Hand control suggestions?

[ex-Gooserider]

FINALLY I just had my first driver training session this morning, using my new adapted van - I need to do this training in order to get my drivers license back. Today we basically just drove around for 90 minutes or so, getting used to the hand controls. After this the next couple of lessons will be focusing more on the stuff that I will be seeing in the actual driving competency test (parallel parking, 3 point turns, backing and so forth)

Functionally there were no big issues, but I do have a couple of comfort issues with the controls, and wonder if anyone has any suggestions on how to make them fit me better...

The biggest issue is the spinner knob / button panel - this is a "Logitouch" system by CCI. It has a spinner knob with a panel attached to it that has a bunch of little pushbuttons for the secondary controls like turn signals, wipers, etc... I've tried a few different hand positions, and the only way I feel like I have good control is to put my palm on top of the knob and wrap my fingers around it, leaving my thumb and index fingers free to wok the buttons. Problem is my palm gets sore after a while, and my hand sweats, at which point the button panel starts moving around with respect to my hand.

It seems to me like a more "ergonomic" knob design would help - it would spread the load a bit, and also act to reliably locate the button panel. Trouble is neither Ride-away, my dealer, or my driving instructor knows of such a product. Any ideas?

The other, less significant issue is with the hand throttle. It's a Wells-Enburg (sp?) unit with a motorcycle style twist to accelerate throttle / push down brake... The throttle grip is a hard plastic that gets uncomfortable to hold onto after a while, though there is a little stubby item that sticks out to act as a palm rest (which really helps...) Does anyone know if that grip can be replaced, perhaps with one of the foam type grips made for motorcycles?

ex-Gooserider

[Burgerman]

Do you have normal hand function?

If so, and I think I am correct in thinking this? Then all of that seems a bit complex. I steer normally, no spinner knob. And just use normal push pull hand control. It very light, easy to get used to. Basically one finger. Then mostly use the cruise control when on open roads.

[ex-Gooserider]

Do you have normal hand function?

If so, and I think I am correct in thinking this? Then all of that seems a bit complex. I steer normally, no spinner knob. And just use normal push pull hand control. It very light, easy to get used to. Basically one finger. Then mostly use the cruise control when on open roads.

Yes, normal hand function, both sides. Right shoulder is a little flaky but not bad for this... The hand control was one the evaluator picked on the grounds of me being used to a motorcycle throttle, and the spinner knob is apparently the standard for hand control users...

Actually what I think would have been really nice would have been to get one of those "accelerator ring" setups where the gas is controlled by a ring that mounts on the steering wheel, and the brake w/ a separate hand lever next to the wheel... Makes it possible to go back to one handed driving, instead of needing one hand for steering, one for the gas, and a third to play with the radio and all the other crap...

ex-Gooserider

[Armand]

This is the control system I use. http://suregrip-hvl.com/hand-controls/push-rock.html

I also have a simple spinner knob by the same company. Ive only been driving again for the past 2-3 months and have not had any trouble with them. Push to stop and rock the lever down to go. Cruise control whenever possible and ive also gotten used to holding the gas and the edge of the steering wheel with one hand. So I can drink my coffee on the go

I've never used a motorcycle so I can't really compare that action but I'm pleased with how it works. I use all of the other controls like I did before except that my hands have more to do. I also had to go through a whole series of training and medical exams. I was able to convince the doctor that I wasn't crazy but they had me nervous at the driving test, I thought they were going to do a rectal exam.

[Burgerman]

This is the problem with "evaluators"...

They have all the brochures and no common sense.

I drive one handed most of the time. You steer, and use a finger on the brake/acc lever with right hand, tin of diet coke in the other... When cornering you learn to cope/shuffle, free wheel, whatever, or use both hands. I dont know I am doing it. And I drive way too fast. As my licence will testify.

Simple no knob normal steering, and neat light mechanical hand control. Cheaper too. You soon adapt and forget you are doing it.

[ex-Gooserider]

Well just finished another session of driver training... Unless we get clobbered by the weather (no snow all winter except on days when I'm supposed to be driving! )I will be taking my drivers test tomorrow to get my license back. (FINALLY!)

Of course I had to have a couple of those really embarrassing moments, thanks to the conversion dealer... Like the instructor asked me to put on the emergency brake, and the adapting lever came off in my hand... Or the spinner knob clamp that decided to start sliding on the steering wheel rim... The e-brake was due to some setscrews not being tightened properly (and no flats on the rod) so I blame Ride-away for that. The spinner knob appears to possibly be in part a problem with the material the clamp is made from. Fortunately I have tools and was able to make at least temporary repairs to both...

ex-Gooserider

[rollingcowboy]

ex-g,
hope you are the road soon!

the spinner knobs are like just about everything - there are cheap ones and there are good ones.
I find a spinner knob useful on my minivan.
It has a quick release to remove the knob only if someone else might be driving.
many years ago I found a top quality knob at parts house for heavy equipment - made by Caterpillar.


I ALWAYS CHECK THE INSTALLATION OF HAND CONTROLS.

I just got a used Toyota from a dealer - they sell only modified vehicles.
The van came with Sure Grip controls and when I checked the installation I found a loose set screw - in a critical location!

I like the Sure Grips. They are easy to use with just one hand once you get used to them.

I agree with BM's comments - keep it simple?

[ex-Gooserider]

The knob on my van is made by CCI, and also has the little button panel for my secondary controls, it is supposed to be high quality, though the bracket makes me kind of wonder... It does have the quick release to allow removal, which works pretty well.

The thing I'd like to find is a more "ergonomic" shaped knob, that would both be more comfortable to hold, and also that would keep a more consistent relationship between my hand and the knob... The secondary control panel attaches to the knob's shaft, and I need it to stay in the same relationship to my hand in order to be able to accurately hit the small buttons on it. With the smallish, uniformly shaped knob, the panel can end up anywhere, unless I take extra care to grab the knob just right... I'd like it better if there was more of an "egg" shape to the knob so that it would self position better when I grab it. However I haven't been able to find anyone that makes such a thing...

ex-Gooserider

[rollingcowboy]

I think what BM and I are trying to say is that after about a week's use you won't need the secondary control panel.

[Goibot]

I've used the Sure Grip with a mpd spinner on my last 3 vehicles. Very pleased with them.

[ex-Gooserider]

First off the bad news - after a record setting lack of snow all winter, we had enough snow today that the registry cancelled all the testing... So you are still safe on the sidewalk...

Hopefully will be able to reschedule the test soon so that I will be able to finally get back on the road...

I'm also going to be stuck with the current motorcycle style control for a while, or so it looks - It is what I have, and according to my driving instructor it will now cost me well over $500-800 USD in order to switch to one of the Suregrip controls...

ex-Gooserider

[Chair Topper]

I have a lovely Nissan Micra 1.0 16v Auto 5 door 2003 (older shape) which has only covered 21,000 miles and has a roof mounted Braun Chair Topper fitted, fully adapted hand controls from Steering Developments which also includes electrically adjusted drivers seat etc.

The car is no longer required so open to offers, I have photos if anyone is interested.

[Burgerman]

Theres a section where you can post toi sell it should you want, ideally with pictures, prices, contact details etc.

[Chair Topper]

Hi thanks for that, where is that section ?

[Burgerman]

viewforum.php?f=1

Start a new thread here!