Obstacle Sensing Systems

[HwyCruiser]

Due to my recent driveway incident that caused $400 worth of damage to my rear fascia, I’ve been researching (TMF’s suggestion) obstacle sensing systems. I’ve come across a company called Rostra Precision Controls, Inc. (www.rostra.com) that offers OEM-like ultrasonic (ParkPilot) and microwave (ROSS) systems.

The ultrasonic ParkPilot system looks to use the same type of sensors found mounted through the bumpers of Cadillacs and Towncars. They also offer an under-the-bumper sensor mounting system. Its control module is powered off the reverse lights and has a buzzer output that beeps at three intervals depending on how close the obstacle is. See here for universal installation instructions: http://www.rostra.com/pdf/Form4828A.pdf

The microwave Rostra Obstacle Sensing System (ROSS) uses sensors that can be mounted out of site behind the bumper cover. Its control module is also powered off the reverse lights but has a remote audio control unit with an LED output meant to be mounted inside the car. See here for universal installation instructions: http://www.rostra.com/pdf/ROSS%20Universal%20Instruction s.pdf
Although they don’t list a Marauder application take a look at the LeSabre and 300M applications, ours should be very similar.

Online I found the ultrasonic system for $96 and the microwave system for $199 without too much digging. I found some criticism of ultrasonic systems that their performance is dependant on the lenses being kept clean. I’m thinking the fact that the microwave sensors can be totally hidden and the technology is more “geek” it’s worth twice the price.

Anybody have any thoughts on these systems or the topic in general? I was about to shoot the gun on the microwave system and install it myself on the Marauder to help enhance my reversing skills, but I need to do more research on other systems first. I’m going to contact them to see if they are interested in documenting a Marauder/CV Sport application (similar bumper covers no?). Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

[Hotrauder]

Why don't I just ship you my wife. she is watching my azz 100% of the time. Dennis:beer:

[HwyCruiser]

Why don't I just ship you my wife. she is watching my azz 100% of the time. Dennis:beer:

Thanks, but I've got my own problems. :lol:

Back to the ROSS kit, I found a pretty good detail an installation on a minivan: http://www.odyclub.com/tech/ross/ross.htm

I'm not to crazy about the looks of the LED strip, but there's probably an easy way to beauty it up a bit.

I took a look at the bumper while I still have the rear fascia off and there are two unused nut inserts on the bottom of the bumper about the right distance apart to mount the sensors without having to remove the fascia, right at the recommended height. There are also two unused grommets that the sensor wire could be run through.

Pic (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/5/9/4/bumper.JPG) (I know, I still have to clean up the bumper).

The reverse light wiring harness comes down the driver's side trunk lid hinge and under the package tray, so that would probably be a good spot to mount the control module and pretty close to the third brake light cover on top for the LEDs.

I've got an email to their tech support for feedback. This seems like this would be an easy, relatively cheap and and useful safety mod. I even found an online distributor that's a bit cheaper yet. I think I'm hooked.

[Shora]

If you do get this, I would be very interested to know how the installation went and how well you feel the product works.

Now, where is that darn Popcorn Smiley face?

[HwyCruiser]

If you do get this, I would be very interested to know how the installation went and how well you feel the product works.

Now, where is that darn Popcorn Smiley face?

I ordered the basic ROSS kit with extension harnesses for the audio controller and LEDs. Hopefully I get everything by next weekend.

I'm planning on mounting the main control module in the trunk next to the CD changer, the audio controller under the dash somewhere, and the LEDs on the third brake light cover on the package tray. I'll probably have to so some splicing here and there but with the extension harnesses at least I'll have all the right connectors.

I'll try and detail the installation for the reviews section. Maybe even get a video of the sytem in action. Oh boy, another project!

[Shora]

I ordered the basic ROSS kit with extension harnesses for the audio controller and LEDs. Hopefully I get everything by next weekend.

I'm planning on mounting the main control module in the trunk next to the CD changer, the audio controller under the dash somewhere, and the LEDs on the third brake light cover on the package tray. I'll probably have to so some splicing here and there but with the extension harnesses at least I'll have all the right connectors.

I'll try and detail the installation for the reviews section. Maybe even get a video of the sytem in action. Oh boy, another project!

