Radar Detectors - Road Angel
Discussion
Just about to buy a Radar Detector and was struggling to select until I called Radar Detectors UK (www.radar-detectors-uk.com/index.htm) who were very helpful.
My requirements were:
* GPS and Radar/Laser detection
* Unit must be mobile - i.e. not hard wired so can be taken from vehicle to vehicle
* Must be easy to use (as I'm a right muppet
)
* Must work on both cars and bikes.
The recommendation that came back was for the "Road Angel" (see www.road-angel-gps.co.uk/) as it plugs into the cigarette lighter and sticks to the dash/screen - and that's it. It also has an internal ariel so no wiring at all.
It doesn't detect Radar however and works on the known positions of speed cameras (via GPS), rather than not knowing the positions, but hoping the machine picks up the radar signal. It does also pick up Laser (hand-held cameras etc).
I am pretty happy with the advice I received as this is not the most expensive option this company were selling (not by a long shot) at £373, so they were not just trying to make a sale.
Does anyone out there use the Road Angel, with Laser detection (the older Road Angels were GPS only)? If so I'd love to hear how you find it.
Cheers
My requirements were:
* GPS and Radar/Laser detection
* Unit must be mobile - i.e. not hard wired so can be taken from vehicle to vehicle
* Must be easy to use (as I'm a right muppet
) * Must work on both cars and bikes.
The recommendation that came back was for the "Road Angel" (see www.road-angel-gps.co.uk/) as it plugs into the cigarette lighter and sticks to the dash/screen - and that's it. It also has an internal ariel so no wiring at all.
It doesn't detect Radar however and works on the known positions of speed cameras (via GPS), rather than not knowing the positions, but hoping the machine picks up the radar signal. It does also pick up Laser (hand-held cameras etc).
I am pretty happy with the advice I received as this is not the most expensive option this company were selling (not by a long shot) at £373, so they were not just trying to make a sale.
Does anyone out there use the Road Angel, with Laser detection (the older Road Angels were GPS only)? If so I'd love to hear how you find it.
Cheers
this link might help (its independent)
Scroll down the left hand side until you find it,hope it helps
www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk/frames.htm
Scroll down the left hand side until you find it,hope it helps
www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk/frames.htm
Im not a user of the system, so slightly off topic, but there are some good reviews at www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk/frames.htm Hoping they may be of some interest to you.
I use roadpilot from morpheous which is a touchscreen system using GPS. (Also reviewed on above site) Its quite new out and is designed as modular, so that it can be updated with jammers, detectors etc.. and is software driven via usb PC updates, so it can be updated with schools, accident hotspots etc as well as the usual cameras.
With ref. to the Laser detection on the Road Angel. Its a little pointless as all detection will do is inform you that theyve got your speed. What you need sir, Is a jammer! (also reviewed on above site)
Let us know what you decide to do, have a good shop around on the net as some very good prices are available (I used networx automotive) www.networxautomotive.com
edited because ive been beaten to it! Must type faster...
>> Edited by llamekcuf on Wednesday 14th May 18:21
I use roadpilot from morpheous which is a touchscreen system using GPS. (Also reviewed on above site) Its quite new out and is designed as modular, so that it can be updated with jammers, detectors etc.. and is software driven via usb PC updates, so it can be updated with schools, accident hotspots etc as well as the usual cameras.
With ref. to the Laser detection on the Road Angel. Its a little pointless as all detection will do is inform you that theyve got your speed. What you need sir, Is a jammer! (also reviewed on above site)
Let us know what you decide to do, have a good shop around on the net as some very good prices are available (I used networx automotive) www.networxautomotive.com
edited because ive been beaten to it! Must type faster...
>> Edited by llamekcuf on Wednesday 14th May 18:21
Mine arrived from the same company this morning, along with a LRC100 jammer and their adapter kit to connect the two. Good service considering I ordered yesterday afternoon.
Heading out for a drive later to test the Road Angel but have already installed it - best spot being on top of the steering column. I ordered the re-radiating ariel as I was expecting the unit to have trouble aquiring enough satellites from the column but it appears to be fine - shows 4 or 5 locks.
David Batty is wiring a permanent power feed and installing the jammer and adapter next week.
