Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For Customers
What is the difference between the Hydra and Sentina?
The Sentina is a single unit that provides 180 degrees of blind spot coverage, and has the ability to add up to 3 Braze Echo Heads, each providing 45 degrees of coverage (sold separately).
The Hydra is a black box, which includes 1 Braze Echo Head that can be placed anywhere on the wheelchair and provide s45 degrees of coverage. Up to 7 Echo Heads can be added to a Hydra.
What distances does the Braze Sentina detect?
The Sentina has two modes, short and long range. The short range mode is ideal for operating in close spaces, whereas the long range mode is ideal for when you are travelling quickly such as when outside. The short range mode creates a warning light at 2 feet of distance, and a danger light at one foot of distance in the default setting. The long range mode doubles these distances. These distances can also be customized during installation by a Braze Mobility rep, or by using our Bluetooth enabled app! Please contact us for more information or to be sent the app.
What distances does the Braze Hydra monitor?
The Hydra has two modes, short and long range. The short range mode is ideal for operating in close spaces, whereas the long range mode is ideal for when you are travelling quickly such as when outside. The short range mode creates a warning light at 2 feet of distance, and a danger light at one foot of distance in the default setting. The long range mode doubles these distances. These distances can also be customized during installation by a Braze Mobility rep, or by using our Bluetooth enabled app! Please contact us for more information or to be sent the app.
Which product will fit on my chair?
We work hard to ensure that Braze Systems can be used on as many chairs as possible. The Braze Sentina has been redesigned to fit on any wheelchair or scooter, and uses Go-Pro style mounts to make installation easy. The Braze Hydra also has various options for mounting, including Go-Pro style mounts, straps, and other clamps.
If you have any concerns about mounting, and would like to discuss options, please contact us at info@brazemobility.com. If you are able, you can send us a picture of your chair, and we can evaluate which system will be best. In order to get a good idea of which unit will work best, please send us the following pictures of your chair along with the make and model:
- The back rest, including any backpacks or jackets that you usually hang on it.
- The rear castor frame (the back 2 wheels and the bar between them if there is one)
- The joystick from the front, the inside wall and the top looking downwards.
If you are unable to obtain these pictures, please contact us with the make and model of your chair.
Is this device funded?
Currently, the device is too new to be on any pre-approved funding lists. We are working on getting it funded! If you think you are a great candidate for this device, and your therapist agrees, please contact us! There are other options for funding, such as charities that may also fund this device. Please contact us for more information.
Our products have been funded by: Veterans Affairs and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in the United States. In Canada our devices have been funded by March of Dimes Canada and we are on the vendor list for the Veterans Affairs Canada. Click the links to read our blog posts on the funding options!
How many vibration pads do I need?
The recommended number of vibration pads to add to your chair is three. The Braze Sentina monitors 180 degrees split into three sections. Feedback is split into the right, middle and left segments. Using three vibration pads would provide distinct feedback for each of these areas. For example, if something is detected on the right side, the vibration pad on the right will vibrate. Using one vibration pad is also an option, and the pad can be configured to vibrate if any of the three sections of coverage detects something. This will act as an alert, but will not indicate the location of the sensed object.
Will this product stop or control my chair in any way?
No. Braze products do not control the chair in any way. The device will only provide you feedback about objects in your environment.
Do Braze Products detect curbs and/or dropoffs?
No, the Braze products do not currently detect curbs or dropoffs, and can only detect "positive" obstacles (above the ground).
Is this a backup camera?
No, but it's even better! Braze systems compile all of the information you can get from a backup camera into one alert, which means you can focus on driving, rather than watching a camera. In addition, there is no need to mount a tablet or phone somewhere easily visible on your chair. Our controller is compact and won't limit your field of view in any way. Our system also is very low power, and a standard USB charging bank can last all day.
To compare the Braze system to other vision aids for wheelchair users, check out this blog post!
Does this plug into my chair? How is it powered?
This device does not need to draw power from your wheelchair. It is powered using a standard UL listed USB power bank (like those ones you buy to charge your phone on the go). If your chair has a USB charger on it, you are able to plug this in, however you don't need to.
Who can install this for me?
