Radar/laser Detector

[knightowl]

I bought this laser/radar detector for bloody £49 just a few weeks back. I tested it in UK where it used to pick up lot of signals including all the traffic stop lights and even the PR sensor at my home. As you can guess there are no traffic cops hiding behind bushes in UK so I couldn't really test it.

When I came back to Sri Lanka I fixed it to the windscreen straight away at the airport. For couple of weeks I couldn't check it because none of the cops pointed a speed gun at me. Then few days back I used the southern and Katunayake expressway. The cops checked my speed with speed guns at least 4 times. But the F*$£ing thing just didn't beep once.

But I just left it on the windscreen to keep me alert. Once in a while it beeps for somebody's garage door or something! amazing no?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cobra-Electronics-ESD7570-RADAR-DETECTR/dp/B004RO3QPQ/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_12

What a waist of money. Should have spent it on few 'ABSOLUTE '

[ramishkad]

Are you sure there is no frequency mismatch? SL police scanner may not operate on the same frequency as the device is programmed to scan on. Is the range of frequencies configurable?

[Komisiripala]

I've ised a cobra brand detector since 2009. Worked perfectly fine. Even with the laser guns that the expressway cops have.

[kmeeg]

Hi Knightowl,

Looks like this is a basic radar detector. There are many things you need to check when you are hunting for radar detectors. Here are some information about them;

1. Cops use many type of speed traps. Basically Radar & Laser. Radar has different bands for speed traps & equipment detection like X, K, Ka, Ku, VG2, Spectre 1, Spectre IV. As of I’m aware Ku is used in Europe and not in US. Then several Laser bands. So instead of looking for 9 band / 15 band likewise you need to check what exactly it is covered (what type of bands are covered). Many new radar detectors cover almost all but cost you around $300 - $500. Eg – Escort Passport series detectors. I think good Cobra ones will come to same price range.

2. Then another option is selecting the sensitivity level from highway / city. Many good radar detectors will have the option Auto which it automatically selects for you.

3. Then you need to check the options like undetectable, strobe alert, safety alert which will warn you about cop cars & other emergency vehicles. (most of them equipped with transmitters which fall in these alert systems)

4. Protection from laser guns is extremely hard mostly on city. For example when the cop is waiting with a laser gun on a tight curve / bend most of the radar detectors will be too late to save you. (Not sure if anyone have a very good radar detector to catch those before it hits) But generally on curves not much luck with laser speed traps. Best option would be to have a laser jammer. But if you are caught you will be in serious trouble. And you cannot remove them like portable radar detectors. Laser jammers are generally hard wired and fixed on front and back of your car. (I haven’t used these so not much idea).

5. Then there will be options like GPS enabled & community threat sharing options. If you have used the ‘Waze’ app / Garmin traffic its same kind of thing.

6. I have also heard some detectors with GPS Maps and other fancy options but not sure how good and safe they are.

7. Finally find about the state laws about using Radar detectors since you are in UK. In US many states have ban using them but its a fact that many use them and freely available in almost all electronic / car parts selling places. Anyhow you should always act fast to remove them and keep it where the cop can’t see it if by any chance if you are stopped for any reason.

But basically I believe speeding in city even with the best radar detector in the world you would still be looking for trouble. But when you are going on road trips on highways they really help. But still have to be really careful on curves/bends.

Finally I don’t think SL police have different bands than what I have mentioned above. But please correct me if I’m wrong

Hope these few points helps,

KMeeg.

PS-

Adding 2 more point that i think you might need to check -

• You might need to check you detector settings. If you have user preference for meter mode set it for expert (Will notify all bands alerts at the same time). Cobra will have the same kind of menu may be different name,
• Also check the position of your detector. I believe under the rear view mirror toward middle of windshield would be the optimum place.

Edited July 14, 2014 by kmeeg

[madmax]

Hi Knightowl,

Looks like this is a basic radar detector. There are many things you need to check when you are hunting for radar detectors. Here are some information about them;

1.IV. As of I’m aware Ku is used in Europe and not in US. Then several Laser bands.

Ku is commonly used in US too, and seeing less K band these days.

