Bendix™ BackSpotter® Rear Collision Warning System User / Installation Guide Bendix™ BackSpotter® Rear Collision Warning System BW2768 (Formerly VODR0038) May 2010
General Information Warnings and Cautions ! WARNING ▲ Improper use of this system could lead to a serious accident. Read this entire Operating Manual/Installation Guide before operating the Bendix™ BackSpotter® system. Pay particular attention to the safety messages below. This manual should be used in conjunction with proper training.
General Information ! WARNING ▲ People’s lives depend on the proper installation of this product in conformance with these instructions. It is necessary to read, understand, and follow all instructions shipped with the product. Failure to follow all safety precautions and instructions may result in property damage, serious injury, or death. The Bendix™ BackSpotter® system is intended for commercial use.
Table of Contents Warnings and Cautions ..............................................................................................i Federal Communications Commission ......................................................................1 Product Description ...................................................................................................2 System Operation .....................................................................................................5 Object Detection Capability .
FCC Compliance Federal Communications Commission This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) 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.
Operation Product Description The Bendix™ BackSpotter® system is a standalone vehicle radar system specifically designed to alert a driver to objects behind the vehicle when the vehicle’s transmission is placed in reverse. The system detects both moving and stationary objects in a pre-defined coverage area and warns the driver via visual indicators and audible warning tones. The system is designed to supplement other safety practices and is not to be the sole method of collision avoidance.
Operation Rear Sensor Display The rear sensor display provides the driver with both visual and audible warnings with the use of five (5) LED indicators and audible warning tones from the built in speaker. A volume control button on the front right of the rear sensor display allows the driver to adjust the audible signal to three different audible levels (Low, Medium, and High).
Operation Sensor Description The radar sensor transmits and receives a low power 5.8 GHz radar signal. It processes the returned signal to determine if an object is within the detection area and reports this to the driver via the rear sensor display. The sensor’s fast response time allows the driver to respond to dangerous situations immediately. Bendix™ BackSpotter® The sensor has a maximum detection zone depth of approximately 15 feet (5 meters) from the face of the sensor.
Operation System Operation When the vehicle’s transmission is placed in reverse, the system will power up and the rear sensor display will go through a quick self-test by momentarily flashing all LEDs. When the system is operating correctly in an open field with no obstructions, the green power LED will be the only light illuminated. If any or all of the detection (yellow) LEDs are lit and a warning tone is heard, stop the vehicle and check for any objects behind the vehicle being detected by the sensor.
Operation Object Detection Capability Because of the characteristics of radar, some objects may be detected at a greater distance than others. Obstacle size, shape, and composition are all factors determining when an object is detected. The Bendix™ BackSpotter® system operates by transmitting a pulse of very low power electromagnetic energy. Any energy that strikes an object reflects a certain amount of this energy back to the sensor.
Installation Radar Sensor Location The Radar Sensor mounting location is key to proper system operation. Ideally, the Sensor should be centered on the rear of the vehicle at roughly 36" (1 m) ±12" (.3 m) from the ground, and should be a minimum of 5/16" out further than other surfaces on the back of the vehicle (frame, bumper, box, etc.) to reduce the possibility of interference with the sensor’s operation.
Installation Sensor Installation 1. 2. 3. 4. Select the appropriate sensor mounting location using the mounting bracket supplied. The sensor must be mounted with the “Bendix logo” parallel to the ground. If mounting the sensor directly to the chassis or on a custom bracket, use the sensor’s mounting holes as a template and score position marks through the holes. Drill 1/4" (6 mm) holes centered at the marks.
Installation Harness Extension The interconnect harness provided is 40 feet (14 meters) long, from sensor to rear sensor display. Additional 20-foot (7 meter) extensions can be purchased for applications requiring additional length (P/N 41365-100). Radar Sensor Power Connection Locate the vehicle’s reverse light power source and connect to the red power wire on the sensor harness using 18 AWG wire. Connect the black ground wire of the sensor harness to the vehicle ground.
Installation Backup Alarm Control Feature (optional harness required) The Bendix™ BackSpotter® sensor has a built-in relay output that can control a backup alarm, or any low current 12-volt device, whenever an object is detected. This feature allows the backup alarm to remain silent when the vehicle is in reverse, unless an object is present in the sensor’s detection zone. The normally off output is tied to ground when the sensor is off, or no objects are present.
