Brigade Backsense BS-8100 Original operating instructions

Installation Guide 7459
BS-8100
Backsense®
Radar Object Detection System
Installation & Operation Guide

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Table of Contents
1Introduction...................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 Detection Ranges ................................................................................................... 3
1.2 Object Detection Capability..................................................................................... 3
1.2.1 Detection Pattern........................................................................................... 4
1.2.2 Factors Influencing the Detection of Objects.................................................. 5
2Kit Contents...................................................................................................................... 6
3Hardware Installation........................................................................................................ 8
3.1 System Connectivity................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Installation Site........................................................................................................ 9
3.3 Electrical Connections............................................................................................. 9
3.4 Sensor Mounting and Location................................................................................ 9
3.4.1 Sensor Direction.......................................................................................... 10
3.4.2 Sensor Fixing............................................................................................... 10
3.4.3 Vehicle Overhang into Detection Area......................................................... 10
3.4.4 Mounting Angle............................................................................................ 10
3.4.5 Offset to Vehicle Centre Line Mounting........................................................ 10
3.5 Cable.................................................................................................................... 11
3.6 Display.................................................................................................................. 11
3.7 Initial System Power Up and Test ......................................................................... 13
3.8 Error States........................................................................................................... 13
4Configuring the BS-8100 System.................................................................................... 14
4.1 PC System Requirements..................................................................................... 14
4.2 Software Installation.............................................................................................. 14
4.2.1 Configuration Tool Software Installation....................................................... 14
4.2.2 USB to Serial Port Driver Installation ........................................................... 17
4.3 Using the Configuration Tool Software.................................................................. 20
4.3.1 Identifying COM Port Number...................................................................... 20
4.3.2 User Interface Overview .............................................................................. 21
4.3.3 Main Menu................................................................................................... 21
4.3.4 Connecting to the Brigade Backsense®System........................................... 21
4.3.5 Disconnecting from Brigade Backsense®System ........................................ 23
4.3.6 Writing a configuration to the Brigade Backsense®System.......................... 23
4.3.7 Reading Configuration from the Brigade Backsense®System...................... 24
4.3.8 Saving Configuration to a File...................................................................... 24
4.3.9 Loading Configuration from a File................................................................ 24
4.3.10 Detection Area Setup................................................................................... 25
4.3.11 Blind Area Setup.......................................................................................... 30
5Testing and Maintenance............................................................................................... 35
5.1 Operator Instructions............................................................................................. 35
5.2 Maintenance and Testing...................................................................................... 35
6Specifications................................................................................................................. 37
7Mounting Dimensions..................................................................................................... 40
8Disclaimer...................................................................................................................... 41

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1 Introduction
Brigade’s Backsense®uses FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) radar system
technology to detect people and objects in blind spots, significantly reducing collisions.
Backsense®detects both stationary and moving objects, providing the driver with in-cab visual
and audible warnings. Backsense®works effectively in harsh environments with poor visibility
including darkness, smoke, fog, and dust.
It is imperative that any Brigade Backsense®system is fitted and commissioned by competent
and trained technicians. The installer is responsible for the fitness for purpose of the overall
system and must adhere to relevant regulations and legislation. Operators of the vehicle or
machine to which the Brigade Backsense®System is fitted must be made fully aware of how
to interpret the system so they will not be distracted by or rely completely on it. Distraction can
cause collisions.
The system is intended as an aid only. The operator must still concentrate on operating the
vehicle, obeying traffic and local regulations. Vehicle or machine operators must continue to
use their own training, senses, and other vehicle aids, such as mirrors, as if the system were
not in place. Nothing removes the responsibility of the operator to operate the vehicle in a
proper and lawful manner.
1.1 Detection Range
Model Name
Detection Length
Length of each
Detection Zone
Detection Width
Nominal
Tolerance
[m]
[ft]
[m]
[ft]
[m]
[ft]
[m]
[ft]
BS-8100
3 - 60
(10)*
10 - 197
(33)*
0.6 - 56
(2)*
2 - 184
(7)*
2 - 16
(7)*
7 - 52
(23)*
±0.25
±1
* Default setting
The following settings are fully configurable: Detection length, detection width, zones length,
blind length, blind width, blind zones, trigger output length and buzzer starting zone. Refer to
section 4 “Configuring the BS-8100 System”.
1.2 Object Detection Capability
Warning
•There is no detection of objects or part of an object closer than approx. 0.3m to
the sensor.
•The Brigade Backsense®radar beam has a 140° horizontal angle out to the maximum
designated width. The vertical angle is 16°. Both angles are symmetrically perpendicular
to the sensor front surface.
•All dimensions for detection of objects are nominal and vary significantly depending on
many parameters. For more details, see section “1.2.2 Factors Influencing the Detection
of Objects”.
•An object will cause a detection alert in less than 0.1 second, subject to object
properties and proximity.
•After turning on the power the system takes around 6 seconds to be active. Time from
standby to active state is less than 0.6 second.

