Collision Avoidance Archives - Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

Aftermarket Collision Avoidance Technologies

10/11/2020 By BestCarAudio.com

Automakers constantly strive to make new cars, trucks and SUVs as safe as possible. The design and materials used in new vehicle chassis make them stronger, more rigid and safer than ever before. Technologies like backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, active lane keep assist, multi-view camera systems, rear cross traffic alerts and autonomous braking dramatically reduce the chance of having an accident. Up until only a few years ago, you had to buy all of these technologies that are now already on your new vehicle. Thankfully, your local mobile enhancement retailer can now retrofit some of these collision avoidance solutions into almost any vehicle. Read on to find out about the options that are available to add safety to your next commute or road trip.

Backup Camera Systems

The simplest of safety systems is a backup camera system. More and more vehicles come with this technology built in and thankfully, there are aftermarket solutions for almost every possible application. In many instances, you can choose to have the camera image displayed on a factory color screen. If your car doesn’t have a color display, you may want to opt for a new rearview mirror with a built-in screen. For commercial usage, stand-alone monitors are available. These are popular on delivery trucks, tow trucks, snow plows and commercial equipment.

Parking Sensor Systems

Working hand-in-hand with the benefits of a backup camera to let you know if something or someone is behind your vehicle, an aftermarket parking sensor system provides an audible warning when there is a chance you may bump into an object. Premium parking sensor systems change the frequency of their warning beeps to let you know when you are getting close to an object.

Blind Spot Monitoring Systems

Aftermarket blind spot monitoring systems are just entering their second generation. These systems include a pair of radar sensors that are mounted behind the rear bumper cover to monitor the space on either side of your vehicle for another car or truck. The exact function of these systems varies from one brand to another. Make sure that the solution you choose can detect a vehicle that has entered your blind spot from the side or that you have passed. Many will only alert you if the vehicle enters your blind spot from the rear.

Several companies now offer camera-enhanced blind spot monitoring systems that automatically display an image of the area on either side of your vehicle when you activate your turn signal.

Cross Traffic Alert Systems

Most of the radar-based blind spot monitoring systems on the market switch to a rear cross traffic alert system when you are backing up. These systems extend the radar signal to as much as 100 feet on either side of your vehicle to watch for oncoming cars or trucks. When they detect something, the same LED indicators that warn you about a vehicle in your blind spot will flash to let you know what side the vehicle is approaching from. Many systems include an audible alarm to make sure you know something is approaching.

Multi-View Camera Systems

Though still in their infancy in the aftermarket, “surround view” camera solutions are offered by several companies. This technology uses four cameras mounted around your vehicle to create a virtual aerial view of your car or truck. The camera image is akin to looking down at your vehicle from about 30 feet above the roof. You can see parking lines, curbs and the presence of other vehicle or obstacles.

Collision Avoidance Alert Systems

Aftermarket safety systems that will apply your brakes or move the steering wheel are not currently available. Those technologies require careful calibration that is specific to each application. One technology that is available is a forward-facing collision warning system. MobileEye is the company responsible for the original autopilot technology used on Tesla vehicles. They offer several aftermarket solutions that use a camera and an advanced image processing computer to warn the driver if someone is approaching from the side or if he or she is approaching a stopped vehicle too quickly. A small display on the dash provides visual alerts to give you extra time to slow down.

These systems can also alert you if you are leaving your lane without signaling first — a sign that you may not be focusing on the task of driving safely.

Dash Camera Systems and Digital Video Recorders

Though not a collision avoidance technology, a video recording system in your vehicle can protect you from fraud or faulty accusations. These camera systems record everything that happens in front of the vehicle from the moment you start the engine to the second you arrive at your destination. If someone backs into you and says you hit them, you can show the police video of the event. If you happen to witness an accident, sharing the video with the authorities can help the reconstruct the events that led up to the incident. Though not officially endorsed by insurance companies, we know of several cases where dashcam video evidence has saved vehicle owners from dramatic insurance rate increases after an accident.

Protect Yourself and Your Vehicle With Modern Technology

Whether you choose a simple backup camera to make parking and maneuvering safer or you outfit your vehicle with advanced collision warning technologies, any upgrade can help you operate your vehicle more safely and reduce the risk of injury or accident. For more information about what is available for your specific make and model of vehicle, drop by your local specialist mobile enhancement retailer today.

This article is written and produced by the team at www.BestCarAudio.com. Reproduction or use of any kind is prohibited without the express written permission of 1sixty8 media.

2018 Ford Explorer Interceptor Gets Momento Camera DVR System

01/28/2020 By John Schwartz

A customer came to our shop recently wanting a dash camera for their vehicle. This customer was a local security officer for an establishment here in Anchorage, Alaska, and wanted the Momento 6 installed on his 2018 Ford Explorer Interceptor. This is a DVR that includes a color display along with a front- and rearward-facing camera. It records video 24/7 to a micro SD card. In the event of an impact, it locks video into memory 20 seconds before and 20 seconds after the impact and can’t be overwritten — perfect for any police or security vehicle.

