You've intrigued me with Amy Systems pwc's since introducing your first. Unfortunately, I'm not finding the wealth of info as provided by Permobil, Sunrise Medical, etc. Your chair looks amazing and after reading comments, along with your own, the 'ride' must be exceptionally good. Although, after butchering cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms with two-sided caster forks at home, that issue has been addressed with the one-sided caster forks. I'm sixty-eight and steeped in automotive repair, sales, and technologies, new and old. The cost of vans and service/ repair are beyond unreasonable! Vocational Rehabilitation will pay up to $35,000.00 to modify a used van that meets their criteria - their services are available to all. This will be my eighth experience with V.R. who have no problem assisting folks with group four pwc's where applicable.
Yup I agree with you. these chairs are far less pain causing that other chairs. I flew down this rough side walk i frequent then i realised i forgot to slow down like i usually do with my old chair and i didnt feel a thing.
Finally got another van which I wish I was able to afford a new one but this one is a 2000 grand caravan. So far is been doin me good. Had it for about 2 months now.
With all the tinkering you do, You should be able to slap a set of rotors and pads on that thing for cheap. 9/10 times the E brake shoes are 90%.I've never had to replace a set.As long as the calipers are not leaking or stuck, i wouldnt change those either. My family has had like 10 of those vans i did the maintence on all of them. The transmissions do suck, but if you have a good one, it will last well over 120k
I love your Problem/No Problem sticker! Totally genius. In my case, the chair is a TiLite AeroZ, with SmartDrive MX 2+, (The SmartDrive batteries are barely functional and little range, should have a replacement Real Soon Now). I am the lift for now. Unfortunately. I drive a Sienna.
I would check MnMaster-Carr for gas springs for the bridge plate, they are under $30 for ones with threaded ends if you can't find ones for automotive that meet the specs you need
hey Dan, its Paul here from Brisbane Australia here and i sorry if this is not the correct way to contact you but im new at this game. Anyhow i have a couple of questions . Firstly power chairs versus mobility scooters. i have a basic small power chair thats fine for getting around in my care home but its useless on grass of dirt surfaces, so i was looking at upgrading it for a mobility scooter a 4 wheel one which seem to be availabe here quiet cheap ($1500 -$2500) as opposed to about $7500-$10000 new eg Pride pathfinder 140 xl, But my question to you is why dont you go this route and continue to use power chairs etc your bounder, my use for it is similar to i see you travel with your bounder, except i use a maxi taxi (a van with a wheel chair lift platform in the back, i also have to be strapped down when riding it) to go long distances. And i just realized you need the powerchair to drive your van. So sorry mate please ignore the question i posed, i would however be interested in your opinion as to the best opt[on for me. I have parkinsons but it has only affected my speech,writing and a bit of balance when walking. Cheers Paul
I have been looking for a van that my son can drive to take me to the Dr. and grocery store. These van places want 30 to 50,000 bucks for a used one. I can't afford or finance one. You brought up how many miles the transmission is to last. I found some I can afford on Facebook marketplace but didn't think about the trans cost
Would it provide more accurate data to remove the rubber pads from the phone mount and the case? The vibration dampening from both may result in less reliable data.
63 post C5 injury. Have a Magic Mobility V4 RWD Off road. Great chair outdoors. manageable inside home and WAV. Main drawback: does not recline enough. Any hack ideas to get more recline? Realize the risk of tipping over. Want be the first , or 100th time Thanks. Burnie
im not 100% familiar with the newer V6/V4 chairs.. i think they're using motion concepts seating now in the US.. but not 100% sure on that, or if any adjustments are possible :^/
Wow 121k miles my 2013 grand caravan has 245k miles on it the oil is still clean and clear like new unfortunately I had to buy what I could afford it runs good ac blows cold it was a fleet vehicle but I have access to all the maintenance records by still going to the dodge dealership that has been taking care of it since it was purchased by the company I did have to spend another $5500 on replacing the front struts and I ended up beefing up the front brakes and I just put new tires on for another $500 and now the clock spring is starting to short out in the steering wheel I'm good with knowing what needs to be done I just need the body to cooperate Lmao have a good weekend Dan 👍
it's weird that it has 6 wheels but its called an R3. mine is the M3 but the front wheels are closer to the drive wheels and the rear wheels are farther away
Found your channel while I was trying to figure out a way to emulate the joystick signals via Arduino and in video 504 you do exactly what I have been trying to do for months. I am just not keen enough on the code part. Would you be willing to share the code that you used in video 504 and help me be able to get past this hurdle. Thank you either way. Definitely will be watching more of your videos
Hi Dan another great video I don't know if you still have the blue van I had a 1997 chrysler T&C with the 41TE trans with the 3.8 V6 I sold it with 198K got 19mpg hiway these trans are fine if and that is the issue you use ATF+4 fluid being a retired Chrysler tech I have had no issues with them my current Van is a 2014 T&C with the 3.6 gets about the same mpg anyway 120 k on your van isnot a big deal unless it was not maintained just had to add my 2 cents
Yea these aren’t actually BAD transmissions.. they’re just misunderstood- and the documentation wasn’t clear enough about the types of fluid that can be used etc.. there were a series of software updates that reduced the input/output shaft sensitivity early on that prevented the premature check engine light and subsequent ’limp mode’ - honestly I’m surprised they even got the system working in the late 80’s! It’s a HIGHLY software controlled setup- and it’s missing about 40% of the moving parts that traditional transmissions had up to that point! It’s revolutionary really.. lol
@@TotallyNormal- The biggest improvement was the seals usedwe saw alot of worn out seal in the clutch packs the key was going from a lip seal to a d shape seal with the improved ATF formula that lessened the Torque converter shudder I only seen a few trans failures due to hard parts failures. All in all the 1996 and newer models had alot fewer issues during these years lack of PM / wrong fluid or drive and put gas in it mentality was a comon reason for failures. I am glad I found your channel it has given more info on the magical pixies that makes our powerchairs do what they do ! Lol thanks again sir.
Butt sensors are unreliable and can't be calibrated. It will be impressive if you can get actual/real objective data from the phone. You'll need a test track and repeatable driving conditions to make it the most valid. I doubt this has ever been done. Can't wait to see how chairs compare.
I was building my handicap van using 2006 dodge sprinter 2500. I mounted a new HD lift on the side door and built my own power door . Swivel seat to transfer n drive. But now im not even able to get out of bed. The battery is dead n not sure of lift battery now. I'm thinking of selling my van even tho I dont want to. Hoping ill get the spine to break loose from its straight line back to curved . pains unbearable. The Mercedes diesel only has 106,000 when I bought it now I bet its got 108,000 I drove it one time before because it stuck in bed.
building stuff yourself is nice when able to! then ya know EXACTLY how it all works! frustrating tho when things change, and ya have to let a project go :^/
these ford modular engines are kinda 'disposable'. its possible to rebuild and/or replace heads etc, but the parts are super expensive and impossible to find. i priced out a rebuild, and it was almost the same cost- BUT the crate engines out there have been updated to fix a few other issues inherent to the 5.4 as well. its SUPER labor intensive to get these things out of a van chassis, so if i have the work done, i don't wanna do it again for at least another 150k miles lol
that's a bit unclear depending on the market.. insurance billing is a bit of an artform! a lot of their chairs USED to be group 4.. BUT im really not sure with the newer ones. researching the order forms, and their billing codes i think is the best way to figure it out :^)
@TotallyNormal- if you lived nearby my wife could do it all in an hour and a half for $140 + parts. We get parts cheaper shopping at online vendors she found. I say my wife can do it because every time I would work on our cars or those of friends who couldn't afford a mechanic, I did the work for free and she was always right there with me. My regular job kept me gone a lot and she would spend every minute with me she could get. After I became disabled she does our cars and helps out our friends for a very reasonable price.
BTW - simply putting the phone under the seat cushion is the BEST mounting method after doing more testing :^)
First
Love the new chair!
That bracket you made for me would be a great method too.
Oh the old seat of the pants method
@ 12:20 Are those chrome things, deer whistles?
If yes, that chair must fly, LOL!
Thanks Dan for the useful information with the phone app 👍
I like the new low profile footrests on the Amy chair. I always have trouble with footrests hitting my easy lock in the van the flatter the better.
Good video.... Bridge plate - maybe some thin rope, a small hole in the corner, until you find some gas struts.
Thanks for sharing.
You've intrigued me with Amy Systems pwc's since introducing your first. Unfortunately, I'm not finding the wealth of info as provided by Permobil, Sunrise Medical, etc. Your chair looks amazing and after reading comments, along with your own, the 'ride' must be exceptionally good. Although, after butchering cabinetry in the kitchen and bathrooms with two-sided caster forks at home, that issue has been addressed with the one-sided caster forks. I'm sixty-eight and steeped in automotive repair, sales, and technologies, new and old. The cost of vans and service/ repair are beyond unreasonable! Vocational Rehabilitation will pay up to $35,000.00 to modify a used van that meets their criteria - their services are available to all. This will be my eighth experience with V.R. who have no problem assisting folks with group four pwc's where applicable.
MORE VLOGS PLEASE DAN
I know that you have had time to perfect your abilities, but you have really figured some stuff out on the next level!
Yup I agree with you. these chairs are far less pain causing that other chairs. I flew down this rough side walk i frequent then i realised i forgot to slow down like i usually do with my old chair and i didnt feel a thing.
Finally got another van which I wish I was able to afford a new one but this one is a 2000 grand caravan. So far is been doin me good. Had it for about 2 months now.
With all the tinkering you do, You should be able to slap a set of rotors and pads on that thing for cheap. 9/10 times the E brake shoes are 90%.I've never had to replace a set.As long as the calipers are not leaking or stuck, i wouldnt change those either. My family has had like 10 of those vans i did the maintence on all of them. The transmissions do suck, but if you have a good one, it will last well over 120k
I love your Problem/No Problem sticker! Totally genius. In my case, the chair is a TiLite AeroZ, with SmartDrive MX 2+, (The SmartDrive batteries are barely functional and little range, should have a replacement Real Soon Now). I am the lift for now. Unfortunately. I drive a Sienna.
Go with the fedex truck because you can customize it to your liking, I wish you did more vlogs
They need to get rid of those plastic armrest release clips though they crack a lot.
I would check MnMaster-Carr for gas springs for the bridge plate, they are under $30 for ones with threaded ends if you can't find ones for automotive that meet the specs you need
Dude! The first minute I was like "is this a radio show or podcast??" JK! 😀
i was going to suggest hard out a phone carrier t the frame.
hey Dan, its Paul here from Brisbane Australia here and i sorry if this is not the correct way to contact you but im new at this game. Anyhow i have a couple of questions . Firstly power chairs versus mobility scooters. i have a basic small power chair thats fine for getting around in my care home but its useless on grass of dirt surfaces, so i was looking at upgrading it for a mobility scooter a 4 wheel one which seem to be availabe here quiet cheap ($1500 -$2500) as opposed to about $7500-$10000 new eg Pride pathfinder 140 xl, But my question to you is why dont you go this route and continue to use power chairs etc your bounder, my use for it is similar to i see you travel with your bounder, except i use a maxi taxi (a van with a wheel chair lift platform in the back, i also have to be strapped down when riding it) to go long distances. And i just realized you need the powerchair to drive your van. So sorry mate please ignore the question i posed, i would however be interested in your opinion as to the best opt[on for me. I have parkinsons but it has only affected my speech,writing and a bit of balance when walking. Cheers Paul
I have been looking for a van that my son can drive to take me to the Dr. and grocery store. These van places want 30 to 50,000 bucks for a used one. I can't afford or finance one. You brought up how many miles the transmission is to last. I found some I can afford on Facebook marketplace but didn't think about the trans cost
Would it provide more accurate data to remove the rubber pads from the phone mount and the case? The vibration dampening from both may result in less reliable data.
63 post C5 injury. Have a Magic Mobility V4 RWD Off road. Great chair outdoors. manageable inside home and WAV. Main drawback: does not recline enough. Any hack ideas to get more recline? Realize the risk of tipping over. Want be the first , or 100th time Thanks. Burnie
im not 100% familiar with the newer V6/V4 chairs.. i think they're using motion concepts seating now in the US.. but not 100% sure on that, or if any adjustments are possible :^/
Wow 121k miles my 2013 grand caravan has 245k miles on it the oil is still clean and clear like new unfortunately I had to buy what I could afford it runs good ac blows cold it was a fleet vehicle but I have access to all the maintenance records by still going to the dodge dealership that has been taking care of it since it was purchased by the company I did have to spend another $5500 on replacing the front struts and I ended up beefing up the front brakes and I just put new tires on for another $500 and now the clock spring is starting to short out in the steering wheel I'm good with knowing what needs to be done I just need the body to cooperate Lmao have a good weekend Dan 👍
Do you know yet about that new wheelchair if you can keep or you need sand back to them
Hey! Where did you get your problem no problem wheelchair sticker?
it's weird that it has 6 wheels but its called an R3. mine is the M3 but the front wheels are closer to the drive wheels and the rear wheels are farther away
its the R3 hybrid - 'rear wheel drive' but has better maneuvering space indoors than a traditional RWD chair :^)
My 2021 Amy M3 isn’t 2 years old for another month , it has 3100 miles on it already .
i kinda forgot how much i like these chairs LOL
Found your channel while I was trying to figure out a way to emulate the joystick signals via Arduino and in video 504 you do exactly what I have been trying to do for months. I am just not keen enough on the code part. Would you be willing to share the code that you used in video 504 and help me be able to get past this hurdle. Thank you either way. Definitely will be watching more of your videos
it was a pretty janky setup.. lol but im sure the code is still around somewhere.. ill have to look for it!
