Bendix ABS is designed in Germany by another "small" company. The Bendix traditional-Technology ABS works like a charm, but not the new digital network ones with J1939 network. It's J1939 protocol design is very bad. Almost every time, when there is any issue on a new J1939 network for a new Motor Home/Trucks product, Bendix is the trouble maker. And the real issue is: Bendix never fix those issues. So, don't be surprise if you found it is not working right on your new Coach or Trucks. Funny N. New Bedford, MA http://www.AuElectronics.selfip.com ----- Original Message ---- From: Jake Anderson To: Microcontroller discussion list - Public. Sent: Saturday, January 26, 2008 7:40:18 PM Subject: Re: [EE]:: ABS increases stopping distance by typically 20%+ on gravel surfaces > > GM makes the most "brain dead" ABS system on the market for use with their > "mainstream" models. It uses the cheapest and fewest wheel sensors, > relatively crude brake modulators and the simplest braking algorithm. The > reason they pulled ABS as standard was two-fold: 1) Cost and 2) It only > worked well if you just hammered the brake pedal to the floor and kept it > there (letting the ABS system totally control the braking). They had a lot > of problems with drivers pumping the brakes (as they were taught to do), > which caused the ABS system to modulate braking on top of the user > modulating it... very bad. There were accidents (and legal actions) caused > by this so it's no wonder GM no longer supplies it as standard equipment. > On the other hand, I've heard the ABS systems on Cadillacs and Corvettes > are quite excellent. Amazing, huh? > I was under the impression that "pumping" the brake pedal was always a bad idea. If you don't have ABS and you can't threshold brake (which is most likely) you lock it up unless/until you need to steer. Just randomly pumping it sounds like it will just extend your stopping distance and given all those shocks of going into and out of a skid it seems like there would be a larger chance of getting sideways. I guess it all boils down to knowing your vehicle. When you buy an airplane you get "checked out" on it as a rule and this is for people who know their stuff. Perhaps a similar idea would be a good thing for cars. You buy it then the dealer/certified person takes you for a 20 minute drive with some emergency stops and cornering in it. As well as telling you how to turn your fog lights off when there is no actual fog. -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist ____________________________________________________________________________________ Looking for last minute shopping deals? Find them fast with Yahoo! Search. http://tools.search.yahoo.com/newsearch/category.php?category=shopping -- http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist