Eaton VORAD BlindSpotter Driver Manual

Brand: Eaton

Model: VORAD BlindSpotter

Category: Radar/lidar detectors

Type: Driver Manual

This manual is also suitable for

For the most current information, visit www.vorad.com.

Driver Instructions VODR-0035 February 2005

Eaton VORAD Always Alert

Eaton

Eaton VORAD BlindSpotter

VORAD SmartCruise

VORAD = Vehicle Onboard RADar

Warnings and Cautions

Read the entire Driver Instruction Manual before operating a vehicle with

the VORAD system. Pay particular attention to the safety messages below.

Limitations of Collision Warning Systems

The Eaton VORAD system is intended solely as an aid for an alert and consci-

entious driver. The system should be used in conjunction with side-view mir-

rors and other instrumentation to maintain safe operation. A vehicle equipped

with the VORAD system should be operated in the same safe manner as if the

VORAD system were not installed. The system is not a substitute for normal

safe driving procedures.

The Eaton VORAD system may provide little or no warning for some hazards,

such as pedestrians, animals, oncoming vehicles, and cross traffic.

The system will not sense objects if the sensor view is obstructed. There-

fore, do not place objects in front of the system sensors. Remove heavy

buildups of mud, dirt, ice, and other materials.

Proper radar antenna alignment is critical to correct operation of the sys-

tem.

WARNING

Table of Contents

Safety Information ................................................................................. i

Product Overview.................................................................................. 1

System Features.................................................................................... 2

Components.......................................................................................... 3

Control and Indicator Overview............................................................. 4

System Tracking ................................................................................. 11

In Case of an Accident......................................................................... 14

Maintenance / Diagnostic.................................................................... 15

Federal Communications Commission

This device is sold under a waiver of FCC (Federal Communications Commis-

sion) rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this

device may not cause harmful interference and (2) this device must be able to

accept any interference received, including interference that may cause

undesired operation. Any interference that may be caused should be reported

to the local FCC field office or to the Federal Communications Commission;

Field Operation Bureau; 1919 M Street, N.W.; Room 73, Mail Stop 1500;

Washington, D.C. 20554-0001.

Any changes or modifications made by the user to this equipment that are not

expressly approved by Eaton Corporation could void the user’s authority to

operate the equipment.

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information in this

brochure. However, Eaton Corporation makes no expressed or implied war-

ranty or representation based on the enclosed information. Errors or omission

should be reported to: Technical Services, Eaton Corporation, 13100 E. Michi-

gan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053, 1-886-RV-VORAD (788-6723).

Overview

Product Overview

The Eaton VORAD system is a sophisticated, computerized device that uses

forward-looking radar and optional side-looking radar to constantly monitor

vehicles ahead and in the blind spot area, respectively.

Always Alert

The radar signals determine the distance and relative speed between the vehi-

cle and objects in front. This information is used to warn the driver of poten-

tially dangerous situations through visual and audible alerts. The system can

perform in adverse conditions, but objects must be within the field of view of

the radar beam and must provide a surface that can reflect the radar beam

back for detection.

BlindSpotter

The optional Side Sensor is a radar transmitter and receiver mounted on the

side of the vehicle to detect objects from one (1) to twelve (12) feet from the

side of the vehicle. The Side Sensor can detect vehicles or objects unseen by

the driver, moving or stationary, provided the vehicle or object is in the radar

coverage area adjacent to the vehicle.

SmartCruise

The VORAD system also has the ability to operate in a mode called “Smart-

Cruise”. SmartCruise is an optional feature offered as a convenience to the

driver in conjunction with the standard vehicle cruise control. The Smart-

Cruise feature automatically maintains a preset following distance to traffic

ahead.

SmartCruise cannot replace a driver and will not be able to ensure safe fol-

lowing distances under all road conditions. The driver must stay alert at all

times and use the vehicle brakes when required to avoid an accident.

WARNING

Features

System Features

Always Alert

• Collision Warning - Audible and visual warnings when the potential

for a collision is detected even in rain, snow, fog, smoke, sun glare,

or total darkness.

• Tail Gating - Audible alerts when within one half (1/2) second of

another vehicle.

• Slow Moving Vehicle - Audible and visual alerts issued.

