Absolute Gadget

New Binatone satnav helps you ride and park

Written by Rene Millman Thursday, 15 May 2008 02:47

Maybe the two hardest things to do in a car are navigating and parking (I can think of a few more but this is a family website), but erstwhile games console manufacturers Binatone want to help you tackle those two car-related tasks with a new satnav that helps you park your car at the destination it's helped you get to.

The T430 is billed as a personal navigation device with a difference. Basically as soon as the car is put into reverse gear and it immediately transforms from a satnav system into a full colour rear view camera. When reversing, the screen automatically changes to show what is behind the vehicle - which Binatone said was useful for any car without parking sensors.

This is Binatone's first system to feature Navigator 7.0 software. Which has several more advanced features such as personal data management; advanced route planning; create and export track logs; save and load planned routes. The device also includes Bluetooth so it can be used as a hands free speaker phone. When receiving incoming calls, the screen automatically converts into a keypad and similarly, the keypad can be used to dial out. A button on the system turns the speaker on and off to accept or disconnect calls.

A full installation kit comes with the camera which can be mounted under or over the rear licence plate using existing screw holes. The camera is linked wirelessly to the system on the dashboard but is connected by cable to a reversing light on the car - this provides a power source as well as indicating when reverse gear is activated. A Binatonic said that customers would not baulk at a spot of installation.

"We believe many customers will be happy installing the camera themselves," said Adrian Green, Binatone Sales and Marketing Director. He added that anyone that Wanted to "leave it to the experts" could phone up to arrange fitting by calling 0845 345 9677.

Other features include (full spec sheet below):