BENDIX VORAD VS-500 User manual

1
Operator’s Manual
Bendix™VORAD®VS-500™System
This booklet contains important
operational and safety information
that benefits you and subsequent
drivers.
DO NOT
REMOVE FROM
VEHICLE
TM
Bendix safety technologies complement safe driving practices.
No commercial vehicle safety technology replaces a skilled,
alert driver exercising safe driving techniques and proactive,
comprehensive driver training. Responsibility for the safe
operation of the vehicle remains with the driver at all times.

2
GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
WARNING! PLEASE READ AND FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS
TO AVOID PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH:
When working on or around a vehicle, the following guidelines should be observed AT ALL TIMES:
▲Park the vehicle on a level surface, apply the
parking brakes and always block the wheels.
Always wear personal protection equipment.
▲Stop the engine and remove the ignition key
when working under or around the vehicle.
When working in the engine compartment,
the engine should be shut off and the ignition
key should be removed. Where circumstances
require that the engine be in operation, EXTREME
CAUTION should be used to prevent personal
injury resulting from contact with moving,
rotating, leaking, heated or electrically-charged
components.
▲Do not attempt to install, remove, disassemble
or assemble a component until you have read,
and thoroughly understand, the recommended
procedures. Use only the proper tools and
observe all precautions pertaining to use of those
tools.
▲If the work is being performed on the vehicle’s
air brake system, or any auxiliary pressurized air
systems, make certain to drain the air pressure
from all reservoirs before beginning ANY work
on the vehicle. If the vehicle is equipped with a
Bendix®AD-IS®air dryer system, a Bendix®DRM™
dryer reservoir module, or a Bendix® AD-9si®air
dryer, be sure to drain the purge reservoir.
▲Following the vehicle manufacturer’s
recommended procedures, deactivate the
electrical system in a manner that safely removes
all electrical power from the vehicle.
▲Never exceed manufacturer’s recommended
pressures.
▲Never connect or disconnect a hose or line
containing pressure; it may whip and/or cause
hazardous airborne dust and dirt particles. Wear
eye protection. Slowly open connections with
care, and verify that no pressure is present. Never
remove a component or plug unless you are
certain all system pressure has been depleted.
▲Use only genuine Bendix®brand replacement
parts, components and kits. Replacement
hardware, tubing, hose, fi ttings, wiring, etc. must
be of equivalent size, type and strength as original
equipment and be designed specifi cally for such
applications and systems.
▲Components with stripped threads or damaged
parts should be replaced rather than repaired.
Do not attempt repairs requiring machining or
welding unless specifi cally stated and approved
by the vehicle and component manufacturer.
▲Prior to returning the vehicle to service, make
certain all components and systems are restored
to their proper operating condition.
▲For vehicles with Automatic Traction Control
(ATC), the ATC function must be disabled (ATC
indicator lamp should be ON) prior to performing
any vehicle maintenance where one or more
wheels on a drive axle are lifted off the ground
and moving.
▲The power MUST be temporarily disconnected
from the radar sensor whenever any tests USING
A DYNAMOMETER are conducted on a vehicle
equipped with a Bendix® Wingman®system.
▲You should consult the vehicle manufacturer's operating and service manuals, and any related literature,
in conjunction with the Guidelines above.
The trademarks used in this document, including Bendix®, are United States trademarks owned by
or licensed to Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC.
Introduction
The Bendix™VORAD®VS-500™system includes Bendix™SmartCruise®
adaptive cruise control system and Forward Collision Warning. This
Operator’s Manual explains the features and functions, enabling maximum
performance from the system.
Read this manual thoroughly before operating the system. Be familiar
with the controls, system alerts, and what to expect when the system
is on. Keep this manual in the vehicle as a reference for the system, its
operation, and performance characteristics.
Additional Information About Bendix®Systems
For additional information about Bendix®systems, contact the
Bendix Tech Team at [e-mail] or call 1-800-AIR-BRAKE
(1-800-247-2725). Visit www.bendix.com for more information and for
any updates to this document.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
The driver is always responsible for the control and safe operation of
the vehicle at all times. The Bendix™VORAD®VS-500™system does
not replace the need for a skilled, alert, professional driver, reacting
in a timely manner, and using safe driving practices.
Before driving with the VS-500 system, the driver must fully understand
all audible alerts and visual indicators.
The VS-500 system reacts ONLY to vehicles moving in the same
direction as your vehicle. The system DOES NOT recognize side-to-
side moving traffic, or oncoming traffic. The system WILL NOT slow
your vehicle or provide an alert when approaching vehicles in these
circumstances.
Pedestrians, Animals, Non-metallic or Limited-metallic Objects– The
VS-500 system will not warn or react to pedestrians, animals, and
non-metallic objects. The system may not warn or react to limited-
metallic objects (such as recreational vehicles, horse-drawn buggies,
motorcycles, logging trailers, etc.).
Metallic objects that the radar may detect in or close to the vehicle’s
path (such as crash barriers, guard rails, construction zone barricades,
tunnel entrances, etc.) may decrease the function of the radar.
Inspect the radar and mounting bracket regularly and remove any
mud, snow, ice build-up, or other obstructions. Installing aftermarket
deer guards is not recommended, and could impair the operation of
the radar.
If the bumper and/or radar are damaged or misaligned, or if the radar
was tampered with, do not use the cruise control until the vehicle is
repaired and the radar re-aligned.
If a problem is detected with the VS-500 system, there is an audible
alert, and/or icon on the Driver Interface Unit (DIU™). Depending on
the type of problem, the system may disable cruise control functions
until service is performed.
Approach grades normally, with the appropriate gear selected and at
a safe speed. Cruise control should NOT be used on steep downhill
grades.
Smaller forward vehicles, such as motorcycles, may be difficult for the
radar to identify. It is the driver’s responsibility to be aware of this
type of vehicle and to be cautious.
WARNING

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FCC Part 15
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules with the limits for a
Class B digital device and with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation
is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
harmful interference; and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
System Components
The Bendix™VORAD®VS-500™system includes a Bendix™DIU™(Driver
Interface Unit) display connected to a
forward looking radar sensor. The DIU
display is located on the dash. It provides
audible and visual alerts to the driver.
Information about the forward monitored
vehicle displayed on the DIU display is sent
from the radar.
The forward looking radar sensor locates and tracks moving vehicles in
the same lane ahead of the monitoring vehicle. The radar is located at the
front of the vehicle either on the bumper or behind it on a cross-member.
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Additional Information About Bendix Systems . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
General Safety Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Important Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Components. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
System Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SmartCruise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Following Distance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Alerts and Warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Following Distance Alert (FDA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Impact Alert (IA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Stationary Object Alert (SOA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
What to Expect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
System Responses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
When Not to Use Cruise Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
System Maintenance and Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Bendix Driver Interface Unit

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System Features
The Bendix™VORAD®VS-500™System is a combination of the Bendix™
SmartCruise®adaptive cruise control system and three levels of visual
and audible alerts.
SmartCruise System
The SmartCruise system maintains a set
following distance between your vehicle
and the vehicle ahead when cruise control
is set. See RADAR area in the diagram
above.
The forward looking radar locates and
tracks a moving vehicle approximately 300
feet in the same lane in front. If the vehicle
ahead slows down below the set speed on your cruise control, the system
will take the following actions as necessary:
1) Reduce the engine throttle; then
2) Apply the engine retarder.
Detected Forward Vehicle
RADAR
The Bendix VORAD
VS-500 System Does
Not Warn for Vehicles
Approaching from the
Side.
The Vehicle Equipped
with a Bendix™ VORAD®
VS-500™ System.
Examples of Radar Locations
No Object Detected

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If the vehicle ahead slows below the cruise control set speed, but then
accelerates away, the system accelerates back to the original set speed of
the cruise control. The system will again maintain a set following distance
between your vehicle and a vehicle ahead in your lane.
When the cruise control speed is set, a green cruise-enabled icon
illuminates on the Bendix™DIU™(Driver Interface Unit) display. A text
message on the DIU display provides the set speed information.
Adjustable Following Distance
Following distance refers to the time gap,
measured in seconds, between the vehicle
with a Bendix™VORAD®VS-500™system
and the vehicle ahead. The actual physical
distance between the two vehicles changes
based on the speed of each vehicle. The
time gap remains the same for all set cruise
speeds. The adjustable following distance
is set on the DIU display.
Alerts and Warnings
Visual and audible alerts and warnings are
displayed on the DIU display. All alerts
are always available, whether or not cruise
control is turned on.
The three main alerts provided by the
system are Impact Alert (IA), Following
Distance Alert (FDA), and Stationary Object
Alert (SOA).
Following Distance Alert
The Following Distance Alert (FDA) provides
both a single repeating audible tone and a
visual alert whenever the distance between
your vehicle and the detected forward
vehicle ahead is less than 1.5 seconds
(default) and the distance is decreasing.
Once the audible alert starts, increase
the distance between your vehicle and
the vehicle ahead until the audible alert
stops. If the following distance continues
to decrease, there is a double repeating
audible tone and a two LED visual alert.
Object Detected
In Cruise Control
2 Second Warning -
Two LEDs Illuminated
3 Second Warning -
Single LED Illuminated
Adjustable Following
Distance

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Following Distance Alert (continued)
When the FDA reaches its highest level,
there is a continuously repeating audible
tone and a three LED visual alert. The FDA
is active when the vehicle is moving above
5mph (8 kph).
The Bendix™ VORAD®VS-500™FDA default is
1.5 seconds. This value may vary by fleet.
Impact Alert
The Impact Alert (IA) is the most severe
warning issued by the system. The IA alert
indicates that a collision with the detected
forward vehicle is likely and the driver must
immediately act to avoid a collision. The IA
is active when the vehicle is moving above
15mph (24 kph).
Stationary Object Alert
The Stationary Object Alert (SOA) provides
up to three (3) seconds alert time when
approaching a detected, stationary object
with metallic (radar-reflective) surfaces in
your lane. The SOA indicates that a collision
with a stationary object is likely with a single
audible tone and a two LED visual alert.
The driver must immediately act to avoid
a collision.
Be especially careful when approaching certain types of vehicles and
objects. The radar may not be able to detect objects with limited metal
surfaces (such as recreational vehicles, horse-drawn buggies, motorcycles,
logging trailers, etc). Entering a curve may reduce the alert time to less
than three (3) seconds.
The SOA is active when the vehicle is moving above 10mph (16 kph). The
SOA will sound a continuous tone and an icon appears on the DIU display.
1 Second Warning -
Three LEDs Illuminated
Impact Alert -
All Three Red LEDs
Illuminated
Stationary Object Alert -
Two LEDs Illuminated

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Using the Bendix™VORAD®VS-500™System
This chart lists the system reactions to specific situations.
What to Expect
Situation System Alerts
System Actions, if...
Cruise On/Set Cruise Off
or Not Set
A detected
forward
vehicle is in
your lane.
The detected forward
vehicle icon is illuminated.
The system
maintains the
set speed
or following
distance.
None.
The detected
forward
vehicle slows
moderately.
The Following Distance
Alert (FDA) will be
displayed.
The system
reduces the
throttle and,
if needed,
engages the
engine retarder.
None.
The detected
forward
vehicle slows
rapidly.
The FDA, or Impact Alert
(IA) (continuous tone) will
sound and an icon appears.
The system
reduces the
throttle and
engages the
engine retarder.
The driver may
need to act to
avoid impact.
None. The
driver may
need to act
to avoid
impact.
A detected
forward
vehicle cuts
in front of
your vehicle
and speeds
away.
The FDA may be given,
depending on how close the
vehicle cuts in front.
The system
maintains the
vehicle set
speed. The
driver may need
to act to avoid
impact.
None. The
driver may
need to act
to avoid
impact.
If your vehicle
comes up
fast behind
a slower
detected
forward
vehicle.
The FDA will sound and an
icon appears. Depending
on how close your vehicle
approaches, the system may
initiate an IA.
The system
reduces the
throttle and
engages the
engine retarder.
The driver may
need to act to
avoid impact.
None. The
driver may
need to act
to avoid a
collision.
A stationary
vehicle is in
your lane.
A Stationary Object Alert
may be issued up to three
(3) seconds prior to impact.
None. The
driver must act
to avoid impact.
None. The
driver must
act to avoid
impact.
NOTE: These are examples of situations and typical system responses.
This chart does not attempt to cover all possibilities.

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System Responses
This chart lists the system response to specific driver actions.
If You Do This: The System Responses Are:
Step on the brake
any time.
The driver is always able to apply full braking force
(assuming a properly maintained vehicle).
Step aggressively
on the accelerator
during an event.
The driver’s actions override system actions. Press
the accelerator to override the cruise control. When
released, the cruise control resumes set speed.
Step on the
accelerator when
in cruise.
The cruise control is overridden until the accelerator is
released; then cruise control resumes the original set
speed automatically.
Switch ON the
cruise control.
None. The Bendix™SmartCruise®adaptive cruise
control system will not engage until the cruise control
speed is set. System alerts are available.
Switch OFF the
cruise control.
The SmartCruise system turns off. System alerts are still
available.
Set the cruise
control speed.
The SmartCruise system is automatically activated. Your
vehicle maintains the set speed and following distance
behind the vehicle ahead.
Pass a vehicle or
change lanes.
The vehicle in front, still in the lane being exited, is no
longer detected by the radar.
Cover or block the
radar.
The system performance is diminished or disabled. A
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) is set. Blocking the
radar may affect the cruise control availability.
Use normal cruise
control +/- switch.
Vehicle speed increased (+) or reduced (-) to set the
new speed and maintain a following distance with the
vehicle ahead, if it is within 300 feet.
NOTE: These are examples of driver actions and typical system
responses. The chart does not attempt to cover all possible situations.

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When Not to Use Cruise Control
The Bendix™SmartCruise®adaptive cruise control system is active when
a speed is set and the cruise control is on.
Use cruise control only in recommended conditions. Do not use cruise
control when the following situations exist:
Inclement Weather – Do not use cruise control in rain, snow,
fog, ice or other severe weather conditions that may affect
the performance of the system.
Dense Traffic – Do not use cruise control in heavy traffic.
Sharp Curves and Winding Roads – Do not use cruise control
when traveling sharply curved or winding roadways.
Road curvature may impact the ability of the radar to track
vehicles ahead in the same lane.
Entrance or Exit Ramps – Do not use cruise control when
entering or exiting roadways.
Downhill Grades – Do not use cruise control on steep
downhill grades.
Construction Zones – Do not use cruise control in
construction zones.
Off-Road – Do not use cruise control in off-road conditions.
Visit bendix.com for more information and any updates to these
limitations and restrictions.
WARNING