February 25, 2010
The Whistler RLC 250
Whistler's new RLC 250 is their new entry into the line of red light and speed camera warning systems. Many RLC systems use a small monochrome display, the RLC-250 instead has a 1.6", easy to read, multi-color display. Like other RLC systems, the RLC-250 compares your current GPS location with an on-board database of red light and speed camera locations and alerts you when you are near one.
It is also a lot smaller than you might think. In the picture is a Whistler XTR 695 SE (I told you we had them in stock!), a Whistler RLC 100, and in the front is the Whistler RLC 250. It is much more compact than most radar detectors. Also, one thing many people overlook is that since you only need to have a clear GPS signal, it can be mounted just about anywhere on the dash. Yes, that means even on top of the driver's side console. Just make sure it has an unobstructed path for a clear GPS signal.
One thing we do not like, it seems to be lacking the ability to plug a radar detector into it like you are able to do with the RLC 100. We really would have liked to have had that ability. I am sure many of you are like we are and have way too many gadgets already plugged in as it is. Well at least we have some cigarette lighter adapter / splitters available.
If you have been looking for a compact RLC with a nice display, then give the RLC 250 a look. We have them here for $114.95. They are much cheaper than a ticket for not coming to a complete stop before turning right on a red light. Crooked politicians.
February 17, 2010
Escort SC55 Safety Camera Locator
Ok, that is not the best name for the device, but it is what Escort is calling it for now. SC55 Red Light Camera Detector / System is a bit more in-line with standard industry nomenclature. Escort SC55 will do though.
The Escort SC55 is a new addition to devices that are able to warn you about red light and speed cameras. You know, those little cameras at stop lights that are installed by crooked politicians. Even though the cameras are being removed by any city with a sense of moral responsibility, they are still around and in use in many places.
There are already several devices available that use GPS coordinates combined with a list of camera locations to warn you when you are near one. That way you can be aware that any yellow light will last about .00001 seconds and you might also be involved in a crash. The first step to avoiding a trap is knowing it is there.
The Escort SC55 is here to help. Like other camera warning systems, it uses GPS location and a database. The SC55 is promising pinpoint GPS placement (not much good being warned after you go through an intersection) and an updatable, and accurate database. In fact the Escort's Defender™
Database is rather highly regarded (and is the one currently used by Escort 9500ix and BELTRONICS Pro GX65 integrated RLC / radar detectors).
We are looking forward to seeing how well the SC55 will do compared to other RLC devices currently available from Cheetah and Whistler.
The SC55 will have an optional kit to connect to certain Escort and Beltronic radar detectors. If the SC55 will work with the Redline radar detector, it could make for a very versatile protective system. The SC55 should start at around $159.95 for the base model and $179.95 with the connector kit. The SC55 will be a great way to have GPS red light warning functionality for a good price. When you realize that the cost of a red light ticket is often that much (or more), the extra preventative warning is worth it.
As soon as we have them here in our warehouse we will let all of you know. Unlike some websites, we stock every radar detector, red light camera system, laser jammer, and accessory we sell. They should be here in a few weeks.
SC 55 Safety Camera Locator sounds like a diagnostic tool for use with security cameras though.
February 11, 2010
Escort has Changed the Solo S2 Radar Detector - Well Sorta
The Escort Solo S2 Cordless Radar Detector is a favorite around here. While cordless radar detectors do not have the same performance of a "wired" model, the Solo 2 is still a very good radar detector. Also, it is perfect for motorcycles, and for those that need a detector that can easily be set-up and used with different vehicles.
Escort has made some minor changes to the packaging of the Solo 2 model. On the left side of the picture is the old package, and on the right is the new one. The radar detector is staying the same, but it will now come with a soft case and an extra set of suction cups. The price is remaining the same at $339.95. Here at Buy Radar Detectors our opinion on soft cases is split. Many feel that it makes it easier to store, and is more rugged than the hard case. Others feel that the hard case provides better protection and is, well, nicer. We only have a few hard case models left, so if you want one, please call us at 1-800-584-1445 and specify that you want one.
February 10, 2010
Will Radar Detectors be Legal in Virginia This Week?
The bill repealing the ban on the use of radar detectors in Virginia is to be voted on again today. If the bill passes, it will then move to the state's Senate. By the end of the week it might be legal to own and use a radar detector in all 50 states.
February 4, 2010
Radar Detectors in Virginia?
In a follow-up to our last blog post, it looks like efforts to repeal the ban on radar detectors in Virginia are making some headway. According to this article the bill has now passed to Virginia's general assembly. Way to go! So should legalizing radar detectors in Washington DC be next?
January 28, 2010
Are Radar Detectors Going to be Legal in Virginia?
According to this article radar detectors may soon be legal in Virginia. Currently Virginia is the only state where having a radar detector is illegal, though they are also illegal in DC and on military bases. Virginia's ban has long been a frustration to drivers. You have to stop and take down your detector when entering the state, in fact there are even signs at the stateline warning you of this. For many people, a concealed radar detector was their only option. This is great news for everyone that drives in Virginia! We also encourage you to write to Delegate Joe May expressing your support for his plan to legalize radar detectors.
October 29, 2009
Buy Radar Detectors T-Shirt Contest! Send us Your Radar Detector Story!
I am sneaking this post out a bit early. Do not tell anyone! For the month of November we have a new radar detector t-shirt contest! Between now and the end of November send us your favorite radar detector story (like the time a detector saved you from a nasty ticket, the time you forgot to turn it on, the old detector you found in a closet, etc...) as an email to : contest @ buyradardetectors.com (remove the blank spaces).
The best five stories, as determined by our in-house team of contest experts, will receive a Buy Radar Detectors t-shirt. Your story can be any length, and we might even publish it here on our radar detector blog!
So send in your story by November 30th and include the size of t-shirt and where to mail it to in case you win! We also have some more contests in the planning stages, so check back here often and do not forget to follow us on twitter.
September 25, 2009
What Those Redlight Cameras Really Catch People Doing
"Oh, don't lean on me man 'cause you can't afford the ticket" - David Bowie
Most people do not run redlights on purpose. While this may seem like a strange fact to some, I have never encountered anyone that runs lights for fun. "I was so late for work, I just ran all the lights!" Most of these redlight cameras are being put in to give tickets to people that do not come to a complete stop when turning right on red. Most people come to a rolling stop, then turn. In fact if you do come to a stop, the person behind you will start laying on the horn.
Meanwhile, you get processed a ticket that tends to run $100. Have a nice day, drive safe!
Here is an interesting news story about just this. In Collier Florida the citizens are getting more than a bit annoyed at getting tickets.
Collier County Commissioner Jim Colletta tells WINK News that during the month of August at the intersection of Vanderbuilt Beach Road and U.S. 41, the cameras caught 507 red light violations, but 500 of those happened when drivers didn't stop before making a right on red.
Out of 507, only 7 were people that ran a light. The rest just did not come to a complete stop when making a right turn. Many cities now know that all you have to do to make some money is shorten the yellow lights, and to also ticket those turning right on red. It is pure revenue.
"I don't have any violations or citations on my driving record, so for me to even get that letter was shocking," Marjorie Burnham says.
It is not about safety, at all. It is about publically elected and appointed officials making money from their constituents. They want us out there playing bumper cars with each other, and causing road rage, while they profit.
...Burnham says she isn't taking any chances.
"I sit there and cars honk at me to move along (at a right turn), but I'm not going to because I can't afford another ticket!"
July 23, 2009
Why Are Cities with Redlight Cameras Fining You?
A question, if the use of redlight cameras is to reduce the number of wrecks, improve safety, catch those that do not use cowardly devices, then why do they issues fines? If this is about safety, should they not make you attend a driving safety class, make you wear a funny hat, or just call and yell at you. "Drive safer, we saw you run that light, maniac!"
Ok, I know fines are a great motivator. However the people in River Forest, Il want to know "...whether the village's desire to have red light cameras was a safety or money issue." The people in River Forest wanted to lower the fines, and some interesting information slipped out.
It seems that the people who install the redlight cameras make about $36 per ticket issued, then police have to have people review and issue tickets. So for the process to be cost effective it runs up to $100 a fine.
Village President John Rigas said he'd spoken with River Forest Police Chief Frank Limon, who said there was only one type of red light violation. Whether people failed to stop on a right turn or simply ran the light, there was a violation of the law, Rigas said.
That can be a lot of money for just not coming to a complete stop to turn right on a redlight. The truth is they are using them to make money, not improve driving safety. The people selling the cameras are making even more money. So if you live in a city with cameras, make sure to tell them thanks for making the camera operators rich.
I doubt any of us want people to run redlights, but making the lights shorter to "catch" people, and putting people making a turn on red in the same category out of greed is irresponsible. Make sure you are warned about the intersections with cameras, and please contact us if you have any questions about redlight camera protective devices, or if you are looking for a radar detector.
July 7, 2009
Time to Tax Your Driving
A news article recently caught our attention here at Buy Radar Detectors. The federal government is looking into using GPS to tax how much everyone drives. GPS devices would be placed in everyone's cars and once a month the information would be uploaded and you would be sent a bill. They plan to then repeal the tax on gasoline. The plans calls for having this in effect by 2020. Combine this with the blog post I did just a bit ago about using GPS to monitor everyone's speed for even more fun!
July 2, 2009
Red Light Cameras in the News, Again...
Readers of this blog know that I do not like red light cameras. If anything they cause wrecks since the people that install them also shorten the yellow lights. They often tell the city "shorter yellow lights means more tickets and more money!" They leave off the "...and cause more car wrecks" part. Notice I did not call these automotive accidents, nothing accidental about planned crashes.
Well over in Schaumburg, Illinois they are getting rid of red light cameras. According to a story on ars technica, Schaumburg, a suburb of Chicago, had some cameras put in to help prevent accidents. They thought they were doing a good thing, and help to make some dangerous intersections safer. The cameras did nothing, well they did make a lot of money from people making right hand turns that did not come to a complete stop.
So, people complained, the city realized that cameras were not reducing wrecks, so Schaumburg is getting rid of the cameras.
Yup, the city noticed that the cameras do nothing to improve safety. If a city wants to improve intersections, perhaps they should invest in better traffic lights and they way the intersection is designed and heavy traffic is managed. Fix the roads first! So if you have red light cameras where you live, ask them if they are all about money and why they do not care about your safety.
Until then, we will continue to provide defensive products to protect you from the cameras. Drive safe, and drive smart!
May 20, 2009
Are Speed Control Devices Your Future?
Over on slashdot.com, there is an article on a new device that will use GPS to monitor your speed. It will first warn you then even slow down your vehicle if you continue to speed. Britain and Australia are now set to test these out. In Britain at least they want to try them on taxis and buses first, something I don't think many in London would object to. I do not believe this will be implemented in every vehicle in the UK however.
The technology to do this has been around for quite a while. A lot of commercial vehicles have speed limiters that essential do this already, there are also a lot of vehicles that come from the factory with a top speed limit programmed in. Many of you are also now mentally listing a lot of reasons why this will not work in the long run: not able to respond to emergencies, false data creating the wrong speed limit, creating traffic problems from a software bug, and all of the resulting court cases from all of these. I also do not feel like I need to discuss the fact that we are not condoning aggressive driving or speeding so much as being controlled by some arbitrary device. That is another topic for another time. The simple fact it, this will create more problems than it would ever solve.
The reason I think you will not see wide spread adoption of this in the US. Money. Many city and county governments use traffic fines as a major source of income. You will notice I did not say law enforcement officers there. While that is true some of the time, it is a lot more complicated than that. Many municipal governments view drivers as a way to make money not just the local police. Truth is, many law enforcement officers hate traffic stops and would rather do something else. This is also related to the shortening of yellow lights as soon as a red light camera is installed.
April 24, 2009
Radar Detector Laws: Where Are Radar Detectors Legal?
This is an often asked question: "In what states in the US are radar detectors legal?" First though radar detectors are currently illegal in the following states:
Virginia (VA)
Washington DC (DC)
Also, radar detectors are illegal to use at the federal level (in all states) in commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs and on military bases, so keep that in mind.
Ok, here is a list by state where radar detectors are currently 100% legal to own and use:
ALABAMA (AL)
ALASKA (AK)
ARIZONA (AZ)
ARKANSAS (AR)
CALIFORNIA (CA)
COLORADO (CO)
CONNECTICUT (CT)
DELAWARE (DE)
FLORIDA (FL)
GEORGIA (GA)
HAWAII (HI)
IDAHO (ID)
ILLINOIS (IL)
INDIANA (IN)
IOWA (IA)
KANSAS ( KS)
KENTUCKY (KY)
LOUISIANA (LA)
MAINE (ME)
MARYLAND (MD)
MASSACHUSETTS (MA)
MICHIGAN (MI)
MINNESOTA (MN)
MISSISSIPPI (MS)
MISSOURI (MO)
MONTANA (MT)
NEBRASKA (NE)
NEVADA (NV)
NEW HAMPSHIRE (NH)
NEW JERSEY (NJ)
NEW MEXICO (NM)
NEW YORK (NY)
NORTH CAROLINA (NC)
NORTH DAKOTA (ND)
OHIO (OH)
OKLAHOMA (OK)
OREGON (OR)
PENNSYLVANIA (PA)
RHODE ISLAND (RI)
SOUTH CAROLINA (SC)
SOUTH DAKOTA (SD)
TENNESSEE (TN)
TEXAS (TX)
UTAH (UT)
VERMONT (VT)
WASHINGTON (WA)
WEST VIRGINIA (WV)
WISCONSIN (WI)
WYOMING (WY)
November 12, 2008
Fight Over Speed Cameras
Do speed cameras promote economic fascism and not safety, well according to the Veil Guy Blog they do and he wants everyone to know the background behind state government's involvement with foreign based companies in order to increase state collection revenue. He uses two examples to illustrate his point. The first, imagine being pulled over by a traffic patrol officer after observing your driving behavior and cites you for one act of indiscretion (going over the posted speed limit for 10 minutes). The citation (around $100) covers the whole speeding episode that was observed and it acts as an instant deterrent to your actions. However, in the second example, there are no law enforcement officers, but rather you trip a series of 10 or more speed cameras that are strategically positioned on highway "speed zones". Several weeks later 10 or more speeding tickets are found in your mailbox amounting to over $2,000, since each speed camera represents its own unique violation. In that scenario, there is no instant deterrent of speeding and that allows each separate action to be considered a violation.
With state governments trying to fill shortfall in budgets many are turning to these technologies to alleviate some of the pressure. Does it seem fair to punish people for multiple infractions of the same law as they drive down an interstate? How many times do you find yourself just going with the flow of traffic or just going a few miles over the speed limit as you come down a hill? The use of these technologies to generate revenue for budget shortfalls does not match the governments push to utilize them for safety. Should foreign companies (or any company for that matter) receive a portion of revenue from traffic fines that are paid after their product is used to implicate you? Head over to the Veil Guy Blog to read more on the fight over the governments' use of speed and red-light cameras.
September 10, 2007
Automated Photo Enforcement
I just wanted to point out a couple very in-depth and well researched articles that were recently written by the Veil Guy.
- Automated Red Light Speed Camera Photo Enforcement: For Safety or Profit?
- Automated Photo Enforcement: A Growing Cancer Undermining the Very Fabric of our Civil Liberties
These articles examine the rapidly growing trend here in the United States toward automated traffic enforcement. Veil Guy explores the motivations behind these systems, and questions if we are moving in the right direction.
I believe that these are important issues, and more people should be concerned. This really isn't just about running red lights. I'm afraid that we are in the process of becoming a more watched society, and the red light and speed cameras are just the beginning. Many cities, including Boston, have already received grants from the federal government for surveillance cameras. We have to decide as a society if we really want the government to have the ability to potentially watch our every public move, or if our constitutional right to privacy should prohibit these types of systems.
Veil Guy has done a great service putting this information out there, and I encourage everyone to check it out.
February 2, 2006
POP Radar Coming To Nebraska
If you live near La Vista, Nebraska make sure you enable POP mode detection on your detector. POP radar is on its way.