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Notes:
•For distances below 1.3m (detection with relative speed only) or below 0.3m (no
detection) the space covered in general by radar systems is very small. In this scenario,
Backsense® may not be the most suitable solution; therefore, Brigade recommends
adding an additional or alternative detection system depending on the vehicle’s
application. For example, Brigade Backscan®, based on ultrasonic sensing technology,
offers superior detection at close ranges.
•Brigade Backsense®system is not affected if multiple systems are operating in the same
area or on the same vehicle, even if they are installed in close proximity with overlapping
detection ranges.
Tip: Brigade Backsense®detection is generally better when there is relative speed between
the sensor and the objects and when the direction of approach is perpendicular to the
sensor front face.
1.2.1 Detection Pattern
1.2.1.1 Horizontal Detection Area

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1.2.1.2 Vertical Detection Area
1.2.2 Factors Influencing the Detection of Objects
Brigade Backsense®shares in principle the advantages and limitations of all radar-based
systems when compared to other sensing technologies. In general, it can reliably detect most
objects in most environmental conditions such as dirt, dust, rain, snow, sun, fog, darkness,
acoustic noise, mechanical vibration, electromagnetic noise, or similar.
However, there are some occasions when an object could stay undetected. Radar works on
the principle of line of sight and relies on some of the electromagnetic energy transmitted by
the sensor being reflected from the object to the sensor. If an object does not reflect enough
electromagnetic energy back to the sensor it will not be detected.
In the case where there are multiple objects in the detection area at various distances and/or
angles, the sensor detects the closest object, which is the most important one for collision
avoidance.
The object properties, location and direction are key influences in determining if an object is
detected or not. The influencing factors are listed below.
•Size: Larger surfaces are detected better than smaller surfaces. If there are small and large
objects in the detection area, the smaller object might only register in Detection Zones closer
to the sensor.
•Material: Metal is detected better than non-metal materials, e.g., wood, plastic.
•Surface: A smooth and solid surface is detected better than rough, uneven, porous,
fragmented or liquid surfaces, e.g., bushes, brick work, gravel, water.
•Shape: A flat object is better detected than a complex shape. Variation in relative location
and direction can influence detection significantly.
•Angle: An object facing directly towards the sensor (perpendicular, orientation head on to
the sensor) is detected better than an object that is located towards the edges of the
detection area or at an angle.
•Distance: An object closer to the sensor is better detected than one that it is further away.
•Relative speed to sensor: Detection is better if there is a relative speed between object
and sensor.
•Ground condition: Objects on flat, mineral material ground are better detected than on
rough or metal surfaces.
•Environmental conditions: Dense dust or very heavy rain or snowfall will reduce the
detection capability.

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2 Kit Contents
System
Sensor
Display
Cable
Software
Connectivity
BS-8100
BS-9100T
BS-8100D
BS-09DCX
Available from
Brigade’s website
USB Cable
Sensor
BS-9100T
Display
BS-8100D
4 x 4 x
Sensor Fixing Kit
BS-FIX-01
Extension Cable 9m
BS-09DCX
Link Card
USB Cable
(USB standard type A plug to mini-B plug)
Optional items (not included):
Extension Cables
2m (7ft) / 5m (16ft) / 9m (29ft) / 25m (82ft)
BS-02DCX / BS-05DCX / BS-09DCX
BS-25DCSX
Adjustable Sensor Bracket
BKT-023

