Mobile Electronic News

M.E.N takes a look at the latest parking sensors and rear camera products, from leading suppliers.
AUTOMONITOR

Designed for virtually any vehicle Automonitor’s range of parking sensors help drivers to reverse or park in any tricky situation, efficiently and without difficulty. Supplied in a 4 Sensor Kit form in a choice of matt or gloss black or silver for rear fitment, or matt black and silver for front installation, these sensors include an audible buzzer which emits a warning sound, which increases in frequency the closer the vehicle is to the obstacle.

The rear sensor is also available as an LED version. Each kit comprises of 19mm detachable sensors with waterproof wire connectors and changeable 6 degree, 10 degree and 13 degree collars to suit specific bumper contours. Naturally the sensors are also paintable to colour-code to the vehicle’s colour.

C-KO

C-KO have also boosted the number of vehicle specific rear view camera systems available, now offering dealers the chance to cater for 24 car models across 10 different manufacturers. These come with high quality Sony CCD lenses that have 480 TV lines, 170 degree viewing angles and are waterproof to IP66. For full listings on the vehicles covered visit www.c-ko.co.uk. C-KO have also increased their offerings when it comes to reversing and parking systems.
Now there are even more options across the two ranges, all of which have audible buzzer alerts with sensitivity adjustment and include angle rings and hole cutters. Their OEM specification range offer either a 4-way reversing system, 8-way reversing system (front and back), 4-way intelligent reversing system (for use with tow bars, bike racks etc) or a 4-way reversing system specifically designed to match up with metal bumpers. They also have their budget range, which means a 4-way system with an option to add a digital display and ability to be used with metal bumpers, or an 8-way system to cover front and rear bumpers. There are numerous head sizes and colour options available throughout the range.

CLARION

Clarion's extensive range of rear vision cameras and monitor systems take the guesswork out of reversing into tight spaces.
Three different sized colour LCD monitors allow flexibility of fitment, whilst a range of heavy-duty colour CCD, IR illuminated colour CCD and ultra-compact colour CCD cameras help meet specific needs. Clarion’s CC2001F is their flagship CCD camera delivering high image quality and high durability in any operation conditions. 

Front gate shutter prevents visibility becoming obstructed by mud, dirt, grit, water etc ensuring a continuous clear view.  Dual housing design also keeps moisture out whilst a sturdy aluminium die-cast external housing ensures extreme durability, making it perfect for commercial use. Clarion also have their CC3000E, IR illuminated colour CCD camera, with wide-angle/mirror image. Illumination is provided by the camera’s infrared LED light, making it especially convenient when reversing at night.  A built-in microphone also allows you to listen for any noise behind the vehicle and it has a built-in pre-heater ensures the camera is always ready for us. There are also the Ultra Compact colour CCD cameras (CC2011E or CC2012E) with wide 130 degree viewing angles providing an ideal field of view even when mounted low. There is also a heavy duty version of the CC2011E with strengthened mounting bracket and a metal shroud.
Naturally Clarion can also supply monitors for their cameras, with the CJ700E 7in wide colour LCD monitor, CJ981E 6.5in wide colour LCD monitor and the CJ5600E 5.6in colour LCD monitor. All these come with a built-in camera power supply, convenient true/mirror switching function and wireless remote control.

COBRA

Cobra, the leading supplier of acoustic parking aid systems to car manufacturers worldwide for production line installation, also supplies parking aid systems for retro fit. Ultrasonic sensors are strategically fitted to the front and/or rear bumpers, enabling the detection of obstacles below 60cm to the front and below 2 metres to the rear of the vehicle. Cobra ParkMaster is suitable for all types of vehicles including: motorhomes, passenger cars and commercial vehicles, and is active when a vehicle is stationary or on the move.

The systems are compatible with tow bars and rear door mounted spare wheels, and are fully ISO 9001 and ISO 17386 compliant. Installers can retro fit a quality product that will protect their customers’ investment at relatively low cost. Sensors can be painted to match the vehicle paint colour, achieving a factory finish. The Parkmaster Display Unit adds visual signaling to the acoustic signals. Front or Rear Display Units are available, with he 16 LEDs visible on the display indicating the distance between the front or rear of the vehicle and the obstacle. This accessory can be installed in a number of positions. Three kits are available; the A0159 2 Eye Rear ParkMaster, the A0158 4 Eye Rear ParkMaster and the A0156 4 Eye Front ParkMaster. The latter also has an on/off switch so that it can be called into use only when needed.

