Overview Of Cruise Control Operation - Honda Goldwing GL1200 Installation Manual

5.

OVERVIEW OF CRUISE CONTROL OPERATION

The principles behind your cruise control's operation are very simple:
• The computer continuously monitors the frequency of electrical pulses generated by magnets passing the
sensor;
• When the SET key on the switch is pressed the computer stores the pulse frequency at the time in memory
and then continuously adjusts the vacuum actuator, which controls the carburettors 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 turns the throttle
off. The key is that the computer monitors and reacts to changes very quickly and smoothly so that the
speed effectively remains nearly constant.
There are seven major components in your kit: the computer, the vacuum actuator, the cable interface unit, the
speed sensor, the switch, the loom and the ECS (Electronic Clutch Switch). The functions of each are described
below:
• the computer - monitors road speed, adjusts the throttle by controlling the vacuum actuator, monitors the
switch and brake system for instructions from these components;
• the vacuum actuator - controls the carburettors by pulling or releasing a cable which attaches to the
carburettors via the cable interface unit (CIU);
• the CIU - translates the motion from the throttle grip and the vacuum actuator to the carburettors via a new
cable supplied in the kit;
• the speed sensor - generates electrical pulses when the bike is in motion;
• the switch - sends instructions from the rider to the computer;
• the electrical loom - which connects the switch, the computer, the vacuum actuator, the sensor and the brake
system.
• The ECS - monitors engine speed through the ignition system and disengages the cruise control if a rapid
increase in engine revs occurs - for example, if the clutch is operated accidentally while the cruise control is
engaged.
The cable interface unit is a new component developed and patented by MotorCycle Setup and is the key to safe
cruise control operation on motorcycles. An understanding of how it works should help you avoid making
mistakes during installation.
The following diagrams show the basic assembly procedure and operating principles of the cruise control Cable
Interface Unit (CIU). The actual entry points of cables and the direction of rotation may differ depending on the
model of the motor cycle, but the principles involved remain the same. Specific assembly instructions are
provided later within this manual.
In order to improve the clarity of the diagrams, the multiple holes in the dual spool have been omitted, with only
the actual holes used for the cable nipples being shown.
Honda Goldwing GL1200 ©
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