Dang bro, I really want that hat! Where can I get it?
Did you see the Ch inese wheelchair I mentioned in the livestream?
Hi Dan another great video I don't know if you still have the blue van I had a 1997 chrysler T&C with the 41TE trans with the 3.8 V6 I sold it with 198K got 19mpg hiway these trans are fine if and that is the issue you use ATF+4 fluid being a retired Chrysler tech I have had no issues with them my current Van is a 2014 T&C with the 3.6 gets about the same mpg anyway 120 k on your van isnot a big deal unless it was not maintained just had to add my 2 cents
Yea these aren’t actually BAD transmissions.. they’re just misunderstood- and the documentation wasn’t clear enough about the types of fluid that can be used etc.. there were a series of software updates that reduced the input/output shaft sensitivity early on that prevented the premature check engine light and subsequent ’limp mode’ - honestly I’m surprised they even got the system working in the late 80’s! It’s a HIGHLY software controlled setup- and it’s missing about 40% of the moving parts that traditional transmissions had up to that point!
It’s revolutionary really.. lol
@@TotallyNormal- The biggest improvement was the seals usedwe saw alot of worn out seal in the clutch packs the key was going from a lip seal to a d shape seal with the improved ATF formula that lessened the Torque converter shudder I only seen a few trans failures due to hard parts failures. All in all the 1996 and newer models had alot fewer issues during these years lack of PM / wrong fluid or drive and put gas in it mentality was a comon reason for failures. I am glad I found your channel it has given more info on the magical pixies that makes our powerchairs do what they do ! Lol thanks again sir.
I’m in a wheelchair due to an accident. I have a roho cushion but have seen a lot of adds about the ease cushion,any recommendations?
its usually best to talk to your seating therapist / physical therapist - cushions are pretty specific for different people, and their needs
Feel RICHER
well I got me a new chair today Q6 Edge 2.0/2.0X/3/2.0HD WITH BACKUP CAM Q-BACK 2.0 IS THAT A GOOD CHAIR I GOT IT FROM THE VA
the HD quantums have proper sized batteries.. so thats a bonus!
i meant hard mount
Butt sensors are unreliable and can't be calibrated. It will be impressive if you can get actual/real objective data from the phone. You'll need a test track and repeatable driving conditions to make it the most valid. I doubt this has ever been done. Can't wait to see how chairs compare.
i guess i'm on borrowed time with my Grand Caravan also. I've got almost 150k miles on mine and still on original tranny :D
some do last a while.. but i'd start budgeting for a replacement :^)
I was building my handicap van using 2006 dodge sprinter 2500. I mounted a new HD lift on the side door and built my own power door . Swivel seat to transfer n drive. But now im not even able to get out of bed. The battery is dead n not sure of lift battery now. I'm thinking of selling my van even tho I dont want to. Hoping ill get the spine to break loose from its straight line back to curved . pains unbearable. The Mercedes diesel only has 106,000 when I bought it now I bet its got 108,000 I drove it one time before because it stuck in bed.
building stuff yourself is nice when able to! then ya know EXACTLY how it all works! frustrating tho when things change, and ya have to let a project go :^/
Arizona is hotttttt
Can’t you just do a head job on in the Engine in the green van?
these ford modular engines are kinda 'disposable'. its possible to rebuild and/or replace heads etc, but the parts are super expensive and impossible to find. i priced out a rebuild, and it was almost the same cost- BUT the crate engines out there have been updated to fix a few other issues inherent to the 5.4 as well.
its SUPER labor intensive to get these things out of a van chassis, so if i have the work done, i don't wanna do it again for at least another 150k miles lol
Will medicare buy amysystem?
that's a bit unclear depending on the market.. insurance billing is a bit of an artform! a lot of their chairs USED to be group 4.. BUT im really not sure with the newer ones. researching the order forms, and their billing codes i think is the best way to figure it out :^)
ATC TRUCK!!!!
soooo they make one of those with a cab big enough for 4 power chairs, AND an automatic transmission! lol
If I lived close I would help with the brakes, sorry man.
There should be no way that a brake job should be $650!
forgot to mention, that’s bearings as well :-)
@TotallyNormal- if you lived nearby my wife could do it all in an hour and a half for $140 + parts. We get parts cheaper shopping at online vendors she found. I say my wife can do it because every time I would work on our cars or those of friends who couldn't afford a mechanic, I did the work for free and she was always right there with me. My regular job kept me gone a lot and she would spend every minute with me she could get. After I became disabled she does our cars and helps out our friends for a very reasonable price.
Hey Dan a camelflaged wheelchair so they don't see you coming 👍
david