How to Choose a Radar DetectorDrively safely and with in the speed limit is always the best choice but when you're running late to work and trying to beat those traffic lights it can be handy to have a radar detector.
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How does a Radar Detector Work?
Police radar guns "see" a vehicle by transmitting a microwave pulse. Then they make use of the Doppler Effect: the frequency of the transmitted pulse is compared to the frequency of the reflection, and speed is calculated by using the difference between them.
The idea behind radar detectors. They look for radar "beams" and find them before they can return a strong enough reflection to "illuminate" you. Radar detectors are essentially microwave radio receivers that make noise or flash lights when they sense an incoming signal on specific frequencies.
Types of Detectors:
- Corded detectors usually mount on the windsheilf via suction cups, and provide the best range of detection.
- Cordless detectors are transported easily between vehicles, and provide a cleaner installation than corded models.
- Remote-mount detectors are permanently mounted to your vehicle, providing a clean installation that's virtually undetectable by thieves.
Features of Detectors:
- City Modes: City mode turns down the range or sensitivity so that you get fewer false alerts; this feature is helpful for urban driving where there may be security alarms that may trigger the radar detector.
- Laser detection: A detector with one laser sensor can detect laser beams in front of you, but not behind you or off to the sides. 360-degree laser detection uses two sensors to look for laser pulses to the sides and behind you. Models with 360-degree laser detection tend to be more reliable, but more costly.
- VG-2 and Spectre protection: These are shielding technologies that let you know when police are using radar detector detectors (RDD). Spectre is a more advanced RDD technology that is currently being used in several states and Canada. Some detectors offer Stealth protection, which warns you and then shuts down the detector, while more expensive detectors offer Invisible protection — they may be shielded from VG-2, Spectre, or both, so they can continue operating without being discovered.
- Digital voice alerts: A voice alert tells you what your radar detector has picked up. You don't have to take your eyes off of the road to look at the detector's display.
- "Instant-On" Protection: Practically speaking, you can't really defend yourself against Instant-On radar; if it's been aimed at you, your speed has been measured by the time your detector gives an alert. However, if the radar was targeted on a car ahead of you, a detector with sensitive K-band reception will alert you. High K-band sensitivity is what allows manufacturers to promote a detector as giving Instant-On Protection.
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| trackwrex - Feb 27, 2007 3:00 pm | |||
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