bazza_g Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 The Snooper S4 Neo..... Up until this point I've been very happy with the performance of the Snooper S4 - the GPS appears very accurate and all Truvelo/Gatso cameras have been spotted with ease. I say until this point as I've just encountered my first 'mobile camera' unit. On the way between the M4 and Maidenhead there is a stretch of 40mph dual carraigeway and today there was a mobile camera van sitting on the 'to' Maidenhead side of the road. Doing 40mph like a good boy I passed the van, and no alert from the Snooper. I thought this a bit odd, so went around the roundabout, back up the other carraigeway, took a right and headed for the van again - again nothing from the Snooper. 3rd time lucky ? I went around again, this time stopping and cleaning my windscreen to make sure the sensor had a clear view. Nothing. Not a sausage. 4th time around, I actually stopped, parked up and went to chat to the officer. Very nice chap - Martin from Thames Valley Police invited me into the van for a guided tour and explaination of why my 'detector' doesn't stand a hope of detecting the laser used. The camera/laser combo connected to a recorder really is a dot that he aims at cars - the laser is 'open' for less than a second then closed again, in that time he's clocked your speed. He can even print out the ones he likes there and then ! He doesn't aim anywhere near the detector - usually at the front number plate and gets the return and reading in literally one second. He told me that occasionally they 'play' with drivers - the scope/display is so clear and the zoom so good he can see if you've got a detector and can 'ping' it for fun! Of course thats after he's already taken a reading ! Then came the bombshell. As he was showing me how the readings were taken on the cars coming towards us on our side of the carraigeway, he just aimed the thing left and started clocking people on the OTHER side of the carraigeway going AWAY from us !! I didn't know this worked ? I thought the police laser equipment only got you coming towards the unit - but this definitley worked for vehicles traveling away.... It then occured to me that whilst testing out the Snooper, I'd been doing 40mph going towards him but on the loop back to the start I'd been making good progress - so there is the chance he's got me 3 times going away from him on each of my 'test' laps!!!! arrrghhhh!! I did mention this to him but he said he didn't think he'd caught a blue Golf that day - but perhaps he was just being nice !! Anyway I've got a nervous 14 or so days ahead of me, and I'm also about to ring Snooper to see what they have to say about the matter. Drive safe everyone ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
essexr32 Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 Now that has scared me, gonna do 40 on the way home tonight. And to the nice policeman you met. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted October 26, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 Certainly put the wind up me ! I've just got off the phone with Snooper - I challenged them that the unit doesn't actually do what it says on the tin. Got passed around 2 'techys' before being asked to put my issues in writing so someone can prepare a detailed response for me..... I'll probably cut'n' paste the above post into an email ! ...still not very happy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
essexr32 Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 If that is the case, then i'm goning to test the Micro Road Pilot this weekend, i know where the weekend w@anker will be sat on sat/sun. So i'll go stick my weekly finger up at him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 This is nothing unusual. Most of the reviews of laser detectors indicate the laser detections just doesn't work. The scatter from laser is so narrow that they don't detect it unless the laser is directed right at the unit. As has been said before the only way to prevent being caught by a laser camera/gun is to jam it using something like a Target LRC 100 (Garage Door Opener ) Check out the reviews www.ukspeedtraps.co.uk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted October 26, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 you're right, I had a chat with the officer about the LRC-100 and he admitted when he can't get a reading - those cars are then tracked down in order to confiscate the diffuser units. So I suppose if you have got a garage door opener and you go passed a mobile trap a bit quick - remove the unit as soon as you get home and hide it I suppose I was kind of hoping that the unit might do something when passing a mobile laser camera - I'll report back any joy I get from Snooper.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daz Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 I see Target now do a geniune Laser Remote Control system called the "LaserTrack Remote Control". Apparently it can be used to open an electronic garage door, electronic gates or operate a security light fully automatically. However there is an apparent side effect in that it jams police laser equipment - so sad To quote the manual [ QUOTE ] Although interference with other equipment such as laser guns cannot be ruled out, the system may be used everywhere for the purpose it was developed. [/ QUOTE ] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 and just happens to be mounted near the number plate Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russellfray Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 I always thought that the laser detectors didn't work, never read anything to say it had changed, seems like you have all read something different (which turned out to be wrong!). Like it says above, even if your detector DOES pick up a signal, all it will tell you is that you've been nicked. By the time the laser has hit you, they already have the reading. I also thought that all radar and laser speed equipment was capable of taking a reading no matter which direction you are heading in. It sends out a signal and gets a signal back, then a 2nd, then works out the time difference. It doesn't take much to work out whether the difference is positive or negative, so if you abs() the result of the calculation to remove the sign it will show the speed no matter which way you are travelling. As for a unit that jams it that happens to be located near your number plate... Why would you be operating the unit to unlock your gates or garage door at 80mph on the motorway... they would find a way to do you for sure. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 [ QUOTE ] As for a unit that jams it that happens to be located near your number plate... Why would you be operating the unit to unlock your gates or garage door at 80mph on the motorway... they would find a way to do you for sure. [/ QUOTE ] i believe its an automatic, even if used for opening garage doors.. it detects a signal, and sends one back. so no different at 80mph or any speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted October 26, 2004 Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 [ QUOTE ] On the way between the M4 and Maidenhead there is a stretch of 40mph dual carraigeway [/ QUOTE ] If that's the stretch of road I'm thinking of, then there is certainly a temptation to exceed 40mph as it's wide and not much in the way of houses/schools etc nearby. I was always under the impression that laser detectors were of limited use because, by the time they go off, you're already nicked essentially. Laser jammers are another matter altogether and I really can't make up my mind where I stand on that one. I would be tempted to use one on the motorway as I think a 70mph limit is silly a lot of the time these days. Other than that, I tend to come from the school of thought that says that when you're done for speeding, there are a limited number of people you can blame. And yes, I'll stick by that when I get banned, even if it is through gritted teeth . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bazza_g Posted October 26, 2004 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2004 I'm more annoyed with myself that I might have been caught each time I went around to 'test' the unit by passing the camera van, not realising that the van could get you on the other side of the road Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WOB Posted October 27, 2004 Report Share Posted October 27, 2004 Interesting thread Bazza. Having recently installed the MRP in mine and having covered c.400 miles in the last few days, have noticed the laser detector is pretty sensitive. Been past a mobile speed van [opposite direction], and two parked police cars & it's gone off every time. Also goes off consistently when I drive past the local Police stattion and Kebab shop?! IIRC JHT mentioned his first MRP laser attachment had frequent epilectic fits but so far mine seems fine. They do an extra laser detector for rear mounting too I believe. Always fancied a garage door opener so sounds as if that might be worth looking at a little closer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Booster Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 Where on the car do Audi mount the garage door opener if you have it as an option? If it is in the front grill I'm getting one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 Ive been very happy with my LRC-100, It has gone off quite a few times when Camera Vans have lasered me and Ive never had any visits from plod. As far as i'm concerned they have no basis to confiscate the unit, its not illegal to own the unit, and in this country its NOT illegal to jam a laser signal! (to mr Plod) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CraigR Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Interesting thread Bazza. Having recently installed the MRP in mine and having covered c.400 miles in the last few days, have noticed the laser detector is pretty sensitive. Been past a mobile speed van [opposite direction], and two parked police cars & it's gone off every time. Also goes off consistently when I drive past the local Police stattion and Kebab shop?! IIRC JHT mentioned his first MRP laser attachment had frequent epilectic fits but so far mine seems fine. They do an extra laser detector for rear mounting too I believe. Always fancied a garage door opener so sounds as if that might be worth looking at a little closer. [/ QUOTE ] I had also found my Snooper S6R to be pretty sensitive, going off with police cars going opposite