The number of speeding tickets is increasing exponentially every year. Stationary speed measuring devices are appearing in many places. Seasoned drivers use radar detectors to detect equipment. Violating the speed limit is bad, but few people did not exceed the speed even a little. In today's article, we will talk about how to choose a radar detector, what types and companies there are for the production of devices.
It is necessary to clarify the definition of the device. There is confusion among the drivers in the names. A radar detector is a device that interferes with the operation of speed measuring instruments. Such devices are banned in most states, including Russia. The radar detector is only for detecting equipment. The device does not interfere with the operation of radars and its use is not prohibited in the country. The detector will be the main topic of the article. Let's take a closer look at its structure, operating principle, and which device is better to choose.
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Types of anti radars and radar detector
There is a lot of disagreement among drivers about the need to use a detector. Some believe that the device is an additional safety device, the driver reacts to the device's warning and becomes attentive. Others believe that it saves the offender from punishment for wrongdoing. Everyone knows that it is better not to exceed the speed. But, according to statistics, an increasing number of motorists are buying the device.
If a purchase decision is made, it is necessary to determine the type of device, equipment manufacturer, and functionality. In order for the detector not to be a useless device, you need to know how to choose a radar detector for a car, the technical capabilities of the device.
By the type of construction, the devices are divided into 3 main groups: built-in, spaced-apart, conventional detectors. Built-in devices are located in other devices (rear-view mirror, car recorder). The advantage is that the installation of such detectors saves space in the car. But there are serious drawbacks.
The characteristics of devices combined with auto recorders are worse than other models. The power of the built-in device is atomized. Such a recorder does not always have a Full HD resolution - the video quality suffers. Another disadvantage is the breakdown of the hybrid device. The owner loses not just one device, but two or three together.
If the choice is made in favor of the diversity detector, it is necessary to specify when purchasing that it is a digital device. There are analog devices on the market that are much weaker than digital detectors. The equipment consists of an installation for capturing radar signals and a control unit. Some of the equipment is installed under the hood, on a torpedo or windshield. Power is supplied directly from the vehicle's on-board system.
The second type of detectors is made of several elements. They include a radar unit as well as a display with indicator. These elements are mounted separately. The display with an indicator is in most cases mounted in the car, and the radar unit is outside.This placement is suitable for those motorists who like to tint or athermal glass. In the production of athermal glasses, a metallized film is often used, it interferes with the passage of radiation, which affects the accuracy of the device.
Conventional or monoblock detectors are small individual instruments. Drivers often prefer this type of device due to its compact size, ease of installation and operation.
The detectors differ in the type of power supply. There are wireless and wired devices. The first type of device operates on batteries. The second type of devices is connected to the car's electrical system.
Stand-alone devices are charged from a household network or from an on-board electrical system.
Radar detector design and principle of operation
A radar detector is a device that operates in a passive mode. Radiation from the police radar is captured by the device and the driver is alerted visually and audibly. Unlike anti-radar, the detector does not jam signals. In simple words, the device works to receive signals in a certain frequency range.
Outside, the detector is a simple design with a conventional housing. There are several boards and microcircuits inside the case. The computing function is performed by a tiny controller located on the main board. By design features, detectors are divided into 4 categories: detector, direct amplification, direct conversion, heterodyne devices.
The first type of device has a simple design and consists of the main parts: amplifier, antenna, input circuit, output component, detector. The principle of operation - first, the signal is amplified, then recognized. In heterodyne devices, the high frequency signal is first amplified. Then it is converted into a low frequency signal.
Direct conversion devices work on the basis of: mixing signals, creating a differential frequency, amplification and recognition. Any detector deals with direct signal analysis. In the work of the radar, it happens a little differently. The signal is first sent and analyzed only on return. One of the main elements of anti-radar is the antenna. It picks up signals from the radar and sends it to the board for amplification and wave recognition.
The radar detector has the main components: an antenna, a processor, a wave processing unit, an audio signal level controller, a connector for a network cable, and a laser wave processing unit. Modern devices are capable of recognizing radars in the following ranges: Ka (from 26 to 40 gigahertz), K (from 18 to 26 gigahertz), X (from 7 to 12 gigahertz), laser beams in the "Laser" mode.
Which radar detector to choose
When choosing a device, you need to focus not only on cost. The quality of a device is determined by the degree of coverage and sensitivity. Choosing a radar detector with a GPS module and taking into account its ability to detect laser radars. A good option is a detector with a function to turn off excess ranges.
When traveling to a number of foreign countries, a device with "VG-2" protection will come in handy due to the prohibition of such devices. For example, such a ban exists in countries: Finland, Switzerland, Germany, France. There may be troubles even with one fixture for the device. Don't buy analog devices. This is outdated equipment that modern radars cannot detect. To detect the Strelka system radar, you need a device whose detection range must be at least 1000 meters.
It is better to make a choice in favor of a device with different sensitivity modes (highway, city). For vehicles with gel heating or athermal glass, a spaced-apart device must be purchased. The screen is installed in the passenger compartment, and the functional part is outside the passenger compartment. A conventional detector will not pick up radar signals. In addition to the main functions, some models can show the speed of movement, the distance to the radar.
When buying a detector, you must be guided by the following criteria: noise immunity, the ability to detect all types of signals, distance, signal processing speed, availability of additional functions.
Which company to choose - the best manufacturers of radar detectors
The best brands of detectors are known to seasoned motorists. Manufacturers of popular models use progressive technologies. The products of the companies are distinguished by their quality and high performance in detecting radars. In the ranking of the best brands: Beltronics, Supra, Sho-Me, Cobra, Neoline, Street Storm.
