The Dolphin Parking Sensors are an ultrasonic parking aid system designed to assist drivers in reversing and parking maneuvers, helping to prevent damage to the vehicle. The system utilizes ultrasonic technology, similar to radar or sonar, to detect obstacles behind the car. Sensors emit sound waves that bounce off obstructions and return, allowing the system to calculate the distance to the object. This technology is designed to provide an additional layer of safety and convenience, especially in tight parking spaces.
The manual covers a range of Dolphin Parking Sensor kits, including various configurations for rear and front sensing, as well as systems with visual displays and reversing cameras. The core function across all models is obstacle detection, but the output to the driver can vary from an audio-only buzzer to a visual display showing distance and direction.
Function Description:
The primary function of the Dolphin Parking Sensors is to detect obstacles and alert the driver to their proximity. When activated, typically by engaging reverse gear for rear sensors or manually for front sensors, the system emits ultrasonic waves. These waves reflect off objects, and the time taken for them to return is used to calculate the distance. As the vehicle approaches an obstacle, the system provides alerts, which can be auditory (a series of beeps that increase in frequency as the obstacle gets closer, eventually becoming a continuous tone) or visual (a digital countdown on a display, often accompanied by directional indicators).
For rear sensor systems (ee.g., DPS400/450/455/470, DMS400/450/455/470, DMS600/650/655), activation is typically linked to the reversing light feed, meaning they turn on automatically when reverse gear is selected. The alerts help the driver gauge the distance to objects behind the car, such as other vehicles, walls, or posts.
Front sensor systems (e.g., DPS400F/450F, DMS400F/450F, DMS600F/650F) are designed to assist with forward parking. These systems often include a manual rocker switch for activation, allowing the driver to turn them on when needed. Some advanced configurations or optional accessories, such as a CANBus interface, can automate front sensor activation based on vehicle speed, turning them on when the speed drops below a certain threshold (e.g., 6mph). This is particularly useful for low-speed maneuvering in congested areas.
Combination packages (DPPK1/2/3/4) offer both front and rear sensing capabilities, providing comprehensive coverage for parking in various situations. These systems integrate the functionalities of both front and rear kits, often using a single control unit or multiple units working in conjunction.
Some Dolphin Parking Sensor systems also incorporate reversing cameras and monitors (e.g., DPS400M/DPS400D). These systems overlay a digital distance readout onto the camera's video feed, providing a visual representation of what is behind the vehicle along with precise distance information. The monitor can be a dashboard-mounted display or a rear-view mirror display, offering flexibility in installation and driver preference.
Usage Features:
- Auditory Alerts: The most basic form of alert is an audio buzzer. As the vehicle gets closer to an obstacle, the beeping sound becomes more frequent. A continuous tone indicates that the vehicle is very close to the obstacle, signaling the driver to stop.
- Visual Displays: Many systems offer visual displays that provide more detailed information. These displays can show the distance to the obstacle in units (e.g., 10cm units) and indicate which side of the vehicle (left or right) is closer to the object.
- Dashboard Displays (e.g., DPS450, DMS650): These are typically mounted on the dashboard, providing a clear visual readout for the driver.
- Rear Roof Displays (e.g., DPS455, DMS655): Designed to be read backwards through the reversing mirror, these displays are mounted on the roof in the rear of the vehicle, offering a convenient viewing angle without requiring the driver to look away from the mirrors.
- Wireless Displays (e.g., DAS470, DPS470): These displays offer easier installation as they do not require a direct cable connection to the main control box. They often come with a cigar lighter plug for power, allowing for quick setup.
- Sensor Placement and Sensitivity: The sensors are designed to be installed in the bumper, typically between 40-70cm off the ground and 30-40cm apart for optimal performance. Some micro sensors have a slight angle molded into them to face slightly upwards, and outer sensors may have reduced sensitivity to cover the sides of the bumper effectively.
- Front Sensor Activation: Front sensors can be manually activated via a rocker switch, which should be connected to an ignition-switched power source (e.g., car stereo system). For more advanced integration, a CANBus interface can be used to automatically activate front sensors when the vehicle's speed drops below a certain threshold, providing hands-free operation in low-speed situations.
- Reversing Camera Integration: Systems with reversing cameras offer a live video feed of the area behind the vehicle, with distance information overlaid on the screen. This provides a comprehensive view for safer reversing.
- Compatibility: Dolphin Parking Sensors are designed for 12V vehicles with polycarbonate bumpers and are compatible with most modern cars, including those with Multiplexed or CANBUS wiring systems. The system typically connects to a 12V+ feed and ground, avoiding the need to cut original vehicle wires.
Maintenance Features:
- Troubleshooting Guide: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting section to help diagnose common issues. This covers problems such as unexpected detection range, constant tone alerts, unit appearing dead, front/rear sensor malfunction, constant slow beeping, sensors activating occasionally while driving, and wireless system issues.
- Sensor Fault Diagnosis: If a sensor is suspected to be faulty (e.g., causing constant tone alerts), the guide recommends unplugging each sensor one at a time from the brain box to identify the problematic unit.
- Power Source Verification: For issues like a dead unit or display, the manual advises checking the power source and ground connection to ensure a live feed.
- Interference Mitigation: The guide addresses issues related to electrical interference, such as sensors malfunctioning when the engine is on (often due to CANBus interference). It suggests solutions like fitting a relay (available as an accessory) to resolve such problems. It also advises against running sensor cables close to the car battery to avoid electrical field interference.
- Sensor Angle Adjustment: If sensors provide constant slow beeping, indicating they are fitted too low or angled incorrectly, the use of supplied angled wedges is recommended to adjust the sensor heads slightly upwards.
- Wireless Signal Check: For wireless systems that appear dead, the guide suggests verifying the display's power and, if the display is working, checking the brain box's power and location to ensure it's not near sources of interference or objects blocking the wireless signal. Testing the display closer to the brain box can help determine if it's a signal or distance issue.
- Spare Parts and Accessories: A list of available spare parts and accessories is provided, including individual sensors, wedges, audio buzzers, displays, brain boxes, automatic gearbox relays, bulb failure warning relays, front parking sensor switches, CANBus interface modules, and 24V/12V converters. This ensures that components can be replaced or upgraded as needed, extending the life and functionality of the system.
- Lifetime Warranty: Trading Direct Ltd offers a lifetime warranty on parts for the original purchaser, ensuring that the system performs as specified for the duration of the car's ownership. This warranty covers repair or replacement of like-for-like parts.
- DIY Installation Support: While designed for DIY installation, the manual provides detailed instructions and diagrams to guide users through the process. For any issues, customers are encouraged to contact Trading Direct Ltd for diagnosis and replacement parts.
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