Heading out for a drive later to test the Road Angel but have already installed it - best spot being on top of the steering column. I ordered the re-radiating ariel as I was expecting the unit to have trouble aquiring enough satellites from the column but it appears to be fine - shows 4 or 5 locks.
David Batty is wiring a permanent power feed and installing the jammer and adapter next week.
llamekcuf said:
With ref. to the Laser detection on the Road Angel. Its a little pointless as all detection will do is inform you that theyve got your speed. What you need sir, Is a jammer! (also reviewed on above site)
There are 2 sides 2 this -laser detection depends on luck - if you are lucky enough to catch some of the deflection / scatter from someone infront of you being hit with a laser then it will warn you - but if unlucky and you are the target then it's 2 late anyway....
Cheers for the replies so far. The chap I spoke to did warn me that unless the Laser signal is bouncing of another car, when the Road Angel beeps to say there's a Laser ahead, it means you're already nicked!
I didn't want to opt for a Laser jammer as that would involve wiring and also I wanted to stay on the right side of the law (detectors are legal, jammers are not). I was also trying to keep the costs down.
That said, MarkS - I'd be very interested in hearing how easy (or otherwise) it was to wire the jammer in your Chimaera, and how you get on in general with the Road Angel.
I didn't want to opt for a Laser jammer as that would involve wiring and also I wanted to stay on the right side of the law (detectors are legal, jammers are not). I was also trying to keep the costs down.
That said, MarkS - I'd be very interested in hearing how easy (or otherwise) it was to wire the jammer in your Chimaera, and how you get on in general with the Road Angel.
This has yet to be proven with laser jammers. Radar jammers are illegal 'cos your not allowed to transmit radio signals without a license. However, transmitting light signals is a different matter (your headlamps are an example of transmitting light - they are just at the wrong frequency to upset a laser
gixxer1000 said:
I didn't want to opt for a Laser jammer as that would involve wiring and also I wanted to stay on the right side of the law (detectors are legal, jammers are not). I was also trying to keep the costs down.
).
That said, MarkS - I'd be very interested in hearing how easy (or otherwise) it was to wire the jammer in your Chimaera, and how you get on in general with the Road Angel.
Just been out for a spin - took in a few straight roads so I could compare speedo against Road Angel and went past the two nearby Gatso's.
Works perfectly as far as I can tell. Started flashing and beeping with more than enough time to spare. Appears my speedo over reads by a a few mph, around 5mph at 70mph. Fits perfectly on the steering column, secured with the supplied '3M Twin-Loc' pads. The pads hold it firmly enough to operate the controls and allow the unit to be removed when leaving the car.
I've looked at the instructions for wiring in the LRC100 and Edequip's adapter and it doesn't seem too tricky. The adapter replaces the switch, buzzer and LED part of the LRC100 kit, leaving you with a small black box containing a switch and lead to plug in to the Road Angel. Instructions are clearly described with a good wiring diagram.
I'm leaving the install to a pro as I've no idea where to route the cables or how to wire the power in permanently. Anyone with a shred of automotive knowledge (not me!) should be able to do the install in an hour or two.
I have recently bought a Road Angel Laser.
I got it from Ebay..seller was dorego350 less than 350 pounds for latest model includes Laser alert.
The seller is an official dealler and was very helpful.
I haven't been past many cameras yet, but it has found them all so far, and is easy to add your own personal alert warnings for known police hideouts
I got it from Ebay..seller was dorego350 less than 350 pounds for latest model includes Laser alert.
The seller is an official dealler and was very helpful.
I haven't been past many cameras yet, but it has found them all so far, and is easy to add your own personal alert warnings for known police hideouts
icamm said:This has yet to be proven with laser jammers. Radar jammers are illegal 'cos your not allowed to transmit radio signals without a license. However, transmitting light signals is a different matter (your headlamps are an example of transmitting light - they are just at the wrong frequency to upset a laser
gixxer1000 said:
I didn't want to opt for a Laser jammer as that would involve wiring and also I wanted to stay on the right side of the law (detectors are legal, jammers are not). I was also trying to keep the costs down.
Just picked this up - a tad late but...
The key to the illegality of laser jammers is not necessarily the transmission of any signals, but the fact that it interferes with a legal police transmission i.e. the laser signal, thus preventing the laser gun functioning.
