How to choose a radar for the car

If the driver rarely leaves the city or on the highway, using the car only as a means of transportation from home to work and back, he knows the whole part of the way by heart. Another thing is a highway or an unfamiliar city - in such a situation it is better to be prepared, because the driver cannot know which section of the camera is installed at or where exactly the radar will shoot into his car.

Practice proves that the radar detector is a means of saving on fines. It is worth noting the savings not only money, but also nerves and time. After all, the presence of a radar detector reduces the likelihood of communication with representatives of traffic police to a minimum.

The best manufacturers of radar detectors - which company to choose

The best manufacturers of radar detectors include those who take into account the latest trends in high-speed control technologies, it is their products that in most cases come to the aid of drivers.

These include:

• Cobra;
• Street Storm;
• Beltronics;
• Neoline;
• Sho-Me.

Some of the models can be found in ranking of the best radar detectors according to customer reviews.

The principle of operation and the device radar detector

A radar detector is a device for searching police radars. They are often called antiradar, but this is not the same thing. If the first device warns about the police radar, then the second drowns out its wave and distorts it, which is illegal.

On the territory of Russia, you can freely own and use a radar detector. He serves as an assistant driver, prompting him where and when to slow down.

A good detector will report the approach of the radar early enough that the driver has time to safely “reduce the speed”, but even the most expensive device will not help if the speed is exceeded beyond measure.

The design of the device can be of several types:

1. Monoblock is an independent device in a single package;

2. Remote - implies a separate installation of the receiving part and the control unit;

3. Built into another device (in the DVR or in the rearview mirror).

The main elements of the device:

1. Data processing unit;

2. Radio (most often superheterodyne);

3. Speaker or display for signal.

The principle of the device is simple. Traffic police posts radars compare the frequency of the signal reflected from a moving vehicle with the original frequency to determine the speed of the vehicle.

To process the reflected signal, the outgoing radio signal must be quite strong. This outgoing signal and catch radar detectors. Since the detector processes the direct signal, it is triggered before the radar starts measuring the vehicle speed.

Types of radar detectors

Monoblock radar detector

This type of device is most popular with drivers. It is mounted inside the cabin to the windshield with the help of brackets on suction or velcro. Possible attachment option with a sticky rug placed on the panel.

Benefits:

• Easy installation;
• Simplicity and ease of use;
• The wide model range including both budgetary devices, and devices of a premium class.

Disadvantages:

• The receiver, located inside the passenger compartment of the car with athermal glass, is not able to pick up radar signals;
• Cannot be used when visiting most European countries in which the use of radar detectors is prohibited.

Remote Radar Detector

This type of device involves a separate installation in the engine compartment of the signal receiving part. The control and alarm unit is located inside the cabin. The device has a good immunity to interference and has a powerful processor, thanks to which it works stably over long distances.

Benefits:

• The possibility of using the device in countries that prohibit the use of radar detectors at the legislative level;
• Possibility of installation in car models, whose glass shields infrared radiation and blocks the passage of radar signals;

Disadvantages:

• High price;
• Installation of the device should be carried out only by a professional auto electrician, as it implies a high-quality placement of wiring elements.

Radar Detectors with GPS Module

The GPS module is a great addition to the radar detector. The built-in or external GPS module will help the device determine the location of the radar installations that control the speed of transport. These include "Avtodoria", fixing the movement on the control section of the path to the video camera.

Determining the location of the cameras is possible thanks to the base in which the coordinates of the cameras are loaded. When approaching a section of the route, the device signals the driver to reduce the speed of movement.

Benefits:

• There is no need to additionally install a GPS informer;
• Databases are regularly updated on the official websites of manufacturers, they can be obtained free of charge;
• In the settings of the GPS-module, you can specify the speed threshold to which the device will not beep;
• The device automatically adjusts the trigger threshold depending on which part of the route the car is passing.

Disadvantages:

• The completeness and relevance of police radar databases depends on the manufacturer, it requires regular replenishment.

Signature radar detectors

Each type of radar radiation has certain parameters: the pulse duration and the duration of the pause between pulses, the pulse repetition period. The combination of these parameters or signature is a kind of digital signature of the radiation, which helps the detector to recognize the radar in transit.

Signature-based devices appeared quite recently (in 2016). There are bases in their memory with “signatures” of radars and samples of system interference. In response to them or ignoring, the device either gives a warning signal or does not disturb the driver in vain.

In the future, signature anti-radars should ensure victory over false positives.

Benefits:

• It is convenient when used in a megalopolis, as it is free from countless false positives, which are characteristic for the operation of a radar detector in the city;
• Most models have a high-speed signal processor-analyzer;
• Detect and inform about the known radar, even against the background of strong interference.

Disadvantages:

• Incomplete subscription base databases;
• Subscription bases of some models can be updated only in the service center;
• At the initial stage of development, the devices are inferior to conventional radar detectors in the range of operation.
• Comparison of received signals with embedded signatures takes time, so devices operate 10–20% later than regular models.

Parameters for selecting a radar detector

Range of operation

It varies in different models from 1 to 5 km.

1. Budget models are able to pick up signals at a distance of 1 to 3 km. This is enough for a comfortable change of speed.

2. More expensive models warn about the radar for 5 km. But often 1 km is enough, as the police radar fixation zone is 300 m, and the Strelka radar speed fixation zone is 150 m.

It should be borne in mind that signal reception depends on a lot of factors and conditions that cannot be calculated.

These factors include:

1. Weather;

2. Terrain;

3. Vehicle speed;

4. Load congestion.

Emission range

On Russian roads, the device must support the following radiation ranges:

1. K;

2. Ultra-K;

3. X and Ultra-X (required on the territory of the CIS countries, including Ukraine, Belarus).

In the ranges of Ka and Ku in Russia there is no need. It is advisable to purchase the device without their support or with the ability to turn them off, since non-working bands create interference.

Number of sensitivity levels and its adjustment

All modern models have several levels of sensitivity.

1. In premium class devices, mode selection is performed automatically;

2. In budgetary mode selection is done manually.

Information display

Light indication can be:

1. LED;

2. Character;

3. Character-graphic.

Budget models are equipped with LEDs, and more expensive models have displays.

Instant-on and POP support

1. Instant-On - this mode (“instant start”) is applied in some hand-held road radars. In standby mode, they do not emit a signal and the detectors do not “see” them. Radiation appears only at the time of measuring the speed of the car.

2. POP is a super-fast impulse mode of radar operation - the impulse duration is a hundredth of a second. The mode is necessary for recognizing signals in the K and Ka range. In Russia and the CIS, the mode is necessary for recognizing signals from the Iskra-1 and Berkut radars.

The method of detection of radar "Arrow"

Three detection methods are possible:

1. Radar;

2. GSM;

3. Radar + GSM.

The best is considered the combined method, providing 100% detection.

Signal filtering and the ability to add false points

With the function of filtering signals, the device removes interference and recognizes only useful signals.

Using the function of adding points of false positives, you can add a point to the device’s memory with a GPS module when the device crosses which the device will not give a signal, distracting the driver.

The presence of the regimes "city" and "highway"

These modes adjust the sensitivity of the detector. In the city there are more signals and interference, which means that the susceptibility of the device should be lower. On the track, it should be maximum.

Most models have several modes (“city 1”, “city 2”, etc.), which differ in the level of sensitivity used by filters and radiation ranges.

Beep quality

When purchasing a device, it is advisable to personally listen to the sound signal emitted by the device, since some sounds can be too annoying. Some models emit a deep, muffled sound signal, while others produce annoying “nightingale trills”.

Additional features

1. The VG-2 protection function - a device with this function automatically turns off after a signal is detected and after some time resumes operation. The VG-2 system is designed to detect the radar detector in the car, and the protective function does not allow the system to detect the radar detector.

2. SMART function - on models with a GPS module, automatic switching between “city” and “highway” is possible.

3. Voice alert function - when approaching a radar device will inform about the type of radar and the frequency range in which it is detected.

4. The "Anti" feature is useful on a long trip if the driver is tired and starts to fall asleep at the wheel. The device will periodically emit a low signal that needs to be turned off. If this does not happen, then a loud siren will work, which should wake the driver.

5. Some devices have the ability to save settings in memory (volume, brightness, mode of operation). When you turn on the device, it works with previously saved settings.

6. The function of turning off individual ranges allows you to minimize the number of false positives, cutting off individual frequency ranges.

Which anti radar to choose

1. When choosing, you should give preference to the device, which provides the ability to disable unnecessary ranges;

2. If the car has athermal glass or glass with gel heating, the classic radar detector will not work.In this case, a suitable option is a spaced model. The working part of such a device is placed outside the cabin, and the display is placed inside;

3. Motorists who are often outside the city, you need a device that can operate in several modes of sensitivity;

4. Preferred opt-in digital or analog-digital models. Devices with analog processing signals are obsolete;

5. You should prefer the device with a GPS module and the ability to determine the laser signals;

6. Drivers who plan to visit European countries by car, where it is forbidden to use a radar detector, need to purchase a remote device with the VG-2 Protection function;

7. When choosing a device with the “Arrow” detection, the detection range should be at least 1 km, and the sensitivity level should be at least 8. This will detect the complex with a 95% probability.

How much does a radar detector (radar detector)

1. Prices for low-end models with a minimum number of functions from 2 to 3.5 thousand rubles;

2. A device with a GPS module can be purchased at a price ranging from 2.2 to 7.3 thousand rubles;

3. For the radar detector with advanced functionality will have to pay from 5 to 9 thousand rubles;

4. Remote devices can be purchased at prices ranging from 12 to 44 thousand rubles;

5. Signature models cost from 4.7 to 25 thousand rubles.