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Articles

  • What is radar detector IVT Filtering?

    Uniden R7 Display AdvancedMany newer and high end radar detectors now include a feature called IVT filtering. What is radar detector IVT filtering? We're glad you asked.

    In-Vehicle Technology, or IVT, refers to a system embedded or installed in a vehicle used for autonomous, semi-autonomous, or driver assistance. IVT systems include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, parking assist, autonomous braking, collision avoidance systems, and driver alert systems such as Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM).

    These systems often incorporate the use of radar frequency technology to sense and respond to events around the vehicle. Of course, these radar frequencies can be picked up by radar detectors in other vehicles, which can trigger false alerts.

    Radar detectors equipped with IVT filters can identify and filter out these erroneous signals, thus eliminating false alerts and increasing the likelihood that any alert is a real threat from a police radar gun.

    The term is generally used by Escort and Cobra radar detectors to describe their false alert filtering systems.

  • How to update the firmware on Uniden R1 and R3 radar detectors

    Uniden R3 Radar DetectorThe Uniden R1 and R3 radar detectors are a good value. They both have long range detectability and great features. What makes them even an even greater value is their upgradeablilty. Both models allow you to update the firmware for the long term. Here's how to update the firmware on Uniden R1 and R3 radar detectors.

    Note: these instructions are for the US versions of the R1 and R3 only.

    To update the firmware:

    1. Turn the detector off and connect to a PC using a USB cable via the micro USB port located on the side of the detector. Allow the PC to install the necessary USB drivers to access the detector as needed.
    2. Go to Uniden's web site to locate and download the latest firmware updates for your radar detector. for the R1 and R3, the file is called Uniden R Series SW Download Tool and Firmware. You can find the firmware and installation instructions at https://support.uniden.com/radar-detectors/.
    3. Unzip the downloaded file to a new folder on your PC.
    4. Locate and run the file called “Uniden R Series SW Download Tool [version number].msi” (The current version as of the date of this article is V1.28). The download tool should install on your PC and create a shortcut on your desktop.
    5. Run the Uniden R Series SW Download Tool. The app should display your version of firmware.
    6. Choose the OPEN button and locate the binary file for your specific model from the unzipped files. As of this article, the file would be either R1_v150.208.000.bin or R3_v150.208.115.db190402.bin. Choose the correct file and click START DOWNLOAD.
    7. Select the OPEN button and locate the “DB_xxxxxxxx.bin” file (the x's are the date of the file) from the unzipped files, and click START DOWNLOAD. The app should install the update on the detector.
    8. Close the program when the update is finished, then enter the menu of your rader detector and reset the detector to factory default. Your radar detector should now have the current updates.

    If the instructions are followed correctly, updating your R1 or R3 detector should be a breeze. These and other Uniden radar detectors are available at Buy Radar Detectors.

  • The Escort iXc radar detector is an iX with WiFi

    Escort iXc Radar DetectorWhen Escort first introduced the iX radar detector, it was an update of its classic, top-of-the-line Passport 9500iX. The iX added more power, some new features and a fresh, new body to match. Escort has now replaced this model with the iXc, improving on the iX with better range, more precise filtering, and automatic in-vehicle updates. It also introduces a new feature that completely sets it apart from its predecessor. The Escort iXc radar detector is an iX with built-in WiFi.

    The Escort iXc has all the features of the iX, including Digital Signal Processing (DSP), GPS functionality, Bluetooth® connectivity, AutoLearn, the multi-color OLED display, and, well, the whole package. To reiterate, it is an iX in nearly all respects, so going over its entire feature set would be redundant, to say the least. So, lets cut to the chase and talk about what's new and different with the iXc.

    Escort iXc Radar Detector Right SIdeWiFi
    The key difference between the Escort iX and iXc is the addition of WiFi. It's built right into the unit. This enables the iXc to connect directly to the WiFi of a Connected Car for automatic updates and crowd sourced alerts via the Escort Defender Database in real time. If you have a Connected Car, this is a big feature, as it allows the iXc to fully integrate with the internet communications and network system of your vehicle without a wired installation.

