A-1. Why do I need a Parking/Backup Sensor System?
Having a Parking/Backup Sensor System is like having eyes in the front (6 - 8 sensor systems only)
and back of your vehicle and can help you avoid costly accidents and injuries.
Our Parking/Backup Sensor System is a perfect parking aid for backing up/reverse parking,
street parking, parallel parking, garage parking, and wherever parking in a tight spot ...
We have different Parking/Backup Sensor Systems designed for various types of vehicles.
They are especially useful and helpful in SUVs, vans, buses, trucks, RV's, and full size
sedans which have poor front (6 or 8 sensor systems only) and rear visibility.
The systems can detect still and moving objects including children and small pets
in front (6 or 8 sensor systems only) and rear blind area of your vehicle.
Two or four sensors embedded into the front bumper (6 or 8 sensor systems only)
and four sensors embedded into the rear bumper detect objects up to 6 - 8 feet
from your vehicle.
Your small kids or pets will never again be in danger of getting in the
way of your vehicle while you are parking/backing up your vehicle.
You never again have to get someone to watch the rear or front (6 or 8 sensor systems only)
of your vehicle while parking.
With our parking/backup sensor system, you won't have to worry about getting too
close to the vehicle in front (6 or 8 sensor systems only) and rear of your vehicle while street parking, or
scraping them while getting out of a tight parking spot.
A-2. How does a parking/backup sensor system work?
The CPU in the main control unit of the Parking/Backup Sensor System determines obstacle distance
by measuring the time needed for the ultrasonic wave emitted by a sensor to reach an
obstacle and for the sensor to receive the ultrasonic wave reflected from the obstacle.
Given the speed of the ultrasonic wave, the CPU can then calculate the distance between
the sensor and the obstacle. That is also why some people call Parking Sensor
System as Parking Radar because of the similarity in determining obstacle distance.
Our Parking/Backup Sensor system consists of 4 - 8 wide angle sensors - 2 or 4 covering the front of the vehicle
(6 or 8 sensor systems only) and 4 covering the rear of the vehicle.
The system will warn the driver both audibly and visually (models with display only) if there is an object
behind or in front of the vehicle and how far the object is (models with display only).
The main control unit, visual display, and the two or four front sensors are powered by +12V
from ignition (6 or 8 sensor systems only) while the four rear sensors are powered by +12V from
backing up lights. Note: for some models, front sensors are powered by +12V from brake while vehicle is put in drive gear.
The two or four front sensors are activated when you start your car (6 or 8 sensor systems only)
and the four rear sensors are only activated when you put your car in reverse.
Therefore, only the two or four front sensors are working in normal driving (6 or 8 sensor systems only). Note: for some models, front sensors are activated only when brake is applied and vehicle is put in drive gear.
A beeper alerts the driver with increasing frequency as an object in front or rear of the vehicle is approached.
The display starts to show distance when an obstacle is under 1.2 meters in front of the vehicle (6 or 8 sensor systems only) or 2.0 - 3.0 meters in rear of the vehicle.
The beeper starts to sound when an obstacle is under 1.5 meters rear of the vehicle. The display will show STOP (models with VFD display only) with distance displayed as 0.00
when you get within 0.3 meters (1 foot) to avoid colliding because of the inertia of
vehicle while parking. Distance below 0.3 meters is also within the blind zone of the
sensors in which the sensors may not respond properly. Note: different models may start to give audible and/or visual alert at different distances. Refer to
User's Manual of a sepcific model for details.
Note: Even if you apply the brake, depending on your driving speed, your vehicle
will still go for some distance before it comes to a complete stop.
To be safe while parking, keep your vehicle speed at about 5 km/h.
A-3. What type of objects can the systems detect?
Our Parking/Backup Sensor Systems can accurately detect still and moving objects
such as parking or street curbs, parking lot or garage walls, posts, vehicles,
children, toys, pets, ... that are in front (6 or 8 sensor systems only) or rear of
your vehicle while you are parking or backing up. If an object is detected, the display
will show the precise distance to the object (models with display only) while the sound
alert will beep to warn the driver of potential danger or collision.
A-4. Will the system drain the battery of my vehicle?
NO. The two or four front sensors are activated when you start your vehicle (6 or 8 sensor systems only)
and the four rear sensors are only activated when you put your vehicle in reverse.
Therefore, only the two or four front sensors are working in normal driving (6 or 8 sensor systems only).
Even with the two front or four sensors working in normal driving, the system will only consume
about 3 - 4 watts of the battery power. This is only about 1/10 to 1/8 of the power consumed by your
vehicle's radio or stereo. Note: for some models, front sensors are activated only when brake is applied and vehicle is put in drive gear.
When vehicle's power is turned off, the power to the system is turned off, too.
Therefore the battery will not be drained.
A-6. What are the advantages of VFD display compared to LED or LCD?
Compared to LED, VFD (Vacuum Fluorescent Display) is compact and light weighted,
has excellent readability with a wide viewing angle, high reliability and long life span.
VFD is a self-illuminating display with high brightness and visibility whereas LCD
can be seen only when there are added backlight since it does not emit backlight itself.
VFD also has higher color representation, better graphic display quality than LED.
A-7. Do the ultrasonic parking/back up sensors work in adverse weather conditions?
The ultrasonic parking/back up sensors will function in all weather conditions.
The working temperature range of the system is - 30C to + 70C, allowing the system
to work well in different seasons and places of the world. Note: because the system uses ultrasonic wave to detect obstacles,
it may give false alert in heavy falling rain or snow.
The surface of sensors must also be kept clean of snow, mud, dirt, and other debris.
Our Parking Backup Sensor Kit includes everything you need to install the system successfully. Note: please refer to the detailed description of a specific model for more information.
A-12. Can I add 2 front sensors to the 4 Rear Sensor Backup System to get a 6 Sensor Front and Rear Parking System?
(Note: This question is for the 4-sensor backup system with VFD display only).
No. Although the Main Control Box of the 4 Rear Sensor Backup System has six sockets for
sensors, it does NOT have the needed hardware inside the box for the two front sensors (E & F).
Therefore you can not simply buy 2 more sensors and plug them in at the Main Control Box to get
a 6 Sensor Front and Rear Parking Sensor System.
If you want a 6 Sensor Front and Rear Parking Sensor System, you need to order our 6 Sensor
Front and Rear Parking Sensor System.
A-13. What are those Wireless Parking Sensor Systems?
Currently the wireless parking sensor systems
on the market are actually parking sensor systems with a wireless
display, that is, there is no wiring between the display and the main control unit.
All of the following still need wired connections:
Power supply to the display itself.
Power supply to the main control unit itself.
Connections between all sensors (front and rear) and
the main control unit.
B-1. Is the system easy to install?
Yes, the system can be easily installed by yourself following the DIY installation
instructions in the User's Manual came with the system.
Or you can have it installed by your local auto mechanic/auto electrician/car stereo store.
To have the look of factory installed system, the in-bumper sensors are mounted into the front (6 or 8 sensor systems only)
and rear bumpers by drilling 22mm (7/8") holes (22mm drill bit included).
Note: You will need a bi-metal 22mm (7/8") drill bit (not included) if drilling through metal bumpers.
Please see User's Manual for detailed wiring and installation instructions. Note: You can find a link to User's Manual in each system's detailed description section.
B-2. Do I need any special tools to install the system?
Here is a list of tools you may need and find helpful for the installation:
22mm (7/8") Drill Bit (included with the Kit). Note: if drilling through metal bumpers, you will need a bi-metal 22mm (7/8") drill bit (not included).
You can buy one at you local hardware/tool store for a few dollars.
Drill
Polishing Head or Small File: for polishing the edge of holes drilled
Tape Measure
Marker or Masking Tape: for marking the position of holes for the sensors
Screw Driver Set
Pliers
Vinyl Electrical Tape
Voltage and Continuity Tester
Fish Tape or Steel Wire: for threading the sensor wires through small holes or narrow area.
B-3. How much does it cost to have it installed by a professional installer?
You can save the installation cost by installing the system yourself following the installation
instructions in the User's Manual came with the system. Or, if you want the unit to be professionally
installed, you can have it installed by your local auto mechanic/auto electrician/car stereo store.
It will take about 1 - 2 hours.
B-4. To install the sensors, do I have to drill holes in the bumpers of my vehicle?
Yes. To have the look of factory installed systems, our system comes with in-bumper type sensors that
are to be mounted into the front (6 or 8 sensor systems only) and rear bumpers by drilling 20 OR 22.5 mm
holes (drill included).
B-5. How do I determine the mounting position for the sensors on the bumpers?
To avoid false alert because of the ground, the sensors should be mounted
between 0.4m to 0.8m above ground, 0.5m is the best.
Horizontally, the sensors should be spaced equally across the bumper.
