by Craig on October 3, 2009
The Beltronics V995 Vector Radar Detector is an upgrade of the 985 model. The unit is housed in a sturdy plastic case that’s low profile and compact, with easy to reach buttons on top of the unit. Mounting the device couldn’t be easier! At first I wasn’t too sure if the suction cups would hold, turns out that it easily attaches to the windshield with light pressure.
Beltronics V995 Vector Radar and Laser Detector
The detector accurately detects all common laser bands (X, K, Ka) as well Ku band. Hence, it works just as well overseas where Ku band are more favorable (such as countries like UK for example).
Other than a digital display, the Beltronics V995 Vector Radar Detector has a digital voice alert that makes threat identification a simple task. The voice alerts are of excellent quality, and the audio volume is loud enough to be heard even when my car radio is on. And when it does alert, the mute button is right in easy reach on the SmartPlug power cord. (Do note that the 995 doesn’t ship with the SmartPlug cord. It’s only available as a $30 option.)
Aside from the features common–settings memory, auto mute, tutorial mode and multiple programmable options, the Beltronics V995 Vector Radar Detector also has the unique Tech Mode which displays the radar’s frequency, along with crucial information whether the source is a false alarm or real police radar.
I found the AutoScan feature to work best in towns and cities. However, do use this feature with care as it filters all bands and reduces detection range (it spends time figuring out if the radar signal pattern is like those from typical sources of falsing).
The ‘POP mode’ feature is nice, however it triggers a lot of false alarms. I had to turn it off as it was getting irritating.
The Beltronics V995 Vector Radar Detector can have its firmware upgraded by Beltronics – this is particularly useful if they have some bug fixes or updates that provide better detection.
The verdict? Beltronics V995 Vector Radar Detector makes a great-performing detector on the market in the near-premium price class.
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by Craig on September 27, 2009
The Beltronics V955 Vector High Performance Radar Detector offers performance at a value price. With the Beltronics 955, you get the performance of Bel’s Vector line of detectors a decent price compared to the 965 and 995 models.
I thought that the unit is a little bulky and heavier compared to my other detectors, but thankfully, I found no problems mounting it to windshield.
Beltronics V955 Vector High Performance Radar Detector
I got the silver version, which I later regretted. I find that the silver top surface of the product produces too much glare on the windshield in bright sunlight.
Like the 965 and 995, The Beltronics V955 Vector High Performance Radar Detector managed to detect a wide range of bands.
So far, it has never failed to alert me of a nearby police radar. It doesn’t give a whole lot of advance notice though. However, the warning time is adequate if you act immediately.
It includes many features such as Safety Warning System radar capability, laser detection, patented Mute and AutoMute features, audible and visual band alerts, and all the standard performance you can expect from Beltronics.
Controls buttons are situated at the top of the device for easy access. Patented Mute and AutoMute technology allows you to quickly silence alerts. Although this detector can be used straight out from the box, advanced programming lets you customize several features to your own preferance, such brightness settings or dark mode if you would prefer only audio alerts.
This Beltronics V955 Vector High Performance Radar Detector uses multiple laser sensors give you long-range performance, and greatly reduce the number of false alarms.
On top of that, the Vector 955 is invisible to VG-2 radar detector detectors, as Bel is well-known for. It also features Highway/City sensitivity settings to tailor performance to your needs.
I think I am getting a lot of false readings from the product. I suspect this is the reaction of the over-sensitive laser based sensor. I found the audio alert a little too soft for my liking as well. Then again for a price of $100, Beltronics V955 Vector High Performance Radar Detector is a really good detector.
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by Craig on September 20, 2009
This thing has an excellent range. I was driving on the highway when the Escort Passport 9500i picked up a radar signal up to 4 miles away. At first I thought it was a false alarm before noticing a well hidden detector along a signboard at the side of the road.
