Road angel?

[mercedes lover]

How much can I get a road angel for and how effective are they, are they as good as the sales talk, also how often do you have to up date them by conecting to the computer?

 

[Shude]

Road Angel is used by a lot of forum members, expect lots of answers

P.S. This is definitely electronics section material, moving!

 

[Brian WH]

Moving to electronics where a search will answer your question

Refer to Jimmy

 

[RichardM]

It does do exactly what it says it does, I'm really pleased with mine. They suggest you update it every two weeks to make sure its database is up to date.

 

[Brian WH]

See

Road Angel

 

[Steve_Perry]

It works really well... My only gripe is that my computer doesn't have an old stylie serial port but instead 4x USB2.0 ports. I have to use a USB to serial converter and once in a while my Road Angel screws up whilst updating, in those instances I then have to borrow a friend's PC that does have legacy ports. Also Blackspot's tech support aren't the speediest with their replies.

If you're seriously contemplating a Road Angel then contact forum member Jimmy. His service was perfect, I phoned my order in and a day later my Road Angel was at my doorstep, excellent

S.

 

[sym]

Great device - recommend it for simplicity and ease of removal from car when not in use. Plenty of more sophisticated looking stuff on the market but I like mine a lot . . . I reckon its paid for itself already, and kept my licence from further damage.

Also like the accident blackspot feature which is part of the database.

(and no, I don't work for them on commission !!)

S.

 

[jimmy]

Can't really say much more!

I have found the database to be excellent and does what you need it to do easily and simply!

My only concern is as Steve has mentioned, it uses a serial cable for updates. Many newer computers do not have serial ports these days. The USB>Serial adapters can be a bit unreliable. There is an easy answer, the dedicated modem is about the same price as a USB adapter and means you dont need a PC at all. Sold quite a few now with a modem, mostly older folk who dont have PC's.

PM me if you want to know anything else.

 

[Sp!ke]

I think I too am going to have to buy one of these license saving devices but my requirements differ slightly.

Not only do I want a device I can easily swap between vehicles but I also want to use it on a bike. Therefore the device is going to have to be rugged, water resistant (or at least damp proof) and most importantly, have a headphone socket so I can hear the audible warning with a crash helmet on.

Anybody know of such a device?

 

[jimmy]

I think I too am going to have to buy one of these license saving devices but my requirements differ slightly.

Not only do I want a device I can easily swap between vehicles but I also want to use it on a bike. Therefore the device is going to have to be rugged, water resistant (or at least damp proof) and most importantly, have a headphone socket so I can hear the audible warning with a crash helmet on.

Anybody know of such a device?

That would be the Road Angel again

It has a headphone socket, is more rugged than the competition and I can supply you with a very strong clear plastic bag.

I sold one to a officer of the law who also likes his bikes and he is very pleased with it.

 

[Ian B Walker]

You neeeeeeeed an Angel. Got one from our friend here and have never been happier. Brilliant, effective, scares the hell out of the street races in Blackpool as they think the flashing of the Angel when aproaching a hazard means that they are too close and that you are an "unmarked". Seriously though, its the best investment in your licience you will ever make.

 

[bropa09]

I seem to remember reading somewhere about some of the GPS detectors not liking certain windscreens. Is this true? I'm certainly going to get one for my new CLK when I get it, just don't want to buy something that doesn't work

 

[Steve_Perry]

I seem to remember reading somewhere about some of the GPS detectors not liking certain windscreens. Is this true? I'm certainly going to get one for my new CLK when I get it, just don't want to buy something that doesn't work

That is true, the gps detector cannot function in certain Renault's and Mercedes because the windscreens have a metallic coating to stop the sun's rays. Trouble is I'm not sure which model mercs have this feature. If you look at the modern Renault's, when they are in on coming traffic, the wind screen has odd reflective properties.

S.

 

[RichardM]

Certainly works fine in mine so the CLK shouldn't be an issue. I think it might just be the optional reflective glass that would cause a problem.

 

[bropa09]

Just had a look at the new Snooper S4 at http://www.performanceproducts.co.uk/snooper/snooper_s4neo.html

It mentions this on the website:

Please Note

The standard Snooper S4 can now be used in vehicles with 'Heat Reflective' or 'Comfort Windscreens', such as newer model Renault, Citroen and some Peugeot as well as being effective on vehicles with a 'Heated' windscreen. However you may find in some instances that the satellite connection time may be slower than normal. If this is the case you may need to purchase an additional re-radiating antenna, price £69.95 inc vat for optimum performance.

I guess that it must be ok then It's got a built-in GPS antenna and laser detector which I quite like the sound of - just plug into power and away you go.

Mmmmm, tempted...

 

[RichardM]

Any GPS system could be used with a re-radiating antenna, but that don't look they great stuck on the outside of the car.

 

[bropa09]

Very true, although based on the fact yours works in your E-class I guess it should be ok

 

[WLeg]

I think that the GPS based systems have a problems with heated windscreens, as the filaments block out the signal. Works fine in my W202.

Whilst the Road Angel is a good bit of kit, I prefer the Origin B2, as it uses the same database, but is a neater install (less wires), and smaller to stick in your pocket, also has a GPS output, to plug in to the laptop, Ipaq, etc.

 

[Ian B Walker]

I have an idea. If anyone wants to try an Angel, come to the skidpan GTG and I will lend you mine for a while so you can see for yourself if it will work in your car and how GOOD they really are. I'm doing the morning session and wont need it, I hope

 

[RichardM]

If you live near Jimmy's (Northhampton) I'm sure he'll give you a demonstration, he did for me which convinced me to buy one.