Great, I am really looking forward to it. The only suggestions that I have is to install the audio controller in the trunk as well because how often would one have to use the audio controller? Also, about your plan on installing the LED on the third brake light cover: I think that the lights would be covered up from your field of vision if someone where to sit in the middle seat. Maybe there is a way to install it up by the courtesy lights?
I know that what works for me may not work for you but I also know that I would not even attempt a self install with out consulting your experience with said item.

[HwyCruiser]

Great, I am really looking forward to it. The only suggestions that I have is to install the audio controller in the trunk as well because how often would one have to use the audio controller? Also, about your plan on installing the LED on the third brake light cover: I think that the lights would be covered up from your field of vision if someone where to sit in the middle seat. Maybe there is a way to install it up by the courtesy lights?
I know that what works for me may not work for you but I also know that I would not even attempt a self install with out consulting your experience with said item.

I'm going to take a good look at everything once I get the kit in hand. From the looks of it the buzzer is build into the audio controller and might be a bit hard to hear in the trunk, esp since I dynomatted the heck out of everything back there. I was also looking at placing the LED's on the driver's side of the overhead console so it would be in the peripheral field vision either looking in the mirror or over the shoulder. Using both the buzzer and LEDs is a belt and suspenders setup, but the LEDs also provide a diagonstic funtion on powerup.

I'll probably mock it up a few times before I button everything down. I'd like to get this done before I put the bumper cover back on to make this easier, but the sensor locations I've looked at seem to be doable even with the cover on. We'll see what their tech support has to say.

[TooManyFords]

I'll probably mock it up a few times before I button everything down. I'd like to get this done before I put the bumper cover back on to make this easier, but the sensor locations I've looked at seem to be doable even with the cover on. We'll see what their tech support has to say.

Excellent! I can't wait for you to come on up and put one in for me too!

:)

john

[fastblackmerc]

I'm very interested in this. Most of the systems have the surface mount sensors that you have to drill thru the bumper and cover. Eagerly awaiting your findings.

[HwyCruiser]

I'm very interested in this. Most of the systems have the surface mount sensors that you have to drill thru the bumper and cover. Eagerly awaiting your findings.

That's the main reason I went with the microwave sensors. I want it to work, but don't want to see it.

Their ParkPilot system uses ultrasonic sensors mounted through or under the bumper cover. Besides being visible the untrasonic sensors are effected by dirt, snow and ice on the sensor lens - but it is a less costly system and a bit easier to install so that's probably why the OEMs and dealers prefer it.

It seems the more industrial aftermarket applications (large trucks, buses, etc) go with the microwave system because of durability to the elements.


Excellent! I can't wait for you to come on up and put one in for me too!

You got it! There's gotta be someway we can modify this sucker to be more evil... maybe a rear-facing horn that goes off and scares the crap out of any pedestrians that jump in the way. :D

[HwyCruiser]

I recieved the ROSS kit today and did a visual check. See the pack of cards (middle right) as a reference to the size of the components -> Click for pic (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/1/5/9/4/ross1.JPG)

I'm really glad they improved the looks of the LED strip. It should pretty much disappear anywhere I put it against the dark charcoal interior.

Look for a write-up in the reviews section this weekend!

[TooManyFords]

Wow, that looks like a lot of stuff... I'm going to need your help JD.

btw, does the kit really come with a deck of poker cards?!

CooL!

john

[HwyCruiser]

I finished installing the ROSS kit on the Marauder yesterday. See my writeup in the reviews section:

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/reviews/showproduct.php/product/49

I had to adjust the sensors to be closer to the rear fascia after the initial installation to avoid false indications from the metal bumper. The rear of the sensors are now flush with the back of the metal bumper and extend past it about a half-inch. The instructions warns of damage to the sensors in case of collision when extended like this, but a couple of $30 replacement sensors will be the least of my problems if that happens.

I did several backing-up tests and the system seems to perform as advertised. I tried backing up to other cars, 4" metal posts and even thin parking sign posts and the system caught them pretty consistantly. Backing up while turning seems to set the system off sooner though, I assume because of the sweeping motion of objects further away than the normal 12 foot safety detection zone. The system also seems to be pretty sensitive to high curbs.