• Fog Mode - Visual display indicating when objects are detected

within 500 feet in front of the vehicle.

• Distance and Sensitivity Control - Sets forward object detection dis-

tance.

• Proximity Alerts - Audible and visual alerts issued below 5 mph.

• Display Intensity Adjustment - Display light intensity adjusts accord-

ing to light conditions.

• Object Tracking - Simultaneously tracks up to 20 moving or station-

ary objects within its range.

• Accident Reconstruction - Stores vehicle accident data.

• System Problems - Notifies the driver when a failure is indicated.

• Self-Troubleshooting - Onboard fault codes.

BlindSpotter

• Lane Change Assistance - Reduces lane change and merge colli-

sions.

• Visual Display - Display inside vehicle visually indicates whether an

object is in the detection area.

• Audible Alert - Sounds when turn indicator is activated indicating an

object is in the detection area.

SmartCruise

• Following Speed - Electronically communicates with electronic diesel

engines to match following speed with traffic flow.

• Following Interval Control - Sets the desired following distance.

• Engine Retarder - Engages automatically when engine braking is

required to maintain safe following distances.

• Set Speed - Returns to set speed automatically when traffic clears.

Component Description

Components

The Eaton VORAD system is comprised of four main components: the

Antenna Assembly, Central Processing Unit, Driver Display, and the Intercon-

necting Harness. The Side Sensor(s) and the Side Sensor Display(s), are

optional components. Each of the components are shown in their approximate

location on a vehicle (see Figure 1 below).

Note: Additional side sensors may be added to the vehicle to provide

enhanced detection zones.

Figure 1

Central Processing UnitDriver Display

Side Sensor Display

Side Sensor

Antenna Assembly

Indicator Overview

Control and Indicator Overview

All controls for the VORAD system are located on the Driver Display.

Figure 2

Item Description

Volume Control

and Power On/

Off

Power can be turned on or off by pushing in the control knob.

Volume level can be adjusted by rotating the control knob.

Activates “Failure Display Mode” when the knob is pressed in

and held for five (5) seconds and then released. (See Figure 2)

Range Control

and Accident

Recorder

The control knob provides distance adjustment of the Always

Alert warnings. When SmartCruise is active, rotation of the

knob will also change the following interval from 3 to 2 sec-

onds. Accident data is stored by pushing and holding this

knob for 5 seconds thereby freezing the most recent event

data in half of the allocated memory.

Red,

System Fault

Illuminates when a problem has been detected in the

forward-looking radar system. A pattern of flashes blink

out the faults that are stored in memory when activated

by holding in the volume control knob for five seconds.

(See page 15.)

Green,

SmartCruise

Green light comes on when SmartCruise is actively controlling

the vehicle speed.

FAIL

S/C

Warning Level

Range

Volume

Green, SmartCruise

Light Sensor

Red

Orange

Yellow

Red, System

Failure

Green,

Power ON

Volume Control

Power ON/OFF

Speaker

Range Control/

Accident Recorder

EATON VORAD

Always Alert

• Warnings are received only on a vehicle in your lane.

• Range is reduced on curved roads.

• Warnings are disabled in sharp turns.

As you approach a slower vehicle ahead:

• If within 350 ft. to the vehicle and immediate braking is required to

avoid a collision, all three lights will illuminate and a continuous

warning tone will sound until the danger no longer exists.

• At approximately 3 seconds to the vehicle ahead, the yellow indicator

lights.

• At approximately 2 seconds to the vehicle ahead, the orange indica-

tor lights.

• At approximately 1 second to the vehicle ahead, the red indicator

lights.

• Less than 1 second to the vehicle ahead, the continuous double beep

indicates a tail gating situation.

Proximity Alert

If your vehicle rolls very slowly toward any stationary object, the yellow indi-

cator lights and a warning double beep sounds.

Stationary Object

If a stopped vehicle is within 220 feet, a warning tone sounds and all three

lights illuminate when less than 3 seconds away.

Fog Mode

Rotating the range knob to the full clockwise position will place the Always

Alert system into Fog Mode. The yellow light will illuminate and track vehicles

up to 500 feet ahead. In poor visibility conditions, this can provide the driver

with additional warning time.

