Radar detectors and laser jammers – frequently asked questions

Here we answer frequently asked questions about the technology and selection of radar detectors, laser jammers and GPS POI warners. We are also happy to answer further questions via our contact form.

A radar detector is a receiver: it detects radar signals in various frequency bands (many models also laser pulses) and reports them by display, warning tone or voice announcement. A laser jammer, by contrast, is a stand-alone system consisting of a control unit and sensors that are mounted at the front of the vehicle and react to laser pulses. The two types of device have different tasks and are often combined, for example in our complete packages.

A portable radar detector is attached to the windscreen with a holder, is usually powered via the 12 V connection and can be taken to another vehicle. A fixed-installation system is installed out of sight, with the antenna located, for example, in the front of the vehicle or in the engine compartment, and it is always ready for use. Portable devices need no installation; fixed-installation systems, in return, can often be extended modularly. The deciding factors are the desire for flexibility, the installation effort and whether you want to extend the system later.

POI stands for “point of interest”. A POI warner works on the basis of GPS: it compares your position with a stored database and warns you when you approach a stored location, such as a fixed measuring site, a red-light camera or a section with section control. A pure POI warner has no radar antenna and does not receive radar signals. You should update the database regularly; with many devices this can be done via USB.

Radar speed-measuring devices work in different frequency ranges, known as the X, K and Ka bands. A radar detector must be able to receive the bands that are relevant for your journeys. MultaRadar and Gatso are names for newer radar measuring systems that are mentioned in the product descriptions of many devices. Whether a device detects these systems is stated on the respective product page; if you have any questions, we will be glad to help.

Installation is carried out by our installation partners in Hamburg, Hannover, Vienna, Salzburg and Klagenfurt. You briefly describe your vehicle and the product you want to us via the form on the Installation service page. We will get back to you with a quote and your installation partner’s suggested appointment. The installation partner takes care of mounting and wiring and agrees the scope of the installation with you in advance. The effort differs depending on the vehicle and the device.

Important points are the design of the sensors (compact, as a fibre-optic sensor or in a number plate holder), the number of sensors you plan for the front of your vehicle, and the operation via display, touch panel or smartphone app. Also check how far the system can be extended: the control unit of the AL Priority, for example, takes up to five sensors. If you want to combine the system with a radar detector, pay attention to compatibility.

Driver assistance systems such as distance and blind-spot radar, as well as radar-based traffic flow sensors, transmit in frequency ranges similar to those of radar speed-measuring devices and can trigger false alarms on radar detectors. A false alarm filter tries to distinguish such signals from genuine measurement signals. For this purpose, devices use, for example, GPS location data and analysis of the signals received. How well this works differs from device to device; the product pages describe the filter technology used.

That depends on the device. GPS warners such as the Cheetah models are updated via the USB interface, other devices via PC software. With some models, for example the Genevo One M, the Genevo One S Black and the Navty P1 Lifetime, free lifetime updates are included in the offer. The update options a device offers are stated on the respective product page.

Yes, many systems can be combined. The Genevo Assist Pro 2 M can be connected to an additional laser jammer and controlled via it; according to the product description, the options are Genevo FF, Antilaser Priority and Target LaserTrack. With the package of Genevo Protector 2 Live and Antilaser ALP DUAL, operation is via an inconspicuous button, via the app or on a PC/Mac; the Genevo Protector 2 Live is also available as a single device without a laser jammer. With the ALP radar module, a compatible radar detector can be connected to the AL Priority system. You will find ready-made combinations among the complete packages.