Come the day of the appointment, we checked in the vehicle and per our standard procedure, put a battery charger on it with a fender cover to protect the vehicle’s paint from any scratches. One of our experienced technicians wired the dash cam into the vehicle in just a few hours, taping up and soldering all wires and connections to guarantee a sleek, professional and reliable install.

When the customer picked up the vehicle, they were ecstatic in knowing that they had a new dash camera that would ensure their safety and provide footage in the case of an accident or emergency.

If you or someone you know wants additional safety precautions put in place for your vehicle, our experienced and qualified team at Perfectionist will be here to help.

“Always Be Ready For The Unexpected”, Momento.

10/26/2018 By John Schwartz

Momento Dash Camera Systems

Why do you need a dash camera?

A dash camera installed in your vehicle is a great way to protect yourself from accidents, vandalism, and much more vehicle challenges. Momento Dash Camera Systems will record dangerous driving, fraudulent behavior or accidents. This footage can be of great value with a situation arises. Here are some circumstances dash cams can be of use:

Accidents
Hit and Run
Driver safety
Security / theft
Transportation services: Uber, Lift, Taxi’s.

What is looping technology?

The Momento Dash Camera Systems both have loop technology. Which means it is constantly recording and will overwrite older footage. Although, if there was impact or motion while recording then the dash cam will record before, during and after the impact and that footage will be saved in a separate folder. The dash cam has the impact and motion sensors built-in to the unit itself.

What is low-light sensor?

The Momento M5 is not only HD, and has storage up to 32GB, but has a low-light sensor built-in. The low-light sensor is a Sony Exmor R Image Sensor. In other words, it improves stability and visibility when it is dark out. This is a great feature when the footage is recording during night, or dark areas.

Stop by, and get a quote!

If you are looking for more safety, and to feel more secure while driving, and/or while your vehicle is parked then stop by and we can go over the differences between the M4, and the M5 dash cams.

Mercedes-Benz Backup Camera Increases Safety for Anchorage Client

08/08/2017 By John Schwartz

A client from Anchorage came to Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security in search of a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter backup camera that integrates with the vehicle’s rear view mirror. Our team spent time on getting to know the client better and how they used their 2016 Sprinter, and looking it over with them. Then we spent time on looking at products that we thought best suited their needs. We worked up a proposal for the client that they liked, so we set an appointment to do the work.

Our team installed an Accele backup camera that replaces the third brake light. We then replaced the rear view mirror with one that has a display for the camera. After finishing the installation, we went over the operation of the products with the client, who was pleased with how it worked.

If you would like to add a backup camera to your vehicle or upgrade the stereo system, we invite you to stop by Perfectionist Auto Sound & Security or contact us here.

Anchorage Client Gets Sprinter Van Camera System & Security

07/07/2017 By John Schwartz

A client from here in Anchorage recently contacted Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security to inquire about having a 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van camera system and alarm installed. Because of its size, being able to see objects or people around or behind the van is very difficult. Our client wanted a camera system that would make his van safer and easier to use. Once we had an understanding of where and how the client would use the van, we designed an appropriate camera and security system to meet his needs.

Sprinter Van Camera System Design

The Sprinter already has a dedicated rear-view camera built into the factory infotainment system. Our system would include three cameras, an additional camera for the rear and one on each of the rearview mirrors. All three cameras would be on all the time. We used a TadiBrothers digital LCD monitor as the heart of the system. This monitor accepts multiple camera inputs and display all three images simultaneously.

Camera System Installation

Every vehicle we pull into our bay is subject to a thorough pre-inspection. We test the functionality of all the electrical systems and note any abnormalities or warning lights. We give the vehicle a physical inspection to ensure there is no pre-existing damage.

We carefully measured the locations for the side-view cameras after confirming there would be enough space inside the mirror housing. Once the cameras were in place, we ran the wiring through the door, through the weather-resistant wiring harness boot and up to the monitor control module.

We mounted the rear camera above the license plate. As the truck already has a rear parking camera, we angled the new camera almost straight back to provide a different field of view for more coverage.

Compustar Security System

To protect the contents of the van, we installed a Compustar Prime G6 Security system. The system uses an FT-7300A-CONT control module, RD-1WG6-AM Remote control, and a DBALL2 interface module. A dual stage shock sensor, digital tilt sensor, and hood-pin and door-pin monitoring ensure the vehicle is safe. We mounted the siren under the hood. The system also provides keyless entry door lock control.

Comfort and Safety by Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security

With the installation complete, a second member of our team reviewed the installation to ensure it was perfect. The client was thrilled with the camera system! It makes it so much easier to drive and negotiate tight areas. If this Sprinter Van camera system or something similar would make your vehicle safer and easier to use, then contact Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security today. You can reach us by e-mail using our online contact form or call 907-563-8112.