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Backsense BS-8100 Display USB Drive
with SW and Installation and Operation
Guides
BS-8100-USB

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3 Hardware Installation
3.1 System Connectivity

Installation Guide 7459
3.2 Installation Site
The installation site must be larger than the detection range of the intended Backsense®
System and should be relatively flat without excessive deviation. This will allow for basic
setup, configuration, and testing of the Backsense®system.
3.3 Electrical Connections
Refer to the vehicle manufacturer or bodybuilder guidelines for installation procedures and
connectivity in all applications. Ensure the positive supply connections are fused at the source.
The system connections are shown in the table below:
•Red cable to non-permanent power supply e.g., ignition.
•Black cable to ground.
•Grey cable to the activating trigger, e.g., reverse. This Activation Input changes the
system status between standby and active.
•White cable is a trigger output to activate secondary functions or devices. The white cable
is switched to ground (black cable) when an object is detected within the detection area.
For example, a secondary device could be a Brigade bbs-tek®white sound®alarm or a
light beacon to send a warning into the detection area. Simply connect the device to the
same non-permanent power supply as the red cable is connected to and use the white
cable as a negative connection. For electrical loading limits see section “6 Specifications”.
On the BS-8100 system, the distance when the trigger output is activated can be
configured.
System Connections
RED
Vehicle non-
permanent power
supply
System supply (3A blade fuse)
(Range +12V to +24V)
BLACK
Ground
Supply negative
GREY
Activation Input
Trigger from vehicle, high active
(Range above +9Vdc, up to supply voltage)
WHITE
Trigger Output
Switched to Ground when active
(Loading up to 0.5A)
3.4 Sensor Mounting and Location
Brigade Logo Readable,
Normal Orientation
Cable Exit Direction
Pointing to Bottom
Adjustment Angle
(Relative to Horizontal Plane)

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3.4.1 Sensor Direction
The sensor should be mounted in an upright position with the cable exit on the sensor pointing
downwards, such that the Brigade logo on the front of the sensor is readable when standing in
the required detection area. The front of the sensor should have line of sight to all areas where
objects should be detected.
3.4.2 Sensor Fixing
The unit is supplied with four M5x30mm screws and four M5 polymer locknuts for mounting
purposes. The recommended torque is 6Nm or 50 inch/lbs.
3.4.3 Vehicle Overhang into Detection Area
It is recommended that the mounting position on the vehicle should avoid any vehicle furniture
overhanging into the detection area, as such objects will cause false alarms (for exceptions
refer to section “1.2 Object Detection Capability”, paragraph “Warning”).
The detection area of the Brigade Backsense®radar beam has a 140° horizontal angle to the
maximum designated width and a vertical angle of 16°, see section “1.2.1 Detection Pattern”
for details.
If such a scenario is unavoidable, the Backsense®System can be configured using the Blind
Area setup feature to ignore objects in the detection area; see section “4.3.11 Blind Area
Setup”.
3.4.4 Mounting Angle
Brigade recommends mounting the radar on a bracket (available from Brigade, see Section 2
“Kit Contents”), which can have its angle adjusted relative to the horizontal plane to optimise
performance. The table below suggests adjustment angles depending on the sensor
installation height on the vehicle. Note that the angles stated are dependent on the vehicle
face that the bracket is mounted on being 90° relative to the ground.
Depending on the vehicle, working environment, and typical objects to be detected, an
adjustment of a few degrees around the suggested values can improve the detection
performance or avoid false alarms.
Installation height on vehicle
(to sensor centre point)
Adjustment angle in upward direction
from the horizontal plane
[m]
[in]
[°]
0.3m
12
0.5
0.5m
20
0.5
0.7m
28
0.5
0.9m
35
0.5
1.1m
43
0.5
1.3m
51
0
1.5m
59
0
Depending on the required mounting height of the sensor, either the angle needs to be
adjusted or the distance to ground level must be longer than the selected detection length.
3.4.5 Offset to Vehicle Centre Line Mounting
If the Brigade Backsense®System is fitted off-centre or at an angle to the vehicle centre line,
the detection area (see section “1.2.1 Detection Pattern”) is likely to be incorrect or misaligned
with the vehicle width or direction of travel.