BlindSpotter

Figure 3

Light/Tones Description

Red/Triple Tone Indicator light illuminates after objects have been

detected by the Side Sensor(s). When the turn signal is

activated and the Side Sensor detects an object, a single

warning tone will be issue.

Yellow Power indicator light stays on when no objects are

detected by the Side Sensor(s).

Red and Yellow Indicates the Side Sensor is performing a start-up self-

test or there is a failure in the Side Sensor system.

Yellow,

No Object Detected

Indicator Light

Red,

Object Detected

Indicator Light

Light Sensor

EATON VORAD

SmartCruise

SmartCruise is an optional enhancement to the Eaton VORAD system. Smart-

Cruise will maintain a selected following interval between the host vehicle and

the vehicle ahead. SmartCruise is activated whenever the vehicle’s standard

cruise control system is activated, the system is turned on, and a vehicle is

detected within 3 seconds ahead in the lane of travel of the host vehicle. When

SmartCruise begins to actively adjust the host vehicle speed, the green “S/C”

(SmartCruise) light on the Driver Display will illuminate.

SmartCruise will not react to stationary objects and it does not have the

capability to bring the vehicle to a stop.

SmartCruise may operate the engine brake without warning. Do not operate

this feature in slippery or wet conditions where sudden braking could cause

loss of control.

Note the warning below in your vehicle. It is there to remind you of the safe

use of SmartCruise.

WARNING

Vehicle is equipped with an Eaton VORAD SmartCruise system which operates

when Cruise Control is on.

Improper use of SmartCruise can lead to a serious accident.

Do not use SmartCruise in:

* slippery conditions (wet, snow, ice, mud) or fog.

* stop-and-go traffic.

* winding roads.

* any situation where your vehicle manual advises against using Cruise Control.

SmartCruise does not replace an alert driver!

SmartCruise

The “RANGE” control knob (see Figure 2, page 4), adjusts the SmartCruise

“following distance”.

Listed below are descriptions of the most common situations encountered

while using SmartCruise.

• Cruise On and No Vehicle Detected

If no vehicle is present within the range of the VORAD radar,

SmartCruise is not active and normal cruise control perfor-

mance is maintained.

• Cruise On and Vehicle Detected - SmartCruise becomes active

As the VORAD-equipped vehicle approaches a slower moving

vehicle in the same lane, the VORAD-equipped vehicle will slow

to the speed of the other vehicle and speed match to maintain

the set following interval. The speed reduction may be accom-

plished by the engine ECM (Engine Control Module) issuing a

command to reduce fuel and engaging the engine retarder, if

necessary. The driver can adjust the SmartCruise following

interval from 2 to 3 seconds by using the range / distance knob.

SmartCruise does not replace an alert driver. SmartCruise will not react to

stationary objects and cannot bring the vehicle to a complete stop. The

driver still needs to use good driving practices to avoid an accident.

If the host vehicle speed and the target vehicle speed are drastically differ-

ent, the driver may need to apply brakes to maintain a safe distance. As

with cruise control, SmartCruise must be reset after brakes have been

applied.

WARNING

SmartCruise

Vehicle Cut In and Out

If another vehicle in an adjacent lane cuts in front and continues to the oppo-

site adjacent lane, SmartCruise is programmed to maintain the host vehicle

speed. If the speed of the target vehicle is faster than that of the host vehicle,

the host will continue to maintain its speed. However, if the speed of the target

vehicle is less than the host’s speed, the engine ECM will issue a command to

reduce fuel and may also engage the engine retarder. Once the target vehicle

moves out of the host’s lane, the host will restore the cruise control speed or

resume the following interval if another target vehicle is in the lane. Again, the

driver may need to apply the brakes to maintain a safe distance. The driver

may depress the brakes or accelerator pedal at any time to override Smart-

Cruise.

Cut in and Stay

If a target vehicle in an adjacent lane cuts in front of the host vehicle and

remains there, the system will respond by slowing the host to restore the set

following interval to the target vehicle. The engine ECM will reduce fuel and, in

some cases, SmartCruise may also engage the engine retarder to accomplish

this. Again, the driver may need to apply the brake to maintain a safe distance.

