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Installation Diagram
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Sensor Installation (MINIATURE ACOUSTIC TRANSMITTER/RECEIVER )

In order for the Model A-F to function properly, it is required that all four sensors be used. Sensors should be evenly spaced apart,

Warning! The mounting position of the sensors is very critical. Improper installation directly affects the performance of the system. Please read and follow the installation procedures carefully.

TIPS FOR DETERMINING THE BEST POSITIONS FOR THE SENSORS AND FOR DRILLING HOLES.

PLEASE READ EVERYTHING THROUGH “THE DRILLING THE HOLES” SECTIONS BEFORE DRILLING ANY HOLES:

Model A-F Sensor Position Diagram (Figure 2)

Finding suitable locations for the sensors (Figure 2).

Measure the width of the bumper and divide that distance by 8 (eight) (for example if your bumper is 48 inches wide dividing it by 8 would yield 6 inches). Sensors must be mounted on a flat surface of the bumper that is perpendicular to the ground.

Next determine the center line of the bumper (in the example given that would be 24 inches) and using a grease pencil or other temporary marker, make a mark at that position on the bumper.

From that center point make a mark 1/8 of the width of the bumper (calculated above) both to the left and right of the center point.

Place another mark 2/8 of the bumper width (calculated above) from these marks toward the outer edges of the bumpers. Note: If your bumper curves towards the sides of your vehicle where you are marking for the outer sensors you may need to reposition the sensor marks more towards the center of the vehicle, so that the sensors do not aim towards the side of the vehicle. It is important to make sure that all four sensors are spaced equally apart from each other.

After you have determined the sensor positions, use the provided Drilling Position Stickers (see figure 2) to mark the locations where you will drill the holes for the sensors.

Mounting the Sensors

Sensor aiming diagram (Figure 3)

Top and Side views of Sensor Wedges (Figure 4)

Place the point of a pencil, pen or other similar object over each "hole mark" made on the bumper and point it outward, perpendicular to the bumper. Sensors must be mounted on a flat surface of the bumper that is perpendicular to the ground. Always avoid mounting a sensor on a surface that has either a convex or a concave face. However if a sensor must be mounted on a curved surface or close to the ground, you will need to insert a wedge between the bumper and sensor to adjust the pointing angle. We have included 4 each of 2 different sizes of plastic wedges for this purpose (figure 4). The two sizes can be used separately or put together to create a variety of aiming angles.

Important note about the above paragraph.

The sensors must be mounted so that they aim straight out or are adjusted to point a little upward from the bumper. Make sure sensors are never installed to aim down towards the road surface. If a sensor is pointing towards the ground, it will be necessary to install a wedge between the bumper and the sensor (figures 3 & 4). Failure to do so may result in the signal bouncing back from the ground surface thereby adversely affecting the detection stability of the sensor as shown below (figure 5).

Figure 5

Now that you have read the above and understand how and where to drill, you may begin the drilling process. 

Drilling the Holes for the Sensors.

For Plastic Bumpers ONLY.

Use a small, sharp instrument to make a small hole in the center of each sticker. Next use a 3/32” drill bit and drill a pilot hole into the bumper. Slowly enlarge the hole to 1/2 inch in diameter. For best results, we suggest using either a ½” drill bit or a ½ inch diameter "hole saw". Either method should create a smooth hole.  

For Metal Bumpers ONLY.

The TailGauge Model A-F kits come with 4 rubber grommets to enable you to install it on a metal bumper. If you need to install it on a metal bumper do the following. Use a 3/32” (metal use) drill bill to make a small pilot hole in the center of each sticker. Next, slowly enlarge the hole to 11/16 inch in diameter. For best results, we suggest using a 11/16” drill bit, a variable size drill bit, or a 11/16 inch diameter "hole cutting bit". Make sure that you use enough torque for your drill and bit to create a clean hole. Use a file or a rotary tool to remove any metal burrs and sharp edges from the holes. Note that there is a notch on the sensors (figure 6) on the front of the plastic (the sensor lead enters the back of the sensor opposite the notch on the front). There is a small extra piece of plastic (a guide piece) next to the notch on the side of the sensor (Figure 7). This guide piece indicates the bottom of the sensor (that part of the sensor closest to the ground). You will need to insert the rubber grommets into the holes and then insert the sensors into the grommets.

Figure 6 (Arrow points to notch)

Figure 7 (Arrow points to notch)

Once the drilling step is finished, slowly press each sensor into a hole, keeping track of which sensor cable is for which sensor. We suggest that you mark each sensor cable from left to the right; 1 for the left most left sensor, 2 for the left-middle sensor, 3 for the right-middle, and 4 for the right-most sensor (see in figure 5).

Please pay careful attention to the following in order to ensure that each of these sensors are connected to their respective ports on the processor. NOTE THAT THE SENSOR PORTS ARE NOT ALL THE SAME. If you hold the main unit in your hand with the power LED pointing upwards, and look at the space above the sensor ports you will notice that the outer-most ports each are marked with the words “Side Sensor” and an arrow. You will need to plug the #1 sensor (the left-most sensor) into the left most opening, the number 2 sensor (left-middle) in to the next opening, and so on.

The detecting range of the two outside ports [1 and 4] are programmed to detect the side or peripheral vision of the vehicle, and are therefore looking outward differently from the inside ports [ 2 and 3]. The sensors attached to ports 2 and 3 (the inside ports) will see as far out as 8 - 12 feet. The sensors attached to ports 1 and 4 (the outside ports) will see as far out as 6 feet, but will not look beyond this distance. The detection distance has been reduced on these two ports so that they will not pick up extraneous objects alongside the vehicle.

Again, be sure the sensors are not installed too close from the ground, and be sure they are not aiming down toward the road surface.

Power Unit Installation (8-BIT SIGNAL MICRO PROCESSOR)

The main unit can be mounted in the back of your vehicle or in the trunk. Use the adhesive pads or screws provided to secure the main unit near the tail light assembly. Make sure this unit is mounted away from other electronic devices that may cause RF interference which can cause incorrect operations or readings.

Mounting the  Speaker


The warning speaker can be placed anywhere inside the passenger compartment with double sided adhesive tape. We recommend placing the speaker on the flat door pillar between the rear seat and the back window.

This installation  does not require the tampering or removal of vehicle's headliner (ceiling upholstery). Installer should gently squeeze the speaker cable between headliner and plastic ceiling trim as they run the cabling from the front of vehicle to the rear (between speaker and processor).
 

Wiring Installation:

Model A-F Wiring Diagram

The wiring system for the Model A-4F is simple and easy. Just follow the wiring diagram in figure 8. In order to obtain a clean power source while avoiding electronic interference from other electronic devices in the vehicle, if available at the backup lights, we recommend that you attach both red and black input wires parallel to these light sockets. For chassis grounded vehicles, or if the ground is not available at these lights, we suggest that you connect the black wire to a very stable ground source. It is important to make sure the system is well grounded. Running sensor wires: Run the sensor wires behind the bumper and into the trunk. Plug each sensor plug into its corresponding jack according to the numbers you marked earlier. Hide the speaker wire inside the interior trim or under the carpeting of the trunk. Insert the speaker plug into the connecting port on the back side of the power/processor unit. Test the connections by putting the vehicle in reverse with the ignition on. An LED will light up on the power/processor unit to indicate the system is receiving power. Important Notes: 1. Always place the power/processor unit and wires far way from other electrical or electronic devices in the vehicle. Never run wires (including power wires, speaker wire or sensor wires) underneath the power/processor unit, as any of this may cause interference. 2. Do not bunch sensor wires with other wires in the vehicle, as this may also pick up electronic signals and cause interference to the device.

We use 4 wire RJ22 telephone connectors in our Model A-F kits. We use standard 1/8" mono audio plug to connect the speaker on the Model A-F. We have found that these type of connections are not only the strongest and most durable, but also the easiest to work with or modify. If speaker wires require lengthening, one can easily find any of these extension cables at your local electronics supply store (or at Radio Shack or even some Home Depot stores). Please note that the Model A-F uses the handset modular plugs.  It may be difficult to find handset female connectors.

All of our systems have been designed to operate by turning on automatically as you place the vehicle in reverse. We recommend tapping power directly from the rear taillight reverse light wires. It does not matter if you use the left or right taillight assembly. Do what is neat and convenient for your installation.

Technically, depending on your application, you could install the system to power up using any 12 volt power source you want. In some installations you might desire to have the units powered constantly. Though we did not design these systems to work in this manner, we do not see any obvious problems installing them to work this way.

Sound Level Adjustment

You may select the sound level of both the voice warning system (VWS) and the multi-tone assist (MTA) level using the side slide switch on the speaker and positioning it to either "high, or low." You may also select the “mute” position to switch off the speaker temporally, in the event you are towing a vehicle or otherwise do not wish to use the system.

A Special Note For Pickup Truck Owners: