Parking sensors

[mknox]

I'd like some of this stuff also, but it's also interesting how quickly we become dependent on new inventions. I drove (and parked) my cars for 20 years before I ever experienced a reversing sensor or rearview camera and never had the faintest idea that I needed either.

Yes and no. My first car rode high enough to clear parking curbs, and the bumper was solid metal that could take some hits without damage. (I used to "park by feel" into a piece of plywood on the block wall of my garage, and never did any damage at all to the old metal bumper). Newer cars ride much lower and being all plastic, get cracked up pretty bad with even a minor bump into a curb. One of my earlier cars also had a manual choke on the dash, but I became "dependent" on automatic chokes (and now, fuel injection) over the years :smile:

 

[rcc]

I tried parallel parking the other day in the S. The combo of side mirrors angled down and rear view camera might actually be enough. Although what I think would help a lot if we had "guidelines" that indicate how far away things are. I'm thinking an overlay that can be turned off once you get used to judging the distance. I'm still learning from experience what something looks like when it's 3 feet away vs. 1 foot away.

On the front side, yes, I'm flying completely blind -- just like the last car.

All in all, I think I'm willing to wait for a while to see what Tesla's going to deliver in this area and whether a retrofit will be offered before I pull the trigger on an aftermarket upgrade.

 

[dennis]

I encountered a Tesla engineer who confirmed that they are now discussing how to implement parking sensors on the Model S. So it is coming, but the engineering is at the early stages, so it will be a while before release I am sure. No indication from him as to whether it would be retrofittable to existing cars.

 

[aaronw]

What would be really impressive would be something like what Infinity does which gives the equivalent of an overhead view using multiple cameras, though I'd settle for parking sensors to help prevent hitting the curb in front. Guide lines in the back would also be helpful, especially for those times I back into my garage.

 

[contaygious]

I use the mirrors to avoid curb rash, but need lines to get in my garage. The camera is off center so it throws me off when backing upl. I have to result to looking out my window backwards so I don't hit the sides backing up.

 

[brianman]

When I hear "parking sensors", I don't include "guide lines on the rear cam".

I'm unclear why "guide lines on the rear cam" would require anything other than software/firmware changes.

 

[dennis]

I'm unclear why "guide lines on the rear cam" would require anything other than software/firmware changes.

They don't. The Tesla engineer I spoke with confirmed that rear cam guidelines were on the software enhancement list.

 

[brianman]

They don't. The Tesla engineer I spoke with confirmed that rear cam guidelines were on the software enhancement list.

I meant to ask that also. I'm glad my post nudged you. Cool.

 

[pilotSteve]

When I hear "parking sensors", I don't include "guide lines on the rear cam".

I'm unclear why "guide lines on the rear cam" would require anything other than software/firmware changes.

Got me wondering: could Tesla use image processing on the rear camera to implement a 'visual' park distance warning? This would be in addition to the guide lines (maybe by an audio tone when close to what appears to be non-moving objects)? That could be the best of both worlds.

 

[vcor]

The rear camera works ok for me (although I'm also used to having parking sensors). While parting sensors would be great, I'd almost rather have a front camera so I both see a bit in front and see curb positions (which the sensors will not help with). Still I'd likely buy a sensor package.

As for retrofit wiring, the entire car has multiple CAM and LIN networks running around to minimize wiring and wire weight. For example, the LED assemblies like the trunk and frunk each have a built in controller that connections to a two wire network (very likely LIN) and can be controlled by the software. I suspect it may be fairly easy to tap into the network wiring and add a sensor pack in both the front and the back and have it all controlled by software. This doesn't mean the engineering is trivial, just that it may not need major rewiring to handle it.

 

[dtich]

The rear camera works ok for me (although I'm also used to having parking sensors). While parting sensors would be great, I'd almost rather have a front camera so I both see a bit in front and see curb positions (which the sensors will not help with). Still I'd likely buy a sensor package.

i'd like a front cam too, +1. be great to see curbs right in front of the nose. VERY helpful.

and i'm in line for parking sensors too, but frankly the mirrors and rear cam have me covered going backwards. i know the cam is slightly offset from center, but you can very clearly see both edges of the bumper and judge both distance and alignment from that pretty well i find. ymmv.