[Davy]

It's much easier to stick to the speed limit than worry about all this you know. Beats the accuracy of a radar detector... always.

[kmeeg]

</blockquote>Ku is commonly used in US too, and seeing less K band these days.</p></blockquote>

Ohh.. I didn't know Ku is used. Thought Ka is the common.

BTW do you use any laser jammers? If so have you ever had any trouble using them?

And Davy you are absolutely correct..:-)

Edited July 14, 2014 by kmeeg

[The Stig]

Actually now cops are shifting to LIDAR guns, pointless to have a detector since unless the gun is directly pointed at the detectors exact position on the windscreen there is no way it can be picked up.

[kmeeg]

Actually now cops are shifting to LIDAR guns, pointless to have a detector since unless the gun is directly pointed at the detectors exact position on the windscreen there is no way it can be picked up.

Hi Stig,

Is LIDAR same as Laser bands? Bcos i'm seen that under the laser category in user manual.

KMeeg.

[The Stig]

Hi Stig,

Is LIDAR same as Laser bands? Bcos i'm seen that under the laser category in user manual.

KMeeg.

Yes its the same, but point being that by the time your detector beeps its already too late since the gun (LIDAR) has to be pointed directly at your vehicle for this to happen.

When using radar the waves bounce off objects and other cars so even if the cops are aiming at other cars your detector will beep and give you enough time to react.

[knightowl]

As Davy suggested best thing would be to stick to speed limits. However thats easy on a expressway where you can simply set the cruise control on. But with the current climate of where cops have to meet certain targets its difficult. With town limits, overtaking etc you will very likely to be caught especially on long journeys.

I thought I would have certain advantage over cops with the new gadget but it doesn't seem to work.

Best thing would be to buy a land cruiser V8 and drive pretending to be a cabinet minister! That seems the only way to escape cops no?

[kmeeg]

Best thing would be to buy a land cruiser V8 and drive pretending to be a cabinet minister! That seems the only way to escape cops no?

If you can afford 18MPG Hwy with extremely high SL fuel prices may be an option..

BTW with the development i see from news in SL i wish government will consider to reduce fuel prices and provide good quality fuel..

Edited July 15, 2014 by kmeeg

[The Stig]

Best thing would be to buy a land cruiser V8 and drive pretending to be a cabinet minister! That seems the only way to escape cops no?

Shouldnt bee too hard, and make sure to carry a toy pistol.

[xXx]

BTW with the development i see from news in SL i wish government will consider to reduce fuel prices and provide good quality fuel..

hahahahaha classic expat lingo.

This is Sri Lanka's development

http://www.lankahotnews.net/2014/06/newly-carpeted-road-washes-away.html

Oh wait this just happens in the last 24hour. We are SAVED!!!! All hail the king.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/49736-ship.html

[kmeeg]

hahahahaha classic expat lingo.

This is Sri Lanka's development

http://www.lankahotnews.net/2014/06/newly-carpeted-road-washes-away.html

Oh wait this just happens in the last 24hour. We are SAVED!!!! All hail the king.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/49736-ship.html

[madmax]

</blockquote>Ku is commonly used in US too, and seeing less K band these days.</p></blockquote>

Ohh.. I didn't know Ku is used. Thought Ka is the common.

BTW do you use any laser jammers? If so have you ever had any trouble using them?

And Davy you are absolutely correct..:-)

My bad, I meant to say Ka. I don't have a laser jammer. They are expensive and require a great deal of custom installation so I'm a bit hesitant to get one.

[xXx]

hahahahaha classic expat lingo.

This is Sri Lanka's development

http://www.lankahotnews.net/2014/06/newly-carpeted-road-washes-away.html

Oh wait this just happens in the last 24hour. We are SAVED!!!! All hail the king.

http://www.dailymirror.lk/caption-story/49736-ship.html

I hate to drag this conversation but it boils my blood when expats talk about how prosperous Sri Lanka is, especially after returning from a short holiday, solely based on the number/quality of great bars, restaurants, coffee shops and beach resorts etc. And not to forget the locals ability to spend $40K for a Toyota Corolla. Yes the Sri Lankans go out to enjoy themselves more than they used to a decade or two ago and they do spend an astronomical amount for, lack of better word, plain vanilla cars like the Axio, Corolla, Axela etc. But does that really mean their quality/standard of life has actually improved? The way I see it locals now similar to their western counterparts live off surrounding themselves in debt. In no way I’m saying borrowing money is bad but you have to wonder how long they can sustain this bubble in their quest to keeping up with the Joneses. I’m afraid the same story applies to all the mega development that’s going on in various parts of the country.