Escort Passport 9500i Radar and Laser Detector
The Escort Passport 9500i detector incorporates GPS technology, which provides its owner with real time vehicle speed display (updated every second), permanent muting of known stationery sources of X-band & K-band falses, identification of known speedtraps (non RADAR, such as Redlight cameras), speed sensitive radar reception sensitivity
At city driving speeds, the Escort Passport 9500i has a feature that automatically decreases its sensitivity to X and K-band sources (Ka-band is unaffected). As speeds increase so does the sensitivity of the 9500i. I absolutely love this feature as I no longer have to manually change sensitivity from Highway to City and vice-versa.
As for false alarms, the 9500i can virtually eliminate them. Whenever you encounter what you know if a false alarm, all you need is a total of 3 keystrokes to program the unit to know this signal in this location is a false alarm. You will never again get that alarm in that spot.
The only thing that I dislike about this detector is that when the first warning shows up you won’t know if it’s a false alarm or not. However, once you pass that false alarm (usually of a low signal) and it goes out of range, you are unable mark it as a fake signal to be blocked. In fact, the only way to mark it down is by passing the same area again.
Escort Passport 9500i also appears to be a lot more sensitive than my other detectors, resulting in more false alarms. But the GPS feature of this unit makes up for it.
The Escort Passport 9500i comes with a built-in USB interface allowing direct hook-up to your personal computer or laptop to download the latest location database updates and detector software updates. Unfortunately, it is not compatible with Mac computers.
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by Craig on September 13, 2009
Tremendous, great functionality, simple design, gives good warning, is all I can say about the Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector. Enclosed in a black, polycarbonate enclosure, this detector efficiently removes glare from sunlight. It covers most of the common radar guns used in the US, but Ku-band Radar Detection for Taiwan and parts of Europe and Belgium driving is available as well.
Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector
The screen is easy-to-read, with clear visual alerts to match the voice alerts. A full dark mode is also available in this detector. In this mode, the display will not show any visual alerts when the GX65 detects signals. Only the audible alert will go off. The clarity of the warning voices can be heard above a radio or road noise.
I love the GPS-powered technology included in this device. Not only does it decreases false alarms from radar-based sensors, the GPS tells you your speed when an alert goes off too, so you only have to look at the detector to know what you’re dealing with and how fast you’re going.
Besides that, the GPS technology is able to pinpoint “safety camera” locations, including red light intersection cameras and roadside, fixed position, speed cameras
You can even connect your Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector GPS to your computer using the optional mini-USB cable and 12Vdc power supply accessories to download all the latest GPS photo location updates.
Unfortunately, I found the download method a little bothersome as you have to keep referring to the numbers on a green card that comes with it in order to get a download.
Auto Scan Mode manages to eliminate false alarms caused by weak radar signals. And although I still encounter a few false alerts now and then, once I’ve marked all the false alerts down, the GX65 is quiet and alerts to just true police radar.
The Beltronics Pro GX65 Radar Detector comes with a couple of accessories, such includes visor clip, extra suction cups for another car, and a USB plug which you’ll need to update the database.
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by Craig on September 6, 2009
The Whistler XTR-140 radar detector is probably one of the cheapest radar detectors on the market. The detector is coated in black to minimize glare, and features a bright icon display.
Whistler XTR-140
I was really doubtful about the performance of a $40 detector, but after a few recent road trips, I am say that this is a well functioning product. Despite not having exceptional filtering ability for false signals, it can still give you enough X/K/Ka warning for you to slow down in time. The XTR-140 features 3 city modes, which allows you to adjust your tolerance false alerts as well.
Despite not having as many features as my ESCORT and BEL, Whistler XTR-140 comes complete with total band protection, total 360° perimeter protection, and patented VG-2 cloaking technology to prevent detection from the traffic police.
The new Dual LED Alert Periscope provides an additional attention getting visual alert. Two extra LED’s flash on and off when the unit detects a signal, which I thought was a really great innovation, because you can easily see them even when your radio drowns out the audible signals, or when the primary letter warning lights is difficult to see in bright sunlight. This alert can be programmed to flash for all alarms, remain on, or completely turned off.
I also like the ‘Quiet Mode and Auto Quiet’ feature of this detector. Quiet Mode cancels audio during an alert (which usually lasts for 20 seconds), whereas Auto Quiet reduces the selected audio level to level 1 to approximately 5 seconds after a radar or safety radar signal is detected. The greatest thing is that even in this mode, VG-2 or laser alerts are not affected.
In conclusion, the Whistler XTR-140 might not have the features of the top of the line detectors (coiled power cord, voice alert, false signals filtering, etc), it does, however, have at its core the basic detection ability a driver needs.
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Repair or Discard?
The question on most people’s mind is “should I repair a broken radar detector?” If you had to ask me, I’d say there’s no absolute answer here. Depending on the extent of damage and how old the unit is, you may just save yourself trouble and money by buying a new device. However, if it’s fairly new and you know the fixing won’t burn a hole in your wallet, take a look at it and see what you can do. Consult a professional if needed.
Radar Detector Problems
1. Speaker Not Working
Radar detectors have small speakers and they are connected by fine wires. If not handled carefully, the wire can break and disconnect from the speaker. Or, the speaker may be busted. To identify the problem, look into the unit. You can plug the output to a temporary external speaker and it’ll work just fine. If it doesn’t, the internal chip may be defective ad needs replacement.
2. Display Stuck
Your unit will likely have a few functions that you can access by pressing on a button. Sometimes, the display gets stuck and you can’t select function you want. If that’s the case, try resetting. If that doesn’t work, the switch may have become defective or needs soldering. The buttons should connect directly to the circuit board for easy pressing.
3. No display
If you’ve switched it on and there’s no display, it means one of two things – either the display may be defective or the connecting wire has gone loose. If you look up the manual, you’ll find a factory reset recommendation. First, power off the unit and then press the stated buttons to power on again (usually you need to hold down a few buttons simultaneously). If that doesn’t work, try replacing the display.
4. Laser Alert Goes Off Suddenly
Your laser circuit may be oversensitive, or you have a loose connection in your unit. Excessive electrical noise can also cause this. Try tapping power from higher amperage terminals because the heavier cables usually connect to car battery and produce less electrical noise. This is also prone to happen after you’ve parked your car in a high temperature environment. If that happens, it means that some part in the unit may be defective and needs changing.
These are the typically more common problems for radar detectors. Feel free to read my other reviews to have a clearer idea about radar detectors.
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by Craig on June 10, 2008
Hi, welcome to my best radar detectors blog.
A radar detector is an electronic device use by car or motorist to determine whether their speed is being monitor by a radar unit.
Traffic police use radar gun or radar device that use radio wave to determine the vehicle’s speed. The radar detector will be able to tell whether you being monitor by radar gun or not.
Radar Detectors
Due to the nature of its usefulness, radar detector is illegal in couple of country. In US, base on wikipedia:
United States law varies from state to state, but detectors are generally legal in private vehicles under the Communications Act of 1934[7] and illegal in commercial vehicles by DOT regulation (49 CFR 392.71). Exceptions:
- Illegal in all vehicles: Virginia, Washington D.C., U.S. military bases
- Illegal in commercial vehicles under state law: Illinois, New York (specifically, commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds (4,500 kg) and all vehicles over 18,000 pounds (8,200 kg))
- Indirectly illegal: Minnesota and California (illegal to hang anything from the windshield with suction cups; however both dashboard and visor mounting is allowed.) It is also indirectly illegal in NY State, pursuant to Title 3 Article 9 § 375.30 of the New York State vehicle and traffic law.
Well, I hope this little introduction of radar detectors will be helpful to you. I plan to write about best radar detectors recommendation and guide here.
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