Sat-nav guides you into bays!

By Dave Pollard

09th August 2008

Now this is what we call multi-tasking! Binatone’s new T430 not only gives the usual sat-nav benefits but doubles up as a reversing camera, too – the first system of its kind to do so.

The well specified T430 has a 4.3-inch screen, Bluetooth and MP3/MP4 capability, along with UK/Ireland mapping. But it’s the rear view camera that appeals.

It has to be hard-wired into the reversing lights via two simple connections. When powered by the selection of reverse gear, it then transmits an image to the sat-nav screen. Just take care to ensure there’s sufficient slack in the wire when routing from the boot or hatch to the car.

The camera sits on a plastic arm mounted on metal brackets retained using the original screws. It worked well for us although, because the plate on our VW Golf was on the bumper, the towball was in the way. This wouldn’t affect higher-mounted plates.
As with all such cameras the rear image has a wide-angle view, and unlike when using parking sensors there is no warning when objects get near. This means you can see what’s behind you but not how far away it is. We found distance was markedly skewed and we were very close to a parked car without realising it.