Electromagnetic parking radars: overview, description, types and reviews

The optional equipment of cars gradually turns into the status of mandatory equipment. This does not happen with all devices, and mostly in middle-class and higher models, but in the following years, this process will most likely only increase the intensity. Parktronics can be safely put in a number of options that have already become a necessity. Demand is not only traditional configurations, but also alternative versions. For example, the parking radar electromagnetic due to its advantages makes a serious competition to ultrasonic models. Easy installation and functionality are the main factors that made this system popular.

What is the feature of electromagnetic models?

In essence, this is the same classic parking radar, but instead of sensors, metalized tapes are used. Actually, their electromagnetic influence determined the name of the systems. Detector material is installed on bumpers without the need for special holes, as is the case with conventional parktronics. In order to understand the principle of interaction between the system and the driver, one should remember what a parking radar is in the traditional design. This device, which by means of sensors captures the radiation of approaching objects and on the basis of this information sends the corresponding signals to the board-computer. At the last stage, the driver is notified through the speaker system, lights or display.

A similar operating principle is supported by models without sensors, but the approach to primary hazard indication is somewhat different. In the process of operation, electromagnetic parking radars propagate wave radiation and on the basis of resistance signals also fix the approaching objects.

Types of parktronics

Still, the basic division involves classification into ultrasonic and tape devices. Models of the first type are considered a more qualitative and thorough implementation of the principle of parktronics. Sensors work efficiently regardless of external influences, providing high information content. And this is not all the advantages that traditional parking sensors have. Ultrasound or electromagnetic radar is preferable - this is an ambiguous question, but you can answer it if you initially determine the requirements for the system. If reliability of a signal and range of perception of obstacles is necessary, it is necessary to choose ultrasonic models. If, on the first place, the interests of economy and accessibility of installation go, then it is better to turn to electromagnetic devices. But this is a general comparison, since there are many other nuances of exploitation. As for the varieties in the class of electromagnetic models, they basically differ in the way the signal is transferred from the tape to the on-board computer and the approaches to alerting the driver.

Package Contents

The composition of the kit is rather narrow, but functional. The basis is an electronic unit that performs the processing of incoming signals, metallized tape and means of warning. In the future, these components form a system that more closely resembles a radar rather than a radar sonar. However, and here not all is unequivocal. The matter is that there are complete sets assuming wireless transmission of a signal from a tape. Such models may well be called radars, but most often there is a parking electromagnetic radar wire type in which the electronic unit communicates with the active elements by means of a cable. Separately, it is worth considering and means of indication. The basic equipment rarely provides a rich choice of such equipment, but if desired, you can acquire additional warning systems. So, if in the standard the user receives only one buzzer for the noise indication, in order to expand the functionality, it is possible to provide the possibility of informing through the LCD or LED lighting.

Nuances of installation

Installation is one of the main advantages of electromagnetic systems. The user only needs to perform a few actions. First of all, the bumper is prepared - it is necessary to provide for the possibility of sticking the tape underneath or on the back side. When all working surfaces are cleaned, you can proceed to directly glue the metalized tape. At the next stage, electromagnetic parking radars are connected to the electronic system. The most common is a wired method, so you should anticipate in advance the possibility of carrying the cable through the trunk into the cabin. Of course, for convenience, you can use more modern wireless systems that connect by pressing a few keys on the control panel, but such systems are much more expensive.

Pros of electromagnetic parktronics

The advantages of electromagnetic parking sensors, in the first place, include the possibility of full coverage of the rear of the car. If the sensor functions even with a long range, but in a limited perimeter, then the tape forming the elliptical electromagnetic field practically does not leave "dead" zones. In addition, electromagnetic parking radars are highly sensitive. But the value of this factor can go both in plus and minus. On the one hand, a sensitive sonar will not miss an approaching object closer than a critical distance without warning, but on the other hand it will also react to the smallest interference, which, in effect, is not dangerous.

Disadvantages of the parking

The shortcomings of parking systems of this type include a small detection distance and low information content. The point is that ultrasonic devices, thanks to the point location of the sensors, allow not only to notify the driver not just about approaching the object, but also to indicate the direction from which the threat is being observed. In turn, electromagnetic parking radar alerts the user without specifying the area of the car to which the third-party object is approaching. Also, many drivers note the unstable operation of devices during rain and snow, but under such conditions, false positives can occur.

Reviews about models

Until recently, parking radar was only available as an option and was developed directly by car manufacturers. Special successes in this direction were the German companies "Audi" and "Mercedes". But gradually the market of automotive products began to replenish and separate devices. One of the most successful today's tape versions of the sonar is the parking radar electromagnetic Airline APS-ML-03, which is an example of balanced performance. This model covers the range of approximations from 10 to 70 cm and, in case of detection of an alien object, notifies the driver through the display and the acoustic system.

The U-301 is also of interest, with a maximum range of 90 cm. Users note the high sensitivity of the device and the ease of installation. The shortcomings of the same system are modest equipment. The electronic unit, the tape and the buzzer - this is the whole set in which the electromagnetic parking radar is supplied. The feedback also emphasizes the stability of the signal when transmitting from the tape to the main unit.

Conclusion

Manufacturers of automotive accessories are trying to offer functional, productive, but at the same time simple systems. As practice shows, complex configurations do not get accustomed and often lose even less technologically, but accessible devices in operation. This is also confirmed by parking radars. Parktronics of the tape type, in particular, noticeably lose to ultrasonic analogues for a number of operating parameters. However, ease of installation without the need to drill the bumper many bribes. In addition, the distribution of electromagnetic sonars is facilitated by their low cost - in any case, in comparison with the models that work with the sensors.