    Of course, if you don't have a Connected Car, you can still take advantage of all the other powerful features in the iX by connecting it directly to your Android or iOS smartphone via Bluetooth®. This will allow you to interface with the Escort Live App on your phone for real time access to location based traffic and speed enforcement alerts. The iXc is also equipped with a USB port so you can manually update the unit as needed.

    Escort iXc Radar Detector Left SideImproved IVT Filtering
    In-Vehicle Technology (IVT) filtering is a feature included with higher end Escort Radar Detectors that filters out false alerts created by unwanted RF signals emitted from surrounding vehicles equipped with driver assist technologies such as adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist and collision avoidance systems. While not a new feature, Escort tweaked their IVT filtering for the IXc to improve and expand its filtering capabilities to Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) systems.

    Greater Band Segmentation
    The iX featured Ka band segmentation. The iXc adds band segmentation on K band and has more incremental adjustments on the Ka band. This greater band segmentation allows for better filtering and greater accuracy in the detection of police radar.

    These upgrades give the Escort iXc a status of its own in the iX series, and certainly earns its branding as an Escort Radar Detector. It's somewhat on par with the MAX 360C, which is also equipped with Wifi, but considerably lower priced, coming in at $449.95. That is certainly something to consider. If you have a Connected Car, or even if you don't, the Escort iXc is a radar detector worth consideration for drivers on the modern, technology driven road.

  • What is radar detector BSM filtering?

    The advances in vehicle safety technology throughout the last decade are changing the rules of the road for drivers. One area that is feeling significant impact is in traffic and speed enforcement detection, or more specifically, the modern radar detector. As a result, newer detectors often include a feature called BSM filtering. But what is BSM filtering? How does it work, and why is it important to radar detection?

    Blind Spot Monitoring, or BSM, is a type of technology installed on many newer vehicles that can detect and monitor other vehicles around it, such those approaching from the side and rear. When a vehicle approaches, the BSM system alerts the driver of its presence, usually using an alarm or light installed on the side mirror. This is especially useful if a driver is attempting to change lanes or turn into a lane occupied by another vehicle that cannot be seen because it is in the driver's "blind spot", hence the term Blind Spot Monitor.

    Some BSM systems consist of cameras, some use radar technology, and some use a combination of both. It is the radar system that is of particular importance, because those frequencies can be picked up by radar detectors and trigger false alerts.

    Originally installed on higher priced and luxury vehicles, BSM systems are now becoming standard options on many makes and models across the auto industry. Not surprisingly, the prevalence of BSM equipped vehicles on the road can both confuse and frustrate drivers who use radar detectors with a constant bombardment of false alerts. Worse yet, the driver may think the detector is malfunctioning and, out of frustration, simply turn it off altogether, increasing the risk of missing a real alert and getting a ticket.

    Fortunately, technology is also on the side of the detector equipped driver. Many newer radar detectors on the market today now include a BSM filter. Also referred to as a Field Disturbance Rejection (FDSR) Filter on Whistler radar detectors, the feature is specifically designed to filter out and eliminate false alerts generated by vehicles equipped with radar frequency emitters such as those used for blind spot monitoring systems.

    While BSM filters are not uncommon, some radar detectors, particularly budget models, do not have this feature. If it's an older model, it probably doesn't have BSM filtering, either. If you are using such a device, you may want to consider an upgrade to a radar detector with BSM filtering.

  • The Differences between the Uniden R7 and R3

    Uniden R7 vs. Uniden R3Not long ago, Uniden reclaimed its reputation as a respected manufacturer of quality radar detectors with its DFR series and then reinforced it with the introduction of the Uniden R3. Recently, Uniden introduced the R7, an attractive detector packed with powerful features and high performance at a premium price. While both the R3 and R7 have many similarities, there are some important differences that put the Uniden R7 in a higher tier.

    The key differences between the Uniden R7 and the R3
    The R7 improves on the R3 primarily by adding a second antenna, a larger display, and directional arrows for the radar signal. It also offers wider scanning on K band plus a few tweaks that add to the overall experience of owning a high end radar detector. It also costs $200 more. If you already own an R3 and want to move up or you are shopping for your first radar detector and considering an R7, is it worth the extra money? Here are the key differences between the Uniden R7 and Uniden R3 that may help you decide which radar detector is the one for you.

    Dual Antennas
    The Uniden R3 has one front facing antenna. The Uniden R7 has two, one for the front, and a second for the rear. Like the Valentine One and the Escort Max 360, the Uniden R7 uses its rear antenna to find out from which direction the signal is coming. If you've driven with a radar detector before, you know the confusion that comes when receiving an alert, but not being able to quickly identify the source. For example, is there a police officer somewhere behind you, or is it a false alert from the car in the lane next to you? Knowing which direction of the radar source is a huge advantage, and is a big reason to choose the R7.

    As an added bonus, the second antenna also improves performance or range of the antenna, particularly from the rear. In some situations, this added sensitivity could make all the difference between getting an alert, and getting a ticket.

    Directional Arrows
    One major difference that puts the R7 above the R3 is the addition of directional arrows on the R7 display. The directional arrows are the most exciting new feature of the R7. When you get an alert, an arrow will display on the screen to show you if it is coming from ahead, behind or from the side. But there's more.

    The R7 allows you to customize the color of the arrows. You can also color code each arrow displayed by band for instant band Identification, using your choice of seven colors. For instance, you can set the R7 to display a red arrow for K band, a blue arrow for Ka band, and a yellow arrow for X band. If that isn't cool enough, an arrow can be displayed for up to three additional alerts. It's another feature that could point to the R7 as the radar detector of choice.

    Improved Display
    To accommodate the directional arrows, Uniden significantly improved the display. The OLED display on the R7 is much larger than the R3. It's shifted to the left side of the detector, and angled toward the driver's side of the vehicle. Like the R3, the display of the R7 is full color, bright, and easy to read, even in sunlight.

    Another difference is the color palette. The Uniden R3 has a six color display, which includes blue (default), amber, green, pink, grey, and red. The R7 has eight colors, which include red (default), white, violet, blue, amber, green, pink and grey.

    For even greater flexibility, the R7 has an ambient light sensor that automatically adjusts the brightness of the screen when driving during the day or at night. In contrast, the R3 also has an automatic dim feature but it is GPS based by the time of day and is therefore not quite as accurate, since sunrise and sunset vary by location and time of year, and it does not compensate for lighting differences due to changes in the weather. This is another difference between the two models and one in which the R7 shines.

    Greater Sensitivity
    Both the R3 and R7 have great sensitivity, with advanced customizable filtering. However, with the added rear antenna, the R7 has a slight edge over the R3 with sensitivity or range. In addition, the R7 is reported to have a slightly wider scan range on K band than the R3, increasing its ability to pick up frequencies on that band. While not a major improvement, it does provide another reason to choose the R7 if cost is not an issue and you're on the fence about which model to buy.

    Improved Ergonomic Design
    Another difference between the R3 and R7 is the location of the controls, and in particular, the Mute/Dim and Mark buttons. On the R3, these buttons are located on the front of the unit, just under the left side of the display. On the R7, they are moved to the left side of the detector, behind the display. If you are used to having a mute button on the front or top of the detector, this can be a bit awkward, but if you've never used a radar detector before, it may not be something that cramps your style.

    The Power cable is on the left side on the R3 and on the right side of the R7. For most drivers, this location may be more desirable, as it keeps the cable from dangling down on your side of the dash. If so, the R7 may be the one to connect.

    Signal Strength Meter
    Both models have a signal strength meter with frequency Identification, but with one difference. The R3 displays the strength of a signal with five levels, and the R7 has eight. It's not a big deal, but definitely worth noting.

    Of course, there's more to these models than radar direction detection. Both units are equipped with GPS for red light camera notification, advanced customizable filtering, and ugradeable firmware. They are also designed to be undetectable by the Spectre Elite radar detector detector.

    The only other difference between the Uniden R7 and R3 is what comes with the detector in the package. Both models include a large, single suction cup mount, standard two suction cup mount, a coiled power cord with alert light and USB port, a USB cable for GPS and firmware updates, hook and loop mounting tape, and a zippered storage case. The R7 also includes a neoprene carrying case, and its power cord has a mute button.

    Considering the differences as well as the similarities, is the Uniden R7 worth the price? If you already have an R3, is it worth the upgrade? It's a personal choice, of course, since both models have a lot to offer. Which ever you choose, you can be confident that you'll have a solid performing Uniden radar detector as your companion on the road.

  • Are red light cameras unethical?

    Red Light Camera InstallationFew traffic enforcement schemes raise the ire of the modern driver more than electronic ticketing. These systems take several forms, including speed enforcement, toll booth cameras, and the like. One type of ticketing system considered particularly annoying to many drivers, and perhaps even downright dangerous, may also be the most unethical. It's the red light camera.

    The traffic light is crucial to safety at an intersection. It is designed to keep the flow of traffic moving in multiple directions in a regimented and organized way. Of course, the effectiveness of this device depends on the full compliance by every driver to obey traffic light signals, without exception. Go on green, slow and prepare to stop on yellow, and come to a full stop on red. It's a simple concept for drivers to understand and follow, and for most part the system works very well.

    The downside to this system is that it relies on the willingness of every driver to follow the rules completely. The truth is, drivers are not machines, they are human, and being human, they do not always follow the rules. If one person does not obey the traffic light signals, particularly when the light turns red, the results can be more than just disruptive, they can be deadly.

    For this reason, there are laws to ensure compliance by all drivers, and law enforcement agencies invoke tickets, fines and other penalties to deter those drivers who violate them.

    Unfortunately, things happen, sometimes intended, sometimes not, and a driver may run a red light, placing that individual and everyone else around at risk.

    Enter the red light camera. Cameras are placed at an intersection to monitor red light runners and catch them in the act, recording their moving violation for ticketing electronically by mail.

    At the outset, the concept of the red light camera is a logical one, an almost foolproof, technologically advanced solution to purportedly save lives. In fact, studies have shown that in many cases, red light camera ticketing systems reduced the number of front and side collisions at intersections by as much as thirty percent! Certainly there is no downside to that!

    But like every coin, there is another side to the story. In addition to tickets, red light cameras also generate ticket revenue, a lot of revenue. Red light camera systems bring in millions to the companies that operate them, and contribute serious cash to city coffers and municipalities that allow them to be installed.

    On the surface, that doesn't seem like such a bad deal. Enforce the traffic laws, save lives, and profit in the process. It's a win-win, right?

    Well, not exactly. In many situations, it's more like a win-lose.

    For one, The companies that install and operate these devices are not law enforcement agencies, nor are they DOT engineers. Yet, it seems that the contracts with these companies allow them to have a lot of latitude in the decisions as to where and how these red light cameras are installed and used.

    One would think that these red light cameras would be placed at the intersections which need them the most to deter violators and increase traffic safety. Some of these intersections are not always high traffic areas, they are simply more dangerous and prone to accidents caused by red light runners.

    Instead, more often than not, the cameras wind up installed at the busiest intersections rather than the most dangerous ones, with the placement simply based on the volume of traffic at an intersection, nothing more. Such arbitrary placement raises the suspicion and argument that red light cameras exist to raise revenue, not promote safety, especially when they are installed in cash strapped communities.

    Another issue is the yellow light. The yellow light was initially created as a safety feature of the conventional traffic light system. It exists to warn drivers that the light is about to turn red, allowing the drivers time to prepare for a safe stop.

    But that's not its application at many intersections where red light cameras are installed. To increase the likelihood of catching, or to more accurately put it, ensnaring red light runners on camera, the yellow light is often shortened considerably, sometimes to only one or two seconds, giving the driver little to no preparation at all to safely stop in time. Some drivers have even reported the complete absence of the yellow light, increasing the chances of causing an unintentional violation, an accident, or both.

    And there's more. Other studies have shown that while red light cameras reduce the number of front and side collisions, the number of rear-end collisions actually increase by roughly the same margins, thereby offsetting the reduction of the others. Sometimes known as the bumper car effect, these collisions occur when drivers suddenly slam on their brakes to avoid an instantaneous red light camera trap and get rear ended by one or more vehicles behind them who were also caught by surprise. It is a rather common occurrence and supports the argument that the red light cameras themselves are a safety hazard. It is also a detail often glossed over or omitted from studies performed that favor these devices.

    That's not all. These red light cameras are supposed to catch violators who blow through an intersection after the light turns red. Unfortunately, they are often set up so that drivers who are already in the intersection lawfully when the light changes may be caught and ticketed as well. This can often occur if a driver is stuck in an intersection while waiting to make a left hand turn and oncoming traffic is heavy or the driver yields to pedestrians in the crosswalk towards which the vehicle is turning.

    In addition, the sensors for these red light cameras are often calibrated to detect a vehicle that may cross the stop line at an intersection or overshoot it a little. In this scenario, the vehicle certainly comes to a full stop and doesn't run the light. The driver may have merely misjudged the line, or perhaps overshot it a little bit if the light changed to red without ample warning and forced a sudden stop. In this case, the driver would clearly be attempting to obey the law, but gets ticketed anyway.

    These red light cameras have also been known to catch and ticket drivers who makes a right hand turn at a stoplight, at intersections where it is perfectly lawful to do so. Getting a ticket for obeying the law doesn't exactly generate the warm fuzzies for red light cameras, or for the entities that run them.

    It doesn't help when a red light camera is set up in such a way that it captures the driver of the vehicle that allegedly commits the violation, but tickets the owner of said vehicle and holds that individual liable. The driver and owner are not always one and the same, yet the system doesn't seem to care. This certainly isn't fair, and adds more ammo to the argument that red light cameras do not exist to promulgate safety, prevent accidents or punish transgressors, but simply to produce profit, and as much as possible, any way they can.

    It added points on your license? You weren't at the wheel? Too bad. Sorry for you. It doesn't matter who gets the ticket, as long as it brings in the revenue.

    Of course, these electronic tickets generated from red light cameras can be contested in traffic court. Many are, and often successfully so. However, the tickets are usually priced strategically at a threshold, not to deter red light running, but to maximize the odds that the unlucky recipients will decide to simply pay the ticket instead of disputing it. After all, taking a day off to go to court, especially if it's not in your immediate area, is a hassle. And if you live in another city or another state, it may cost more to make the trip to the courthouse than the ticket is worth.

    The red light camera companies know this. The cities that cater to them know this too. They're not just aware of it. They may even be counting on it.

    The dark alliance between these red light camera companies and the municipalities that patronize them is a troubling one, especially considering some of the practices involved in the installation and operation of these devices in many areas of the country. For municipalities blinded by dollar signs, the lure of easy revenue under the pretense of public safety is difficult to resist. For red light camera companies, their past performance and ethics - or lack of them - clearly indicate it's all about the money.

    Many drivers are exasperated with the red light camera systems, and some are just fed up. They view them as revenue streams for governments while increasing risks on roads. Many consider red light camera systems unethical, and even downright dangerous. Many view them as accidents waiting to happen.

    Fortunately, a few states are listening to drivers, and are addressing the issue of red light cameras by enacting some restrictions on their use, or passing legislation to ban them altogether.

    One state that paved the way was Mississippi. In 2009, the state passed a law to remove existing red light cameras and outlaw the installation of any new ones. Arizona said goodbye to red light cameras the following year. Several other states also banned red light cameras, and many more passed laws to restrict their use to certain locations, jurisdictions or situations.

    The latest state to join the caravan is Texas. In June 2019, Texas banned the use of red light cameras. It also plans to remove existing systems already installed across the state at the end of their contracts. Here is a list of states that currently ban red light cameras.

    Although some states now have laws on the books that prohibit or limit the use of red light cameras, there are many more states that either embrace these devices, or have no laws on their use at all.

    If you live in or visit an area equipped with red light cameras, be mindful when driving through intersections on those roads. Here are a few quick tips to make it past a red light camera lawfully, safely, and avoid a ticket:

    • Be careful when approaching such intersections.
    • Provide as much distance between you and the vehicle ahead as is reasonably possible.
    • Be prepared to stop with little to no warning.
    • Avoid sitting in the middle of an intersection while waiting to make a left hand turn.
    • Don't pull out into an intersection to turn if the light is changing.
    • Avoid leaning past the stop line when stopping at an intersection with a red light.
    • Also, be extremely careful when making a right turn on red. It may be legal, but it may not stop you from getting an electronic ticket anyway.

    Many drivers are particularly anxious about intersections equipped with red light cameras, and try to avoid them altogether when possible. Some intersections have them, others don't, so one may be able to plan a route with a minimum number red light cameras on the way, and in some areas it may be possible change your route to avoid them altogether. This is where a radar detector can help.