Installation Initial System Power-Up Once the Bendix™ BackSpotter® system is installed, power should be applied to test correct system operation. Upon power-up, the driver display unit will go through a self-test by flashing all LEDs. When the system is operating correctly in an open field with no obstructions, the green power LED will be the only light illuminated. If any/ all of the detection (yellow) LEDs are lit, check for any obstruction which may be detected by the sensor.
Installation 6. Finally, hold the test target 12 ft. (4 m) from the center of the vehicle rear, aiming the target directly at the sensor. Verify the sensor can detect the target at this location. Note: The rear sensor display may not illuminate all 5 LEDs for a target 12 ft. (4 m) away. For maximum energy reflection when testing the sensor, keep the face of the test target aimed directly at the sensor. The pattern below indicates the sensor’s maximum detection capability and is for testing only.
® BackSpotter 0.25 5.36 5.24 1.38 3.53 B123456 Bendix MADE IN USA This product is protected under Patents: US: 5345471, 5221600, 5757320, 5774091, 5517198 Mexico: 194188 Australia: 692921 Singapore: 37738, 42550 Patent(s) pending: European Community, Canada, Japan, Korea, China, Singapore, Australia, Mexico. FCC ID: OXZSTDPREVIEW This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference.
0.3 <10ft 14 REV VOL Bendix™ BackSpotter® 1.0 1.0 1.6 2.
1 2 3 SENSOR 6 5 4 BACKSPOTTER SENSOR PWR GND COMM ODU PWR ODU GND 1 2 3 4 5 6 RED BLACK WHITE DK GRN BROWN WIRING DIAGRAM POWER DK GRN BROWN WHITE RED POWER BLACK GROUND GROUND 1 4 3 2 ODU PWR OPERATOR ODU GND ODU COMM DISPLAY UNIT N/C 1 2 DISPLAY 4 3 Installation Interconnect Harness 15
Troubleshooting Troubleshooting ! WARNING ▲ The vehicle’s ignition must be on and the transmission in reverse for the Bendix™ BackSpotter® system to power up. When testing and troubleshooting the system, make sure (1) the ENGINE IS OFF, (2) the truck is in park on a level surface, and (3) the parking brakes are properly set. The Bendix™ BackSpotter® system has built-in self test diagnostics and will warn the driver if the system detects a failure within the radar sensor.
Troubleshooting One or more warning LEDs remain on and a tone is heard, but there are not objects behind the vehicle. • Inspect the radar sensor for proper mounting, debris buildup, or damage. • Check for suspended objects or overhead clearances within a 15 feet radius of the radar sensor. • Inspect the radar sensor for proper mounting. Verify the sensor is pointing outward from the vehicle in an open area with no obstructions in its view.
Specifications Specifications Typical Electronics Solid state Sealing Encapsulated to protect from dust, moisture, and vibration. Operating Temperature -40°F to +185°F (-40°C to +85°C) Sensor Pulsed RF transmitter at 5.8 GHz Material Weight Dimensions Mounting Polycarbonate radome with aluminum back plate 1.75 lbs. (0.8 kg) 5.25" (13.3 cm) diameter x 1.25" (3.2 cm) deep 3 - 0.188 (4.
Specifications Electrical Input Voltage 9 - 33 volts DC Input Current 0.25 amp maximum (1 amp maximum) Polarity Polarity protected Power Connection 2 - 18 AWG wires Regulatory Compliance Compliant with FCC Part 15.249 (5725-5875 MHz) FCC ID OXZSTDPREVIEW Manufacturer Limited Warranty Bendix warranty limits and guidelines can be found in the Roadranger Warranty Guide (TCWY-0900) and the Roadranger Warranty Manual (TCWY-0600). For additional information visit www.roadranger.
Maintenance Maintenance The Bendix™ BackSpotter® is intended solely as an aid for an alert and conscientious professional driver. A walk around test shall be performed every day to verify proper function of the system and to familiarize the operator with the zone detection. More frequent inspections should be performed when: • The vehicle is operating in a particularly dirty or harsh environment. • The operator has reason to suspect the system has been damaged. Daily Maintenance Procedure 1. 2.
The Roadranger System features Bendix brand foundation brakes.
