POP radar?

**4skins** · 28th August 2011, 20:45

I'm in the market for a radar detector, probably a Valentine One. Looking at the offerings on TradeMe (trying to filter out the stolen ones can be a challenge). All the sellers report the POP version, either 1.8 or 2 but none of them can actually say whether or not it REALLY matters.

Can anybody actually tell me with authority whether POP is used

in New Zealand and whether the version actually matters??

**bsasuper** · 28th August 2011, 20:56

Well it would seem the coppers have the new Ka or standby radars in use, which if they turn it on when you are close will get ya, but when they have it on a good detector will pick it up easily, so if you keep looking ahead instead of the piece of fluff with the mini mini shorts on the footpath the current crop of detectors + eyeballs do a good job.

**boman** · 28th August 2011, 21:32

I have a Bel STI. Works really well, if the cop has his radar on, is on a straight road. In the twisty windy roads, it aint worth shit. You see him the same time you get a signal. I know this because I had one follow me for 30 kms. When you could see him, you got a strong hit. But when in dips and valleys, and around corners, you got nothing.

A radar detector Might help. But the cruising rather than hooning will probably be a better option.

**Jantar** · 28th August 2011, 22:20

Originally Posted by boman

... I know this because I had one follow me for 30 kms. When you could see him, you got a strong hit. But when in dips and valleys, and around corners, you got nothing.

A radar detector Might help. But the cruising rather than hooning will probably be a better option.

When he is following, you are relying on a reflected signal, not a direct beam, so it is unlikely that you would pick him up if he is behind you under those conditions.

My Bell STi has picked up cops at 5 km away on flat straight roads, and up to 2 km around bends when he is coming towards me. If he's behind then he has to be fairly close. My Escort 9500i picked up a copas I crested the hill just north of Shingle Creek Tavern, and I didn't actually meet him for another 4 km. That isn't just hilly, its along the side of a mountain with lots of curves, gorges and bends.

But if he's behind, then hopefully I've already seen him rather than rely on a detector.

**DrunkenMistake** · 28th August 2011, 23:29

Buy a faster bike.

That

Or slow down.

Personally I dont see the point in one unless your doing open road hour+ traveling very often or live in the country, But I have herd alot of good things about the Bell STi I know my old man used to have one in his old Panel van, done the trick alright

**nadroj** · 29th August 2011, 07:40

Wouldnt be without my V1 - picks them up behind as well. Like anything it is also down to the users skills & knowing your equipment.

**NinjaNanna** · 29th August 2011, 12:14

Make of this what you will.

BEL STI MANUAL

For POP signals: Since POP signals are extremely fast K or Ka bursts, and a possible threat no matter how weak, the STi DRIVER alerts you to these bands at full signal strength.

BEL STI MANUAL

How Radar Works:
Traffic radar, which consists of microwaves, travels in straight lines and is easily reflected by objects such as cars, trucks, even guardrails and overpasses. Radar works by directing its microwave beam down the road. As your vehicle travels into range, the microwave beam bounces off your car, and the radar antenna looks for the reflections. Using the Doppler Principle, the radar equipment then calculates your speed by comparing the frequency of the reflection of your car to the original frequency of the beam sent out. Traffic radar has limitations, the most significant of these being that it typically can monitor only one target at a time. If there is more than one vehicle within range, it is up to the radar operator to decide which target is producing the strongest reflection. Since the strength of the reflection is affected by both the size of the vehicle and its proximity to the antenna, it is difficult for the radar operator to determine if the signal is from a sports car nearby or a semi-truck several hundred feet away. Radar range also depends on the power of the radar equipment itself. The strength of the radar unit’s beam diminishes with distance. The farther the radar has to travel, the less energy it has for speed detection. Because intrusion alarms and motion sensors often operate on the same frequency as X-Band or K-band radar, your STi DRIVER will occasionally receive nonpolice radar signals. Since these transmitters are usually contained inside of a building, or aimed toward the ground, they will generally produce much weaker readings than will a true radar encounter. As you become familiar with the sources of these pseudo alarms in your daily driving, they will serve as confirmation that your STi DRIVER’s radar detection abilities are fully operational.

How “POP” Works,
“POP” mode is a relatively new feature for radar gun manufacturers. It works by transmitting an extremely short burst, within the allocated band, to identify speeding vehicles in traffic. Once the target is identified, or “POPPED,” the gun is then turned to its normal operating mode to provide a vehicle tracking history.

**offrd** · 2nd September 2011, 22:30

I have a V1, if it beeps, even once - take its word. good chance there is something out there.
My last detector had GPS and all the fruit and cost a bloody fortune... I paid to "downgrade" back to the V1.

Should have kept the first V1!

Front side and rear warnings - PLUS - the number of radars it can see - PRICELESS!

Down side, No good with speed cameras, probably a receive band not active in my unit i need to fire up, but speed cameras don't give demerit points!

My 0.02c worth.

'

**scumdog** · 2nd September 2011, 22:39

They are good until you meet a crafty cop..

Personally I wouldn't even cross the road to pick up a free radar detector.

**Gremlin** · 3rd September 2011, 03:28

My STI has picked up a cop around 10km out... it was a long straight road with a few crests and he had it permanently on.

**bsasuper** · 3rd September 2011, 07:03

All cops will tell you detectors dont work, I got stopped when the cop said he thought I was speeding (wasnt),when I pulled over I had my lunch stuffed down my jacket which I got out and put on top of tank(neat little black lunch box).Cop pointed to it saying dectectors dont work, as I walked over to it and proceeded to eat my cheese&tomato sammy's.Reminds of the spec saver adds.

**TimeOut** · 3rd September 2011, 07:15

Originally Posted by Gremlin

My STI has picked up a cop around 10km out... it was a long straight road with a few crests and he had it permanently on.

12km on the Cantab straights, he was busy with a customer and left his radar on.

Have had 5km in the twisties

**scumdog** · 3rd September 2011, 08:29

Originally Posted by bsasuper

All cops will tell you detectors dont work,

Oh, I know they work alright - just couldn't be naffed spending the $$$ on one for the speeds I do when riding.

And I would hate the feeling the first time I got nailed by instant-on.

**Gremlin** · 3rd September 2011, 21:52

If you buy a detector so you can speed, well, a fool and his money are soon parted.

I use it to be a little more certain I won't get pinged for overtaking a vehicle, or to keep an extra close eye on my speed so I don't get silly tickets, which I have to report to insurance, which affects my history, plus they add up over 45,000km a year.