The
information and advice is relevant to those
areas (countries or states) that restrict
the use of Radar/Laser Detectors. There
is an emphasis on "stealth" and
"undetectability". Models that
are not immune to RDDs (Radar Detector Detectors)
are highlighted to denote their unsuitability.
Portable Radar Detectors (self-contained) can be the
best choice for many drivers. Weigh the
various factors and then decide.
Able to be
moved from car to car
No installation
cost
Several models are immune to RDDs
Can
be seen from outside the vehicle.
(However disguises are possible)
Less reliable
"Laser" detection. (Sensors
are away from the beam aiming point)
Less detection
range (than remotes) of most radar
speed cameras.
Heat issues
- the enemy of electronics. (Depending
on mounting location)
The
original portable Radar Detector design
(1970s) is a self-contained unit that's
powered from a vehicle's cigarette lighter
socket. The size and shape of all brands/models
is governed by the the relatively large
"radar-horn-antenna". Today's
detectors also include laser sensors. The
"housing" is always approximately
120 mm (long) x 80 mm (wide) x 30 mm (high).
In imperial measurements - 4.75 inches x
3.25 inches x 1.25 inches.
Despite increasingly complex features, the
purpose of the device remains the same -
to provide an audible alert when a police
radar signal is present. Some units are
able to achieve this advantage at much greater
distances than others. More so than with
other products - you get what you pay for.
For "Oz" there is one
feature that rules most RDs "in"
or "out" regardless of their reputation
in the USA or elsewhere - RDD immunity.
The Escort REDLINE and Beltronics STi MAGNUM XR Aus-NZ are the PORTABLE Radar/Laser models we recommend for Australia & New Zealand.
For areas where RDD immunity is not necessary, the Passport 9500iX is favoured. It's GPS features make it a "quiet drive" in the city and suburbs.
Bel
MAGNUM (Aus-NZ)
Escort REDLINE
Valentine One
Passport
9500iX
Detection Specifications
K Band
Ka Band
Laser
X Band (not used in Au and NZ)
Power connection
Coiled cord (with lighter plug)
Straight cord (with h/wire conns)
Mounting system
Screen mount (suction cups)
Visor mount (spring steel clip)
Warnings -
audible and visual
Separate Audio Alerts (Radar
bands)
Digital Voice (optional setting)
Text Display (dot matrix)
Digital Display (7 segment
numeric)
Analogue display (LED Indicators
)
GPS functions
Fixed camera alerts (Trinity database)
False-alert lockouts (TruLock)
Mark locations (private database)
Immune
to Radar Detector Detectors
All (Spectre/Stalcar/VG2)
All future RDDs
Undetectable
Undetectable
Detectable
Detectable
Note: 9500iX (portable)
and the 9500ci (remote) are different. The
"ci" is immune to RDDs.
