FAQs

Product Troubleshooting

Question: Instead of 'beeping' my Snooper now makes a 'clicking' noise when it detects radar?

Answer: This means that you have turned the Auto Mute function on. When this setting is on your Snooper wil beep 3 or 4 times when it first detects a radar source and will then emit a muted clicking sound. Use the Mute button to turn this function on and off whilst the Snooper is not detecting any radar. For further information review the Auto Mute section in your owners manual.

Question: Where is the best position to mount my Snooper?

Answer: The best position to mount your Snooper is about 10cm up from the base of the windscreen at the centre of the dashboard, using the suction cup bracket provided. However bear in mind that there is probably only about 10% difference between the best position in the windscreen and the worst. No matter what mounting method you use simply ensure that your Snooper is in as horizontal position as possible and has a clear view through the window of the road ahead. Pay particular attention to ensuring that the unit is not sitting directly behind the windscreen wipers.

General Enquiries

Question: Are Snooper GPS Alert Systems easy to install?

Answer: GPS Safety Camera Alert Systems are designed for quick and easy installation. All devices can be plugged simply into the cigar lighter but can also be connected directly to the vehicle with the hard wire lead provided. The unit itself can then normally be velcroed into position on the dashboard or attached to the windscreen with the suction cup bracket provided. No professional installation is required and the unit can be moved easily from car to car.

Question: Are Snoopers Legal?

Answer: Following an Appeal Court ruling in January 1998 we have been advised that it is completely legal to own and use a Snooper Safety Alert System in the UK. It is illegal in France and Belgium and we strongly recommend that you check local legislation before using this product outside of the UK.

Question: Do GPS Alert Systems work in vehicles with 'Heat Reflective' windscreens?

Answer: Vehicles with 'Heat Reflective' screens, such as some newer Renault, Citroen and Peugeot cars, can prevent the GPS receiver from receiving GPS signal. If your vehicle has this type of windscreen you may need to purchase an extension re-radiating antenna to enable your detector to pick up GPS signal. Please note that ‘Heated’ screens as found on the Ford Mondeo will not prevent GPS signal. On many vehicles you may also find that the UV covering does not completely cover the screen. Sometimes the area immediately in front of the rear view mirror is suitable, whilst some Renault cars have a clear area 4 or 5 inches above the dashboard in the centre of the screen.

Question: How do GPS and Laser detectors work?

Answer: The GPS Safety Camera Alert System locks on to satellites orbiting the globe. Via a GPS receiver the Safety Camera Alert System compares the exact position of the device and compares it with a database of GPS co-ordinates for speed camera locations and accident black spots. The device checks the vehicles exact position every second. This state of the art technology also offers the user many additional features, including the exact camera type, range and even the road speed limit. Most systems offer an array of other features to allow the user to customise their unit. Further to this all Snooper GPS camera detection systems include built-in laser sensors so can detect mobile laser speed traps as well.

Question: How does Radar Work?

Answer: How does radar work? Police radar transceivers, including Gatso cameras and Radar guns, operate by sending out radio signals at a set frequency which are reflected by the target vehicle. The reflected signal's frequency is shifted in direct proportion to the vehicle's speed and this shift is used by the transceiver to calculate the vehicles exact speed. How do detectors detect radar? A radar signal is conical in shape much like a torch beam. At 200 yards, the normal operating range of a radar gun, the signal can be as wide as a dual carriageway. most of the signal therefore, goes past the target and on up the road reflecting off trees and houses etc eventually becoming 'radar scatter'. Snoopers are extremely sensitive radio receivers tuned to these frequencies and can detect very small particles of 'radar scatter' at up to 2 miles in some cases. Are Radar Detectors Legal? Following an Appeal Court ruling in January 1998 we have been advised that it is completely legal to own and use a Snooper Safety Alert System in the UK. It is illegal in France and Belgium and we strongly recommend that you check local legislation before using this product outside of the UK. How can you detect a Gatso camera? Although Gatso cameras face away from the traffic and operate at very low power they still emit 'radar scatter' which can be detected by a Snooper, albeit at a much reduced range. As Gatso cameras are positioned in known accident 'Hotspots' advanced warning from a radar detector can ensure that you are concentrating fully through a potentially hazardous area. How effective are radar detectors? Our range of radar detectors can be highly effective as they have been designed specifically for use in the UK and Europe to detect most speed monitoring systems currently using a radar or laser beam to determine your speed, effectively ensuring that you are fully aware of both your speed and your surroundings. And now the introduction of GPS technology on some of the more sophisticated safety warning systems ensures that you can be made alert of more police speed monitoring systems than ever before.