We put video parktronic - nuances

What is parking sensors, today it is not necessary to explain: on many modern cars it is installed in one of the configurations, and sometimes in the base one. Once it was a sound device that gives signals in case of detection of obstacles when moving backwards. Now “in trend” is video parking sensors (another name is parking radar), which gives a clear picture of what is happening behind the “stern” of the car and in front of it. There are also systems that work in a circle.

What are parking sensors

There are many classifications of products, the most popular of which are worth considering in more detail. Today, devices that function through the use of ultrasonic, electromagnetic waves or a laser are popular.

US based systems

Special miniature sensors are installed on the machine. Location - rear, front bumper (you can use both). The ultrasound system, in addition to the sensors, includes a control unit and a monitor that work as follows:

• ✅ pulses with a frequency of approximately 40 kHz are received from the control unit to the sensors
  
• ✅ when obstacles appear on the path of ultrasound (distance - up to 2 m), it is reflected and hits the sensor microphone
  
• ✅ sensor sends data to the control unit
  
• ✅ the received information is displayed (it is possible to use a multimedia monitor)
  

The screen displays the distance to the obstacle in the form of lines, dashes, dots or a full picture, depending on the type of device. The situation is duplicated by sound signals.

Electromagnetic and laser rangefinders

The first version of parking sensors works by calculating the degrees of radiation between several sensors. One of them receives a radio wave, the second measures the amplitude of the oscillations. When an obstacle appears, the connection between the sensors is broken, more precisely, it becomes different. The results obtained help to calculate the distance to the appeared object, which is what the control unit does. Similar parking sensors are common in Western Europe, the USA. Devices can be installed inside the bumper without changing the exterior of the car. However, such systems are more expensive.

Laser parking sensors allow you to determine the distance to an object hundreds of meters and are quite expensive. Used in premium car models and unmanned vehicles. For example, if some obstacle appears on the track, the system will give an audio and video signal long before it is approached.

Classification by the number of sensors and the method of information transmission

In the first case, this refers to the number of sensors connected to the control unit. A couple of sensors have little capability and can form blind spots. A set of 4 sensors shows a more complete picture and is the most popular. Six or eight sensors are capable of transmitting absolutely accurate information, but they are more expensive.

The signal can be transmitted over wires or without them. The first option is cheaper, but will require more effort when pulling wires. It will be necessary to drill holes in the body to connect to the control unit. Wireless systems are more convenient in this regard, but they also have disadvantages: the signal is slightly delayed and there is a risk of poor performance of the sensors in bad weather, “unauthorized” switching on when other electronic devices are in the car.

Types of parking sensors by completeness

Inexpensive systems only produce a sound in the event of an obstacle. These devices are outdated and are hardly used today. The second variety includes a display that shows the distance to the object in the form of informative strips and graphics. A good option is a monitor that transmits a video image, like in a movie, especially if it is built into the salon mirror.

Parktronics by method and place of installation

The simplest models involve installing sensors in the bumper and connecting to the control unit via wires or electromagnetic waves. At the same time, in an inexpensive version, stripes, dots of different colors will be displayed on a linear multi-segment display, signaling an approach to an obstacle. More complex devices involve the use of a graphic monitor indicating the distance to the object. The next "step" is the use of a rear view camera. The most expensive of them are built into the mirror.

What to look for when choosing

First, decide if you need sensors on the front bumper. If you feel at least a little about the dimensions of the car, you should refuse frontal sensors. As for those at the back, choose their number - the more sensors, the less “blind” zones and the higher the cost of the kit. Most often, from 4 to 6 products are installed. The next parameter is the distance at which the system starts to work. In practice, an average of two meters is enough. And the last point is to choose a brand.

PARKMASTER 4-FJ-40

A simple inexpensive wired Chinese model is a parking sensor with four sensors with a diameter of 18,8 mm, equipped with a display unit (yellow and red stripes). The latter is fixed in a suitable place in the cabin using double-sided tape. A visor is provided for protection from the sun. The sound volume is not adjustable, but the cost is affordable.

PARKMASTER 234

There is already a graphic display and 4 sensors mounted on plastic inserts. The kit includes an LCD-monitor, which displays the distance to the nearest object in meters. It can be installed with a stand or mounted on the ceiling near the rearview mirror, which is the best. Advantages:

• ✅ XNUMX step volume control
  
• ✅ sensor sensitivity setting
  
• ✅ the presence of a memory function for protruding body elements (for example, a spare wheel or a towbar)
  

Parking sensors are affordable, but require the arrangement of connecting cables: you will have to drill the body or lay wires into existing technological holes.

AAALINE LCD-18 inside

Device with eight sensors and graphic display. One of the features is the possibility of hidden installation of sensors that will not spoil the appearance of the car. Advantages:

• ✅ level setting (one of five) volume
  
• ✅ turn on / off or configure any of the 8 sensors
  
• ✅ sensitivity adjustment
  
• ✅ the presence of an information display indicating the distance to the obstacle
  

Of the negative sides, it is worth mentioning only the complexity of installation and the relatively high cost.

Incar PT-1044B

This parking sensor is suitable for cars that do not have a multimedia monitor “by state”. However, even if it is, a display showing the situation in front and behind the car will not be superfluous. The screen also displays numbers showing the distance to the obstacle. If necessary, the monitor is folded. Attracts the cost: it is even lower than some models with a linear display.

Park Master 22-4-A

The device can be considered hidden: the sensors are mounted inside the bumper, and the monitor is installed in the cabin mirror (attached on top of the regular one). Peculiarities:

• ✅ in the off state, the display is not visible
  
• ✅ 4 sensors
  
• ✅ operating temperature range - from -40 С° to +85 С°
  
• ✅ the presence of self-diagnosis and false alarm functions
  
• ✅ the set includes spacer rings for adjusting the angle of inclination of the sensors
  

Of the minuses, it is worth highlighting the low quality of the mirror itself and the lack of display brightness adjustment. But it is a democratic value.

What to choose?

It all depends on the preferences of the car owner and his financial capabilities. Some people do not like an overly cluttered torpedo: systems with a graphic or linear thin display, fixed somewhere on the ceiling, can be recommended for this. Someone, on the contrary, likes to decorate a budget car with a display. Installing expensive or not so difficult systems does not cause any difficulties: everything is described and explained on the box or in the instructions.