dbp@dataio.UUCP (Dave Pellerin) (08/14/84)
> > Pellerin lists as requirements for an aftermarket cruise control > a clutch cutoff and a "tilt" cutoff. The Escort cruise control > has provision no provision for a clutch or tilt cutoff, since > its runs off engine rprm. It is sensitive to rate-of-change of > rpm, and will cut off if you step on the clutch without taking > your foot off the gas. For the same reasom it does not need a tilt. > It does however have provision for being deactivated by the > backup light switch. > The nice feature of using engine rpm as the speed input is > that it obviates the need for magnets on the drive shaft. > > Herman Silbiger > I'm not familiar with the Escort system; however, from my experience with other systems, I can see some serious drawbacks. The first drawback is the inability to shift gears without re-setting the cruise. You may never need to do this in your 280-Z or Porshe, but if you ever haul a trailer or climb long hills, it's real nice to be able to shift between fourth and fifth (or whatever) at will. Another problem is bound to arise when an RPM sensing system is installed on a car with an automatic tranny. The slippage that always occurs in a non-lockup transmission varies depending on the load; therefore the car will slow down on hills, in headwinds, etc. More serious is the lack of a 'tilt' sensor. This is a very simple device to install if you don't have one. Of course you would never drive when drunk or tired and run off the road, but it's not hard to imagine someone under the influence of both Jack Daniels and Escort cruising comatose down the median strip, bouncing off other cars, and generally ruining everybody's day. NUFF SED !! - Dave PS to late model GM cruisers: Well excuuuse me! The worst C/C I ever used was a factory job on a 77 Olds: Off/On switch on the dash and a set button on the turn signal.
hrs@houxb.UUCP (H.SILBIGER) (08/17/84)
Although I doubt that many people are in the habit of cruising in fourth gear, there is no big problem in "resetting" the cruise control. The control which is used to set your speed acts like a manual throttle (remember when all cars had these?) and it has enough range to set speeds between 40 and 70 in both 4th and 5th. on the Escort. The Escort also comes in a manual and auto version, but I dont't know what parameters are different in the two versions. Herman Silbiger