Their are two possible lines of prosecution:
1. The Wireless and Telegraphy Act - dealing with the interference with a police transmission
and
2. Obstructing Police in the lawful execution of their duty.
To test the logic of this legislation, you need to examine what the jammer does....
It takes the signal and effectively alters it's nature, preventing the receiver on the laser device from receiving a meaningful signal back from the targetted object.
Ok. So you have a diffuser fitted.
The BiB get a 5-second 'duff' reading from you.
Do they :
A - "must a be a technical problem - let's move on"; or
B - "humm - he might have a diffuser - let's pull him and strip the front of his car".
I'm seriously tempted to buy one - but I don't honestly think I could cope with being a landmark case in being the first to be done with one.
I know plenty here have them fitted. What has happened when the alert has gone off? Do the BiB not bother, or do they pull you over for a chat?
They must surely be wise to the fact now - and if they get a duff reading - then that might 'imply' or 'suggest' that you are operating an an illegal piece of equipment.
K
>> Edited by Kinky on Thursday 29th May 14:57
The BiB get a 5-second 'duff' reading from you.
Do they :
A - "must a be a technical problem - let's move on"; or
B - "humm - he might have a diffuser - let's pull him and strip the front of his car".
I'm seriously tempted to buy one - but I don't honestly think I could cope with being a landmark case in being the first to be done with one.
I know plenty here have them fitted. What has happened when the alert has gone off? Do the BiB not bother, or do they pull you over for a chat?
They must surely be wise to the fact now - and if they get a duff reading - then that might 'imply' or 'suggest' that you are operating an an illegal piece of equipment.
K
>> Edited by Kinky on Thursday 29th May 14:57
Kinky said: Ok. So you have a diffuser fitted.
The BiB get a 5-second 'duff' reading from you.
Do they :
A - "must a be a technical problem - let's move on"; or
B - "humm - he might have a diffuser - let's pull him and strip the front of his car".
I'm seriously tempted to buy one - but I don't honestly think I could cope with being a landmark case in being the first to be done with one.
I know plenty here have them fitted. What has happened when the alert has gone off? Do the BiB not bother, or do they pull you over for a chat?
They must surely be wise to the fact now - and if they get a duff reading - then that might 'imply' or 'suggest' that you are operating an an illegal piece of equipment.
K
>> Edited by Kinky on Thursday 29th May 14:57
You won't be the first - there's been quite a few!
Sorry been away for a few days.
**999** said:
icamm said:This has yet to be proven with laser jammers. Radar jammers are illegal 'cos your not allowed to transmit radio signals without a license. However, transmitting light signals is a different matter (your headlamps are an example of transmitting light - they are just at the wrong frequency to upset a laser
gixxer1000 said:
I didn't want to opt for a Laser jammer as that would involve wiring and also I wanted to stay on the right side of the law (detectors are legal, jammers are not). I was also trying to keep the costs down.
Just picked this up - a tad late but...
The key to the illegality of laser jammers is not necessarily the transmission of any signals, but the fact that it interferes with a legal police transmission i.e. the laser signal, thus preventing the laser gun functioning.
Their are two possible lines of prosecution:
1. The Wireless and Telegraphy Act - dealing with the interference with a police transmission
and
2. Obstructing Police in the lawful execution of their duty.
To test the logic of this legislation, you need to examine what the jammer does....
It takes the signal and effectively alters it's nature, preventing the receiver on the laser device from receiving a meaningful signal back from the targetted object.
True, those are the charges that could be brought BUT the jammer itself isn't illegal (yet) and making it illegal might be difficult due to it's actual function of emitting light. Not it's intended purpose but it's actual function.
Being caught using one to protect yourself from speeding might, at some point, cause you problems. However, suggestion 1. might be difficult (not sure really on the legal side of this act) as they are using your vehicle to reflect the signal - without your permission. If you object to this and re-direct the signal or it gets corrupted by something on your vehicle then I don't know the legal position. If you were attempting to intercept a signal not aimed at you then it might be different.
Also, the transmission contains no actual data (like a voice message). IIRC it works using doppler shifts to detect the change in time taken for the rebounded signal to reach the operator. So you are not interfering with any actual data being transmitted.
Humm, all just conjecture and, until a precedent is set in case law, it will stay that way
. >> Edited by icamm on Tuesday 3rd June 17:04
Gassing Station | Speed, Plod & the Law | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff