...(for that I'd want something made of platinum!)
What I needed was a detector that wasn't over sensitive (the Snooper S5 was prone to this) and that covered all 'bands' (i.e the frequencies that the camera sensors 'emit' on). The SD815is was a relatively new model. It was extremely small ... Read review
Advantages: Great preventative measure, easy to fix & use Disadvantages: A little over-sensitive!
...that wasn't over sensitive (the Snooper S5 was prone to this) and that covered all 'bands' (i.e the frequencies that the camera sensors 'emit' on). The SD815is was a relatively new model. It was extremely small and compact and covered the 5 bands. I bought it directly from the Snooper website (www.snooper.co.uk) as they had the most competitive prices. I paid online (Switch) and my Snooper arrived within 2-3 days. It was well packed and once I had ... ...bigger than the palm of your hand), a lead (to connect the device to power source in the car) suckers and velcro. Once I had decided to use the suckers (just make sure the sensor receptor area is clear from obstruction) and plugged it into the cigarette lighter, that was it!
You can opt to have 'city' setting (makes the device less sensitive.) It either 'bleeps' or 'blinks' depending on the band that is 'received'. This can be set ... more
Right. The facts:
Speed cameras, GATSOs and Mini Gatsos are the bane of any drivers life. They are not sensitive to situations nor do they make informed decisions whether to issue a fixed penalty or not. Some are 'active' some are not, this is random. Their reason for existence is arguable but they're everywhere....
The incident....
I was driving at 52 in a 40 zone. Don't tut, I was taking a dying cat (vets emergency report used as evidence) to the emergency hospital. More info than you need, but I attempted to protest the fixed penalty and 3 points and NO-ONE cared! Pay up and shut up.
The solution...
I spent 3 weeks researching speed camera detectors. They are NOT illegal (blimey you can buy them in Halfords!) as it is not illegal to DETECT them. You are simply buying a device to forewarn yourself of their position. As the Police say, they don't use them to 'catch' people, merely to slow drivers down. Well to this extent, it works! Not only do you slow down, but you slow down even earlier than everyone else, you just know exactly when to do it!
Having done the research, looking into all makes and models, I found that models ranged from the cheapest (ebay) at around £50 to some of the most expensive at £499 (Road Angel models)....(for that I'd want something made of platinum!)
What I needed was a detector that wasn't over sensitive (the Snooper S5 was prone to this) and that covered all 'bands' (i.e the frequencies that the camera sensors 'emit' on). The SD815is was a relatively new model. It was extremely small and compact and covered the 5 bands. I bought it directly from the Snooper website (www.snooper.co.uk) as they had the most competitive prices. I paid online (Switch) and my Snooper arrived within 2-3 days. It was well packed and once I had opened it, I found the snooper (small black device no bigger than the palm of your hand), a lead (to connect the device to power source in the car) suckers and velcro. Once I had decided to use the suckers (just make sure the sensor receptor area is clear from obstruction) and plugged it into the cigarette lighter, that was it!
You can opt to have 'city' setting (makes the device less sensitive.) It either 'bleeps' or 'blinks' depending on the band that is 'received'. This can be set off by CCTV cameras, traffic light sensors, automatic door sensors (at petrol stations etc), so this setting is wise inner city! You can also opt to have 'night' setting, so that the lights are turned off and it only 'bleeps'. You can also turn the volume right down (if you're on the phone etc).
This radar has been absolutley brilliant and seeing as I've already got 6 points of my very own, it's been a life saver for me! I don't tend to use it on ordinary A roads, as I'm aware of local speed cameras...the best use is mainly on motorways (those bloomin' GANTRIES!) I keep it in the dash as it's valuable and probably desireable to others and it's small enough to stick in a bag anyway...
All in all once you adjust your hearing to the 'bleeping' this radar is well worth the money and totally legal. If anything I drive slower as I'm aware of every speed camera and trap!!!
Advantages: 5 Band detection, range of use Disadvantages: A bit too sensitive at times - keeps bleeping
...so I opted for the Snooper SD815is, giving 5 band detection and good range, upto 2 miles for radar and laser guns, 600 yards for the mini gatsos and 100 yards for gatso cameras.
The unit sits on either a frame using suckers to fix to the windscreen or with a bit of velcro to attach to your dash and is powered via the fag lighter, though you can hardwire the power lead into the 12v supply. In use, the unit works well, bleeping away, usually when ... ...of the lights which the snooper picks up as well.
So far, it's picked up all of the gatso cameras I've been past, usually giving an adequate warning, enabling me to check my speed. Though this depends on environmental factors, such as whether it's raining as the signal from the traps deteriorates when the air is damp. There's a few cameras that I've been past that I've noticed aren't turned on.
On the motorway, the snooper comes into it's own, ...
Niknak 28.08.2001 (11.09.2001)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Snooper SD815is
Advantages: NO more fixed penalty notices Disadvantages: Bleeps a bit.
I could not live without having one of these in either of my cars again, they are a godsend! It may seem a lot fo money at the time but hey wouldn't you rather keep your licence and not pay fines?
This little device picks up all radar cameras, so you know a mile ahead if it bleeps that there is either a camera or policeman holding a hand held device. Yes, this little baby also picks up CCTV, lorry radios and other snoopers but it is something you ... ...- it keeps you on your toes!
I would say, do not leave it on your dashboard or on display as theives will steal it and do not leave it exposed to the sun for long periods of time......believe me, go out purchase one and see the difference! Best place to buy this product is at places like Motor world, Halfords or most Vauxhall places, prices vary from £99.00 to 299.99 but I would go for the £199.00 model as it does the same job as the other expensive ...
Pippinangi 16.03.2004 (17.03.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Snooper SD815is
The most powerful radar detector money can buy, phenomenal range and sensitivity, detects "multiple threats", provides warning against virtually all speed traps
Very expensive, will not spot the newer SPECS and TRUVELO cameras ( fortunalty they are in limited use), sensitivity comes at a price i e false alarms but you get to learn how to distinguish them.Display angled to the left though not a big issue (*)
