Radar Detectors

[ers_6]

PPl,

Im looking at buying a radar detector I do a lot of driving between canberra and sydney and am close to purchasing a vy ss.

Just wanted to hear your recommendations and stories....

cheers

[flappist]

http://www.australianradar.com.au

warning::::
The penalty for posession of a radar detector in NSW is summary execution by a pistol shot to the back of the head and your car is burnt on the side of the road with a sign saying "This heretic tried to defraud the state government of road tax"

N.B. they have to bring in a civillian contractor to shoot you as coppers are usually pricks of shots.

[Devil CV8]

OK...
http://www.radardetection.com.au/ is a good site to check out

A few tips (keeping in mind the roads you travel)
a fully hidden radar detector is a must
turn it off when it goes off
DO NOT BRAKE HARD after it goes off
When pulled over and cop says to hand the detector over "DO NOT HAND IT OVER" and deny all knowledge of having one installed
NSW police can NOT search your vehicle for a detector, BUT they can search for drugs and may still give you a ticket for failing to surrender the detector. If this happens you will need to fight it in court.

Fines are over $1000 for possession and another $1000 for failing to surrender, not to mention there are now points for these offences.

[ultrablue]

ive been pulled over by the cops and they searched the car for the detector turned things on and off but they had no chance of finding it i stuck it down my pants,i then purchaced one thats untetectable with a hidden switch to turn it on and off

[Devil CV8]

I should clarify the "can't search" comment..
They can not pull anything apart, they can not defect you, they can not send you anywhere to have the vehicle searched. They can not search your person or your luggage.

and
Office of the Ombudsman NSW
Radar Detectors and Jammers - 1993 (highlights)

Radar detector detectors are to be operated strictly in accordance with the manufacturers specifications and the Police service guidelines which are available from the Traffic Operations Group, State Command.
Regulation 93 of the Motor Traffic Regulations authorises police to inspect a motor vehicle to, interalia, determine whether it complies with the Act or regulations and includes the power to inspect for a radar detector or jammer.
If you inspect a motor vehicle for a radar detector/jammer: inform the driver/owner/person-in-charge of the vehicle prior to the inspection for the reasons for the action proposed:
only inspect the vehicle
do not search handbags or luggage
do not search people
do not dismantle the vehicle


Generally limit the inspection to the:
Engine bay, boot area, underside of the vehicle, passenger/load carrying compartments including glovebox, under the dashboard, seats, floor mats, around the front of the vehicle including wheel arches and bumper bars.

Any additional inspection must be reasonable.

If a device is not located on initial inspection, do not issue a defect notice for the purpose of directing the vehicle to a further place of inspection.

so reading into this, it would certainly be possible to hold onto the keys and not allow the police to try turning switches on in an attempt to locate it..

[NinetySix]

dunno about other states, but in vic cops dont use radars they use lidars (lasers) so a detector will only get you into trouble if they still use radar detector detectors...and in vic AFAIK they can do anything they want to find the detector including stripping the car to the bone :S

[VXII SSimo]

...and if all else fails, adhere to the speed limit???...

[snapper05]

Fark no! :lol:

[Thumper]

I can't believe the extent of imposition of basic rights that are represented by the illegality of radar detectors in AUS.
In NZ, only a few of the "contractor cops" get annoyed about a radar detector if they do succeed in nailing you.
Most of them simply say, "hey - anything that will make you more aware, or slow you down at anytime is ok".
Now this sounds strange, because I guess if you buy a detector, you intent to speed, right?
But, in fact, statistics prove otherwise, the detector makes the driver more careful and usually law abiding. A cop told me, he's never found a detector in a crashed car.
So if you have this insane law - detectors illegal - and if you still wish to use the advantages, go ahead a buy one, the latest units that has VG-2 (this is the system the cops use to detect your detector) masking technology. All of these also detect Lasers as well.
Try this US supplier which delivered mine to my letter box in less than a week at half the local price.
http://buyradardetectors.com/Products/Bel/Bel-Radar-Detectors.aspx
I would only buy the Beltronics range, I know my Beltronics 985 has more than justified it's purchase price, but others are the Valentine V1, and the Passport 8500. Along with the Beltronics range, they all have advantages, I like the Bel because of less "falsing" detects from infra red door openers.

[VXII SSimo]

Fark no! :lol:

Oh well...just an idea.. :lol:

[Devil CV8]

dunno about other states, but in vic cops dont use radars they use lidars (lasers)
I'd suggest Vic police still have radar in their TMU cars as LIDAR does not work in a mobile environment...

[Drizzt]

I'd suggest Vic police still have radar in their TMU cars as LIDAR does not work in a mobile environment...

Correct. They also like to park 90 degrees to the road facing outwards and point the damn things at you. :mad:


Drizzt

[HSVMAN]

In NZ we can also buy and fit a product called "Blinder" which blocks lasers - works a f**n treat! It tells you when they are pointing their gun at you and blocks your signal.
I agree, those that have detectors may exceed the speed limit from time to time but in general are more conciensious and aware of other traffic.

[Goggs]

A mate of mine in Dubbo got dobbed in by a mechanic at the dealership where he was getting his car serviced for having one in his VS SerIII ute. They pulled him over and searched his car and found it. (Knew where to look). The officer said that he was confiscating the device, so my mate took the box out and put it under his front tyre and ran over it. Said to the copper that he did that so that it didn't end up in one of the copper's mate's cars..... :lol:

[ers_6]

so u think its more trouble than its worth???

[VRIIClubby]

Nope, well worth getting! just be smart about your operation of it!

[ers_6]

can anyone recommend any brands??

I was thinking of the ones that plug into the cigarette lighter, but now am considering a fully installed one, what u all think??

[HSVMAN]

See previous thread (thumper) re wholesaler in States, not sure where and who you guys have over there but you can also try www.radardirect.co.nz they sell most well known brands including the "Blinder" and can give you all the advice re shipping, fitting etc :)

[Drizzt]

I suggest a eltronics unit and they seem to be the bees knees right about now with all their features and anti cloaking features.

I'm looking to buy one myself.


Drizzt

[SV8VY]

I use a Road Angel and it gives you a warning of fixed red light and fixed speed cameras.(these are legal)
They will not give you warning of a hand held device nor if used by a mobile unit but you can quickly program a common area police are always in and most often when you upload new information other people have put in new spots also.

[HSVMAN]

"Valentine 1" will detect fixed and mobile cameras at 500 metres, laser guns and all radar units as well. Not only will it detect ahead of you but from the sides and behind.
Its by far the best I've used and the dearest - but you get what you pay for. There are others that perform very well for less but nothing detects cameras like a V1. And you can upgrade the software.

[O5BRKY]

dunno about other states, but in vic cops dont use radars they use lidars (lasers) so a detector will only get you into trouble if they still use radar detector detectors...and in vic AFAIK they can do anything they want to find the detector including stripping the car to the bone :S

Vic Police do use radars both mobile,handheld and speed cameras, though they are increasing the use of laser. They also use Stalcar Radar Detector/detectors and WILL detect 90% of most radar detectors,they are mostly used country with only a few VICROADS patrol cars being fitted with them as well. So it's basically if you get a burst of radar, quickly turn the detector off, and wait until you think the police have gone by. The more you spend on one the better they pick up speed enforcement tools!! They are also using Ka band in Vic now as well.
I use and recommend a Beltronics Detector, hasn't let me down yet.

[SV99]

Im thinking about getting one. Seems hardly fair they can hide in the bushes to earn the govt money. why cant we protect our selfs from revenue rasing,

just because bracks (Vic) and carr (NSW) cant run the states

[Thumper]

The top rated detector ATM is the Beltronics RX65 Pro Ultimate. The Valentine V1 was the best, but this one now has better technology such as Pop3 Ka, and Ku new radar that is being introduced.
See it here http://www.radarjammertechnology.com/our-store/radar-detectors/bel/rx-65.php
Don't believe those that say that the units need to be "designed" for AUS or NZ conditions, this is only a ploy to substantiate their rip off pricing structures.
My own requirement for a detector was caused by being booked for 106 kph in a passing lane. My thought was if they are using electronic devices to obtain revenue, then I will use a device to defeat them. Works for me! It's not that I intend to intentionally speed, but now I am aware of "where they are", and it has increased my motoring pleasure greatly, so much so that all my vehicles now have a Bel detector.

[amckiwi]

Wondering out loud what is a radar detector?

If you took a detector and was good at soldering etc and distributed the bits round your car do you still have a radar detector or just a series of components??

I am guessing a cop can spot a detector but would have nfi on the components

[kaniSS-81]

I was in a friends neighbours GTR-32 Zilla, and the detector was pretty good, it picked up a few cops even telling us the distance they where away... But a few times some undercover cops went by and it did nothing..

Probably not worth it, just do the speed limit :lol:

[Aussie Pete]

You need to be careful with radar detectors and be very choosy which ones you buy. Stalcar Spectre 3 is a formidable device and can sense detectors past 1000 feet away. With europe allegedly moving to banning detectors the market for Spectre will grow and so the critical funding of development will also grow making them better and better.

As for LIDAR Blinder is the best without doubt but it requires visible probes to counter LIDAR. That makes things risky.

My suggestion is to buy a black car and take certain measures to reduce reflectivity. Even on lighter cars the following will almost always reduce range of the LIDAR gun to where you can see them before they can get a reading;

- fit black car bra
- paint all radiator/condensor areas exposed to front of car with black paint
- apply Laser Veil to headlights/covers and number plate covers
- if mirrors are a light colour cover with black tape
- remove any light coloured reflective objects from dash/windscreen areas

The above can reduce LIDAR speed reading range by over 70%.

[clarky]

I agree with the post above, be careful with what you buy. Contrary to what you read on the net, no detector on the market is un detectable from the Stalcar MK III. The best units right now are the Escort 8500x50 and the Bel RX65, with the passport a better unit just. Both are the best. As for teh Valentine 1 its an excellent unit and was on top for quite some time, not any more, the above 2 detectors are much better.

See link below

http://www.laserveil.com/en/ultimate-radar-detector-review-05/introduction/

As stated be careful the fines are very hefty so need to weigh up if its worth it or not.

[O5BRKY]

Vic Police do use radars both mobile,handheld and speed cameras, though they are increasing the use of laser. They also use Stalcar Radar Detector/detectors and WILL detect 90% of most radar detectors,they are mostly used country with only a few VICROADS patrol cars being fitted with them as well. So it's basically if you get a burst of radar, quickly turn the detector off, and wait until you think the police have gone by. The more you spend on one the better they pick up speed enforcement tools!! They are also using Ka band in Vic now as well.
I use and recommend a Beltronics Detector, hasn't let me down yet.

Aussie Pete, from my old post a while ago..^^^^^.
Though there is a new detector that has defeated the RDD, only a matter of time and a few more RD manufacturers will have no Lo leakage from the detector,so the Stalcar/Spectre won't be able to detect Radar Detectors.

[Aussie Pete]

Okay, but there are units out there that easily beat Spectre. None of those are listed.

The key is the LIDAR. here's a good link:

http://www.kc8unj.com/radar/guysoflidar/

Cheers,
AP>

[keepleft]

In NSW the fine for having one fitted exceeds $1,000 - but more importantly is the 9 DEMERIT points that are now attached to the offence/s for the past month or so.

Only a change of government *might* reduce the existing new penalties, or ethically, remove them completely. RTA road safety section and the NSW HWP - both with the support of Victorian and South Australian teaching university academics, would rigidly oppose the move, indeed as they actively do with all proposals to raise freeway or open-road limits. We will NEVER see these issues progressively improved, guaranteed. You will recall when NSW first banned detectors all the talkback jocks comprising Laws, Harker, et al supported the ban.

There is no evidence that owning or using a radar detector increases your crash rate, but simplistic logic by those who oppose freedom, and by those who rightly fear idiots purchasing them, will see the continued trend of prohibition. I say, as a motorist's advocate, that idiots are dangerous at any speed, owing their on road behaviour in general.

American market detectors are simply detectable by our Stalcar units, even those North American sourced units 'marketed' for AUS/NZ.

You are perhaps better advised to go for a legal GPS based fixed speed camera and crash blackspot warning device. Uniden even have one which combines a UHF CB, better still!

Note NSW is installing more "point to point" cameras on the newly upgraded Pacific Highway, as with VIC on the Hume. These calculate your average speed over time/distance. Big fines apply if you have been found to have exceeded the posted speed limit.

See NSW Hansard details at the Parliamentary website, NSW Labour party women MP's from the north coast electorates are particular supporters of the system. Remember this come election time. The upgrade to general dual carriageway status is costing literally billions, yet by their logic it is obviously money NOT well spent, if the new sections are soooo dangerous as to require fixed cameras.

