View source for WhimWiki A Wheelchair That Makes Sense:Current events

1/14/2016
:We're back, and we're meeting again!
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:We met with Simon, Ilia and Josh last night, and gave them the full intro - we like them and their energy.  I'm going to ask them to keep this area updated as they go, and I'll put the meetings in here if they don't beat me to it.

PAMELA'S LAY PERSON NOTES:

2/2015
:Michael and I decided to table the WHIM Project, at least for now. Though I love the idea of having an off-the-grid wheelchair, things haven't fallen into place well towards making it happen. The idea is great, though, so we'll leave the website here for others to refer to. If we get the energy and monetary support that we need, we'll revisit the Project concept in the future. Thanks to every one who helped us work on this!

9/23/14
:We are building a frame out of grid beams! These are 2" square lengths of metal with holes drilled 1' apart all the way down them. (Highway signs sometimes use these.) This will make a very heavy frame, but for our first prototype it will help with "proof of concept." If the theory works well, then we can look for a lighter option. The holes will make the frame completely adjustable for different sizes of people and different needs. The theory is great; I'll keep you posted on the reality as we progress with building the monster. 

9/15/14
:Health issues slowed down progress for a bit, but we are back in the swing of things and having a working gig this coming Saturday. I am very excited! We have materials for building a unique frame, BMX tires, a re-purposed tread mill motor, and a few more gizmos. We are going to start working on our first model. Makers Fair 2015 or Bust!
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:Gulp Gap...Please excuse the gap in time since my last update. We had spambots hit the website and crampbots hit my body. 'nuff said.

2/25/14 
:Some of us met last night and decided that the treadmill motors look like the best bet. Anything else runs $500. So, I bought one on ebay today for $35 (plus $17 for shipping). Once we get it, we will start tinkering. Expect a Kickstarter soon, for a small amount of start up cash for buying such things to test out ideas.
 
2/2/14
:Building a wheelchair with off-the-shelf parts is exciting and challenging. Our biggest obstacle is connecting the wheel to the motor in a way that it has a braking system. For the motors, lots of used treadmill motors are for sell on ebay. There may be too many problems to make it work, but we love the DIY aspect of it and the low cost ($20 compared to $600+ for a wheelchair motor). Problems: We'll need to gear down the motor, maybe 50 to 1; the motor will need weatherproof housing with ventilation; the battery voltage requirements and charger present some interesting problems; how long can we count on this being a supply source?
:*As far as the gearbox, we could go with a drive belt instead. A worm drive might be workable too.
:*As far as availability, they've been selling on ebay for 12 years already, so maybe it will go at least another 12.
:*We are still looking for other options for off-the-shelf motors that could be adapted for use on wheelchairs. Ideas?