V1 Speed Camera Detection

[pratzert]

Now that Maryland has passed a law to allow speed cameras everywhere, I wanted to know exactly how well the V1 detects speed cameras ?

And how many different "types" of cameras are there ?

Does Valentine update their V1 to detect the different frequencies of the cameras or do all the cameras operate on the same frequencies as regular radar/speed guns ?

Lastly.... I did a forum search and didn't reallt dinf a whole lot of threads about speed camera detection and personal experiences from V1 users about the cameras.

I wanted to educate myself before the cameras are installed all over the place.

Thanks, Tim

[Gator Bite]

Now that Maryland has passed a law to allow speed cameras everywhere, I wanted to know exactly how well the V1 detects speed cameras ?

And how many different "types" of cameras are there ?

Does Valentine update their V1 to detect the different frequencies of the cameras or do all the cameras operate on the same frequencies as regular radar/speed guns ?

Lastly.... I did a forum search and didn't reallt dinf a whole lot of threads about speed camera detection and personal experiences from V1 users about the cameras.

I wanted to educate myself before the cameras are installed all over the place.

Thanks, Tim

The simple answer is, it doesn't. Most of these new cameras work by watching sensors in the pavement. The V1 has no way of seeing them or warning you about them.

For more info on available countermeasures, see this: All Photo Radar : Photo Radar - Shop at Radar Busters

[pratzert]

Well... ain't that gonna bite the big one ?!

I can see embedded sensors for the permanently mounted cameras, but they will also be using the portable units too ( I think.).

What about the freqs for those portables ? Will the V1 help warn us ?

Thanks, Tim

[Gator Bite]

Yes, I think in most cases the portable units use K or Ka band radar. You'll get some warning on those. But the redlight and permanent cameras that their installing will remain invisible.

Has anyone seen a portable camera setup that uses those pneumatic hoses as sensors? That would suck.

In my opinion, this is one of the major advantages that Escort has over the competition right now.

[pratzert]

In my opinion, this is one of the major advantages that Escort has over the competition right now.

How so ?

[AirMoore]

In my opinion, this is one of the major advantages that Escort has over the competition right now.

How so ?

They decided to move away from 20yr old technology, and they added GPS and USB capabilities to their RD's...

This allows users to keep an active database in their units (GPS capable Escorts w/RLC&SCam database Ie: 9500ix). The 9500ix will then warn you in advance of RLC/Speed Cameras etc.

[Gator Bite]

In my opinion, this is one of the major advantages that Escort has over the competition right now.

How so ?

As AirMoore said, the 9500ix and 9500ci have a database in them and they use GPS location technology to warn you if you're approaching the location of a registered redlight or speed camera. The database is updated weekely and downloadable via the Escort website ($10 a year for a subscription / 9500ci comes with 3 years).

I just saw this video that answers some of your questions.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c9obSqL3vEA]YouTube - Valentine 1 -v- Arizona DPS Photo Radar Van[/ame]

[stealthfz1]

Cheetah makes a mirror with built in speed camera database AND it will link to your V1. That's the route I'm considering.

[pratzert]

Thanks for all the info everyone !

I have a Garmin GPS which can store POI's including Red LIght Cameras, Speed Traps or even these newer SPeed Camera locations.

Now the trick is to always have your GPS turned on and updated with the latest database.

It does help if most of the Speed Cameras are permanent.

Tim

[Gator Bite]

Thanks for all the info everyone !

I have a Garmin GPS which can store POI's including Red LIght Cameras, Speed Traps or even these newer SPeed Camera locations.

Now the trick is to always have your GPS turned on and updated with the latest database.

It does help if most of the Speed Cameras are permanent.

Tim

I've heard of folks using the Garmin. Out of curiosity, how are database updates handled? Are they free? If not, what do they cost and how often are updates available?

Just curious.