A great example of irresponsible spending and its consequences is BCCI and how it handled the cricket world cup. Built 3 beautiful stadiums which we quite didn’t need and frankly couldn’t afford and ended up not been able to even maintain them and not been able to for the cricketers who came runners up in the tournament.

Sorry about the rant boys had too much free time on my hands today.

Back to radar detectors. So Cobra seem to be the brand/make to go for in SL I take it. I remember Milindu praising it highly some time back on a post. Talking about Milindu bugger seems to be MIA for some time now.

[Watchman]

I hate to drag this conversation but it boils my blood when expats talk about how prosperous Sri Lanka is, especially after returning from a short holiday, solely based on the number/quality of great bars, restaurants, coffee shops and beach resorts etc.

I couldnt agree with you more. If you ask me it's more or less due to ignorance.

All it takes is to read some local (non-gov) news or watch some political debates or parliamentary proceedings on youTube to depress the shit out of you about the true state of the country.

[The Don]

xXx, I think we all get a bit nostalgic when we go back, and often our impressions of the country depends on who we hang out. I think its fairly clear some of the prosperity we see is manufactured as quality of life is not directly equivalent to better roads etc. But due to factors other than the Sri Lankan government, the fact that our parents have been pro active in trying to set us up in life (so a lot of guys live rent free) and are always willing to help out, the fact that our relationships are very personal, the fact that the country is small, so while you might be stuck in traffic for ages, the actual distance of travel is small, the fact that public transport is still relatively cheap and the fact that at least in some industries the salaries have become reasonable this has led to better residual incomes and better lifestyles.

Not everything in life is about good governance and freedom of expression or even fair treatment. We have evolved to live with these jokes and even make fun of them (I'm sure you are familiar with the Pusswedilla play). But you can't take away the simple pleasures like lying on a beach, having a beer with karawala and watching the sun go down (and then squatting mosquitoes left right and center!)

Ahhhh Nostalgia............ Then brought back to earth with a bang

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/jul/18/sri-lanka-politcian-guilty-murder-british-man

Edited July 18, 2014 by The Don

[hatharasinghe]

I've ised a cobra brand detector since 2009. Worked perfectly fine. Even with the laser guns that the expressway cops have.

Any idea where can i buy it in sri lanka or if you bought it from ebay could you pls let me know your exact brand to avoid any trouble.

[kmeeg]

Any idea where can i buy it in sri lanka or if you bought it from ebay could you pls let me know your exact brand to avoid any trouble.

I guess it would be safe to ask someone who is coming from abroad to bring it with them rather than getting from online directly. The reason is by any chance if it was stopped at customs you might face lot of problems. As of i know its very easy to purchase from US and bring it down. Pls correct me if i'm wrong..

For good radar detectors check some reviews on youtube about below ones. You will be able to get a good idea.

https://www.cobra.com/products/detection-systems

http://www.escortradar.com/windshield-mounted-detectors/

KMeeg.

Edited July 24, 2014 by kmeeg

[madmax]

When I was back there Pet#o had them for sale. I also brought a few down for Emsees in Kandy.

[Komisiripala]

Pet#o had them. Mine was a gift to my mother from Canada. But it's there on eBay

[Watchman]

Does anyone know what band the cops on the expressway use?

Or in simpler terms, what radar detectors are effective in detecting cops on the expressway

[chamaj]

Does anyone know what band the cops on the expressway use?

Or in simpler terms, what radar detectors are effective in detecting cops on the expressway

Earliar I used Whistler Pro-68SE model bought from Ebay and it indicated LASER in Southern & Katunayake expressways. Now I'm using Whistler CR-90 bought from Ebay as well and it indicated both LASER and Ka bands several times in both expressways. Cannot use both detectors at once coz of signal interference.