Parking Dynamics PD1 Technical Information

Got a problem? See the PD1 Troubleshooting page. 

Vehicles NOT compatible with the PD1

The following vehicles are NOT compatible with the PD1 sensor

Mazda B2500 Pick up | Mitsubishi L200 | Nissan Pathfinder | Nissan Navara | Toyota Rav 4 (Pre 2006) | Jeep Wrangler | New Audi A4 (2009 - some models with honeycomb behind bumper) | Peugeot AutoSleeper Mezan

Please Contact Us if you have any concerns about the compatiblity of your vehicle.

PD1 Electromagnetic Technology v's Ultrasonic Sensors

There are 2 types of parking and reverse sensor technologies available on the market. The older less reliable technology is ultrasonic and typically uses 4 or 6 sensors that mount in the bumper for all to see. Holes need drilling in your bumper to mount and they need painting to match your bumper colour.

Many ultrasonic parking and reversing systems are physically too deep to install in to bumpers, due to the crash protection bar behind the bumper. The PD1 eliminates this problem!

The Parking Dynamics PD1 uses a tried and tested unique Electromagnetic Technology, used only by a few elite car manufacturers and this offers a unique design that discretely mounts on the inner side of the bumper preserving the 'new factory look' of your vehicle, so only you will know it is fitted.

Ultrasonic technology having 4 or 6 visible and exposed sensors does need regular maintenance and cleaning. The PD1 Electromagnetic technology is not exposed, is self diagnostic and requires no maintenance.

Many accidents occur because drivers can't see the corners of their car and how far the edges of the bumpers protrude from the rest of the body. This is extremely dangerous when parking and reversing.

PD1 Parking Sensor is 100% Compatible

Conventional Wiring System and New CAN Bus Wiring Systems:

Many new cars and vehicles now come with the CAN Bus multiplex wiring system fitted. The PD1 is fully CAN Bus compatible and requires no adjustment or extra accessories when installing. Beware of ultrasonic systems that require extra wiring and relay components in order to fully integrate with CAN Bus systems. Connect the wrong aftermarket parking sensor and it could be costly. The PD1 eliminates this problem!

Vehicles Fitted with a Tow Bar:

Parking Dynamics PD1 is the recommended Parking and Reverse Sensor for vehicles with a Tow bar fitted as performance is not affected. It's the only Parking Sensor available that is compatible with vehicles that have a tow bar fitted.

Vehicles with Spare Wheel on Rear Door:

The Parking Dynamics PD1 will continue to operate effectively when fitted to vehicles with a Spare Wheel fixed on the rear door such as 4x4, MPV or SUV's. It's the only Parking and Reverse Sensor available that is compatible with vehicles that have a spare wheel fixed to rear door.

Vehicles with a Metal Bumper:

The Parking Dynamics PD1 Front, Rear and Vision Parking and Reverse Sensors are not compatible with metal bumpers straight out of the box. However with a few insulating adjustments to your metal bumper, the PD1 will be fully compatible. See the Metal Bumper Installation Technical Document to learn more.
 

Technical Operation

When reverse gear is selected the small control unit generates a magnetic field and transfers this to the transceiver adhesive strip that is placed on the inner side of and run the length of your bumper. The PD1 Front sensor is activated by a a switch and works in exactly the same way as the PD1 rear reverse sensor.

The magnetic strip then sends out an elliptical magnetic field to cover the full area around your bumper, front, rear and sides. The transceiver strip works by sending and receiving unlike ultrasonic parking and reverse sensors that require 2 types of sensors, one to send and one to receive; if they become dirty the ultrasonic  performance can deteriorate.

Mass is then monitored by the control unit by translating this into a voltage. When an object (i.e. people, kerbs, cars, etc) heavier in mass than the magnetic field enters this elliptical zone, an increase in voltage is detected by the control unit and you are then informed by a series of audible tones or display (PD1-Vision only) how close you are to the object. You can then manoeuvre accordingly with plenty of time to react.

Operation in Heavy Rain conditions:

When heavy rain is present the PD1 parking sensor system automatically reduces its sensitivity in order to eliminate false alarms that can be given by the movement of water on the bumper. False signals in heavy rain conditions are highly affected by specific designs of vehicles and their bumpers. Some bumper designs have a higher chance of false alarms in heavy rain conditions.

False signals are given as a result of water flowing between the car body and the bumper. Parking Dynamics have reduced this as much as possible with good results within the PD1 software for optimum usage. 

However once the software does recognise that water is present during a reversing manoeurve the first and second zones are eliminated to prevent continuous false signals and the next alert zones are utilised until the system is reset and water eliminated. 
 

This is intelligent in itself and surpasses ultrasonics in such scenarios ensuring a safe and secure parking and reversing manoeuvre. 

Installation & Technical Guides

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• PD1-Rear Sensor Tech Guide & Installation - Download Now
• PD1-Front Sensor Tech Guide & Installation - Download Now
• PD1-Vision Rear Sensor Installation Instructions - Download Now

• Parking Dynamics PD1 Installation Best Practices - Download Now
• Boosting Sensor Detection Range (ideal if a tow bar is fitted) - Download Now  
• Bumper Removal Overview - Download Now

• Insulating Metal Crash Protection Bar (if required) - Download Now
• Metal Bumper Installation Instructions - Download Now
• Installation & Demo Videos - Watch Now