Camera Detectors.....

[Phil C]

I maybe seeking the equivalent of the grail.....but here goes. Does have experience of a fixed camera (Gatso, Truvelo) and mobile camera detector device, that's effective and reliable, which costs a sensible amount of money (say under £200). From what I've seen in the forums, there are some reasonably priced, effective fixed camera detectors (like Inforad) - but if you want to get something capable of picking up camera vans and mobile units your'e into Road Angel type products for £300+ with additional monthly subscriptions.

Any suggestions? (apart from just driving around within the speed limit the whole time!!!!)

Thanks

[chim666]

Phil,
I have just bought a Talex GPS-based device.
I decided (rightly or wrongly) that having any kind of detector was a waste of time as from what I have read, they work only when they receive a direct (or bounced) laser beam from a camera site - by which time, it's too late!
The device I have cost around £150 and comes with 6 months free updates. A three-year update costs around £60, so it's a lot cheaper than some others around.
So far, it seems to work ok, giving an accurate digital display of your speed, then, as you approach a known camera location it will specify whether it's a fixed, mobile or red-light camera etc,. plus schools and accident black spot locations.
I do have one complaint though, that is, on a motorway, where camera vans sit on bridges, you will often see the camera van well before the Talex warns you of it's presence - i.e. 500yds, but IIRC mobile camera units are able to detect and record a car's speed well over that distance. I sent a mail to Talex asking whether it would be possible to increase the distance to (say) a mile - something I would expect could be easily corrected - but have not received a reply to date.

Paul

[DustyC]

Micro raod pilots are very good and tiny so it doesn't clog up the dash board. The numbers fill the whole display and so easy to read.
Also comes with a remote mountable laser detector that can be placed near the number plate.

Does many extra things (digital compass is a bonus) and is available from £150 on Ebay second hand.

At that price not really worth buying new!

(I make it sound like Im selling mine but I only just bought it!)

Strongly suggest you take a look at it though as its seems to suit all dashboards.
I have bought it for the Griff and Honda CRX

>> Edited by DustyC on Thursday 15th December 12:08

[mad mark]

You could try this one!
www.microfuzion.co.uk/
I was thinking of getting it myself, but not made up my mind yet.
They also do a laser detector add-on if you want it.

[waggy]

something that i noticed,, my neighbour bought a road angel and he said it goes off all the time picking up every camera in 500m ,, this means cameras down sideroads and on the other side of the road,, i investigated them all and bought a Cyclops unit which only goes off if you apprach a camera in your direction,, it is a 100% correct, it cost £199 with a year of updates, after the first year £30 pa,,,it also has a Compass, digital speed, etc,,, you can unplug it and put it any car,, www.cyclops-uk.com
and no ,i dont work for them

Alex

[kipper_]

Gents,

We have the microfuzion unit which is excellent and great value for money with no yearly subscription. However as with most of these devices its only as good as the info it holds.

In other words you have to download the locations of the speed traps to the unit (via usb connection) and with mobile traps these can change daily.

But definatley worth while if you do a lot of mileage

[BIG DUNC]

I have a road angle and a valentine 1. The combination is VERY good, but it was a bit pricey to buy the pair of them. One thing to remember is that these are just driver aids. Treated as such they will help you. If you just stick one in the car and think you are immune you will still get caught.

[Phil C]

Thanks to all for the thoughts / suggestions......think I may stick with the GPS style fixed camera detectors / locators and just keep my eyes open.....

Thanks again

[Digital]

I've got a Micro Road Pilot, which I traded up to from a classic Road Angel. The RP is much smaller and can be installed very discreetly, as the display connects to a ball socket you can mount it pretty much anywhere you want. Features wise it's really good, nice clear display with a compass also.

The new MicroGo appears to have the same features, but is now £199.95 - don't bother with the Laser attachment as you'll be detected before you've got time to slow down on hearing the alert.

This place is where I got my RoadPilot from, they also do a decent deal on upgrades.

[catso]

+1 on the Micro RoadPilot - does what it says on the box

[emley]

Just bought a TOMTOM ONE Sat Nav for £219 from a certain national PC retailer.

Get this...

you download the camera site database from a site (can't remember the web-address as on office machine), drop it onto the TOM TOM memory card, and hey presto.

It appears to have rendered my trusty RoadAngel redundant.
I will continue to use both devices in paralel for a while, but so far TOM TOM appears 100% reliable.

So you effectively get a GPS camera detector for £219, with no subscription, and a free satnav system thrown in.

Shares in TOMTOM anyone?

[jjr1]

My road pilot is missing loads of cameras which suggests to me that they are no longer keeping up to date with the newest camera positions.

I would not recommend this product at all !!!!!!!!!!!!!

[corozin]

Bell550 Euro. A bit pricier than most, but you wouldn't buy a second rate parachute would you?
Had one for 6 years now, never had any points

[knight]

Another vote for the Bel550 here. Although saying that, now I've become a dad I've found I'm driving alot more responsibly and have no real use for it now, so if you want a cheap s/h one, get in touch