DE MULTIMEDIA

Electronics Worldwide offer the DE-RKIT1 reversing camera kit with one surface mounted reversing camera with night vision and audio. It includes a coiled trailer cable, is expandable up to 3 cameras and is suitable for 12V and 24V vehicles. Camera inputs are mini DIN connections but with a conversion lead to convert to phono/RCA connectors is available separately.
Their DE-RKIT2 offers all of the same functionality but without the coiled trailer cable, coming with a normal 20m cable instead. They can also supply side mounted reversing cameras which are a great add-on to their other reversing camera kits. The DE-R760L (left hand) and DE-R760R (right) cameras again come with night vision, a 20m lead and 5-pin mini DIN plug link camera-to-switcher box.

GENTEX

Gentex can give installers an extra offering for their customers, with their Rear Camera Display Mirror. Linked up to a rear view camera, high brighness LEDs illuminate through the mirror’s unique coating, showing the camera’s picture in the mirror. When the display is off, the mirror surface functions normally and maintains the features like automatic dimming that you would expect from an O.E factory item now.

This eliminates the need for the customer to add another screen to their car as it combines perfectly with an existing part of the interior, and is in a position they are well used to looking at. Certainly a smart looking option that installers can give to their customers.

KENWOOD

Kenwood has recently launched their CMOS-300 camera and they claim that feed back from dealers has already been great. The 1/4in colour CMOS camera comes with a waterproof chassis and flexible mount base unit meaning it’s can be fitted almost anywhere. But the real magic is in the advanced image processor, which offers multiple views, on screen guidelines and even corner view.

It’s extremely versatile with functions such as the picture in picture view, making the suggested retail price of £279 quite competitive. Video of the CMOS-300 camera can be found on Kenwood’s YouTube channel. The control box is supplied with the kit and the functions can all be controlled via the touchscreen on Kenwood’s DNX7, DNX8 and DNX9 series ranges, although it can also be fitted to other brands.

METASYSTEM

MetaSystem offers a range of parking solutions including their flush fit Park Distance Aid systems and numberplate mounted Park Distance Aid systems. In the flush fit systems there are four options, the ABP03590 rear ‘push-fit’ flush ‘Easy Park’ four sensor kit that includes the optional dedicated display, the ABP0002 rear ‘push-fit’ four sensor kit, the ABP0013 rear ‘flush-fit’ O.E style four sensor kit and the ABP0300 front ‘flush-fit’ O.E style four sensor kit. The ABP03590 system comes with an optional Easy Park monitor, an LED display, which adds a visual warning to the audible one. The other three systems however can be linked to the ABP0211 PDC display, a plug-in multi-coloured module that works through a series of different coloured flashing LED lights, with each of the four parking sensors allocated a specific colour. All four systems can be painted to match the body colour of the car and the rear systems in particular should mean minimal issues when fitting.

The ABP300 system activates automatically when the driver switches the ignition on or selects reverse gear, but one reverse is de-selected the system will remain armed for a further 20secs to assist with parking manoeuvres. It can be armed or disarmed manually though and has the facility for de-activation via the speed sense wire. Metasystem’s numberplate mounted Park Distance Aid systems come in either the ABP0007 four sensor front plate mounted kit or the ABP0158 rear plate mounted kit. Both offer very similar functionality to the flush-fit kits and they too can be used in conjunction with the ABP0211 PDC display. However, they have the added advantage for installers of having the sensors integrated into a numberplate surround, making for a quicker installation time and no drilling of the bumpers needed.