Vehicle Ahead Changes Lane

When maintaining a following interval to a target vehicle in front, and that

vehicle moves into an adjacent lane, the system will respond as follows. If

there is no other vehicle ahead (or within the range of the system), the host

will accelerate to the set cruise speed. If there is another vehicle ahead, the

host vehicle will restore the following interval to that vehicle. Again, the driver

may need to apply the brake to maintain a safe distance.

SmartCruise and Eaton Automated Transmissions

Under any situation that causes the system to slow the vehicle, and the engine

rpm reaches a preset minimum, the transmission will automatically down-

shift. Similarly, any situation that causes the vehicle to accelerate and a preset

maximum engine rpm is reached, the transmission will upshift.

Note: This feature is not currently available with Allison Transmissions.

SmartCruise

SmartCruise and Manual Transmissions

Under any situation that causes the system to slow the vehicle, and the engine

rpm reaches a preset minimum, the engine ECM will disengage cruise control

and the driver may need to manually downshift the transmission. If this hap-

pens, the vehicle cruise control will need to be re-engaged (Resume or Set)

before SmartCruise will be operational again.

Road Curves and SmartCruise

1. Gentle Curves

SmartCruise will continue to maintain a set following interval in

a gentle curve as long as the turn is greater than 750 feet radius.

2. Sharp Curves

When maintaining a set following interval, the system may not

be able to track the target vehicle in front. If this happens, the

host vehicle will maintain its current speed. When the target

vehicle in front is again within the view of the radar, SmartCruise

will restore the set following interval. Refer to “System Tracking”

on page 11. Under these conditions it is recommended that

SmartCruise be turned off. SmartCruise can be turned off by

disengaging vehicle cruise control. If the driver would like to

maintain the use of cruise control but temporarily disengage

SmartCruise, this is accomplished by depressing the volume

control momentarily. Be aware that this mode will also disable

all collision type alerts.

Note: The previous paragraphs do not address all the possible driving situa-

tions that the vehicle and driver may encounter while in SmartCruise.

Typical System Tracking

System Tracking

Straight Ahead Same Lane Tracking (Figure 4)

The system’s same-lane target discrimination capability eliminates warnings

for nuisance objects in adjacent lanes.

Curved Same Lane Tracking (Figure 5)

While driving on curved roads, the same lane target discrimination is main-

tained using host vehicle turn rate information and vehicle azimuth. Due to

limitations on the radar’s field of view, maximum range is limited in sharp

turns.

Figure 4

Figure 5

Detected but not alerted

Critical Target

Detected but not alerted

Critical Target

Typical System Tracking

Detecting Objects Alongside an Approaching Curve (Figure 6)

When approaching a curve, warnings may sound and indicators may illumi-

nate due to objects, such as a parked car, on the side of a curved portion of

the road in direct line with the radar beam, until the vehicle is actually starting

into the turn.

Detecting Elevated Obstacles (Figure 7)

Some unusual road elevation angles may cause the system to detect overhead

signs or overpasses.

Figure 6

Figure 7

Critical Target

Typical System Tracking

Side Sensor Coverage (Figure 8)

Note that the optional Side Sensor(s) only detects objects within its field of

view. This view includes the 1 to 12 feet next to the vehicle.

Note: Vehicles outside of the field of view will not be detected.

Note: Longer vehicles may benefit from additional side sensors located on

each side of the vehicle to increase the coverage area as indicated in

Figure 8.

Figure 8

In Case of an Accident

The Accident Recorder can store two segments of system data in the system’s

non-volatile memory. The first of the two segments may be stored by pushing

and holding the “RANGE” knob on the Driver Display for approximately five

(5) seconds. Within six (6) seconds, the green “S/C” light will blink eight

times, confirming storage of the data (see Figure 9). Subsequent pushing of

the “RANGE” knob will cause the system to respond with a “FAIL” tone indi-

cating the data storage area is full. The second segment runs continuously

recording system data until the system is powered down.

The system’s Central Processing Unit must be returned to Eaton Corporation

to download and interpret the recorded data in the non-volatile memory.

Before shipping the unit contact the Eaton VORAD Accident Reconstruction

Specialist at 269-342-3556. After confirmation, ship the Central Processor

Unit to Eaton Corporation, Attn: Accident Reconstruction Specialist, 13100 E.

Michigan Ave., Galesburg, MI 49053.

Figure 9

FAIL

S/C

Warning Level

Range

Volume

S/C

Range

EATON VORAD

Maintenance/Diagnostic

Maintenance / Diagnostic

The only maintenance required should be to keep the Antenna Assembly and

Side Sensor(s) clean of heavy buildups of mud, dirt, ice, and other materials

that could reduce the range of the system. Antenna alignment should also be

checked if any occurrence might have caused it to be physically knocked out

of alignment.

The system will not sense objects if sensor view is obstructed. Therefore,

do not place objects in front of the system sensors. Remove heavy buildups

of mud, dirt, ice, and other materials.

Proper alignment is critical to correct operation of the system.

Diagnostic Features

Upon start up, the system automatically performs a self-test. If a failure

occurs within the front radar system, the red “FAIL” light on the Driver Display

will illuminate continuously as long as the failure is active, and the associated

failure code is stored in the Central Processing Unit memory.

If the “FAIL” light remains on after start up:

1. Set the range knob to the minimum level.

Note: Inactive faults are displayed if the range knob is in the 1/2 to full range

position.

2. Depress the volume knob for six seconds.

3. In a few seconds the error codes will begin to flash on the Driver Dis-

play via the fail light. The format of these codes is two digits, with a

two second pause between digits and a longer six second pause

between fault codes. Record these codes and repeat the process to

ensure that the codes have been properly identified.

WARNING

Maintenance/Diagnostic

Diagnostic Codes

Code Description Action/Cause

11 CPU Internal Failure Replace CPU

12 Memory Card or Card

Reader

Replace Card or CPU

13 Wiring or Driver Display Test Wiring First/Replace Component

14 Wiring or Antenna Assem-

bly

Test Wiring First/Replace Component

15 Wiring or Right Side Sensor Test Wiring First/Replace Component

16 Wiring or Left Side Sensor Test Wiring First/Replace Component

21 No Right Turn Signal Input Check Turn Signal Wires

22 No Left Turn Signal Input Check Turn Signal Wires

23 No Brake Signal Input Check Brake Wires

24 No / Bad Speed Signal Check Speed Signal Wires

26 Unrecognized Engine S/C Not Available; Update Engine

Software

27 Engine not Programmed for

S/C

Engine Needs to be Programed for

S/C (See Engine Dealer)

28 Less than Desired Retarder

Output

Manually Downshift Allison Trans-

mission

31 J1587 Link Failure Test Wiring

32 J1939 Link Failure Test Wiring and Circuit Resistance

33 Internal VBUS Failure Replace CPU

34 No Communication to Dis-

play

Test Wiring First/Replace Component

35 No Communication to

Antenna

Test Wiring First/Replace Component

41 Last Fault Code / No Codes

SmartCruise

Reduces Driver Fatigue

Uses radar to automatically maintain a safe

cruise control following distance.

Electronically communicates with diesel engines

to match following speed with traffic flow.

Automatically engages the engine retarder when

engine braking is required to maintain safe

following distances.

Automatically returns to cruise set speed when

traffic clears.

BlindSpotter

- "Sees" what you can't.

Reduces lane change/merge collisions.

Warns driver of obstacles in their blind spot.

Driver had constant visual alert when an object

is detected in the blind spot.

Audible and visual alerts activated with turn signal.

AlwaysAlert

Helps Avoid Accidents

Significantly reduces rear-end collisions.

Helps drivers maintain safe following distances.

Audible/visual alerts to dangerous

obstacles ahead in rain, snow, fog

and night conditions.

Continuous undistracted road monitoring

up to 500-feet ahead and around curves.

VODR-0035

Printed in USA

Copyright Eaton VORAD, 2003. EATON VORAD hereby grants its customers, vendors, or distributors permission to freely copy,

reproduce and/or distribute this document in printed format. THIS INFORMATION IS NOT INTENDED FOR SALE OR RE-SALE,

AND THIS NOTICE MUST REMAIN ON ALL COPIES.

For spec'ing or service assistance, call 1-866-RV-VORAD (788-6723). Or visit our web site at: www.vorad.com.

Eaton VORAD BlindSpotter Driver Manual

Brand: Eaton

Model: VORAD BlindSpotter

Category: Radar/lidar detectors

Type: Driver Manual

This manual is also suitable for

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Eaton VORAD BlindSpotter Driver Manual

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