Noddy question about GPS Detectors

[slapmatt]

OK, bare with me. I don't own one and I have a very tenuous grasp on how they work!

So, you're driving about and you pass a spot which is know to be used by a mobile detector van. Does the detector go off regardless of if a van is present - or does it only go off if a van is there?

[dogwatch]

A GPS unit doesn't detect anything. If it figures it is close to a site where someone has previously logged a camera it will beep or whatever even if ther is nothing there. Radar and Laser detectors try and catch any emissions before they catch you.
Satnav devices use GPS but don't always have Scamera sites included when new. Infotec and similar report that a camera site is nearby, but it may be on an adjoining road, or have been removed.

[slapmatt]

I drive through a village on the way home from work each night and on half a dozen occasions there's been a detector van parked up. This is a well publicised spot, it's listed on the Wiltshire Camera partnership Web site and all. Does this mean a GPS detector would beep at me every night as I drive past the spot?

[gilbertd]

Yes, assuming that site is listed in it's database or you have added it as a spot to warn you about. For this reason, I don't bother with mine on my way to work and back, I know where the cameras are. I only use it when I'm going to an area I don't know as well.

[slapmatt]

Thanks for your comments guys!

[k50 del]

I've had a GPS detector for several years now (Road Angel and now Origin B2) and although they do beep at you even if the mobile unit isn't there, it's a small price to pay for having something that saves your license.

I would have been banned twice over by now for A road hooning were it not for my units.

[woof]

Road Angel compact £199 - can't be beaten as far as I'm concerned

[ashes]

Anyone with a RA classic finds it takes an age to get a lock sometimes? I can drive Sheffield to Leeds without getting a reading.

Is it faulty?

Ken

[L1OFF]

ashes said:

Anyone with a RA classic finds it takes an age to get a lock sometimes? I can drive Sheffield to Leeds without getting a reading. Is it faulty? Ken

Yes. I have had 2 the first one took ages to lock, the replacement takes less than 30 secs.
Alan