Blind spot monitoring systems are a popular safety upgrade for clients of Extreme Audio in Midlothian and Mechanicsville. We’ve researched many solutions to find products that deliver the performance, features and reliability that our customers have come to expect. Because vehicles differ in design features, there is no one-size-fits-all application. This article examines the features and performance of the USA Spec BSM 200 and the Rydeen BSS2LPBC system.
What is the USA Spec BSM 200?
The BSM 200 is our go-to solution for cars with plastic bumper covers. This system uses a pair of OEM-grade microwave sensors that we mount in the rear corners of the vehicle to watch for cars or trucks in your blind spot. The system integrates with the OBD-2 interface in your vehicle to know when you are changing lanes and how fast the vehicle is moving. The BSM 200 automatically switches to a cross-traffic alert system when you are backing up.
What is the Rydeen BSS2LPBC?
Primarily used on trucks and SUVs with metal rear bumpers, the Rydeen BSS2LPBC is a blind spot detection system that mounts to the top or bottom of the license plate on the back of your vehicle. The system functions similarly to the BSM 200 in that it will alert you when a vehicle approaches yours from behind or beside when in cross-traffic alert mode. The BSS2LPBC includes a backup camera that we can feed to a screen on your dash to making parking and maneuvering safer.
Blind Spot Monitoring System Feature Comparison Chart
Unit Rydeen BSS2LPBC USA Spec BSM 200
Works with Metal Bumpers Yes No
Cross-traffic Alert when Reversing Yes Yes
LED Indicators and Audible Warning Yes Yes
OBD-2 Communication for Speed and Signals No Yes
Stealth/Invisible Installation No Yes
Senses Vehicles Traveling at the Same Speed No Yes
Senses Vehicle Slowly Moving Away from You No Yes
Simulates OEM Blind Spot System Functionality No Yes
The Challenge of Metal Bumpers
If you drive a truck or SUV, it’s likely that the rear bumper on the vehicle is made of metal. Microwave signals from the BSM 200 can’t penetrate metal, so you need to use the BSS2LPBC to monitor the area beside and behind your vehicle.
Cross-traffic Alert System
When you are backing up, these blind spot monitoring systems change the shape of their microwave patterns to detect vehicles approaching from the sides of your vehicle. This feature helps to reduce close calls and accidents when you are reversing out of a parking space in a shopping center or onto a street.
LED Indicators and Audible Warnings
Both of our blind spot systems include LED indicators that our installation team will mount on or near the A-pillars in your vehicle. When the system detects an object in your blind spot, the indicators will illuminate. If you activate your turn signal while someone is in your blind spot, the indicators flash and an audible alert will sound to warn you not to change lanes.
OBD-2 Communication for Speed and Signals
The BSM 200 interfaces with the digital data communication network in 2004 and newer vehicles to capture vehicle speed, reverse indicator and turn signal activation. The BSS2LPBC uses a hard-wired connection to the turn signals and reverse lights, but GPS to calculate vehicle speed. There may be a short delay in getting speed information when you first start the vehicle, and GPS does not function underground or where there is no clear view of the sky. To ensure your safety, the BSS2LPBC always provides warnings when the GPS does not detect vehicle speed, but these may be false alarms when you are maneuvering in and out of a parking spot.
Stealth/Invisible Installation
The microwave sensors included with the USA Spec BSM 200 mount behind the plastic bumper cover on the rear of your vehicle and are completely invisible once in place. The Rydeen system mounts to your license plate and remains visible. The bar is compact, measuring about 1 inch in height, and extends the width of your license plate.
Senses Vehicles Traveling at the Same Speed
The BSM 200 is capable of detecting vehicles that are traveling at the same speed as you. The BSS2LPBC may not detect a vehicle that is in a fixed position relative to your car, truck or SUV.
Senses Vehicle Slowly Moving Away from You
The BSM 200 is capable of detecting vehicles that are moving slowly away from your vehicle. The BSS2LPBC may not detect a vehicle that is moving slowly relative to your vehicle.
Simulates OEM Blind Spot System Functionality
Factory-installed blind spot monitoring systems provide warnings and alerts that most closely replicate the functionality of the BSM 200. For this reason, if you have operated a vehicle that came with a blind spot monitoring system, you will be most familiar with the functionality of the BSM 200.
If your vehicle has a metal rear bumper, you have to use the BSS2LPBC.
Richmond’s Vehicle Safety System Experts
We hope that this article helps explain the different features and functionality of the blind spot monitoring systems we offer. If you are interested in a system for your car, truck or SUV, drop by one of our Richmond-area stores and speak to a member of our team. They will help you choose the system that provides the safety system functionality you desire. For more information or to schedule a consultation, send us an e-mail using our contact page.
Arnold Avina says
I live in Pasadena, Texas 77505 and am interested in a Rydeen BSS2LPBC system for my 2023 Tacoma SR5 Double Cab with a metal rear bumper. Do you have any Rydeen authorized installers in my area?
Mike Bartells says
You may try the following dealer. I’m not sure if they are a Rydeen dealer or not, but they have a good reputation and may offer that or something equivalent. Custom Car Stereo
Contact: Daniel Marks
Phone: 1-713-981-8455
E-Mail: dsmarks@customcarstereo.com
Website: http://www.customcarstereo.com