Hey guys, I was wondering what does the term "pop" warning mean on a radar detector? I just received a cobra radar for free, so I hooked it up and trying to feel it out..

And also what does the "band" mean? Mine says 11 band..

 

http://valentine1.com/pop/whatispop.asp

 

What the hell does that mean? In english....

And also, for some reason my compass on my radar seems to keep resetting giving the wrong direction.. any reason for this?

 

Pop or 'instant on' is basically instant radar. Band refers to the groups of different radar frequencies. The common bands are X, K, Ka, and Laser. Ka and Laser are most frequently used, K is still around, but X is rarely used.

With pop radar, all the cop has to do is point his radar at your car and blip the radar to get your speed. It only sends out a radar signal for a short period of time, like 1/15 of a second. The older style radars send out a radar signal all the time when turned on, and usually are transmitting a lower power output even when the cop isnt directly pointing it at you, which is still detectable. These are the most easiliy detectable from far distances with a good radar detector. With pop, if you are the only one on the road and you get clocked, chances are your screwed if speeding. A good radar detector will pickup the 'pop' signal if the cop is clocking nearby drivers. Laser is even worse and is harder to detect unless you are in the line of the laser signal.

 

You need to calibrate the compass by going into settings selecting compass and calibrate. You must driver in a circle 3 times to set it. Also make sure the detector is lvl. If you move it you will have to re-calibrate it again.

Why use a cobra? they suck

 

Toss the cobra. 11 band means more false alarms. You only need 3 bands - x, k, and ka band plus laser. Cobras are more of an annoyance than it helps.

 

I use an Escort 9500i hard wired to my BlackBird. I also use it in my G. It works very well and has saved my many times. I can block out false alarms as I know where many are in my area. There are constant upgrades and if radar is illegal in your state, it is in many, you can hide it but you pay a big $ for the "state of the art". Mine talks to me, it often shouts, "lazer alert, lazer alert" it shows my speed, mph/kph, whichever you choose. It is Sat. guided. Just go to the web site for more specific details. I don't recommend riding or driving without radar!