Laser and Radar Detectors are one of our growing categories at WSS Westminster Speed & Sound. They are broken down into two main types of systems:
- Portable systems. These are self contained units that plug into the power port in a vehicle and clip to your visor or windshield. They can be moved from vehicle to vehicle.
- Custom installed systems. These systems are designed to become an integrated part of the vehicle you are driving. They are not portable but, in some instances, they can be removed from the vehicle when you are ready to sell it, and can be installed in your next vehicle.
There are also two main types of radar being used by authorities. Traditional radar has been in use since World War 2. You may remember we were using it as an experimental technology. When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor it was decided that what the operators were seeing on the screen must have been birds as there was no way that many planes could be flying towards Hawaii. Oops.
The newest form of radar uses laser technology. What looks a lot like a rifle is aimed at the front license plate tag on most vehicles. It allows an officer to pick out a particular vehicle in the middle of a crowded highway. It is also very accurate.
Let’s explore the two different types of radar detector systems more in depth.
Portable Radar Detectors
Portable systems have a large price range. The inexpensive systems are not worth your time. They are prone to falsing a lot from security systems in buildings and they are very limited in their operating range. The more sophisticated systems employ filters that help to distinguish the difference between police radar and other types of radar. They are also much more sensitive, giving a driver more time to react.
Custom Installed Laser and Radar Detectors
Custom installed systems take this to another level. These systems are discreetly installed, many times in such a way that the only person that knows the vehicle has a radar detector installed is the driver. There are no concerns about a smash and grab theft since there is nothing visible to steal. These systems are also the most sensitive systems on the market and include the best filters available. What this means to you is that if the detector goes off, you probably should slow down. It rarely cries wolf.
Many of our systems also include a very important feature only available in custom installed system. It is called laser diffusion. Instead of just telling you that your vehicle has been shot with laser radar, it will diffuse the signal that is shot at your vehicle, giving the driver an opportunity to slow down and avoid a ticket. If you owned a portable detector and the laser alert goes off, you might as well start pulling over, because you are about to get a ticket. With a custom installed detector, you just need to slow down, and keep on rolling.
One of the most important aspects of a custom installed detector is the actual installation. A professional installation technician will custom install it so it looks like it was made just for your vehicle. Here at WSS Westminster Speed & Sound we specialize in installs in luxury vehicles such as Mercedes Benz, BMW, Audi, Porsche and more.
If you want to know that your radar detector is going to be installed discreetly, perform at it’s optimum level, and be reliable for years to come, give us a call or Contact Us. We help you in choosing the best solution for your vehicle and give you an award winning installation that will meet all of your needs.