Early on in my testing, the detector would beep "radar equipped" for speed limit signs up to a quarter-mile down the road. Using a second smartphone running the Trapster app-a free app that alerts users to speed traps and road hazards-we set out in search of a clocking copper.The iRadar Atom is sensitive perhaps too sensitive, but you've got some control over that. Our first run with the unit was made with the iPhone tucked away in a cupholder and out of our line of sight. On the road and when it wasn't warning us of speed detectors in the area, the iRadar unit's low-profile design made for minimal distraction. You can also set the iRadar app to audibly alert you if the battery level gets too low. Another nice bonus feature rolled into the iRadar's power cable is its monitoring of your vehicle's electrical system output and reporting of battery voltage via the paired iPhone app's Dashboard screen. Of course, you'll have to bring your own iPhone/iPod USB charging cable and, if you want the touch screen to remain visible as you drive, your own car cradle. Getting back to hardware for a moment, the iRadar's car charger plugs into a vehicle's 12-volt power connection or cigarette lighter port and connects to the detector. Finally, the Unit Info menu displays the paired iRadar's model number and connection status, as well as the version number of the iRadar app. You can also set a speed warning that notifies you when you've exceeded a preset and customizable speed limit. Data for these alerts comes from the cloud using Cobra's Aura Camera and Driving Hazard Database (data connection required). These options include alerts for speed cameras, caution areas, speed traps, and user-marked locations. The GPS Alert settings menu is where you adjust what warnings come from the app and iPhone itself. Cobra's Safety Alert system can be toggled here this system relies on transmitters in emergency vehicles, road hazard warning equipment, and trains to warn of potential driver and vehicle safety threats. The Alert settings menu is where you can toggle alerts for X, K, Ka, and VG-2 bands and POP mode. User settings features another toggle between highway and city modes, an option to chose between voice and tone alerts, an automute function, and options for automatically logging detections on the map and managing power usage of the iPhone running the app. Here users can dig in and customize the sensitivity of the iRadar detector and fine-tune the app itself. The third function of the iRadar app is the Settings menu. In these screenshots, we see the iRadar app's main status screen and one of the warnings provided by the Aura database. When the iRadar detects radar in the area, here is also where users will be alerted to the band sensed and the signal strength and given the ability to mark the location as a real or false threat-useful for marking those annoying "Your current speed" signs or automated doors in shopping center parking lots. Here users can also switch between the iRadar's city and highway modes and quickly mark locations of speed traps or safety cameras. Available as a free download in the iTunes App Store, the app features a virtual dashboard that monitors your GPS position, vehicle speed, and direction of travel. The iRadar app is what separates the Cobra iRadar from the rest of Cobra's product lineup and indeed the rest of the radar/laser detector market. Currently, the iRadar only works with the iPhone or iPod Touch, but Android compatibility is around the corner in early 2011. Once successfully paired, the red LED indicator turns blue and an audible chime sounds. You can initiate pairing with the iRadar from an iOS device's Bluetooth menu. However, the "i" at the beginning of iRadar is an indicator that this radar/laser detector is meant to work with Apple's iPhone and iPod Touch. The Cobra iRadar app gives tremendous flexibility over how and what the iRadar detector reports.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |