Tape parktronics: types, installation, reviews

The supply of vehicles by electronic assistants has long become a mandatory item in their optional provision. Most modern foreign cars receive a wide range of such assistants even at the stage of factory training. However, such an upgrade is expensive, so economical car enthusiasts decide on such improvements in a separate order. Not every system is available for self-assembly, but tape parking sensors are also suitable for installation in a garage. With competent installation, the driver can count on effective device assistance in the parking process, realized for little money.

Features of Parktronic

The main part of such devices on the market is represented by traditional parking radars, which include sensor sensors. Models that use tape as working elements have appeared recently. It can not be said that this is a more technological and efficient device, but due to the price availability and ease of installation, it has won the love of many motorists. In operation, parktronic tape electromagnetic forms around itself a zone that allows you to track the approach of the machine to various objects. The main difference of this system is the use of tape instead of classic sensors. Actually, this is the reason for the simplified installation, which does not require the mechanical installation of functional elements in the niche of the body or bumper. It is enough to paste a tape, which forms a sensory tracking field.

Components of the system

With all the diversity of band radars, their configuration is standardized enough. It is noteworthy that only in rare cases manufacturers seek to expand basic sets. In many ways, this is due to the simple principle of the 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. This set is enough to parktronik tape induction performed its tasks on any car. Another thing is that, depending on specific needs, it is necessary to approach the choice of individual elements in different ways.

Varieties of the system

Separate models of this type, mainly by the method of indication, since the principle of operation for all tape radars is the same - electromagnetic, based on induction. As indicators, light, noise and combined devices can be used. At the time of activation, a signal is sent from the sensor strip to the main device, from which the driver is alerted. The most common parktronic Park-Lines with beeper, which sends audio signals. That is, at the moment the machine approaches the outside object, the radar starts to emit a characteristic sound. Usually, the intensity of sound increases as the threat of collision increases. Often there are also models with visual indications. In this case, a display is used with a scale on which individual items light up in accordance with the approach of the car to other cars or a curb. Radars with combined indication notify the driver both by means of a noise alarm and by means of a display.

Operating principle

The operation of the device is mainly designed to fix the danger caused by the approach of the car to foreign objects. This task is realized according to the principle, which is incorporated in metal detectors. In the simplest devices of this type, detectors are used that react to frequency oscillations in the observed zone. That is, the impact of external objects is analyzed. Unlike the metal detector, which detects only objects from specific materials, the parktronic tape electromagnetic reacts to almost everything: from soil and curb to the human body. Thus, when a third-party object appears in the field of action, indicators that send a signal to the driver come into play. Against the background of a change in the frequency of oscillations, the sound or visual effect also changes in its character - it is amplified or weakened. I must say that the main function of the device can be complemented by a surveillance camera. But such a supplement is often more expensive than the basic set, so shooting is rarely used. Usually a similar combination is used by owners of more expensive traditional parktronics.

Where better to mount the radar?

There are not many options, but there is a choice. Without fail, the rear of the car should be provided as the most problematic in terms of visibility. Also, the complete package includes the installation of a tape on the front bumper. Less common fasteners on the side parts, but this option is possible. In any case, the danger zones are determined based on the personal experience of controlling the machine. Since band-type 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 located so that their action reaches the main goal in the form of alerting the driver, regardless of road conditions. At the same time, the devices should not cause inconvenience and interfere. So, the beeper is usually installed on the torpedo or the rear shelf of the machine. The display should be placed in the area of the instrument panel.

Park Tire Mounting

The lack of the need to drill a bumper or body, of course, facilitates the installation operations, but does not eliminate other procedures. Usually, before installing the tape, the bumper is removed. For this, it is necessary to carefully unscrew the special pistons with clamps. Here it is important to note that the tape should pass precisely along the central part of the bumper, as in other places the device will work incorrectly. When the element is removed, it should be thoroughly rinsed, and then proceed to gluing. There are examples where a parking sensor with a tape sensor was installed without dismantling the bumper. From the side such an operation seems simpler, but in practice it can be performed only by a skilled craftsman, especially if you work without a special lift. When the tape is fixed, you can start electrical activities. Through the trunk, wiring is performed with the tape connected to the main microprocessor and adjacent indicators.

How much is?

In terms of efficiency and reliability, this is not the best variant of a parking radar, but a low price attracts a considerable part of the motorists to the tape device. The simplest models from the Chinese manufacturer cost 1-1,5 thousand rubles. The amount is small and the quality is appropriate. As a rule, these are models assembled manually from components of doubtful origin.

What is still 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 greatly understated clearance. For 3-4 thousand rubles. In the market you can buy tape parking sensors of Italian companies. In this case, you can count on a clean and neat spike of the element base, the use of high-quality microcircuits and a useful set with fasteners. Regarding sensitivity adjustment, usually models of this category are configured in several modes, allowing to optimize the sensors for a specific machine.

Positive feedback on tape parktronics

Like the use of any other parktronic, this system causes a lot of flattering responses from car owners. Devices of this type are praised for ensuring the possibility of making light maneuvers without unnecessary nerves. This is especially important for beginners, who need full control of the machine during parking. In addition, there is an easy installation, which is allocated specifically to the parktronic. Reviews emphasize that, if properly handled with a bumper from the owner of the machine will only need to paste the strip in the right place and connect it to the indicators. For comparison: traditional radars must be installed by drilling under each sensor, accordingly, without professional help, not every car owner will cope with it.

Negative feedback

Low cost could not but affect the individual nuances of operation, which can not be attributed to the advantages of tape radar. One of the main shortcomings, which the owners themselves note, is the impossibility of identifying objects without changing the distance to them. That is, the system controls the approach to another car, but if the machine is initially close to the object, it falls out of the zone of attention.

There are other unpleasant moments of exploitation, which parktronics electromagnetic tape sins. Reviews, for example, note the high frequency of false positives. This is especially true for inexpensive Chinese models that do not provide for the automatic shutdown of certain zones. For example, when it's snowing or raining, you can count on the same efficiency indicators work, as in the case of rapprochement with another car.

Alternative solutions

The choice is small, but classic ultrasonic sensors should be placed in the first place as an alternative. These are exactly those devices that require tie-in to the bumper, which complicates the installation. But if you eliminate the inconvenience in the installation, the motorist will be able to count on the adaptability and functionality of such radars. If the band-type parking sensor wins due to its affordable price and ease of installation, ultrasonic models are characterized by accuracy of operation, a wide range of settings and reliability in operation. In addition, for those who are intimidated by the complexity of the installation through the insertion of sensors, it is worth recommending systems with overhead sensors.

Conclusion

The fashion for equipping cars with electronic assistants has not only positive aspects. Numerous assistants consume extra energy, also require maintenance and do not always justify the invested funds. However, tape parktronics can be called an exception. Their work provides for a minimum level of power supply, but the parking radar function eliminates risks in the process of making difficult manipulations on the road. We can say that any system that facilitates parking has such qualities. But the advantages of tape models also include a small cost, and convenience in the course of installation.