2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42
The supply of cars with electronic assistants has long been a mandatory item in their optional provision. Most modern foreign cars receive a wide range of such assistants at the stage of factory preparation. However, such an upgrade is not cheap, so economical motorists decide on such improvements in a separate order. Not every system is available for self-assembly, but tape parking sensors are quite suitable for installation in a garage. With proper installation, the driver can count on the effective assistance of the device in the parking process, implemented for little money.
Features of tape parking sensors
The main part of such devices on the market are traditional parking radars, which include touch sensors. Models using ribbons as work items have appeared recently. It cannot be said that this is a more technologically advanced and efficient device, but due to its affordability and ease of installation, it has won the love of many motorists. During operation, the electromagnetic tape parktronic forms a zone around itself, which allows you to track the approach of the car to various objects. The main difference of such a system is the use of tape instead of classic sensors. Actually, this is the reason for the simplified installation, which does not require mechanical installation of functional elements in a body niche or bumper. It is enough to stick the tape, which forms the sensor tracking field.
Components of the system
With all the variety of tape radars, their equipment is quite standardized. It is noteworthy that only in rare cases do manufacturers seek to expand the basic sets. This is largely due to the simple principle of operation of the main functional elements, which are inexpensive. So, the main set of the system includes a block with hardware stuffing, a directly metallized tape, speakers or other indicators that give a signal to the driver. Such a set is enough for the tape induction parktronic to perform its tasks on any car. Another thing is that, depending on specific needs, one should approach the selection of individual elements differently.
Varieties of the system
Models of this type are divided mainly by the method of indication, since the principle of operation for all tape radars is the same - electromagnetic, based on induction. Light, noise and combined devices can be used as indicators. At the moment of activation, a signal is sent from the sensor strip to the main device, from which the driver is notified. The most common Park-Lines tape parktronic with a beeper, whichsends sound signals. That is, at the moment the car approaches a third-party object, the radar begins to emit characteristic sounds. Typically, the intensity of the sound increases as the risk of collision increases. Often there are also models with visual indication. In this case, a display with a scale is used, on which individual items light up in accordance with the approach of the car to other cars or a curb. Combined display radars alert the driver through both a noise alarm and a display.
Operation principle
The action of the device is mainly designed to fix the danger caused by the approach of the car to foreign objects. This task is implemented according to the principle that is laid down in metal detectors. The simplest devices of this type use detectors that respond to frequency fluctuations in the observed zone. That is, there is an analysis of the influences from external objects. Unlike a metal detector, which detects only objects made of specific materials, an electromagnetic tape parktronic reacts to almost everything: from soil and curbs to the human body. Thus, when a third-party object appears in the field of action, indicators come into play that send a signal to the driver. Against the background of a change in the frequency of oscillations, the sound or visual effect also changes its character - it intensifies or weakens. I must say that the main function of the device can be supplemented by a surveillance camera. But such an addition often costs several times more than the main set, so shooting is rarely used. Usually, owners of more expensive traditional parking sensors use this combination.
Where is the best place to mount the radar?
There are few options, but there is a choice. The rear of the car must be provided as the most problematic in terms of visibility. Also, the complete set provides for the installation of a tape on the front bumper. Fasteners on the side parts are less common, but this option is also possible. In any case, the danger zones are determined based on personal experience in driving the machine. Since tape parktronics are equipped with indicators in the form of the same beepers and displays, it is necessary to find a place for components of this type. Again, the indicators should be positioned so that their action achieves the main goal of alerting the driver, regardless of road conditions. At the same time, devices should not cause inconvenience and interfere. So, the beeper is usually installed on the dashboard or rear shelf of the car. The display should be placed in the dashboard area.
Installation of tape parking sensors
No need to drill the bumper or body, of course, facilitates installation operations, but does not eliminate other procedures. Usually, the bumper is removed before installing the tape. To do this, carefully unscrew the special caps with clamps. It is important to note here that the tape should pass exactly along the central part of the bumper, since in other places the device will not work correctly. When the element is removed, it should be thoroughly rinsed, and then proceed to gluing. There are examples when a parking sensor with a tape sensor was installed without dismantling the bumper. From the outside, such an operation seems simpler, but in practice only a skilled craftsman can perform it, especially if the work is done without a special lift. When the tape is fixed, you can proceed to electrical measures. Through the trunk, wiring is carried out with the connection of the tape to the main microprocessor and adjacent indicators.
How much?
In terms of efficiency and reliability, this is not the best version of the parking radar, but the low price attracts a considerable part of motorists to the tape device. The simplest models from a Chinese manufacturer cost 1-1.5 thousand rubles. The amount is small and the quality is appropriate. As a rule, these are models assembled by hand from components of dubious origin.
What else is important to consider in such devices is the impossibility of adjusting the sensitivity indicators. This means that the tape may not be suitable, for example, for a car with a very low ground clearance. For 3-4 thousand rubles. on the market you can buy tape parking sensors from Italian companies. In this case, you can count on a clean and neat soldering of the element base, the use of high-quality microcircuits and a useful set with fasteners. As for sensitivity adjustment, usually models in this category are configured in several modes that allow you to optimize the sensors for a specific machine.
Positive feedback on tape parking sensors
Like the use of any other parking sensors, this system causes a lot of flattering responses from car owners. Devices of this type are praised for providing the ability to perform easy maneuvers without unnecessary nerves. This is especially important for beginners who need full control of the car during the parking process. In addition, easy installation is noted, which stands out for the tape parking sensors. The reviews emphasize that, subject to the correct handling of the bumper, the owner of the car will only need to stick the strip in the right place and connect it to the indicators. For comparison: traditional radars must be installed by drilling for each sensor, respectively, not every car owner can do this without professional help.
Negative reviews
The low cost could not but affect the individual nuances of operation, which cannot be attributed to the advantages of tape radars. One of the main drawbacks noted by the owners themselves is the impossibility of determining objects without changing the distance to them. That is, the system controls the approach to another car, but if the car is initially close to the object, then it falls out of the attention zone.
There are other unpleasant moments of operation that the electromagnetic tape parktronic sins. Reviews, for example, also note a high frequency of false positives. This applies especially toinexpensive Chinese models that do not provide the ability to automatically turn off some zones. For example, when it snows or rains, you can count on the indicators to be as effective as when approaching another vehicle.
Alternative solutions
The choice is small, but classic ultrasonic sensors should be put in the first place as an alternative. These are exactly the devices that require insertion into the bumper, which complicates installation. But if we discard the inconvenience in installation, then the motorist will be able to count on the manufacturability and functionality of such radars. If the tape-type parking sensors win due to the affordable price and ease of installation, then the ultrasonic models are distinguished by their accuracy of operation, a wide range of settings and reliability in operation. In addition, for those who are afraid of the complexity of mounting by inserting sensors, it is worth recommending systems with clamp-on sensors.
Conclusion
The fashion for equipping cars with electronic assistants has not only positive aspects. Numerous assistants consume excess energy, also require maintenance and do not always justify the investment. However, tape parktronics can be called an exception. Their work provides for a minimum level of energy supply, but the parking radar function eliminates risks in the process of performing difficult manipulations on the road. We can say that any system that facilitatesparking. But the advantages of tape models also include low cost and ease of installation.
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