URGENT advice request. Joystick on wheelchair broken

[Blownupdolly]

This has got to be a huge long shot, but I am desperate. Two days ago whilst taking the wheelchair out of the car, the joystick controller fell off my chair onto the road. Ever since, it switches on ok. Everything lights up, but when I try to move it in any direction it just stays put.
Yesterday, we took it to a mobility shop where the guy attached it to some sort of code reader, which came up with an electrical fault (so he says) he said he would look into getting a new one. He just rang to say....take a sharp intake of breath...... It will cost £325!!!!
I just can't afford that, and especially with Vapefest this weekend! It's gonna take me a couple of weeks to get that sort of money together.

Last night OH opened up the controller to have a look. He says he can't understand why it's not working. Nothing is broken. All wires and fittings inside are sound and well connected with no looseness etc.

In a desperate faint hope, is there anyone on this forum who knows about these things who could give us advice or point me to someone who does?

£325 for a bit of plastic with wires attached to a circuit board is an outrageous rip off. It's going to dampen my VF experience for both of us.

[Roscopecotrain]

Raid could be your man. He seems to be able to fix anything.

Sent from my Galaxy Note 2

[skyjay]

Try Maccafan hes great with batts

[Blownupdolly]

Thanks skyjay and rosco.

I do have a manual wheelchair as back up, but it will spoil our weekend somewhat. Mr Dolly will have to push me everywhere and I will be reliant on him all the time which I hate!

I hope either of them might have a clue.

[chuck]

Blownupdolly how about hiring one for a couple of days, my mums did this recently and it was only £12 a day.
I know it's not fixing your one but it'll save Mr Dolly pushing at the weekend .

[Blownupdolly]

Good thinking Chuck. I hadn't thought of that. If I can't fix it I will ring round to see where I can get one from. Thank you

[ausfost]

Blownupdolly try these, www.remap.info/index2.html normally they are retired engineers who like to tinker with things specifically for the disabled and they are free of charge! the guys round my area are superb and have helped out all of the people i've referred them to. got to be worth a shot




link to tel numbers Page www.remap.info/4695.html

[Balllsy]

I don't mind taking my turn if you need a push

[Blownupdolly]

You are a star ausfost!

I am on to them now

[Blownupdolly]

Aug 14, 2013 13:00:39 GMT Balllsy said:

I don't mind taking my turn if you need a push

Awww thanks Ballsy, but if I can't sort it by Friday I will hire one. Very kind of you though xx

[Brambles]

Its possible the joystick component itself got damaged. Another option is to buy a secondhand one in Ebay. Might get one in good nick fro £60. I have also often used regent mobility for parts for someone and find them good an a lot cheaper than local people. www.regentmobility.co.uk/wa/searchProducts?searchString=joystick&site=45

Get Mr Dolly to look at it again carefully for cracked tracks, components and dry soldered joints and check the joystick components carefully. Afraid that is all I can suggest just now. Chances are as it was dropped it can be repaired easily. What make and model controller is it? Also note Regent offer a repiar service on some models, they refund half the cost on a refurbished one when old one is returned.

[Brambles]

Just seen the remap post - good luck and hope they can help you.

[Blownupdolly]

Aug 14, 2013 12:57:23 GMT ausfost said:

Blownupdolly try these, www.remap.info/index2.html normally they are retired engineers who like to tinker with things specifically for the disabled and they are free of charge! the guys round my area are superb and have helped out all of the people i've referred them to. got to be worth a shot




link to tel numbers Page www.remap.info/4695.html

I gave them a call ausfost but they only make or modify things. They don't do repairs on wheelchairs, but thanks for the link as it might come in handy in the future.

Back to square one. It's doing my head in to be honest. I think I might just have to hire something


Thanks for your post Brambles I will show it to OH when he gets home.

[rich64]

I honestly dont mean to sound like the pessimist but can i suggest if you are able to take your manual wheelchair as a backup then to do so (if you get your electric one sorted.

My thinking is that yes these things can be fixed(and most likely properly) im just concerned that it gets fixed but throws up an intermittent fault when your at vapefest which without another option could spoil your weekend .

Sorry again i know its pessimistic but well intended

Ps Id go for the hire option just to be safe

[Blownupdolly]

You are right rich64

I am pretty sure I will have to hire one. I have just been searching eBay fore a secondhand replacement. There a two on there that look identical to mine but I am not 100% sure so have emailed the sellers to check if they will fit my chair. Either way if I buy, I wouldn't trust it for this weekend.

Thank you for caring enough to post xx