'QuadCruise' - Speed and Spray Control for ATVs

The QuadCruise is a new version of the MotorCycle Setup motorcycle cruise control. It is designed to operate at speeds as low as 6 km/h (4 mph). It has also been designed to provide power to any crop spray system fitted to the ATV (Quad) - either manually, or only when the cruise control is engaged.
This means that spray operation can be set to occur only when the vehicle speed is held at the appropriate set speed on the cruise control.

The speed control can be set to a specific speed to spray a row by pressing the SET button, and turned off at the end of the row with the brake lever. The RES button can be used to set the vehicles' speed back to the previous speed. The spray system will turn on and off with the speed control, when the spray switch is in the AUTO position.

To engage the speed control you accelerate the vehicle to the desired speed and press the 'SET' button. You can over-ride the vehicle, if desired, by using the throttle. When the throttle is released the speed control will take over again at the previous set speed.

		To increase the set speed the "SET" key may be pressed and held. The speed will gradually increase until the key is released. The speed control will then maintain the new speed. Alternatively the "Tap up" feature allows you to increase the speed by about 0.5 KPH (1/3 MPH) each time the "SET" key is momentarily pressed.
To decrease the set speed the "RES" key may be used in the same way as the "SET" key, but this will reduce the speed instead of increasing it.

If the speed control is disengaged by the brake application, it may be resumed by pressing the "RES" key. The vehicle will accelerate or decelerate to the previous set speed. The cruise control will also hold the last 'set' speed in memory, even if the vehicle ignition switch is turned off.

On most ATV's the gear selection is also monitored to prevent the speed control being engaged if the vehicle is not in gear or to disengage the cruise control if neutral is selected. Other ATV's have a system that compares engine revs to road speed, and this is used to disengage the cruise if neutral or another gear is selected.

The principles behind the control are very simple:

• The computer monitors the frequency of electrical impulses generated by the speed sensor. This may be the vehicles' speedometer sender or ignition signal, or a speed sensor provided with the cruise control, depending on the model of ATV (Quad) it is fitted to;
  
  
• When the SET key is pressed, the computer stores the pulse frequency at the time in memory and then continuously adjusts the vacuum actuator, which controls the throttle to maintain the pulse frequency at the same figure to which it was set. If the frequency drops below the set frequency, the computer applies more throttle. If the frequency is above the set frequency, the computer backs the throttle off. The computer monitors and reacts to changes very quickly and smoothly so that the speed effectively remains nearly constant.

There are six major components in most kits, the computer, the vacuum reservoir, the vacuum actuator, the cable interface unit (CIU), the switch and the loom. Some kits also include a speed sensor where necessary.

The functions of each are described below:

1. The computer - monitors ground speed, adjusts the throttle by controlling the vacuum actuator and monitors the switch, brake system and neutral gear selection for instructions from these components;
2. The vacuum reservoir - provides a stable vacuum source to ensure good response from the speed control in all conditions.
3. The vacuum actuator - controls the throttle by pulling or releasing a cable which attaches to the carburettor via the cable interface unit (CIU);
4. The CIU - translates the motion from the throttle grip and the vacuum actuator to the carburettor via a new cable supplied in the kit;
5. The switch - sends instructions from the operator to the computer;
6. The electrical loom - connects the computer, the vacuum actuator, and the switch to the vehicle's electrical system and speed sensor.

Mounting brackets and other components are made to suit specific ATV models. Most brackets supplied with the speed control are laser cut from '304' grade stainless steel. The calibration of the computer and ratios in the CIU are also set up to suit the specific model of ATV. Covers are provided for components for protection, as needed.

Alterations to the ATV are minimal and generally easy, if required. Electrical connection is simply a matter of plugging the cruise control loom into the vehicles' loom in most cases, as the same type of electrical connectors as those used on the vehicle are provided. If alterations to the vehicle loom are required, all terminals for connection are supplied in the kit. In most cases, electrical components for the speed control are placed in the ATV's luggage locker at the rear of the vehicle. Suitable grommets are provided on the wiring loom to seal any holes cut in the locker.

The installation instructions provided with the cruise control are very detailed and have photographs of every step of the installation. A comprehensive trouble shooting guide is also provided, including a full electrical schematic diagram.