 Talex close-up |
 Talex installed in PH car |
Talex, a reasonably-priced voice-based speed camera warning system, is one of only two ‘plug and play’ units to be recommended by Auto Express in a recent test of 11 GPS-based safety camera locator systems. The test involved reviewing each unit’s ability to detect both fixed and mobile camera sites. Marks were also awarded for features such as a GPS speed check, clarity of voice warnings and the data update subscription period included with each unit, as well as the cost of then extending the subscription.
The Talex unit was described as a "brilliant debut for a new name at a good price" and the unit’s clear voice warnings and GPS speedometer were noted as useful features.
Auto Express also recommended Talex as being "ideal for those buyers on a tight budget". It costs £249 including VAT but seems to give little away in terms of features.
PistonHeads borrowed a Talex unit and found it quick and easy to install, and includes cable tidies so you can make a neat job of it. You can set it up so that it warns either of cameras alone, or cameras plus accident black spots, nearby schools and congestion charging zones. When not warning, it provides a useful read-out of your real speed according to the GPS system, as well as other info such as average speed, heading and height above sea level.
The warnings are clear, timely, and in British English, though they aren't quite loud enough for our liking. With loud music playing or with the roof down at speed, you might struggle to hear them.
The two main downsides are that it cannot tell which direction you're driving, so it warns of cameras facing in the other direction, although Talex said the unit should be directional. The other issue is that the system uses a PC serial port to update the unit's camera database. Now near-obsolete, serial ports are found on PCs but not Macs, and are neither plug and play nor universal like USB ports. That said, we had no problems with it, as the software provided handled the setup without a glitch.
Overall, PH believes the Talex system is worth serious consideration compared to other systems out there, especially given its good value for money.
Each unit includes six months’ subscription for updates downloaded from the Talex Web site, renewable for £29 for 12 months, or £59 for three years, which is much cheaper than most other GPS-based systems. The unit even warns you when the sub is about to expire.
"The achievement of ‘recommended’ status from Auto Express is a fantastic endorsement for Talex and confirms our philosophy of making the latest GPS-based safety camera detection technology available to all motorists," said sales director Nigel Carter. "Recent reports of temporary safety cameras on the A27 at Falmer, East Sussex, capturing around 12,500 speeding motorists and generating fines of £750,000 in just two months, are a powerful reminder of the need for drivers to remain vigilant at all times. Talex enables motorists to ensure they stay safe and legal on the road, at a price that won’t break the bank."
Buy from Talex online or call 0845 274 1110.
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