Bel Radar Detector
BEL RADAR DETECTOR
CW EVALUATION
High-tech copper-stopper
IN THE BEGINNING, THERE WAS X-BAND radar, which was thrown at us in the Sixties. (Has it really been around that long?) Then, there was the lower-powered, more difficult to detect K-band radar of the Seventies, and in 1987 came a third frequency, Ka, and then, just three years later, Wideband Ka. And then, of course, there’s laser detection, plus the threat of radar-detector detectors in areas where using a radar detector is a crime.
In other words, the cops can throw a lot of invisible stuff at you these days, and you need a lot of protection to fly under it. This whole escalating game has become something like the Gulf War, where he or she with the best technology wins.
Among the latest radar detectors built to do it all is the BEL 945ÍM, made by Bel-Tronics (2422 Dunwin Dr., Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5L 1J9; 905/828-1002), which claims to be the world’s largest and leading manufacturer of radar detectors. We’ve seen these things touted in various accessory catalogs that cross our desks as being cordless and compact, with an earphone-ideal for motorcycling-so we thought we’d give one a try.
For motorcycle use, it’s a pretty good size, only about 3x5 inches, quite flat and tapered at the edges like a smooth stone, so it fits easily into the pocket of any motorcycle jacket. The small round earphone comes with a velcro patch for the earpiece of your helmet, and the 4-foot wire has a quick disconnect in the middle, so you can leave the earphone in your helmet and the radar detector on the bike or in your pocket. For pocket use, there’s a right-angle mirror clip that directs laser energy into the optical sensor on the detector, and there are also clips provided for windshields and visors-or tankbags. When used on a flat or windshield mount, the 945iM has both front and rear laser sensors exposed.
Initially, the instructions for control buttons seem a bit complex and counter-intuitive, but after a careful read everything makes sense. There are buttons for City and Highway levels of stray radar sensitivity, a button to darken or shut off the LED displays (for added stealth), an audio button with four sound levels and an on/off switch. In addition to the regular laser and radar channels, there’s one that picks up SWS (Safety Warning System) alerts in those regions where authorities use transmitters to warn of road hazards. There’s also a “VG-2 Guard Alert” that senses and defeats radar-detector detectors. (You might call this a radar-detector-detector detector. )
Our staff tried the 945ÍM on motorcycles in California, both pocket and tankbag mounted, and found it worked quite well. It delivered a clear, audible signal to the earpiece, and picked up radar with good sensitivity, even through a leather jacket and a fairing windshield. Peter Egan, our Editor-at-Large, who lives in Wisconsin, also put it through a variety of radar exposure, and it worked well there, too. Most of the signals in the Midwest seemed to be in the K band-he wasn’t hit with any lasers-but distance sensitivity seemed excellent and the ever-louder-and-faster auditory and LED signals clear. Warning distances decreased somewhat with over-the-hill or around-the-corner shots, but there was still time to check speed before being nicked.
The $250 945ÍM uses two AA batteries in its cordless state-a series of three different low-battery warning signals alert you to their inevitable decline-but can also be powered by an external power jack wire to a cigarette lighter. We haven’t kept a stopwatch on it, but batteries generally last for a couple of weeks of daily riding. Warning lights come on at four and two hours of remaining life.
All in all, a compact and easy to use detector. It has a variety of specialized functions, but in daily use you can just tap the “On” button and go. No ticket yet. □