The Braze Sentina is very easy to install, requiring no tools of any kind. Most people are able to install either themselves or with a friend. If you need help to install, we are happy to meet you anywhere in Toronto to install, or if you are outside of Toronto get in touch and see if we are visiting somewhere close by. Alternatively, we have clients who have purchased through distributors who have helped them install the system. Get in touch with us for more information.
Information for Veteran's Affairs Funding
U.S.- Are Braze products sold through any V.A. approved vendors?
Braze Mobility is a SAM vendor. We are able to sell directly to your clinic.
How can I add Braze Products to my equipment list?
VA clients have been successful in obtaining grants for assistive technologies through the Veteran’s Affairs Central Office (VACO) to fund the purchase of a training kit. Additional options include getting in touch with us to obtain a trial unit. Please contact us for more information.
Canada- Are Braze products sold through any V.A. approved vendors?
Braze Mobility is registered with Medavie Blue Cross.
Information for Therapists and Caregivers
What are Braze Mobility products?
Braze Mobility develops devices that can turn any wheelchair into a smart wheelchair. The Braze Sentina and Hydra are blind spot sensors that can be easily installed on any wheelchair, and provide auditory, visual and/or vibration feedback increasing the user's spatial awareness and ability to maneuver tight spaces.
What are the recommended clinical applications?
Braze products can be used to increase your client’s ability to maneuver in tight spaces, and avoid collisions. They can also be used in training, to help clients understand how they are interacting with their environment, and increase confidence navigating. Learn more here!
Which of my clients would benefit from these products?
Braze products will benefit any client who operates a wheelchair and has blind spots that they are unable to monitor visually for any reason. This may include: reduced upper body mobility, decreased peripheral vision, or a wheelchair that blocks vision. People who use wheelchairs and have low self confidence in navigating in tight spaces will also benefit from the additional feedback.
Will this product help my client avoid collisions?
Braze products do not control a client’s chair in any way. The driver must be able to understand the signal from the unit and generate the appropriate response in order for the product to be effective. However, many accidents occur due to lack of awareness of surroundings, and increasing awareness of surroundings using our products could decrease the risk of these collisions.
Do Braze Products detect curbs and/or dropoffs??
No, the Braze products do not currently detect curbs or dropoffs, and can only detect "positive" obstacles (above the ground).
Which Braze Product is right for my client?
The Braze Sentina is our most popular unit, and provides 180 degrees of rear-view blindspot coverage with the ability to add up to three Echo Heads, providing 45 degrees of customizable coverage. The Braze Hydra provides up to 8 Echo Heads, each providing 45 degrees of customizable coverage. These can be positioned to monitor custom blind spots, such as for clients with decreased peripheral vision or who have forward facing blind spots around their legs.If you have multiple clients that would benefit from Braze sensor systems, we offer a training kit which includes both units as well as multiple mounting options. This kit allows for all possible configurations of our sensor systems, and will help you to find the perfect fit for your client.
What funding is available for these products?
Currently, Braze products are not funded by any provincial or federal organizations. There are other funding options, through charities and monthly payment plans to make these products affordable. If you would like to apply for funding for our products, please contact us and will work with you to complete an application.
Our products have been funded by: Veterans Affairs and the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation in the United States. In Canada our devices have been funded by March of Dimes Canada and we are on the vendor list for the Veterans Affairs Canada. Click the links to read our blog posts on the funding options!
Where can I find more information?
For more information on Braze products, click here. Our therapist information can be found here.
For more information on smart wheelchairs and the benefits they can offer your clients, check out our blogs!
Does this plug into my chair? How is it powered?
This device does not need to draw power from your wheelchair. It is powered using a standard UL listed USB power bank (like those ones you buy to charge your phone on the go). If your chair has a USB charger on it, you are able to plug this in, however you don't need to.
Who can install this for me?
The Braze Sentina is very easy to install, requiring no tools of any kind. Most people are able to install either themselves or with a friend. If you need help to install, we are happy to meet you anywhere in Toronto to install, or if you are outside of Toronto get in touch and see if we are visiting somewhere close by. Alternatively, we have clients who have purchased through distributors who have helped them install the system. Get in touch with us for more information.