The supply of vehicles with electronic assistants has long been a mandatory item in their optional provision. Most modern foreign cars get a wide range of such assistants at the stage of factory preparation. However, such an upgrade is not cheap, so economical car enthusiasts decide on such improvements in a separate order. Not every system is available for self-installation, 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, realized for little money.
Features of tape parking sensors
The main part of such devices on the market is represented by traditional parking radars, which include sensor sensors. Models using tapes as work items have recently appeared. This is not to say that this is a more technologically advanced and efficient device, but due to affordability and ease of installation, it has won the love of many motorists. In the process of operation, the Parktronic tape electromagnetic forms around itself a zone that allows you to track the proximity of the machine to various objects. The main difference between 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 the mechanical installation of functional elements in a body niche or bumper. It is enough to stick the tape, which forms the sensor tracking field.
System components
With all the variety of tape radars, their equipment is quite standardized. It is noteworthy that only in rare cases, manufacturers tend 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 basic set of the system includes a unit with hardware filling, directly metallized tape, speakers or other indicators that signal the driver. Such a set is enough for parking sensors tape induction to perform its tasks on any car. Another thing is that, depending on specific needs, one should take a different approach to the selection of individual elements.
Varieties of the system
Models of this type are divided mainly by the method of indication, since the principle of operation of all tape radars is the same - electromagnetic, based on induction. As indicators can be used light, noise and combined devices. At the time 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 parking sensors with a beeper that sends sound signals. That is, at the moment the machine approaches an external object, the radar begins to make characteristic sounds. Typically, the sound intensity increases as the threat of collision increases. Often there are also models with visual indication. In this case, a display with a scale is used, on which individual points light up in accordance with the approximation of the car to other cars or the curb. Combined-display radars alert the driver through both a noise alarm and a display.
Operating principle
The action of the device is mainly designed to fix the danger caused by the proximity of the vehicle to foreign objects. This task is being implemented according to the principle laid down in metal detectors. The simplest devices of this type use detectors that respond to frequency fluctuations in the observed zone. That is, an analysis of the effects of external objects. Unlike a metal detector, which detects only objects made of specific materials, a belt electromagnetic parking sensors react to almost everything: from the soil and the curb 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 oscillation frequency, 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 used infrequently. Usually, a similar combination is used by owners of more expensive traditional parking sensors.
Where is better to mount a radar?
There are few options, but there is a choice. The rear of the car must be provided without fail as the most problematic in terms of visibility. Also, a complete set includes installation of the tape on the front bumper. Less common fasteners on the side parts, but this option is also possible. In any case, danger zones are determined on the basis of personal experience in operating the machine. Since tape parking sensors are equipped with indicators in the form of the same beeper and displays, it is necessary to find a place for components of this type. Again, the indicators should be positioned so that their action reaches the main goal in the form of an alert to the driver, regardless of road conditions. At the same time, devices should not be inconvenient or interfere. So, a beeper is usually mounted on a dashboard or rear shelf of a car. The display should be placed in the dashboard area.
Installation of tape parking sensors
The absence of the need to drill a bumper or a 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 must pass exactly along the central part of the bumper, since in other places the device will work incorrectly. When the element is removed, it should be thoroughly washed, and then proceed to gluing. There are examples when parking sensors with a belt sensor were installed without dismantling the bumper. From the outside, such an operation seems simpler, but in practice it can only be performed 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 carried out 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 option for a 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 manually from components of dubious origin.
What is still important to consider in such devices is the inability to adjust sensitivity indicators. This means that the tape may not be suitable, for example, for a car with a very low clearance. For 3-4 thousand rubles. on the market you can buy tape parking sensors of 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 fastening devices. As for sensitivity adjustment, usually models of this category are configured in several modes, which allow optimizing the sensors for a particular 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 enabling easy maneuvers without unnecessary nerves. This is especially important for beginners who need full control of the car during the parking process. In addition, there is an easy installation, which stands out for the tape parking sensors. The reviews emphasize that, provided that the bumper is properly handled by the owner of the car, you only need to stick the strip in the right place and connect it to the indicators. For comparison: traditional radars must be installed using drilling for each sensor, respectively, not every car owner can handle this without professional help.
Negative reviews
The low cost could not but affect the individual nuances of operation, which in no way can be attributed to the advantages of tape radars. One of the main drawbacks that the owners themselves note is the inability to identify 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 spotlight.
There are other unpleasant moments of operation, which Parktronic electromagnetic tape sins. Reviews, for example, note a high frequency of false positives. This is especially true for low-cost Chinese models that do not automatically disable certain zones. For example, when it is snowing or raining, you can count on the same performance indicators as when approaching another car.
Alternative solutions
The choice is small, but in the first place as an alternative, classic ultrasonic sensors should be put. These are exactly the devices that require insertion into the bumper, which complicates the installation. But if we discard the inconvenience in the installation, the car enthusiast will be able to count on the manufacturability and functionality of such radars. If the tape type parking sensors benefit from affordable prices and ease of installation, then ultrasonic models are distinguished by accuracy, a wide range of settings and reliability in operation. In addition, for those who are afraid of the complexity of installation by inserting sensors, it is worth recommending systems with surface 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 parking sensors can be called an exception. Their work provides for a minimum level of energy supply, but the function of the parking radar eliminates the 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 the tape models also include a small cost and convenience during installation.