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Step 1
Radar detectors are illegal in some states and illegal for commercial trucks in all states so make sure you follow the laws in your area.
One thing radar detectors do besides alerting you to the presence of police radar and laser is make you more aware of the fact that police are operating in your area. -
Step 2
Radar detectors can be a safety device as well. Many construction zones use radar operated warning signs displaying your speed. Your detector will go off long before you reach the construction zone and help you drive safer.
One thing to look for in a good detector is good reviews from the major automotive magazines. -
Step 3
Good quality circuits that reject false signals from airport radar, alarm systems, etc, cost money. The cheaper detectors sold in discount stores will not have as good of false signal rejection, despite the claims on the box. Good quality models include Escort, Bel and Rocky Mountain Radar.
Most high end models cover the X, K, KA and Laser Bands. The X band is a common source of false alarms from convenience store and bank alarm systems and putting the radar detector on "city" will limit false alarms on the X band only. The X band is not used much anymore by police except in very small towns that cannot afford newer equipment.
It is important to remember that many new police radar's are "instant on" and that Laser does not have a warm up period. Your detector may pick up a car up ahead getting "hit" but if you are the only one getting radared or lasered you will not have any warning.
Some police cars leave their radar on and a detector can be helpful in these situations.
Some newer models of radar detectors have a built in GPS and you can connect the detector to your computer and upload the physical locations of stop light radar and photo radar sites that are uploaded to the internet by other motorists. The built in GPS will alert you when you are nearing one of these speed traps.
Comments
CaseyCarlton said
on 3/27/2009 Excellent article full of information. 5 stars