Review of the Vector 940 Radar by Beltronics

I got my first ticket 2 months ago. Years of driving safe and I get caught. I thought the light was still yellow but you don't argue with a police officer, you just graciously take the ticket and either pay it or show up in court to dispute it. I chose the latter only to spend a day off from work and way too many hours in a courthouse lobby to have the judge rule I had to pay the ticket anyway. Not before I had the opportunity to observe so many others in the court room just like myself, trying to convince the judge the light wasn't red when I went through it. I got the distinct impression that it was more about the local police making quota by handing out tickets like mine, more than anything.

So I picked up a Vector 940 a month ago after I did a little research and found that it was highly recommended by everyone from Speedzones to Radarbusters. The 940's circuitry is just as sensitive as other units that cost more than $300. There are many nice things about this unit. First, the case is made out of metal, not plastic like some of the cheaper constructions. Set up is virtually a snap. Although it only came with a coiled cord and you'll need to purchase the appropriate length telephone lead cord, this smart little unit can be put up in a jiffy and taken down just as quickly.

The 940 can detect like a pro. Whether you're going around a curve or over steep hills, you'll never be surprised by a radar car. The manufacturer says they have the greatest warning distance there is and I'm inclined to agree. Another nifty little feature is that it shuts up to mute when there's a cop right in back of you but resets the second they're gone.

The volume is adjustable, voice alerts and auto mute are programmable, the mute has an auto reset, sensitivity can be set high/low for highway/city, brightness control is maximum, dark, medium and minimum, programming is easy, and alerts are available for K-band, X-band, Ka-band, laser and POP.

And, when it picks up a signal, it gives off 4 different chirps for every band width. First the chirp and then the appropriate voice notice on the applicable band. When 10 seconds have passed, the volume goes down once then again 10 seconds later, helping to cut down on being annoyed.

So if you're looking to balance the scales a little bit against the tricky lights and hot spots that keep popping up, add one of these detectors to your vehicle.