Escort Redline EX INTL
Very high quality and expensive detector from the Canadian Beltronics brand. A lot of money spent on the device completely pays off. The cost of the device is 54 thousand rubles. Manufacturers have applied TotalShield technology in the device, in which the detector cannot detect any type of radar. Signature innovative technology with an upgradeable IVT base eliminates all interference, helps avoid collisions.
The GPS informant has an Autolearn function. The system blocks extraneous radiation and contains information about all stationary radars in Russia and abroad. The equipment is adapted to Russian conditions. The device has 2 antennas, which allows you to pick up an impulse at a great distance (2.5 kilometers). The device has functions: switching off and on frequencies, automatic selection of modes, multi-location.
The device is equipped with: color graphic OLED display, four sensors for laser detection, auto dimming. The system has a Bluetooth adapter that adds functionality to the device. With Detector Tools Pro (smartphone app), you can share with other drivers about all radars.
Street Storm STR-9540BT
The device is in the middle price category. The average cost of the device is 14 thousand rubles. For this money, the motorist gets a high-quality and reliable detector. The device detects all types of radars (Arena, Strelka, Sokol, Integra, Iskra, Binar, Chris-P, Radis, Skat, Vizir and other radars). He is subject to the definition of such insidious radars as AMATA and LISD. The device is equipped with: GPS and GLONASS modules, Bluetooth. The detector is capable of giving information about the type of radar, the distance to the point, the permissible speed on the site. The detector has modes: auto ducking, speed limit, auto city, auto distance.
Supra DRS-IG77VSTD
A high-quality detector from the category of budget devices. The average cost is 5-6 thousand rubles. The device detects: all hand-held and stationary radars (KrisP, Strelka, Cordon, Robot), Avtouragan VS and Avtodoria complexes, laser radars. The device has: a GPS module, protection against false alarms, protection VG-2 from detection, 360-degree view, 2 operating modes (city, highway). There are functions: volume and brightness control, voice notification, mute. All information is displayed on the OLED display.
Operating ranges: Ultra-X, X, Ka, Ultra-K, K. There is a cable and USB input for connection with a computer. The power supply of the device is 12-15 volts.
Antiradar selection parameters
When choosing a detector, you must pay attention to the possibility of turning off unnecessary frequencies. For example, when moving around the city, the device can pick up extraneous waves instead of radiation from radars. False alarms can occur from a satellite dish, a door, a high voltage electrical line.
A reliable device is one in which there are 2 modes with different settings and sensitivity - for the city and the highway. It is good to navigate the database with a device that has a GPS module. Signature apparatus significantly reduces the risk of miscatching. The radar part can be connected outside the city.
A large number of false identifications are issued by very cheap Chinese devices. Signal processing is performed quickly by high performance processors. Such devices are an order of magnitude higher than their counterparts. When buying a device, you should pay attention to the fixing range. Verified companies always indicate the real detection range.There are many very cheap options for devices that fix the radar at a distance of less than 100-200 meters, when the car has already come into the field of view of the fiscal service.
The device must have the ability to analyze information, the ability to gradate. Not a bad option are the functions: SWS system definitions (warning of a dangerous area), 360 protection perimeter (view from all sides), VG-2 detector detection protection. Very productive devices are designated in the form of abbreviations: xtr-695, Pro - 78. Good devices can detect laser, Ku and pulsed radiation, for example, POP, Ultra-K and Ultra-X. An additional dimming function in automatic mode or a mode for dimming the display brightness at night also does not interfere.
When buying a device, you can take into account additional functions: antisleep, voice notification, saving settings in the device's memory. The anti-sleep system is designed for safety while driving. When the driver falls asleep, an alarm sounds. If you do not turn it off, a high volume siren will sound. A voice message informs about the range. In which the radar and its type are found. A number of settings can be stored in memory: operating mode, display brightness, volume.
How much does a radar detector cost
The market impresses with the price range of detectors. There are devices with an initial cost of two thousand rubles and above 20-30 thousand rubles. The most expensive devices are remote detectors. They are in the price range from 14 to 50 thousand rubles. Devices with a GPS module cost in the range of 2.5-8 thousand rubles.
Signature variants cost from 5 to 30 thousand rubles. Budget devices with a minimum set of functions cost in the range of 2-4 thousand rubles. Devices with an increased set of functions cost from 5 to 10 thousand rubles. Usually the high cost pays off. A high-quality and expensive device works with all frequencies and does not generate false alerts. Taking into account the large fines, the cost of the detector justifies itself.
Consider the Sho Me G800STR. The average price of the device is 8000-9000 rubles. The detector detects: laser radiation, Strelka system, short pulses. Works in the bands: Ku, Ultra-K, K, X, Ka. The device supports the POP mode (it can detect the "Spark" type radar). The device is capable of seeing radar at a distance of over 1000 meters.
Devices with a GPS module - STR 9030 EX GP One kit and STR 9000 EX GP One Kit are in the middle price range. The average price of the devices is 10,000 rubles. The detectors operate in the following ranges: Ultra-X, Ka, Ultra-Ka, K, Ultra-K, X. The devices detect the laser, support the POP mode. The GPS module base is being updated.
The Whistler 439ST + detector is capable of detecting powerful, has a GPS module. Working ranges: Ultra Ka, Ultra-K, K, X. The average cost of the device is 10 thousand rubles.
