Operating Instructions for Your Cobra 10 Band Extra Sensory Detection

DETECTOR

MODEL E S D 1 0

RADAR/LASER

X K Ka V S
Nothing comes close to a Cobra
Congratulations Youve made a smart choice by purchasing the ESD-9210 radar/laser detector from Cobra. Just look at some of the sophisticated features and capabilities your new unit includes:
Detects and provides separate alerts for: radar signals (X, K, and Ka bands, with signal strength indicated) laser signals emergency vehicle safety and strobe alert signals VG-2 signals LASEREYE for 360 detection of laser and strobe signals
INSTANT-ON speed monitoring detection TONE ALERT or VOICE ALERT with adjustable volume ULTRABRIGHT DATA DISPLAY is easy-to-read with adjustable brightness CITY or HIGHWAY modes to reduce false alerts SAFETY ALERT Traffic Warning System STROBE ALERT MANUAL MUTE or AUTO MUTE of audio alerts
SMARTMUTE a mute function which automatically reduces false alerts by sensing engine RPMs Distinguishes important safety alerts from other K band signals Mounts easily on windshield or dashboard This booklet describes the simple steps for mounting and setting up your ESD-9210. It also provides helpful information about how radar and laser guns are used and how you can interpret the alerts you receive.
12V DC POWER JACK ON-OFF/VOLUME control allows you to adjust the volume of the TONE or VOICE alerts. SMARTMUTE engine RPM-sensing mute function which reduces false alerts. Button turns SmartMute on and off. (Also sets rev point. ) * MUTE button for MANUAL MUTE or AUTO MUTE of audio alerts. (Also turns Voice Alerts on and off.*)
*Press and hold for 2 seconds to access these functions
LASEREYE for 360 detection of laser and strobe signals. 12V DC POWER JACK ON-OFF/VOLUME control
SPEAKER CITY button for CITY or HIGHWAY modes to reduce false alerts.
signal strength, laser and CITY/HIGHWAY mode indicators windshield bracket mount
DIM button allows you to adjust the UltraBright Data Display brightness for easy reading. (Also turns VG-2 Alert on and off.*)
radar, VG-2 and safety/strobe indicators

SmartMute indicator

Important Information
Important information about.

Table of Contents

Security of Your Vehicle Federal Laws, Safety Alert/Strobe Alert Safe Driving, , Security of Your Vehicle, Customer Support.... A1 Installation..... 2- 4 OperationGetting Started... 5 OperationSettings..... 6-13 Highway/City Mode.... 6 UltraBright Data Display Brightness... 7 Muting an Alert..... 8 Auto Mute Mode.... 8 SmartMute.... 9-11 Voice/Tone Setting.... 12 VG-2 Alert Audio Setting.... 13 Detection.... 14-17 Signals Detected.... 14 Audio Alerts.... 14 Visual Display.... 14-16 Instant-On Detection.... 17 Responding to Alerts.... 17 Understanding Radar and Laser.... 18-19 Maintenance and Service.... 20-21 Limited 1-Year Warranty.... 22 Specifications.... 23 Optional Accessories.... 24 Order Form..... 25
Federal Laws Governing the Use of Radar Detectors
It is not against federal law to receive radar transmissions with your Cobra radar detector. The Communications Act of 1924 guarantees your right to receive radio transmissions on any frequency. Local laws that contravene this Act, while illegal, may be enforced by your local law enforcement officials until and unless they are prohibited from doing so by federal court action.

Safety Alert

Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal your radar detector in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.

Customer Support

In this user's manual, you should find all the information you need to install and operate your ESD-9210. If you require further assistance after reading through this manual, Cobra Electronics offers the following customer support services:
Automated Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087. Customer Service Operators are available at 773-889-3087 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST. Questions can be faxed to 773-622-2269. Automated Technical Assistance is available 24 hours, 7 days a week via e-mail at: productinfo@cobra.com On-line answers to frequently asked questions can be found at: www.cobra.com.
Use of this product is not intended to, and does not, ensure that motorists or passengers will not be involved in traffic accidents. It is only intended to alert the motorist that an emergency vehicle equipped with a Cobra Safety Alert transmitter is within range as defined by that product. Please call local fire and police departments to learn if coverage exists in your area.

Safe Driving

Motorists, as well as operators of emergency or service vehicles, are expected to exercise all due caution while using this product, and to obey all applicable traffic laws.

