WheelchairDriver

Is it possible to install mid-wheel drive motors into rear-wheel drive frames? Assuming you could fabricate a mount and secure the motors properly.
Will it run just fine with the matching controllers? For example, an Invacare TDX motors mounted in an Invacare Storm H frame?

timmmay71 wrote:Is it possible to install mid-wheel drive motors into rear-wheel drive frames? Assuming you could fabricate a mount and secure the motors properly.
Will it run just fine with the matching controllers? For example, an Invacare TDX motors mounted in an Invacare Storm H frame?

Motors almost always the same.

Cables are sometimes a different length. Or may have different freewheel config. But usually same on most chairs.

I did exactly that! I did have to change the polarity of the motors originally, because the motors responded to the stick, opposite to what I wished it to do. I also had to use the properly marked plug ... right and left. Later the control programmer had a station which asked me if it was a mid wheel or a rear drive. I never experimented with that, because this was my daily use chair. This is a MKII RII control in an Invacare Chair. I suits me.

That is a MK IV RII not a Mk II Thanks. (Invacare Nutron chair frame)

Burgerman wrote:Cables are sometimes a different length. Or may have different freewheel config. But usually same on most chairs.

is there any adverse effects if you cut the cable in the middle and solder an extension to make it longer? Thanks BM.

Sully wrote:I did exactly that! I did have to change the polarity of the motors originally, because the motors responded to the stick, opposite to what I wished it to do. I also had to use the properly marked plug ... right and left. Later the control programmer had a station which asked me if it was a mid wheel or a rear drive. I never experimented with that, because this was my daily use chair. This is a MKII RII control in an Invacare Chair. I suits me.

so, did you leave the settings as mid wheel? thanks..

The motors have no settings. They are not aware if they are fitted to a rear, front, mid drive, or a conveyer belt. The control system may need the MOTOR LOAD COMPENSATION setting adjusting to allow proper control if the motor is a different type/model that you are replacing. Ant this is quite important.

is there any adverse effects if you cut the cable in the middle and solder an extension to make it longer?

I hope BM will correct me if I'm wrong but I'm pretty sure that if your cable is thick enough (low enough AWG) and your soldering job is good, [so you don't have a cable with a lot of resistance] you will be fine.

Yes it will be OK but I dont like joints...

Question asked: "so, did you leave the settings as mid wheel? thanks.."

I did nothing, when I eventually did use a programmer. IT asked me (on screen) if it was rear drive or mid wheel since I had changed the polarity, I lied to it and said NO.

So I never changed anything with the programmer except the response times and speed. I like my response time quick enough to make any change of direction rather fluid in the way it acts to my hands.

It COULD be that your programmer if you have one might mitigate having to change polarity. (internally change polarity) I don't actually know that. The MIV RII controller I have, has leads from the controller which permit ease of connecting. (long enough) I did my reversing of polarity inside the motor plugs themselves. It was a simple procedure.

thanks to all the replies, really helps me a lot..