On that basis, perhaps we should STOP all upgrading on the Pacific Highway. Useless and absolutely DUMB swines really.

[jaskel]

OK...
http://www.radardetection.com.au/ is a good site to check out

When pulled over and cop says to hand the detector over "DO NOT HAND IT OVER" and deny all knowledge of having one installed
NSW police can NOT search your vehicle for a detector, BUT they can search for drugs and may still give you a ticket for failing to surrender the detector. If this happens you will need to fight it in court.

Fines are over $1000 for possession and another $1000 for failing to surrender, not to mention there are now points for these offences.

WRONG WRONG WRONG...

They can search your car for the detector but they cannot search a person.

Detectors are good in many ways but bear in mind that LIDAR is used and if your detector goes off at laser then it is just confirming you are about to be pulled over. Oh and between Syd and ACT is where a large concentration of Stalcar.spectre detector detectors are used...id be very carefull...oh and get a laser jammer too ;)

Id go a Bel RX65 but if you wait 6 months or so there will be one out that is completly immune to detector detectors...... A study was done in the USA and results showed that drivers with detectors wer safer and more alert drivers...they should lift the ban i reckon.

[Devil CV8]

WRONG WRONG WRONG...

They can search your car for the detector but they cannot search a person.

The NSW ombudsman has directed that police are not to dismantle a vehicle or to send a vehicle anywhere to be searched. They are also not to unreasonably detain you while they search. The search is only to consist of checking easily accessable areas. Police can not search luggage or a person in an attempt to locate a radar detector. There is nothing stopping the cop from handing over a T.I.N for failing to surrender a detector, and when challenged in court the cop better have an ironclad case on why he suspects you had a detector available.

[jaskel]

true, thats why you never admit to having it....chuck it in your ass and deny deny deny..haha

[O5BRKY]

Hey Jaskel, not also known by the name on another forum as stalker???

Anyway, if you have a detector and get caught with it, and your lucky enough to have a crappy one as well, hand that one over (keep your good one) and then cop the fine.

I use a Bel RX65,& a V1,after upgrading from an old Vector Sti and Whistler 1660.So I know what one I'd hand over if I got caught.

I don't use my detector to enable me to speed, I use it as a reminder to stick to the limit, and if I happen to go over it and the thing goes off, I back off,very handy in the city where there are camera's and you are to busy looking at your speedo just to keep within the limit, and then you u might wander over it.
Yes, the way things are going with point to point cameras, GPS units are becoming a good idea, especially with the other features most have in them as well.
Anyway truth to the matter Don't Speed if you can avoid it, otherwise it will cost you points and dollars or worse your life or someone else's.

[keepleft]

ba2vy wrote:

"Anyway truth to the matter Don't Speed if you can avoid it, otherwise it will cost you points and dollars or worse your life or someone else's".


AND this is the problem with indoctrination, "speeding" is NOT a reference to exceeding a posted or default speed limit, but is in everyday reality a reference to any speed, ABOVE or BELOW the applied limit.

For law enforcement purposes, the threshold at which action, 'automated' or by HWP on scene, is set by a speed limit - at which that action takes place. Speeding under the limit is harder for law enforcement to police, but is a large problem.

Think of it this way; IF only exceeding a speed limit was the definintion on 'speeding', as held by some, then then those driving under 'speed derestriction' (///) environments, as we have on the autobahn or in NT cannot ever be speeding!! This is of course rubbish, 'speeding' is a variable, second to second - having due consideration to prevailing road, vehicle, driver, and weather factors.

The view that speeding only applies to over speed limit driving, and thinking that it represents the point at which crashes happen owing so, is what I call "speed limit conditioning", it is dangerous and negligent on the part of the State to educate and indoctrinate its citizenry so.

What is true is that with increasing 'speed' we have duplicating increasing damage factor. This has bugger all to do with an applied speed limit.

VIS - clear conditions 'motorway' speed limit 110km/h safe and one could go quite faster if allowed. Same conditions fog<50 metres sight (fog density varies second to second), unsafe at anywhere near 110km/h.