    Many radar detectors available today feature red light camera detection. These detectors are usually equipped with a database of all known locations and intersections where red light cameras are installed or actively in use. Here is a list of current radar detectors with red light and speed camera detection.

    There are also products available that offer a countermeasure for red light and speed camera systems. They can be an economical and somewhat effective type of camera defense, however they may or may not be legal in some states. Check the state license plate laws for your jurisdiction before you invest in one of these countermeasures.

    What do you think? Are red light cameras safety devices, or safety hazards? Are red light cameras unethical? Leave your comments below.

  • States that ban red light cameras

    Surveillance CamerasAmong electronic ticketing systems now in use across the US, The red light camera is perhaps the most controversial. It is the bane of many a driver, and can cause considerable anxiety on the road.

    Many state allow red light cameras, and some are quite happy with the revenue they generate. Fortunately for drivers in some states, red light cameras are restricted or outright banned. The latest state to ban red light cameras is Texas.

    In June 2019, the governor of Texas passed a law banning red light cameras in his state. Red light camera systems currently in place will be removed at the end of their contracts.

    Currently eleven states prohibit the use of red light cameras.

    • Arkansas
    • Maine
    • Mississippi
    • Montana
    • Nevada
    • New Hampshire
    • New Jersey
    • South Carolina
    • Texas
    • West Virginia
    • Wisconsin

    Several other states limit their use to certain types of roadways, locations or conditions. Arkansas prohibits the use of red light cameras except in school zone and railroad crossings with an officer present. Nevada prohibits them except when hand held by a law enforcement officer in a law enforcement facility or vehicle.

    If you live in one of the states listed above, no worries. If your state is not on the list, consider buying a radar detector with red light camera detection. Many modern detectors have them. Even if you don't speed, a radar detector can help you navigate and possibly avoid other potential road hazards such as red light cameras at intersections. Here is a list of radar detectors equipped with red light camera detection.

  • Radar detectors with red light camera detection

    Radar Detector with Red Light Camera DetectionRed light cameras are the bane of many drivers, and can make some of them quite anxious. This can be especially stressful when traveling through an unfamiliar area where red light camera systems may be installed, but not advertised.

    Is that device above the traffic light or on top of the post at the next intersection a DOT traffic monitor? Or is it a red light camera, waiting to flash your photo for a ticket as you pass?

    There are so many different sensors and tech gadgets attached to poles and installed around streets these days, Sometimes it is difficult to tell. Until you get that ticket in the mail, you won't know for sure, and then it's too late.

    But it doesn't have to be that way. There is tech available to help you defend against red light and speed cameras. There is also a device that can help you get ahead of the curve, or the intersection, so to speak. You may already have one, but if you don't it's a good time to get one. It's a radar detector with red light camera detection.

    Here is a list of radar detectors currently available Buy Radar Detectors in 2019 that can detect and/or alert you to threats from intersections equipped with red light camera systems.

    Radar Detectors with Traffic Camera Detection
    Brand Model Detects Speed Camera Detects Red Light Camera Built-in Database
    Cobra
    DSP 9200BT
    Escort Redline EX
    Redline iX
    MAX 360c
    Radenso XP
    Pro M
    Uniden DFR9
    R3
    R7
    Whistler
    5075EXS
  • Can police find out if you have a radar detector?

    Hiding a Radar DetectorA radar detector can be an effective countermeasure against police radar and traffic enforcement devices. A detector is also legal to own and use in most areas of the US, unless you are a commercial (CDL) driver, are operating a vehicle on a military base or are located in Virginia or Washington, D.C. If you drive in any of those scenarios, you can't have a radar detector. The problem is, if you own a radar detector where it is legal, but happen to commute to or travel through an area where it isn't, you could get in trouble quickly if law enforcement authorities discover one in your possession.

    But is it a real risk? Can police find out if you have a radar detector?

    Yes, they can! Absolutely they can, and it's easy. All they need is a radar detector detector.

    What is a radar detector detector?
    Simply put, a radar detector detector (RDD) is a device that detects the presence of a radar detector. These devices allow law enforcement to locate and identify vehicles in which a radar detection device has been placed or installed, and is in active operation. Many law enforcement agencies have them, especially in areas where radar detectors are restricted or not allowed.

