Parking mode is a crucial feature for modern dashcams, providing 24/7 surveillance for your vehicle. Radar-based parking mode takes it a step further by offering efficient motion detection, minimizing battery drain while maximizing event capture. In this test, we delve into the effectiveness of a two-direction radar system, similar to what you might find in advanced Blackvue dashcams, and explore how OBD2 connectivity could potentially enhance its functionality.
The challenge with radar parking mode, particularly for rear cameras, can be the installation angle. If the camera isn’t positioned correctly, the radar’s effectiveness might be compromised. We investigate this by simulating a scenario where the rear camera angle is adjusted to optimize radar detection.
In a typical sedan, the rear window slopes downwards, which can cause the rear dashcam to point slightly downwards as well. For optimal radar performance, it’s ideal for the radar sensor to be as perpendicular to the ground as possible. To test this, a wedge was used to adjust the rear camera angle, simulating an upward tilt and bringing it closer to a perpendicular alignment.
Wedge / Stock Installation / Installation with wedge
To assess the impact of this angle adjustment, real-world parking scenarios were simulated across two different locations. The goal was to see if adjusting the rear camera angle would improve the radar’s ability to detect events behind the vehicle.
Parking Mode Session 1: Initial Angle and Detection Challenges
During the first parking session, numerous vehicles passed behind the test car. These vehicles were approximately 6 meters away, beyond the expected detection range for the rear radar. However, the focus was on close-range detection. To test this, after the parking session, the tester walked behind the car, stopping directly behind the rear bumper and trunk lid, approximately 1 meter (3.1 ft) from the rear camera. At this distance, the rear radar, set to “High” sensitivity, should have triggered.
Interestingly, the rear radar did not appear to detect this close proximity event at the rear. Detection only seemed to occur when the tester moved to the front driver’s side door. This raises questions about which radar sensor – front or rear – was actually triggering the motion detection and the effective range of the rear radar in this setup.
At rear bumper (trunk lid ) / At front driver side door (motion time-lapse just started recording)
Parking Mode Session 2: Proximity and Front vs. Rear Radar
The second parking session aimed to further investigate the rear radar’s detection capabilities. In this location, vehicles driving behind the car were within the 4-meter (13.1 ft) range, well within the “High” sensitivity setting for the rear radar. Despite this proximity, these passing vehicles were not detected by the rear radar system.
Further testing involved approaching the vehicle and opening the trunk to simulate loading items. Again, the rear radar failed to trigger. However, upon moving to the front driver’s side door, motion detection was activated, seemingly by the front radar. This consistent detection at the front driver’s side door, and lack of detection at the rear, even with adjusted angle, suggests a potential limitation in the rear radar’s performance in these test conditions.
The presence of a pickup truck behind the car in one of the test frames further emphasizes this point. Despite being directly behind the vehicle, and other vehicles not triggering the rear radar, the motion detection event seemed to be triggered by the tester’s presence at the front driver’s door, not the vehicle behind.
Car passing directly behind car / Approaching rear of car / Trunk lid open / At front driver side door (outside)
Potential of OBD2 Integration for Enhanced Parking Mode
While this test focuses on radar performance, the mention of “OBD2” in the context of “Blackvue Two Directions Obd2” brings up an interesting point. OBD2 connectivity in dashcams like Blackvue models can offer a wealth of vehicle data. While not directly related to radar detection range, OBD2 could potentially enhance parking mode in several ways:
- Voltage Monitoring: OBD2 connection allows the dashcam to monitor the car battery voltage. This is crucial for parking mode, ensuring the dashcam doesn’t drain the battery excessively. Advanced systems can even shut down parking mode if the voltage drops below a certain threshold, protecting the battery.
- Impact Detection Enhancement: While radar detects motion, a physical impact might not always be registered by radar alone. OBD2 accelerometers could provide more sensitive and accurate impact detection, complementing the radar system.
- GPS and Speed Data in Parking Mode: OBD2-linked GPS can provide accurate location data even in parking mode events. Speed data from OBD2 (though less relevant in parking mode itself) is valuable context for any triggered events leading up to parking.
Conclusion: Radar Parking Mode and Future Enhancements
This test highlights the complexities of radar parking mode, particularly concerning rear camera placement and consistent detection. While adjusting the camera angle didn’t resolve the rear radar detection issues in this specific scenario, it underscores the importance of proper installation for optimal performance.
The integration of OBD2 in dashcams like Blackvue models opens up avenues for enhancing parking mode beyond just motion detection. Battery voltage monitoring, improved impact detection, and richer data logging through OBD2 can contribute to a more robust and user-friendly parking surveillance experience. Further research and development in radar technology and its integration with OBD2 data will likely lead to even more effective and reliable parking mode systems in the future.
