Product review - radar detector "Screamer"

**Blackbird** · 25th October 2006, 07:05

For most bikes, the normal audio output of a radar detector is masked by wind noise and ear plugs, necessitating alternative methods of alerting the rider. One method is to connect the detector to a small speaker in the helmet. This is the system I employed until I got the screamer. It works really well, and only costs a few dollars to make. The downsides are the risk of accidentally disconnecting yourself whilst moving about on the bike (I’ve done it more than once without noticing), potential wire breakages and the slight inconvenience of plugging yourself in and remembering to disconnect yourself when you get off.

I have no experience of the HARD system which transmits a signal to LED’s on a helmet-mounted stalk within line of sight. However, human physiology dictates that an audible cue provokes a quicker reaction than a visual one, even if the difference is slight. I also understand that you have to remember to switch the battery pack on and off!

The Screamer is a piezo emitter similar in principle to a smoke alarm which plugs into the audio output jack of a radar detector. In standard form, they come with either 2.5 mm or 3.5 mm jacks suitable for the Valentine or Escort detectors, although it would be no problem in adapting it for other makes. The emitter is switched for mute, low volume or high volume settings, the highest being a 108 dBA shriek! Installation only takes a couple of hours. Power take off is from a switched lead from the fuse box - I connected it to the power lead for the detector for convenience. Self-splicing connectors are supplied although I soldered the power connection to be absolutely sure. The power lead is fitted with 3 snap lock connectors for the emitter, the small control pack and the switch. All cabling and the control pack was routed under the tank and makes for a tidy installation. I taped over the snap lock connectors to provide additional weather protection. The emitter is fixed to the top fork yoke with adhesive-backed Velcro. The attached photo shows the installation. Incidentally, the control on the left of the fork yoke is for heated grips, not the screamer.

Does it work? I’ll say it does! Doing a test on the lowest setting at a “bit” above the speed limit coming to work showed how easy it was to hear. It would still be easy to hear at “a lot” above the speed limit, even on the lowest setting! Are there any disadvantages to a screamer? Well, when it cycles through its checks when starting the bike, the noise could certainly attract attention if anyone was around. The same applies if it goes off when going through town but pressing the “cancel” on the detector or hitting the screamer mute button is no problem. Not that it really matters but the emitter only has one tone and you therefore can't determine whether you've been pinged with a laser or microwave radar (Ka band) unless you look at the detector display. Although it has yet to be used in anger, it appears to be an excellent alternative to a helmet speaker or the HARD system.

Price is US$99.95 from www.motorcycleradar.com, plus postage. Delivery takes less than a week. If you think that the cost is a bit much, KB’er Jantar made his own from a smoke detector and it works superbly. A search will find his post on the construction.

Cheers

Geoff

**Warr** · 25th October 2006, 08:22

Good report there Geoff.. something to ponder

I damaged the plug between my helmet and the detector on the GC. Funny the thoughts that go through your mind at the prospect of no detector!!!
Took me some anxious careful moments with a pen knife to straighten the pins of the plug before I deamed it ok. Needless to say I didnt unplug for the rest of the adventure, which ment de-helmeting at the check/gas stops.
Have to weigh up the disadvantages of the screamer going off when starting etc. Tho I have my detector linked with the lights..
If I could get one that attached to the stem of the mount wouldnt be quite so obtrusive!! And that would give the advantage that it would be easier to pull everything off the bike when parked in a not so secure location.

PS Never made it to Coro. Friends had the use of a house in Whiritoa??

PPS I have seen one that did mount to the detector stand stem.... cant locate it now... Any one else remeber seeing it ???

**iwilde** · 25th October 2006, 08:34

How weather proof is it?

**Blackbird** · 25th October 2006, 08:41

Originally Posted by iwilde

How weather proof is it?

A friend who has one says it's fine. He says that if you're a bit free with the hose when washing the bike, the noise output is a bit reduced for a few minutes until it drains, but is fine in the rain. The blurb which comes with it says it's weatherproof. All the electrical connections are easily taped for additional protection.

**Yarg** · 27th October 2006, 15:01

I have the screamer attached (bolted) to the base plate/stem that the detector sits on. Its out of the way and weather protected. I mute mine on start up then switch it to full when under way. have had no probs so far but you do get some looks in towns when touring when it goes off.. well worth the money. that my $0.02worth.

**Blackbird** · 27th October 2006, 15:40

Originally Posted by Yarg

I have the screamer attached (bolted) to the base plate/stem that the detector sits on. Its out of the way and weather protected. I mute mine on start up then switch it to full when under way. have had no probs so far but you do get some looks in towns when touring when it goes off.. well worth the money. that my $0.02worth.

Have you got the same detector base plate as me? (Mine might be a bit hard to distinguish in the photo). Must have a look when I get home to see if it will fit there- thanks for the heads up.

Geoff

**Yarg** · 28th October 2006, 12:33

Geoff,

yep , my detector stem looks the same as yours.

**Warr** · 29th October 2006, 13:46

Originally Posted by Yarg

I have the screamer attached (bolted) to the base plate/stem that the detector sits on. Its out of the way and weather protected. I mute mine on start up then switch it to full when under way. have had no probs so far but you do get some looks in towns when touring when it goes off.. well worth the money. that my $0.02worth.

Interested... Can you post up a picture please.

**boomer** · 29th October 2006, 16:13

of all the places you can put that stuff, you've shoved it on the head like that? nice pieces of kit, but tidy ya shit up man

**Yarg** · 31st October 2006, 20:40

hey warr, pictures as requested.

**Yarg** · 31st October 2006, 20:44

last three pics. Hope you get the idea.

**Warr** · 31st October 2006, 20:56

Sweet yes .. as they say one picture = one thousand words!! So several pic's = more....
Might just have to buy a screeemer and adapt it

**Titanium** · 31st October 2006, 21:01

Originally Posted by Warr

Sweet yes .. as they say one picture = one thousand words!! So several pic's = more....
Might just have to buy a screeemer and adapt it

Stick the piezo in ya helmut eh warr.........

Me gots the HARD set up in the new schuberth ..... minto.

**Yarg** · 10th November 2006, 15:28

Have now purchased a plastic moulded cover from radar direct to keep the radar dry in all this wet stuff we are having. A bit expensive but looks better than a plasctic bag and hopefully works better. just need to get a rubber grummet to fill the hole in where the wires exit the cover.