direction etc,it never once failed to alert a gatso or any of the other fixed cameras, until that was it failed me miserably the one time when i needed it, i tend to agree that for the mobile units the only solution is an Lrc100 or similar. , Will be interested to hear Snoopers reply when you question them. Craig Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WOB Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 [ QUOTE ] Ive been very happy with my LRC-100, It has gone off quite a few times when Camera Vans have lasered me and Ive never had any visits from plod. As far as i'm concerned they have no basis to confiscate the unit, its not illegal to own the unit, and in this country its NOT illegal to jam a laser signal! (to mr Plod) [/ QUOTE ] Cause not, you don't speed Matt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botang Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 What is the speed limit on roundabouts again Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
N3WOB Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 Judging by the cheek [face] print I left on the inside of rear window..too fast! Wasn't expecting you to pull 2G around them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seadweller Posted October 28, 2004 Report Share Posted October 28, 2004 [ QUOTE ] I tend to come from the school of thought that says that when you're done for speeding, there are a limited number of people you can blame [/ QUOTE ] I on the other hand, come from the school of thought that says our police force should concentrate their efforts on those who commit genuine crime against society, over those that they can set up and make a quick buck out of! How low would the speed limit need to be, how wide, long and empty would the road need to be, how obvious the financial incentive for the authorities need to be, how small the margin of error need to be, before you blamed someone other than the person with the fixed penalty on his or her doormat? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seadweller Posted October 29, 2004 Report Share Posted October 29, 2004 ...........That last post was posted drunk (again! ) and sounds a bit aggressive in the cold light of day which was not my intention So er.........sorry James, was just making a point Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamesB Posted October 29, 2004 Report Share Posted October 29, 2004 No offence taken . I actually agree with you. It's all a question of degree. Sensible speed limits should be enforced and I'm quite happy with 20mph near schools etc. But as I said, I think 70mph on the Mway in good conditions is way out of date and there are loads of places where the limit/enforcement is a revenue gainer and not the best use of our police force IMHO. But I'll stick by my comment about the number of people you can actually blame if you get caught out. Whether or not the speed limit was appropriate/fair is a separate issue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
seadweller Posted October 29, 2004 Report Share Posted October 29, 2004 Phew, that's good, I find it difficult to convey tone etc. in an email/letter sometimes, and it takes me ages if/when I have to. I concider all on here my 'virtual' friends and never intend to upset. That said we must put our two peneth (?) in from time to time or it would not be much of a forum. Back on topic, hope that fixed penalty is not heading your way Bazza (that would really suck ) and thanks for the reminder that they can get you both ways Only had my S4 up and running for two days, I have not found it too accurate so far, but I prolly need to get used to it? Have a good weekend guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
_Tone_ Posted November 7, 2004 Report Share Posted November 7, 2004 Bazza - really good thread and you have essentially proved something I thought may have been the case. Having picked one of these up recently I read this with dismay! Although the instruction book of the S4 does suggest you spend another £150 in getting the remote RLD unit and fixing it as near to your number plate as possible. Judging by the way the mobile chaps work though your never gonna be able to react in time to stop that conviction? I guess it means you stick to the speed limits posted and keep an eye out for the mobile units. I read in the paper a few days ago that stealth is going to be employed by a new breed of mobile vans and camera's so the police, gov are clearly out to get anyone who speeds! More tax, tax tax. I've had enuff of this country tbh but thats off topic! Is the Road Pilot that much better - certainly sounds like it but would really need to see one in action which is diff at the best of times. Cheers for the insight chaps - excellent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cheechy Posted November 8, 2004 Report Share Posted November 8, 2004 Stealth is alive and well and currently living in Dundee! My Dad tells me that the mobile camera unit in Dundee is actually fitted up to look like a 'works van' - complete with flashy orange lights on the top. What next - a wheely bin? (Well I believe they've tried this too...) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Please sign in to comment
You will be able to leave a comment after signing in
Sign In Now