After market parking sensor. EASY - but which?

[BrazBenz]

I discussed this with a sound specialist here in Brazil.
He commented that this accessory is easy to install without conflicts with the wiring of the always complex european cars.
His point is: The only connection point is the trigger: rear light.
Question: Any suggestion on brand/model based on real life experience?
I am concerned maily with the size of the LED display. The model I saw in Brazil (I am now in the states) was a small piece placed on top (externally) of the rearview mirror)
Works great !!!
TIA, Jorge

[adelaros]

I had some aftermart put on mine. I did no put in the Led display because it will disturb the harmony of the car. I just put it the Distance Sound Alarm.

Just make sure that the once you buy can be painted over, su you can have them painted the same color of the bumper.

Ohter than this, it is a simple instalation, because they connect to the reverse rear light.

[VIP_MBZ]

Originally posted by BrazBenz
I discussed this with a sound specialist here in Brazil.
He commented that this accessory is easy to install without conflicts with the wiring of the always complex european cars.
His point is: The only connection point is the trigger: rear light.
Question: Any suggestion on brand/model based on real life experience?
I am concerned maily with the size of the LED display. The model I saw in Brazil (I am now in the states) was a small piece placed on top (externally) of the rearview mirror)
Works great !!!
TIA, Jorge

Okay, after rereading your message about 5 times, I think I know what you are saying. The things that threw me off are that you called it a "parking sensor" and that you are concerned with the size of the "LED display".

For clarification, I think what you mean is that you need a back-eye (reverse-mounted) camera which engages when you put the car in reverse. I have installed several of the Eclipse BEC unit, which is designed for use with an Eclipse video head unit. I am positive that other standalone reverse camera units operate and install the same way.


He commented that this accessory is easy to install without conflicts with the wiring of the always complex european cars. His point is: The only connection point is the trigger: rear light.


That's kind of BS because you are actually instructed to use the reverse lamp indicator as a trigger. It's simple, and it works on every single 12v car. Why would you make your life more difficult than it needs to be? A lot of people get unnecessarily scared of European wiring (or use it as an excuse to charge you more). After doing a complete stereo in my car, aftermarket nav and reverse camera in a few Audi and BMW, I have yet to run into anything that didn't follow the same electrical layout as a modern Japanese car.

As for mounting, I would typically go for the top of the recessed area near the license plate, off to one side. The side offset won't be apparent from the video, because it is typically an extremely wide-angle lens. It ends up clean looking and relatively discreet, as well as staying out of direct exposure to the sun and rain (though it is supposed to be weatherproof).

-Ray

[anf6789]

VIP-MBZ i think he means reverse"backup" sensors, like the ones on suvs,minivans and such, they are black or painted dots(sensors) on the rear and sometimes even front bumpers. they beep when you are close to hitting an object.

[VIP_MBZ]

Originally posted by anf6789
VIP-MBZ i think he means reverse"backup" sensors, like the ones on suvs,minivans and such, they are black or painted dots(sensors) on the rear and sometimes even front bumpers. they beep when you are close to hitting an object.

That's what I thought initially except that doesn't explain:

- an oversized "LED" with no room to mount
- needing a trigger of any kind other than proximity.

But I have definitely been wrong before. If this is the case then I stand corrected.

-Ray

[JDoggery]

VIP: Do you work in mobile electronics?

[VIP_MBZ]

Originally posted by JDoggery
VIP: Do you work in mobile electronics?

I used to for Good Guys and little shops here and there, and eventually started doing custom engine management systems while I was still in school, but nowadays I don't really do either. *shrug so yeah, it has been a few years.

-Ray

[AirPost]

The LED that he was talking about is the LED display that shows how near or far you are either via status bars which change color or the actual distance in meters or feet. I've seen some on Ebay and they are quite bulky.

The acronym LED has been used, unintentionally by most people, in a vague, loosely manner which throw some people off. ;)

[BrazBenz]

First of all let me apologize for the nomenclature I used and the confusion it caused.
English is not my native language and I learned the expression from e-bay...
So, I am speaking of backup sensors... the classic four mounted on the rear bumper.
Also, what I meant when I said the rear light was the trigger was that it would turn on the sensor system - all the rest of the process taking place in the new device itself, thus not messing w/ the car wiring.
I am taking all your points as a great input and will soon be sporting my backup (parking?) sensor.
Many thanks! Jorge