[O5BRKY]

What ever,loss interest reading through the first paragraph,however I know where your coming from, speeding doesn't necessary mean over a limit it could be under as you said by not adapting to road/weather conditions.But I was pointing out that having a detector doesn't mean you speed, as we know stupidity accounts for accidents as well.

[seldo]

That's the problem with speed limits. They don't account for both stupidity and for the conditions in effect at the time. 150kph can be quite safe under ideal conditions but the same bit of road in the dark, in the rain, with fog etc and 60kph may be dangerous...

[220i]

Good point, but you can't say to people 'use your discretion'. Then every boyracer will think its safe to do 150km+ all the time. I suppose those electronic speed limit signs that can change could possibly be used if conditions could be detected

[Evil LS1]

http://www.australianradar.com.au

warning::::
The penalty for posession of a radar detector in NSW is summary execution by a pistol shot to the back of the head and your car is burnt on the side of the road with a sign saying "This heretic tried to defraud the state government of road tax"

N.B. they have to bring in a civillian contractor to shoot you as coppers are usually pricks of shots.


Wrong state. It's the pigs in Victoria that shoot 10 warnings shots into unarmed assailants backs.

[Aussie Pete]

Back on topic, my understanding was that radar detector searches can be done reasonably on the car but not the person. The cop has every right to search the car provided he doesn't damage property.

Any definitive comments re. the ombudsman statements, and better still a reference?

I also carry a digital voice recorder and record everything the cop says (for later if you know what I mean). A recent case where I played the tape to the prosecutor (showing the cop was a liar) solved a few 'misunderstandings' :booty:

[Devil CV8]

AP, my comments back in post 5 were as written in the NSW ombudsman report in 1993. I haven't seen anything since that changes that. Best suggestion is to have a stealth install or place the detector down your pants.

[who_me_?]

It is a Bel 845Sti

Some info: http://www.olbis.com.au/ap_template/templateproduct_final.asp?itemid=585070

Second hand in box with cables and so on. Would sell it on eBay but you can't !!! - Not illegal in WA obviously !

I dunno about price - $250 ?

[jaskel]

you can sell it on ebay if you change your location to Perth ;)

[adz_VQ]

you can sell it on ebay if you change your location to Perth ;)

actually no you can't... ebay have just started cancelling auctions of radar detectors even in perth. clearly they're not aware of the laws...

[pah]

Hi,

Has this crowd copped a mention?

http://www.australianradar.com.au/index.htm

A perfectly LEGAL ROAD SAFETY device is a UHF CB radio. These things used to be the domain of the "10-4 Good Buddy" dribblers back in the late '70's and early '80's. They're now virtually the domain of truckies and they use them to very good effect. The airwaves GO BALLISTIC any time there's ANY sort of hazard that needs to be published. Apart from a small amount of (generally blue - no good if the family is in the car) truckie chat, they do a reasonable job of maintaining radio silence.




PAH

[lease1]

Also, in NSW police have the power to enter any vehicle on a public road or road related area at any time without reasonable cause to inspect it for defects and road worthiness. This may include lifting carpets to inspect the floor etc. If they happen to find a radar detector or anything else for that matter, it is still a legal search and you can be prosecuted.

So although they may say they are inspecting the vehicle for defects, they may really be looking for your radar detector! Sneaky bast.... persons!

[HRT 8]

Also, in NSW police have the power to enter any vehicle on a public road or road related area at any time without reasonable cause to inspect it for defects and road worthiness. This may include lifting carpets to inspect the floor etc. If they happen to find a radar detector or anything else for that matter, it is still a legal search and you can be prosecuted.

So although they may say they are inspecting the vehicle for defects, they may really be looking for your radar detector! Sneaky bast.... persons!

Inspecting a vehicle for roadworthiness constitutes a reasonable cause.

[macca33]

Radar detectors are shite anyway, a waste of $$$.

They cannot detect an instant on device.

Regards,

Macca

[lease1]

Inspecting a vehicle for roadworthiness constitutes a reasonable cause.

No. For example, reasonable cause may be that the COPS have formed an opinion based on the balance of probabilities that you may, for example, have something illegal in your car and then search for it.

Police do not need to meet this criteria to search for defects. They can stop any car at any time and enter it to search for defects. :cussing:

[O5BRKY]

Radar detectors are shite anyway, a waste of $$$.

They cannot detect an instant on device.

Regards,

Macca

Good ones Can