    How do radar detector detectors work?
    A radar detector is a radio device, with the ability to search out and receive Super High Frequency (8.500-24.35 GHz) and Extremely High Frequency (33.4-36.0 GHz) radio waves in the radar bands used by authorities for speed and traffic enforcement. Although the detector is a receiver, it also emits or "leaks" radio frequencies (RF) of its own. All radar detectors produce these RF signals, and this leakage can be picked up by another receiver tuned to those frequencies. A radar detector detector is specifically designed to do this, and can do so from a considerable distance away.

    What are the types of radar detector detectors?
    There are different types of radar detector detectors. The VG-2 Interceptor was the first of its kind, and for a time, VG-2 was the standard used. It wasn't long before radar detector manufacturers designed their detectors to effectively defeat the VG-2, and nearly all detectors sold today have VG-2 protection. This rendered VG-2 ineffective. It is seldom, if ever, used by police today.

    Another type of RDD is Spectre. It eventually replaced the VG-2. The Spectre I was popular with law enforcement, and quite effective, until the manufacturers of radar detectors developed a countermeasure for it as well. The Spectre I was eventually replaced by the Spectre II, and in 2004, the Spectre III. The RDD currently used in the US is the Spectre IV, or Spectre Elite.

    Where are radar detector detectors used?
    Police typically use RDD in areas where radar detectors are not allowed or are illegal, although some may use them in areas where detectors are allowed for use by the general public. This is done in an effort to identify commercial vehicles that are not allowed to have them.

    Are some radar detectors undetectable?
    All radar detectors leak, some more than others. However, some detectors have shielding and other technology in place to minimize the leakage to varying degrees. Some are undetectable within a few feet of the RDD device. These are considered adequate for stealth operation, since most RDD units will be positioned outside that range.

    The stealthiest detectors avoid detection from RDDs within several inches of an RDD unit. This is especially important if the radar detector is installed in the vehicle instead of mounted on the dash, as the latter can be quickly disabled, turned off and put away if necessary, but a concealed detector is permanently mounted and usually powered on, risking discovery if the vehicle is pulled over.

    Which radar detectors are undetectable?
    Most radar detectors on the market today can defeat VG-2 radar detector detectors. When it comes to Spectre, however, the list narrows considerably. Since Spectre is the RDD system widely used, it is the one you need to watch for, especially if you commute, live or travel within areas where radar detectors are resticted or illegal. Fortunately we have a list of radar detectors that are undetectable. Questions? Leave a comment below, enter our chat at Buy Radar Detectors or give us a call at 1-800-584-1445 weekdays.

  • Which radar detectors are undetectable by police in 2019?

    Radar detectors are designed to hear and identify frequencies emitted from police radar guns. They also emit frequencies of their own, and can be detected by radar detector detectors (RDD). All radar detectors emit "stray" RF signals, but some are built with shielding to reduce or practically eliminate leakage. These are the radar detectors you want to use if detectability is a concern. The question is, which radar detectors are undetectable by police radar detector detectors?

    It's a valid question, because it can be a little confusing. There are different RDD devices in use with varying degrees of sensitivity. One type of RDD is VG-2. It is no longer widely used and can be defeated somewhat easily by many of the detectors available today. Another type of RDD is Spectre. The latest version, known as Spectre Elite, is rather effective at detecting radar detectors, and from a relatively short distance away.

    There are a number of radar detectors available on the market with various levels of undetectability. Some are undetectable from VG-2, Spectre, or both within a reasonable distance. A few are considered stealth, which means they are almost completely undetectable, depending on the position of the detector and the police RDD around it. A very few are considered fully stealth, meaning the detector is undetectable at almost any distance from any position or direction at all.

    The chart below lists radar detectors currently available from Buy Radar Detectors in 2019 for use in situations where RDD undetectability or stealth is desired.

    Stealth and Undetectable Radar Detectors
    Brand Model VG-2 Spectre Undetectability
    Cobra
    SPX 5300 ★★★
    Escort Redline EX ★★★★★
    Radenso SP ★★★
    XP ★★★★
    Pro M ★★★★
    Uniden DFR1 ★★★
    R1 ★★★★
    R3 ★★★★
    R7 ★★★★

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