My main concern was how the system would react to while backing out of my parking garage since there are bushes on either side of the garage door. Neither the sides of the door or the bushes seemed to phase the system, so I put my daughter’s plastic “big-wheel” 6 feet outside the garage and the system caught it as expected.

For what the system was designed for it seems to fit the bill pretty nicely.

[Shora]

Well Done! My father used to have a horse that he named Well-Done, can you see the memories that you have inspired in me?

Anyway, thanks for the write-up it is very clear and well documented.

[HwyCruiser]

Well Done! My father used to have a horse that he named Well-Done, can you see the memories that you have inspired in me?

Anyway, thanks for the write-up it is very clear and well documented.

Thank you Sir! I wound up not using the extension harnesses I purchased. The basic kit came in at about $190 shipped from a distributor I found on line.

I tried to keep the installation as basic as possible. Nothing has to be removed other than a couple of factory threaded inserts in the steel bumper and having to temporarily push the trunk liner aside to get the power and indication wires into the vehicle. I did have to extend the two power wires a little with butt spices to get them to reach to the factory wire loom, but besides that the kit went in pretty painlessly.

Anyone with a ProGaurd will need to temporarily remove it to gain access to the steel bumper and brackets to mount the weatherproof control module and sensors, but once you re-install it the system will totally disappear from view under the vehicle. A ProGaurd would also help keep the components protected from the elements as much as possible.

The most sensitive area behind the bumper is an object moving within 3 feet, at which time all three LEDs are on and buzzer come on continuously. The system doesn't distinguish any closer than 3 feet, so if you want resolution down to inches there are a a few ultrasonic parking aides out there that might fit the bill better than a microwave setup. But your probably going to have to sacrifice having to make the sensors visible to get it. Cutting holes in my rear fascia or hanging do-dads from under it just wasn't an option for me.

[BruteForce]

How about a tip on where to buy? I see it at Summit for full retail.

[HwyCruiser]

How about a tip on where to buy? I see it at Summit for full retail.

I picked the kit up from Brandon Distributing. They charge a shipping and handling fee like Jegs and Summit, but still pretty competative from the other online distributors I found.

http://www.brandondist.com/products/obsens.htm

[HwyCruiser]

I put a link to a short demo of the system at the end of the review. Must have been funny to see me running around looking for things to back into. :rolleyes:

I've come to the conclusion that turning while backing just freaks the system out. You can kind of see that when I back up to the grocery cart stable. When I back out of the driveway and start the turn the system pretty much goes crazy. The lateral movement of big bushes across the street must look like a trainwreak waiting to happen to the motion sensors. I tried backing into my garage and it didn't want any part of it. Heck, I have trouble getting the car straight enough to back it in properly and it has a pretty tall ramp to get over.

I hope all this provides enough feedback to those who have been tracking this to make an educated purchase on the system. Personally, I feel that it provides pretty reliable warning while backing up. I just may save me from the random wall / car / pole / big wheel that jumps behind me, and that's about what I was looking for.

[fastblackmerc]

I live an hour or so from the company that manufactures the system. If we can get some type of group buy from them I can save us on the shipping by picking them up from the company.

[TooManyFords]

I'm still sorry it took replacing the rear fascia to get this done, but I do sincerely thank you for the due diligence in writing this all up for us. As soon as I can drive my car, this will be the next mod. I'll even swing down to your place so you can help me put it on.

Cheers!

john

[fastblackmerc]

I just got my ROSS system in the mail today. I'll have it installed for MV5. Will take plenty of pictures.

[Aren Jay]

Does the microwave one also work with your cruise control?

[HwyCruiser]

The sensors are powered up by the reverse taillight circuit, so I guess if you had the cruise on in reverse there may be an issue... :eek:

Anyway, the system still works great after nine-odd months. The only nuisance is backing out while turning freaks it out, but this isn't exactly weapons-grade technology. I haven't backed into any more unoccupied cars so that's a good thing. :o

[rayjay]

Maybe I should look into this too. Backed into a support post at the condo I was staying at on vacation. $300 to fix my bumper cover, $165 to replace a 8x8" post that should not have broken in half. My minor hit was the final straw for the post.

[CanadaMarauder]

How about this..cheap and seems ok...haven't tried it though
http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3 Efolder_id=1408474396672436&bmUID=1185065111920&PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455244432 99078&assortment=primary&fromSearch=true