WARNING

Modifications or parts substitutions not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void your authority to operate this equipment.

I N S TA L L AT I O N

Where to Mount Your Unit
You will get optimum performance from your ESD-9210 if you mount it at a point approximately in the center of the vehicle, as low as possible on the front windshield without obstructing the unit's view of the road either to the front or rear. You can also mount it directly on the dashboard.
Radar and laser signals pass through glass but not through other materials and objects. Objects that can block or weaken incoming signals include: windshield wiper blades mirrored sun screens dark tinting at the top of the windshield heated windshields currently available on some vehicles (Instaclear for Ford, Electriclear for GM, consult your dealer to see if you have this option)

Windshield Mounting

1. Attach the rubber cups to the bracket.
5. To adjust the angle if necessary, gently push or pull on the bracket to bend it. DO NOT use the detector to bend the bracket.
2. Make sure the rubber cups and your windshield are clean. 3. Push the bracket firmly onto the windshield.
6. Plug the power cord into the detector.

Windshield mounting

Dashboard mounting
The unit's lenses must not be blocked and the LaserEye should have a clear view out the back window to allow 360 detection.
4. Attach the detector to the bracket. Check the angle of the unit.
7. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.
8. You can temporarily remove the detector whenever you wish by sliding it off of the bracket.
Instaclear for Ford is a registered trademark of Ford Motor Company, Inc. Electriclear for GM is a registered trademark of General Motors Corporation.
O P E R AT I O N G E T T I N G S TA R T E D

Dashboard Mounting

1. Place the detector on the dashboard to find a location where the unit has a clear, level view of the road. The angle can NOT be adjusted after mounting. 2. Remove the paper backing from one side of the hook-and-loop fastener.
4. Attach the detector to the hook-and-loop fastener. You can remove and reattach the unit as often as you like.
1. Turn on the unit and adjust audio volume by rotating the ON-OFF/VOLUME CONTROL DIAL clockwise (away from you).
2. You will hear the voice messages: TESTING (then 3 beeps) SYSTEM READY, then VOICE ALERT The letter h will appear in the display indicating that the power is on.
5. Plug the power cord into the detector. NOTE: In some vehicles, power is supplied to the cigarette lighter even while the ignition is off. If this is the case with your vehicle, you should turn off or unplug your ESD-9210 when parking for lengthy periods.
3. Attach the pad to the dashboard at your chosen location and remove the other paper backing.
6. Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.

O P E R AT I O N S E T T I N G S
When changing the settings on your ESD-9210, please keep in mind: Buttons can have multiple functions. Depending on your choice of Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode, you will hear either voice messages or tones confirming changes in settings. All settings will be stored in memory when the power is turned off and recalled when the power is turned back on.
driving in or near urban areas where there are many sources for conflicting X band signals such as microwave towers and automatic door openers. To change settings, follow the procedure in the table below, which indicates what you will see and hear (either in Voice Alert or Tone Alert mode) as you complete each step. The factory setting is Highway mode. CITY button

Press and release

UltraBright Data Display Brightness
You can choose from three settings for brightness of the display.
You can cycle through the settings by repeatedly pushing the DIM button The factory setting is Bright.

Bright

D RELEASE SS AN PRE IM BUTTON D
PRESS AN DIM BU D RELE TTO AS N

Highway/City Mode

Setting your ESD-9210 to City mode delays all X band audio alerts until the signal strength reaches level 3. (A single beep will sound when the signal is first detected.) This will reduce false alerts while you are
EA REL N PRESS ANDUTTO IM B D

DIM button

Procedure Procedure Tone 1 beep Voice city appears in the display 2 beeps highway appears in the display Visual Display

Tone 1 beep

Voice dim
Visual Display Display dims
To change from Highway mode to City mode To change from City mode back to Highway mode
Press and release the CITY button. Press and release the CITY button again.
To change the brightness to Dim To change the brightness to Dark To change the brightness to Bright
Press and release the DIM button once. Press and release the DIM button again. Press and release the DIM button a third time.

1 beep

Display remains dim (No visual alerts will be seen) Display returns to full brightness

2 beeps

bright

City mode

Highway mode

Muting an Alert

Your ESD-9210 allows you to quickly turn off an audio alert by momentarily pressing the MUTE button. If you press the MUTE button a second time during the alert, the audio alert will be turned back on.

Auto Mute Mode

Auto Mute will automatically reduce the audio volume of all alerts after 4 seconds for as long as the signal is detected. The factory setting for Auto Mute is ON.

SmartMute

SmartMute is a unique new feature of the ESD-9210 that allows you to avoid alerts you dont need to hear because you are stopped or moving slowly. By sensing the revs (RPMs) of your engine, SmartMute knows when you are at low speed and automatically mutes alerts (except for strobe signals from emergency vehicles). Before SmartMute will work, you must set an activation point for your engine's revs (see page 10). Whenever the revs are below that point, SmartMute will begin muting. The activation point will be stored
in memory and recalled each time the power is turned on. The factory setting is SmartMute OFF. NOTE: SmartMute may not work with some vehicles because it cannot sense the engines revs. In such cases, you can reduce unwanted audio alerts by using Auto Mute and City mode when appropriate.

MUTE button

SMARTMUTE button

Procedure

Voice auto mute off

Visual Display none

Tone 2 beeps

Voice smart mute on

Visual Display dot appears next to the large character on the right none
To turn Auto Mute off To turn Auto Mute on
Press and release the MUTE button while no alert is occurring. Press and release the MUTE button again while no alert is occurring.
To turn SmartMute on To turn SmartMute off
Press and release the SMARTMUTE button. Press and release the SMARTMUTE button again.

auto mute on

smart mute off
What to Remember While Using SmartMute
SmartMute works with both City and Auto Mute modes. Whenever your engine revs are below the activation point, the dot next to the large character on the right side of the display will remain lit. Above the activation point, the dot will blink twice every 2 seconds. If, for any reason, the unit stops sensing your engine's revs, SmartMute will indicate an error and automatically turn off. The rev point you set will be stored in the unit's memory when power is turned off, and recalled each time the power is turned on. The rev point must be reset if you use your ESD-9210 in a different vehicle. Important: When initially choosing your SmartMute activation point, a setting of approximately 300 to 600 RPMs above idle is recommended. You can reset the activation point at any time to fit your individual preferences and driving style.

Setting the SmartMute Activation Point
Your ESD-9210 must be installed in your vehicle. Caution: Do not attempt to set the rev point while driving. Your vehicle should be parked and idling. SmartMute must be turned on. Depending on whether the unit is in Tone Alert or Voice Alert mode, you will hear beeps or voice messages as you follow these steps:
Voice set engine revs Visual Display none
Procedure Press and hold the SMARTMUTE button for 2 seconds.
Procedure Rev your engine to the level you wish to set. Rev the engine slightly above idle and hold revs steady for 2 seconds.
NOTE: If the unit is unable to sense usable pulses within three seconds, SmartMute will indicate an error and automatically turn off.

Tone none

Voice none
Visual Display three bars flash in succession
Voice smart mute error followed by smart mute off Voice SmartMute set

Visual Display appears

Procedure At the desired rev level, press and release the SMARTMUTE button.
NOTE: If you do not set a rev point within 20 seconds of beginning these steps, SmartMute will indicate an error and automatically turn off.

Tone 3 beeps

Visual Display all three bars flash three times
Voice smart mute error followed by smart mute off

Voice/Tone Setting

You can set your ESD-9210 to sound alerts with either a voice or a tone. You change settings by using the MUTE button. In Voice Alert mode you will first hear several tones, then a voice message announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert mode, you will hear the tones only. The factory setting is Voice Alert mode.
Procedure Tone 1 beep Voice tone alert

VG-2 Alert Audio Setting

The ESD-9210 is undetectable by police VG-2 detection devices, and will alert you when such a device is in use near your vehicle. During the alert, the unit continues to detect other signals. You can choose whether or not you want your unit to sound VG-2 alerts. MUTE button The factory setting is VG-2 Audio On.
Press and hold for 2 seconds

Voice VG-2 audio off

Visual Display V will blink once in the display
To change from Voice Alert to Tone Alert
While no signal is being detected, press and hold the MUTE button for two seconds.
To turn off VG-2 audio alert
While no signal is being detected, press and hold the DIM button for two seconds. While no signal is being detected, press and hold the DIM button for two seconds again.

To change from While no signal is Tone Alert back being detected, press and hold the to Voice Alert MUTE button for

two seconds again.

voice alert
To turn on VG-2 audio alert

VG-2 audio on

V will blink twice in the display.

DETECTION

Type of Signal Voice X alert K alert Ka alert
Visual Display X plus signal strength K plus signal strength Ka plus signal strength

Signals Detected

The tables on the following pages show you the types of signals your ESD-9210 will detect, as well as the voice and visual alerts it provides for each one. the strength of the signal detected. (1 = weakest, 5 = strongest)
X K Ka V S X K Ka V S X K Ka V S
X band radar K band radar Ka band radar

Audio Alerts

In Voice Alert mode you will first hear several tones, then a voice message announcing the type of signal detected, followed by more tones. In Tone Alert mode, you will hear the tones only. In both Voice Alert and Tone Alert modes, a distinctly different alert tone is used for each type of signal detected (including separate tones for each laser signal). For X, K and Ka band radar signals, the tones will repeat faster as you approach the signal source. The repeat rate of the tones gives you useful information about the signal detected. (See Responding to Alerts, page 17.)

Type of Signal

Voice laser alert laser alert laser alert "laser alert"

Visual Display L L L L

Laser*
LTI 20-20* LTI Ultra-Lyte* Kustom Signals ProLaser* Kustom Signals ProLaser III*
During laser alerts the letter L will appear, instead of the signal strength indication.
PLEASE NOTE: Beep rate changes with different laser alerts
Type of Signal Voice emergency vehicle approaching

Visual Display S

During VG-2 Alert the letter V will appear.

Strobe Alert*

3M Opticom or Tomar

Visual Display

An indication of the type of signal detected will appear in the UltraBright Data Display. During X, K and Ka alerts, a number will also appear, indicating
During Safety Alert and Strobe Alert the letter S will appear.
* your ESD-9210 provides LaserEye 360 detection of these signals
Type of Signal Safety Alert emergency vehicles road hazards trains
Voice emergency vehicle approaching road hazard ahead "train approaching"

Visual Display S S S

Instant-On Detection
Your ESD-9210 is designed to detect instant-on speed monitoring signals, which can suddenly appear at full strength. You should take appropriate action immediately whenever an alert is given.

PLEASE NOTE: There are different tones for each Safety Alert
Type of Signal VG-2 Alert Interceptor VG-2 Voice VG-2 alert

Responding To Alerts

Visual Display V Description tone repeats slowly at first, then speeds up rapidly
Interpretation probably police radar probably a false alarm, but possibly pulsed radar radar or VG-2 nearby has been activated suddenly probably police radar beyond the hill or bridge probably a false alarm laser alerts are never false alarms you are nearing an emergency vehicle, railroad crossing, or road hazard (construction, accident, etc.)
Recommended Response FULL ALERT exercise caution FULL ALERT FULL ALERT
tone sounds one time only tone instantly begins repeating rapidly tone repeats slowly as you approach a hill or bridge, then speeds up sharply as you reach it tone repeats slowly for a short period any type of laser alert
exercise caution FULL ALERT exercise caution
20-20 and Ultra-Lyte are trademarks of Laser Technology, Inc. ProLaser and ProLaser III are trademarks of Kustom Signals, Inc. 10 Band, Strobe Alert and SmartMute are trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation. Safety Alert Traffic Warning System, VG-2 Alert and LaserEye are registered trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation.
Opticom is a trademark of 3M Corporation. Tomar is a registered trademark of TOMAR Electronics, Inc Interceptor VG-2 is a trademark of TechniSonic Industries LTD.
any Safety Alert or Strobe Alert
U N D E R S TA N D I N G R A D A R & L A S E R
Radar Speed Monitoring Systems
Three band frequencies have been approved by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for use by speed monitoring radar equipment: X band 10.525 GHz K band 24.150 GHz Ka band 33.400-36.00 GHz Your ESD-9210 detects signals in all three radar bands. emergency vehicle or train, or a stationary road hazard. Because these microwave signals are within the K band frequency, most conventional radar detectors will detect Safety Alert signals as standard K band radar. Your ESD-9210, however, is designed to differentiate between standard K band and Safety Alert signals, and give separate alerts for each. Safety Alert technology is relatively new. Safety Alert transmitters can be found in limited numbers in all 50 states, but the number is growing. Depending on your location, you may not receive these alerts regularly and may often encounter emergency vehicles, trains, and road hazards without being alerted. As the number of transmitters increases, these alerts will become more common. When you receive such an alert, please watch for emergency vehicles ahead of you, on cross streets, and behind you. If you see an emergency vehicle approaching, please pull over to the right side of the road and allow it to pass.

Strobe Alert

Special strobes mounted on the light bars of authorized emergency vehicles (fire trucks, police cars, ambulances) automatically change traffic signals as the vehicle approaches an intersection. These strobes and the special strobe detectors located on the traffic signals, introduced fairly recently by 3M and Tomar, are already in use in more than 1000 cities nationwide. Cobras exclusive Strobe Alert detector will detect these special strobes and give an Emergency Vehicle alert. When you receive such an alert, please watch for an approaching emergency vehicle and pull over to allow it to pass. To inquire about coverage in your area, contact your local fire and police departments.

LIDAR (laser)

The correct name for the technology that most people refer to as laser is actually LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging. LIDAR operates much like radar. Its signal spreads out like a radar signal, though not as quickly. Unlike radar, LIDAR must have a clear line of sight to its target vehicle throughout the entire measurement interval. Obstructions such as sign posts, utility poles, tree branches, etc., will prevent valid speed measurement.
VG-2 is a "detector detector" that works by detecting low-level signals emitted by most radar detectors. Your ESD-9210 does not emit signals that can be detected by VG-2, but does detect VG-2 signals and will alert you when a device is in use near your vehicle.
Some common questions about LIDAR include:
Safety Alert Traffic Warning System
FCC-approved Safety Alert transmitters emit microwave radar signals that indicate the presence of a safety-related concern. Depending on the frequency of the signal emitted, it can indicate a speeding
Does weather have any affect on LIDAR? Yes. Rain, snow, smoke, fog, or airborne dust particles will reduce the effective range of LIDAR and can, if dense enough, prevent its operation. Can LIDAR operate through glass? Yes. Newer LIDAR guns can obtain readings through most types of glass. However, the laser pulse also can be
received through glass to trigger an alarm by your ESD-9210. Can LIDAR operate while in motion? No. Because LIDAR operates by line of sight, the person using it cannot drive the vehicle, aim, and operate the gun all at the same time. Is LIDAR legal to use? Yes. It is legal in all 50 states.

MAINTENANCE & SERVICE
Maintenance of Your Radar Detector
Your ESD-9210 is designed and built to give you years of trouble-free performance without the need for service. No routine maintenance is required. If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these troubleshooting steps: Make sure the power cord is properly connected. Make sure the socket of your vehicle's cigarette lighter is clean and free of corrosion. Make sure the power cord's cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated in your cigarette lighter. Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap of the cigarette lighter adapter and examine the fuse. If required, replace it with a 1-amp fuse only.)

Service

You can receive technical assistance with your unit through one of our customer support services: Automated Help Desk is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 773-889-3087. Customer Service Operators are available at 773-889-3087 Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. CST. Questions can be faxed to 773-622-2269. Automated Technical Assistance is available 24 hours, 7 days a week via e-mail at: productinfo@cobra.com On-line answers to frequently asked questions can be found at: www.cobra.com.
If you suspect that your unit requires service, please call 773-889-3087 BEFORE shipping it to Cobra. This will ensure that you receive service as quickly as possible. If you are asked to send your unit to the Cobra factory, please follow these steps: 1. Send the complete unit, including power cord. (It is not necessary to include the mounting bracket.) 2. For warranty repair, enclose some form of proof-of-purchase, such as a photocopy or carbon copy of a sales receipt. If you send the original receipt, it cannot be returned. 3. Enclose a typed or clearly written description of the problem you are having with your unit, plus the name and address where you want the unit returned. 4. Pack the unit securely to prevent damage during transit. If possible, use the original packing materials.
5. Ship prepaid and insured using a traceable carrier such as United Parcel Service (UPS), Federal Express, or first class mail with delivery confirmation. Ship to: Cobra Factory Service Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, IL 60707 USA 6. Please allow 3 to 4 weeks before contacting us about the status of your service. Call 773-889-3087 for assistance. If your unit is under warranty, it will either be repaired or replaced upon receipt, depending on the model. If your unit is out of warranty, you will receive a letter informing you of the repair or replacement charge.

Unit Dimensions & Weight
Dimensions Weight 3"W x 1 14"H x 4 14"D 140 grams
This radar detector is covered by one or more of the following U.S. patents: 5,497,148; 5,594,432; 5,612,685; 6,078,279; 6,094,148. Additional patents may be listed inside the product or pending. 23

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

ORDER FORM
You can find these fine accessories at your local Cobra dealer. If you wish, you can order directly from Cobra. To order by phone Call 773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu 8 a.m.-6 p.m. M-F CST. ) To order by mail or fax Please fill out order form on next page, and mail/fax directly to Cobra. To order online Go to www.cobra.com and click on shop Cobra. Windshield Mounting Bracket Includes suction cups 545-139-N-001
Item # 420-030-N-001 420-026-N-001 545-139-N-001 CLP-2B Tax Table
Illinois residents add 8.75% Indiana residents add 5% Michigan residents add 6% Ohio residents add 5% Wisconsin residents add 5%
Description Straight 12V Power Cord Curled 12V Power Cord Windshield Mounting Bracket Dual Port Power Adapter

Cost Ea.

Amount
Prices subject to change without notice.
Straight 12V DC Power Cord Includes plug and fuse 420-030-N-001
Subtotal (Tax if applicable) Shipping/handling Total
For credit card orders fill out order form and fax to: 773.622.2269 or call 773.889.3087 (Press 1 from the main menu) 8:00 am - 6:00 pm, M-F, CST.

Please print clearly

Make check or money order payable to: Cobra Electronics 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, IL 60707 USA Attn: Accessories Dept.
To order online, please visit our website at: www.cobra.com and click shop Cobra
Name Address (No P.O. Box) City Zip Telephone ( Credit Card No. ) Exp. Date MasterCard Discover State
Dual Port Power Adapter Includes adjustable plug (upto 90) and fuse CLP-2B
Curled 12V DC Power Cord Includes plug and fuse 420-026-N-001
Circle One: Visa Customer Signature
Allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in Continental U.S. only.
The Cobra line of quality products includes:
CB radios microTALK radios Radar/Laser Detectors Safety Alert Traffic Warning Systems Accessories HighGear Accessories

For more information or to order any of our products, please visit our website:

www.cobra.com

Click shop Cobra
Printed in Korea Part No. 480-017-P 2002 Cobra Electronics Corporation 6500 West Cortland Street Chicago, IL 60707 USA

REVIEWED:

Radar Detectors from $100 to $150
Interpreting the Performance Rating Categories
X/K Radar Sensitivity. Today X- and K-band radar detection is a no-brainer. These frequencies have been used since the Sixties and Seventies, respectively and the manufacturers have had decades to get a handle on them. Our recommendation: look for at least Ka Radar Sensitivity. Decent Ka sensitivity requires more expensive components and superior engineering. Most manufacturers refuse to spend the money to achieve it. The first clue that your detector is weak on Ka band: red and blue flashing lights in your mirror. Our recommendation: look for at least (more is definitely better) Gatso Sensitivity. This low-powered, K-band photo radar (speed camera) is the most widely used worldwide. Only a few dozen are used in the States, most of them in California. But if youre one of the few for which the Gatso is a local hazard, only a detector with exceptional K-band sensitivity will be an effective countermeasure. Our recommendation: look for at least Laser Sensitivity. Laser detection is so iffy that most laser ambushes will be over long before you get a warning. But more sensitivity isnt a bad thing to have. Our recommendation: look for at least (more is definitely better) False Alarms. The number one consumer complaint about detectors: too many false alarms. If you buy a detector that constantly falses we guarantee that youll ignore it when it eventually warns of a real radar trap. After which itll end up in the closet or glovebox. Our recommendation: look for at least Audio Level. A non-issue so long as you can hear the detector under all circumstances. But if youre in a noisy vehicle, whether caused by mechanical sources, a mega-watt sound system or lowered convertible top, make sure you buy a detector loud enough to overcome the racket. Our recommendation: look for at least 1 of 11
Although detectors retail-priced below $100 account for a major chunk of the market, most offer limited features and, in most cases, lower performance than higher-priced models. But step up to the $100 to $150 (suggested retail price) segment and that imbalance starts melting away for as prices go up, so do the levels of utility and performance. At present there are seven candidates in this price range although these actually represent 17 different models; most of those tested have companions that are identical except for features and price. These are the models we've field tested and reviewed: BEL Express 920 Cobra ESD 9110 Cobra ESD 9160 Cobra ESD 9210 Whistler 1743 Whistler 1748 Whistler 1760
First, a word on how we rated them.
Understanding the Ratings
Poor Sub-par Fair Superior Excellent RadarTest.com Radar Detectors from $100 to $150