Rostra(not Audiovox) Cruise Control on Gen6?

I searched the forums for any info on installing the Rostra Electronic CC on the Gen6, but didn't find anything.
I've done several installs of the older Audiovox unit(the one that draws vacuum) on carbed bikes, but the electronic Rostra is appealing because it
eliminates the vacuum canister, etc.

The Rostra unit draws its signal from the VSS, which, if I understand the Gen6's wiring diagram correctly, there is one on the left side
of the engine case. The question is, which is the appropriate VSS wire to connect to? Wire color?

Thanks in advance, and I'll post install pics for future reference.

 

There's only one VSS feed on the 4th-6th gens, and it's pink. It runs from the speed sensor to the ECU and also the speedo. I've read that other Hondas, e.g., ST1300s and Gold Wings, require the use of a /4 signal divider and a 47K Ohm 1/2 Watt resistor on the pink wire, however, for the Rostra to function correctly. No idea if that's entirely true, as I'm just working on the circuit at the moment and don't even have the Rostra unit in my hands. HTH.

I'm probably going to use the illuminated 2004-05 Gold Wing switch pod (35130-MCA-A21) as my controller, with (if they fit) one LED for power ON and one LED for ENGAGED wired into the switch pod. The F6B version doesn't have "Reverse", so the lower label plate (35135-MJG-A10) from that bike doesn't have the annoying "RVS" switch label, so I will probably use that.

Ciao,

 

Thank you. Please let me know how you were able to make the VSS signal work. I already have the CC unit, Control pad, and VSS wiring kit.

 

Lol, I didn't say I'd made it work, but there is only one signal wire from the speed sensor on these bikes, so it's either that, or fit a dedicated WSS. What I've read on the Web is that the signal is usable, but must be divided by 4. I haven't bought the Rostra unit yet.

Ciao,

 

If you have an ABS model you should be able to use the wheel sensors for the signal.

 

Yes, forgot about that. My ST1300 does have ABS. However, most installs I've seen described on the Web leave the ABS alone and use the speedo/ECU VSS. Maybe the signal is different?

Ciao,

 

Actually, after further reading I think people avoid using the ABS wheel speed signal out of fear of messing up the ABS. Any bike with ABS certainly has an electronic speedo as well, so the safer option is to tap into that signal (or use a separate WSS using magnets, etc.)

The big question with a Rostra Global Cruise is where to fit the massive servo unit. I don't even know if it will fit on a VFR (I know it fits on an ST1300--I've seen pics!). There's a thread on ADV showing the Rostra servo unit opened up, and apparently someone has managed to separate the servo part from the controller circuit board (but doesn't recommend it). Interesting pics. Splitting the box into two would make it easier to install on a VFR, but some internal sensors that are currently located on the back of the PCB would need to be duplicated on a new lid, so it's quite involved and still might not solve the space problem.

I think I've now got my ciruitry figured out as much as I can, given that I don't have an actual Rostra unit to play with, at least as far as my ST1300 is concerned. If there is some place on my 5th gen Fi1 to put it, I might install one on that bike as well. The circuitry should be very similar to the ST1300 (and to the 6th gen), and I'd probably want to use the same GW1800 switch pod.

FYI, I don't know if the resistor I mentioned earlier is absolutely necessary--but it's something I've seen used.

Ciao,

 

Guys, look what I found - will this work? http://www.thecruisecontrolstore.com/250-4379-vss-signal-divider-interface/
This unit divides the signal by 4, and shipping is free with promo code FREESHIP

 

Yes, but... If you read the various Rostra threads (I think the ST1300 one, specifically) you will read that the Rostra VSS signal divider may have issues. I haven't heard if it was true, or was resolved, but I wouldn't buy one myself until I knew for sure. The Canadian adjustable one isn't too much more expensive anyway.

Ciao,