The outer two sensors should be mounted about 10-15cm from the corner of the bumper
for better corner coverage.
The sensors also need to be mounted vertically on the bumpers. Some models have spacers came with the sensors can be used to adjust the sensors for non vertical bumpers.
B-8. The cable length of the 4 rear and 2 or 4 front sensors (6 or 8 sensor systems only) is 9' and 23'
respectively, should it be the reverse? I have a 8' full bed pickup truck.
The cable length is 6 meters for the 2 or 4 front sensors (6 or 8 sensor systems only)
and 2.5 meters for the 4 rear sensors.
This is because the main control unit of the system is to be mounted somewhere close to the tail light
assembly of a vehicle:
For cars and sedans, this is somewhere on the side wall inside the trunk.
For SUVs, it is somewhere inside the storage for spare tire near the rear end of the vehicle.
For vans, it is somewhere inside the back wall by side window or spare tire storage.
For trucks, this should be somewhere under the lip in truck bed or inside tail light assembly if there is room there.
The location for the main control unit should also be safe, protected, and weatherproof.
B-9. Can I get the sensors with longer cable?
To make the installation more flexible, you can extend the sensor cables yourself
by cutting the sensor cables in the middle and make the extension with coaxial cable such as RG174, RG188, or RG316, etc.
Note: Keep the total length of the sensor cables under 33 feet or 10 meters to avoid unnecessary signal loss.
Note: While a customer can cut or extend sensor wires or cables for more flexible installations, please note that sensors with wires or cables cut void the warranty on the sensors.
Therefore, if later on you need replacement sensors for them, then you will need to pay for replacement sensors.
B-10. Can the control box be mounted under truck bed but may be exposed to weather?
The Control Module Box needs to be mounted somewhere clean, dry, and protected.
You may want to mount it under lip in truck bed or inside tail light
assembly if there is room.
Note: our 4-sensor backup system for trucks, buses, and RV's comes with waterproof main control box which
can be mounted under vehicle.
B-11. Does the mounting base come off of the VFD display so that the display can be mounted in the dash?
The mounting base can be removed from the VFD display by unscrewing the small screw covered by
the 3M self-adhesive on the bottom of the base.
B-12. Can the sensors be installed in steel (metal) bumpers?
Yes, the sensors will work in both plastic and metal (steel) bumpers.
But to drill holes through metal (steel) bumpers, you will need a bi-metal 22mm (7/8")
drill bit (not included).
B-13. While drilling through steel chrome bumper, is there any chance of the metal getting hot
and discoloration of the chrome?
Yes, the metal will get hot. Make sure you use a sharp drill bit to reduce heat building up.
Discoloration of the chrome is not a problem from our experience.
B-14. Does the sensor adjust to bumpers that are not perfectly 90 degrees vertical?
Yes, each sensor comes with its own plastic spacer for adjusting it for non vertical bumpers. Note: some models come with sensors with wedge-shaped edge for adjusting to non vertical bumpers.
But some models may not come with plastic spacers or sensors with wedge-shaped edge.
B-15. What is the over all size of the VFD and how does it mount?
The dimensions of the VFD display are: Width x Height x Depth = 2 5/8" x 2 1/8" x 1/2"
3M Self-Adhesive on the bottom of the base is included for easy mounting on top of dashboard.
B-16. Where can I find an installer in my local area?
Our Parking / Backup Sensor System can be installed by any auto mechanic/auto electrician/car stereo store.
B-17. Where can I download a copy of the installation manual?
You can find a link to User's Manual (PDF file) for a specific system in the system's detailed description.
C-1. What sensor colors are available?
We carry silver and black sensors.
Please check our online store to see what sensor colors are currently available or in stock.
The sensors can also be spray painted to match the bumper color of your vehicle.
For best results, spray paint no more than two thin coats (not to be applied with brush or touchup).
A coat of lacquer can be applied for metallic look.
It is recommended that you have the sensors professionally painted by an auto body shop.
Note: While a customer can paint sensors to match his vehicle color, please note that sensors painted by customer void the warranty on the sensors.
Therefore, if later on you need replacement sensors for them, then you will need to pay for replacement sensors.
D-1. I have just received my parking sensor kit but the beeper appears to be missing?
If your kit comes with a display, then the beeper is built in the display.
D-2. The system beeps even there is no obstacle in front or back of my vehicle, what is the problem?
The beeper may beep once (self testing) every time you start your vehicle.
If it beeps even there is no obstacle in front or back of your vehicle,
please check the following:
The sensors should be mounted between 16" to 32" (0.4m to 0.8m) above ground,
20" (0.5m) is the best. If the sensors are mounted too low or non vertical towards the ground
(usually caused by a non-vertical bumper), they may detect the ground causing the beeper to
sound or give false alert.
As the sensors in each kit are the same type, please try to unplug the sensor in question,
and plug a good sensor into the socket of the sensor in question. If you still get the same problem,
then the problem is not caused by the sensor. Please try the following:
Make sure the sensors are not detecting the ground by:
Rotating the plastic spacer came with each sensor to adjust the pointing angle of the sensors
so they point horizontally and are parallel to the ground.
Note: rotate sensor itself if it has a wedge-shaped edge.
For some models, making sure the eye shape or rectangular shape on the face of the sensors
lies horizontally by rotating the sensors themselves.
D-3. Is the system supposed to beep each time I put on the brake?
(Note: this question is for the 6-sensor front and rear parking system with VFD display only).
No. If the beeper sounds every time you apply the brake, then
the power of the two front sensors has been incorrectly connected
to the +12 from the brake. Please connect the long red wire (for
the power of the 2 front sensors) to +12V from the ignition, NOT
to +12V from the brake. The front sensors of the system is NOT
designed to be powered by +12V from the brake.
The following is normal:
The beeper may beep once (self testing) every time you start your vehicle.
E-1. Are there any blind spots in rear of vehicle?
The system has 4 rear sensors therefore blind spots in rear of vehicle
are minimized.
E-2. Is there a blind spot in front of vehicle?
If your system has 4 front sensors, then blind spots in front of vehicle are minimized.
If your system has 2 front sensors, to have good coverage on both the two corners and
the middle of front bumper, mount one sensor to each corner of the front bumper
(15cm or 5.9" from the corner) to get a balanced front coverage with minimized blind spots.
E-3. Can your sensors be sold for installation on an existing factory system...
either front units or to replace defective rears?
There are many different types and models of factory installed parking sensor systems.
You need to consider the compatibility issues between our sensors and the main control
modules from factory installed systems. Therefore, we don't recommend use of our sensors on
factory installed systems.
E-4. I have read that some sensors only work when the vehicle is backing at least 1/2 mile per hour.
Is this true of your sensors?
To avoid colliding because of the inertia of vehicle while parking, keep your vehicle speed
at about 5km/h (3mph) while parking.
Note: even if the brake is applied, your vehicle will still go for some distance by the time it comes
to a complete stop, depending on the speed of vehicle.
E-5. Will the display show the distance when you come to a complete stop?
The display will show the actual obstacle distance when you come to a complete stop if you are not
getting within 0.3 meters (1 foot) of an obstacle. Otherwise, it will show 0.00 to avoid collision.
Note: distance within 0.3 meters (1 foot) is also the blind zone of the sensors in which the sensors
may not respond accordingly.
E-6. It gets very hot in my local area and if the inside of a vehicle gets over 50C,
does the unit break or just stop functioning?
The range of Working Temperature of the system is: -30C to +70C.
Generally speaking, if your car stereo can work under such temperature
without any problem, then the parking system can work normally too
as the system has no temperature sensitive parts and produce very little heat
by itself.
E-7. Is the obstacle distance displayed in meters or feet?
For sytsems with VFD display, the distance display in meters.
E-8. Will the sensors affect the electrical system of vehicle such as navigation system
and blue tooth, etc.?
No. Our parking sensors use Ultrasonic Wave (close to sound wave of human voice)
to detect obstacle, therefore they are safe to vehicles or electrical systems.
E-9. Do you have a voice activated parking sensor system for sale yet?
No, we don't have a voice activated parking sensor system for sale.
E-10. I have a car with sensors already installed but not color coded.
Could I replace those sensors with the color coded ones you offer?
Just replacing the sensors already installed with our color coded sensors
may make your existing system stop to work or malfunction.
This is because our sensors may not be compatible with the main control
unit of your parking backup sensor system.
To make the sensors match the bumper color of your vehicle, we recommend
you have your existing sensors spray painted by an auto body shop.
G-2. Where can I buy spare and replacement parts for the system?
Currently, for systems with VFD dispaly, we also have spares and replacements
for sensors, VFD displays, and main control units for sale at our online store.
Please visit our online store to order.
Note: spares and replacements for other systems will be added to our online store soon.