you are in, and which power functions you may be operating at any time.

Pros
If you prefer a display to show speed and seating options, this is a great option for you. You may need to consider if there are others who may need to operate your chair and they might also benefit from the display.

Cons
The LCD R-Net only allows you to do one thing at a time (drive along or control seat functions). This means if you are approaching a steep curb that requires you to tilt your chair or raise your leg rests, you have to stop and use the joystick to activate that function, before switching back to steering and speed selection.

Whilst this setup may be suitable for many with reasonably good eyesight and some hand dexterity, other options may be required for better visibility or more simple powered function control. We will talk about this with the CJSM-2.

More readable, programmable controllers

A step up from the JSM-LCD would be the popular CJSM-2 Controller.

Pros
Drive and change seat functions at the same time. With this option you can adjust your seat tilt or legrests while on the move! This is great for those people who love efficiency of movement and are comfortable with making changes whilst in motion.

Screen size and brightness: Features a larger, high-resolution LCD screen with a built-in light sensor to ensure the screen brightness is optimal for ambient light conditions

Built tough: The CJSM-2 has a strong outer aluminium case that helps protect against collision damage.

Connection to your home gadgets: This controller also has Bluetooth and infra-red versions. You can use these to activate and control various infra-red or Bluetooth devices, and even link in with Smart home solutions, allowing users to control lights, blinds or TVs, phones and other devices from their powerchair controller. A potential game changer for many wheelchair users!

Cons
The CJSM-2 is bulkier than the other joysticks discussed and may interfere with day-to-day life or your common daily activities (for example getting close to or under tables or desks). Be sure to bear this in mind when selecting your controller.

Customise and manage chair functions and connected devices with easy-to-use, programmable controllers (CJSM2 Controller; CJSM1 Controller; One Click Activator) .

Using powered functions as you drive: CTRL+5 or one click activator

Magic Mobility CTRL+5 powered function activation.

CTRL+5 powered function activation

To make it quicker and easier to activate powered seat or leg rest functions, a CTRL+5 Switch allows each of the five switches (also available as buttons) to be assigned to many of the power functions of the chair. This may include chair tilt or seat elevation, seat recline or leg rest elevation. This allows you to more quickly and easily activate a powered function, even whilst the chair is in motion. Available in both switch and button versions.

One Click Activator

Penny & Giles’ CJSM2 controller is compatible with the upgraded One Click Activator V2. This device now controls up to six programmable, actuator-based power functions that can be activated while the chair is on the go, for example, to elevate a leg rest while approaching a steep curb, or to adjust your chair tilt to suit the steepness of a slope.

For people who want to keep moving at the pace of everyday life, it is a way to get the most out of your day. If you would like to learn more about the One Click Activator, you can view our video here.

Programmable Penny & Giles R-net Omni 2 controller.

Alternative control options

Independent self-control is almost always the number one goal and thanks to the vast array of technological solutions that are available on our range of wheelchairs.

All such solutions require a highly sophisticated function control module. For current Magic Mobility chairs this is the R-net Omni 2 switch controller, which enables specific manual buttons or other inputs to be programmed for specific powered functions or, in some cases, steering and speed setting options.

Thanks to many years of trial and development, Magic Mobility now offers a broad range of alternative controller options, while always accepting the challenge to design and specify one-off solutions to suit your needs.

Magic Mobility offers a range of alternative controller options including head controls, chin joysticks and foot controls.

We offer several alternative options:

Head controls

Head controls enable you to steer with your head by pushing on various headrest options (either buttons, sensors or other adapted joystick controls).  The control of your chair can be personalised to you with programmable options on either the left/right/forward/back for steering and selecting power function modes using your chosen head movements, with different sensitivity.

There are various head control types available, so be sure to explore these with your local Magic Mobility agent from the outset when looking into a new chair.

Chin joystick

The chin control joystick is another way for you to direct and moderate the speed of your chair, with adjacent, chin-activated buttons provided for powered function selection. You can learn more about chin controls here.

Francesco used sip and puff to control his Magic 360 for over 120 kilometres on a journey across Spain.

Sip and puff

One alternative way to control and steer your powerchair is by using your breathing or blowing in and out – this is known as ‘Sip and Puff’. Sipping and puffing can be programmed to your sensitivity and preference and with practice and adaptation, you can independently control a wide variety of actions from your chair.

Francesco used sip and puff to control his Magic 360 for over 120 kms on a journey across Spain to raise awareness of just how capable people can be with the right assistive technology (see here for an earlier article about Francesco’s epic journey).

Foot controls

In some cases, we can adapt joysticks so that you can control your wheelchair using your feet. Foot controllers can allow you a degree of independence, where you may previously have needed to rely on assistance. We have several ways to fit and setup a foot controller, usually built into the footrest of the chair.

Be sure to ask your Magic Mobility representative to talk you through the available options for foot controls.

Be sure to ask your local Magic Mobility representative about alternative drive controls to suit your needs. You can find your local agent here or contact us here.