 

[aaronw]

For the front of my model S I just ordered Curb Alert PRO since my biggest problem is hitting curbs and the parking strip barriers in my Prius. The nice thing about it is that it can be removed without leaving any marks on the car so that if/when Tesla offers integrated parking sensors I can upgrade to that. I may end up keeping the Curb Alert depending on how well the parking sensors detect the curb or I may transfer it to my Prius.

http://www.brandmotion.com/curb-alert-2.html

I found this at Amazon for $179. Now I just need to get my model S and find an installer near Fremont.

 

[Benjamin Brooks]

For the front of my model S I just ordered Curb Alert PRO since my biggest problem is hitting curbs and the parking strip barriers in my Prius. The nice thing about it is that it can be removed without leaving any marks on the car so that if/when Tesla offers integrated parking sensors I can upgrade to that. I may end up keeping the Curb Alert depending on how well the parking sensors detect the curb or I may transfer it to my Prius.

http://www.brandmotion.com/curb-alert-2.html

I found this at Amazon for $179. Now I just need to get my model S and find an installer near Fremont.

Did you get this installed, and are you happy with its performance?

 

[Jeroens]

Call out to all European Reservation Holders.
Can you please register your vote if you want to see Parking Sensors (PDC) added to your Tesla Model S, so we can report this feedback to Tesla HQ.

You can vote here:
Who wants Park Distance Control - Call to all Model S Reservation Holders

Thanks

 

[PRJIM]

Alpine Rear view Camera HCE-C300R Drive Situations - YouTube

This solution would be interesting- especially if it could be rolled out with a software update.

I wonder if the HD Camera on the MS is directly attached to a video in or if there is some processing that takes place. If it is the latter, it should be possible to add this functionality OTA.

 

[jwheinen]

Good news for all you guys. Apparently Tesla informed some of the EU customers. Google Translated, the text is as follows:

Before we start with the first European Model S deliveries, we can say with full enthusiasm that new option packages available are designed to optimize the experience and performance of the car. Below you can see the details of all the new features found. Each individual option, you can easily add to your existing order, if not already included:

Winter Package: Stay warm even though it's cold outside with a new heated second row of seats, a heater and wiper cowl, improved defrost and a new fluid heater for enhanced performance and range in cold weather.

Parking Assistance: New parking sensors in the front and rear bumpers to measure the distance between S and Model objects. Thanks audiovisual support, you can easily and comfortable parking.

Lighting Package (standard on Signature Editions): To use and the atmosphere in your car to improve, this package is designed to increase visibility in and around the car to improve and contains additional lighting in the footwells, door frames, door panels and storage.

Security package: In addition to the standard security options are now intrusion sensors overhead and a battery powered alarm siren available.
Performance Plus: This re-tuned suspension provides an additional dynamic ride, allowing the Model S gets improved driveability. Response delay between the driver and the steering wheel is reduced by optimized dampers and bushings, allowing you to maximize your Model S Performance can get.

At present the new features not yet available in the Design Studio, so will our Product Specialists are ready to all your questions about product details and prices to answer and / or your configuration and paperwork to adjust as you add new options to your car want to add. To add new options to best fit your existing configuration without the production of your car to slow down, have all the updates before Monday, April 15 passed. We ask you to contact our team of Product Specialists for your preferences to pass.

 

[Zas]

AWESOME !!!.. i just wonder if its just audio - or an app built-in to the screen - it says 'audiovisual' , so i hope its the latter... now the waiting game begins, ..again

 

[byt]

Lighting Package (standard on Signature Editions): To use and the atmosphere in your car to improve, this package is designed to increase visibility in and around the car to improve and contains additional lighting in the footwells, door frames, door panels and storage.

I hope the US Sigs get this too?

 

[bbmertz]

Parking Assistance: New parking sensors in the front and rear bumpers to measure the distance between S and Model objects. Thanks to audiovisual support, you can easily and comfortable parking.

This is great news! I just hope the parking sensors can be retrofitted on US vehicles, as indicated in the TM discussion forum.

 

[bhuwan]

I hope they retrofit and offer it in the US,