 

PARKSAFE

Parksafe offer a range of sensors including the traditional audible
alert or a combined display and can be fitted to the front and rear
of a vehicle, offering total parking control. Parksafe provides safety for children, pets, pedestrians and low objects, giving peace of mind when manoeuvring in populated places. As Parksafe says, they also protect no claims bonuses, avoid damage to vehicles and can avoid drivers from forking out for a typical excess of around £250 in the event of a prang. With the rear sensors the vehicle reverses towards an object, then an audible buzzer, mounted inside the rear of the vehicle starts sounding at 3 beeps per second when the object is closer than 1.67 metros to the rear of the vehicle. As the vehicle gets closer to the object the beeping frequency increases from 5 to 8 beeps per second. When the vehicle is about 30 cm from the object the beeping becomes constant. The sensor unit is powered off the reversing lights circuit in the vehicle so is only activated when reversing. The front units are wired in such a way that whenever your customer switches the ignition on, so is Parksafe Control unit. It works on the same principle as the rear sensors. The visual display unit shows bars when coming together as you get closer to the obstacle. At any time the front sensor unit can be de-activated by an on/off switch mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle.

STEEL MATE

Steel Mate’s two camera kits are the PTSV401 and PTSV402, the difference between the two models is the 401 has no monitor and is designed to integrate with aftermarket head units/screens.

It has a separate speaker for audio and the camera image and distances are displayed on your existing screen. The 402 on the otherhand comes with a screen meaning the image and audio come from the supplied screen and there is no separate speaker. Both kits offer something different, which is good for installers as they can better cater for their customers’ needs.

VALEO

Valeo are one of the world's leading automotive components companies 
supplying to vehicle manufacturers across the globe. 

In 1991, Valeo broke new ground in affordable near-range sensing with 
Ultrasonic Park Assist (UPA) first launched to the OE market. 
Initially fitted to the BMW 7 series, Valeo now equips brands from VW 
and Ford to Rolls Royce and Ferrari. 
Valeo has OE sensor production sites in the US, Europe and Asia and 
in 2008, produced its 100 millionth sensor since production began in 
1991.

 All Valeo parking sensor kits come with four sensors for the rear or front, with an eight sensor kit for all round protection. This ensures no area behind or in front of the car remains undetected, giving the driver maximum safety and 
confidence with their parking manoeuvres. Two rear view camera kits are also available and work in conjunction with a removable and compact 2.5in colour monitor. 

Valeo produce a full range of parking sensors, all built to the same high standards utilising a small 18mm sensor hole with a finished diameter of 20mm once fitted into their side mounted vibration resistant metal sensor clips. The ECU is easy to install with clearly labelled connection points helping to keep install times to a minimum and installation margin potential to a maximum. All sensor harness and connectors are fully waterproof and the kit is supplied with all necessary mounting hardware, including a sensor drilling tool.

 New for 2010 is an upgrade kit for the Beep & Park 1.  This 4 sensor audio only kit can now be upgraded to a rear mounted LED display, similar to the Mercedes Display unit.  The display comes with three separately coloured covers (black, brown & grey) so it can be matched to the interior trim of the vehicle. A full colour coding service is also available on all Valeo parking sensors

VEBA

Veba can now supply the AVWRX, a 2.4GHz wireless receiver module. With built in 2.4GHz WIFI technology it allows connection of up to 2 cameras, each running on a separate wireless frequency.  With a unique dip-switch control featur,e a multiple of receivers can be installed to one vehicle to optimise 4 separate camera frequencies. The AVWRX also includes an AV input so users can connect their favourite audio/visual device whilst still viewing camera inputs when reverse gear is selected.

A unique universal harness has been designed with a plug and play option to work with Veba monitors (AV58M and AV70MM). Naturally there are also compatible 2.4GHz wireless waterproof cameras available from Veba, with four separate frequencies on offer (AVW1CAMIRF, AVW2CAMIRF, AVW3CAMIRF and AVW4CAMIRF). They have a wireless range of approximately 100m when not obstructed and come with a 130 degree viewing angle. Veba will also soon be releasing the AVWTX 2.4GHz wireless transmitter, which will allow any of the cameras in the Veba range to be connected wirelessly to the AVWRX mentioned earlier. Again, the transmitter is fitted with a unique built in 4-channel dip-switch selection control so that 4 different wireless frequencies can be selected.

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