Road Angel and Sat Nav

[Flyingdwarf]

When my 320d arrives in a few weeks I am planning on getting a road angel and after market sat nav for it. Has anyone already got a road angel, and what do you think of it. Also, any recomendations on a good Sat Nav (was thinking about going down the PDA route as this could be handy for other things, but not essential). Also, I gather there may be a combined road angel/sat nav on the market. Anyone used this or do you know how good it is.

Thanks.

[Hitman999]

Hi,

I have the New Road Angel and its great. Saved me on a number of ocassions. They have a new one out now called the Road Angel Navigator check here ... http://www.blackspot.com/products/roadangelnavigator/index.html

[Flyingdwarf]

Thanks for the reply. When I get some time off work I am going to do some proper research. I saw the new navigator advertised, and would be pretty interested in it to save having two bits of equipment, as long as it is actually a decent sat nav that is. I will let you know what I find out when I have a look.

[DJ J Purple]

Could anybody tell me the best place to fit the Tom Tom Go, with or without the window mounted cradle, as I;m taking delivery of my BMW in a couple of weeks and want to install in the best place with little/ no wiring showing. If possible took away the charger out of site.

Hope somebody can help!!

Thx

DJ J Purple

[paddywac]

i have a road angel, am a company car driver and have saved myself 3 points for definate (detected mobile van camera when deffo exceeding limit) using road angel although I am thinking about changing and upgrading my roadangel for road angel navigator, reasons, only 1 piece of equip, but must have mobile camera detection.

[Flyingdwarf]

Paddy, I might have to talk to you about this further. I was thinking about road angel navigator for that exact reason, and would reallly like to be able to detect the mobile ones as well. When are you thinking of upgrading? Sometime soon?

[paddywac]

yes soon. I have had a letter from the company I bought my road angel from offering me a discounted upgrade price of 299 if I return my current road angel, need to check if it has a laser detector

check out naonline.co.uk

I will let you know if i upgrade

[Flyingdwarf]

Thanks

[matthewr]

Guys, just joined and saw your posts about the road angel navigator, hope you haven't got one yet.. I've been an avid user of the road angel products up to now and thought they were the best of the best, however then came the navigator..... Its a great first try but the road angel navigator has been let down by one main thing, the CoPilot GPS software, its crap! I upgraded to one and used it for about a week, the software crashed and gave me wrong directions and its so flaky.. I even got an e-mail from the supplier to say that if he had a choice then he wouldn't touch it...! So I am the proud owner of a Snooper Indago now, don't get me wrong I prefer Road Angel to snooper anytime... but now. The Indago is fan-bloody-tastic, it does everything it says on the box, and more...

[Flyingdwarf]

Guys, just joined and saw your posts about the road angel navigator, hope you haven't got one yet.. I've been an avid user of the road angel products up to now and thought they were the best of the best, however then came the navigator..... Its a great first try but the road angel navigator has been let down by one main thing, the CoPilot GPS software, its crap! I upgraded to one and used it for about a week, the software crashed and gave me wrong directions and its so flaky.. I even got an e-mail from the supplier to say that if he had a choice then he wouldn't touch it...! So I am the proud owner of a Snooper Indago now, don't get me wrong I prefer Road Angel to snooper anytime... but now. The Indago is fan-bloody-tastic, it does everything it says on the box, and more...

Thanks for that. Still havent invested yet and am going to start having a proper look in a week or so when back from holidays. Liked the idea of the navigator as it is all in one - dont exactly want loads of bits of equipment dangling of the windscreen.

Let us know how the Indago goes, if you have any problems etc.

[matthewr]

Hi, glad you haven't wasted your money on the Road Angel Navigator. If you look at www.networxautomotive.com they do a special deal where you can pay interest free for a number of months, i've used these guys for about my last 4 or 5 upgrades! Just give them your credit card number, they debit one payment (normally a 3rd or 1/4 of the price), send you the unit and then monthly they debit the payments until all paid. You can't go wrong! Also take a look at http://snooper.intranetics.co.uk/snooper-indago.htm or even http://www.indagosatnav.com/ for more info.

[Flyingdwarf]

OK matt, thanks for that. Just about to go away for a few days so probably no time to look now but will let you know how i get on.

[0003SAS]

Hi there, just picked up this thread and thought I'd add to the pot!

Having read several forums on the subject I eventually went for a Tom Tom Go. I based the decision on a variety of reasons as follows:

I needed a sat nav unit.
I needed safety camera! notification.
I wanted a single unit rather than several seperates.
I knew that there was no point in having a unit with Laser detection as they are both unreliable and unable to give you enough warning (unless of course your reactions are quicker than 0.3sec)

I then compared several different units (3 different ones, borrowed from my work colleagues, over several weeks)

I finally settled on the Tom Tom as it had the best graphics, the most up todate safety camera/mobile camera data base (free update every month)and the quickest response to route changes and battery life etc.

The only down side of note is its physical size. (although it does impress the girls if you walk about with it in you trouser pocket!!!!)

Hope this helps.

[Flyingdwarf]

Thanks again. I was under the impression Tom Tom was pretty much one of the best for sat nav. All I will have to do then is look for room in my trouser pocket. It doesnt give off high levels of radiation does it when it is not in use :( . I dont know if saying 'Look girls, you can see it in the dark!' will be as impressive as the sight of the initial bulge :bulge:

[mjh93sa]

Off topic, but you may like to read some of the news stories on the Motorcycles news website related to speed traps and cameras, particularly:

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/nav?page=motorcyclenews.articles.articleCategory.a rticle&resourceId=4441973&articleCategory=NEWS_OTHER-NEWS

They are questioning the accuracy of laser speed devices and also the manner in which people are then prosecuted. The emphasis is of course towards bikes, but some of it is still interesting.

[Flyingdwarf]

Thanks. Useful information. Would like to see the full article if anyone has it.

[matthewr]

I've heard that Snooper are just about to bring out a new version of the Indago which has built-in BLuetooth for answering your mobile phone and also picking up the latest traffic news and relaying it to your route on the Indago, sounds cool.
Have a good holiday Flyingdwarf.

[Flyingdwarf]

I've heard that Snooper are just about to bring out a new version of the Indago which has built-in BLuetooth for answering your mobile phone and also picking up the latest traffic news and relaying it to your route on the Indago, sounds cool.
Have a good holiday Flyingdwarf.

Oooh, now that sounds even better.

Thanks, but the holiday is almost over. The flight back is going to be unbearable as I pick up the car the day after I get back. Going to be like waiting for santa to come down the chimney!

[paddywac]

From sounds of it road angel navi is crap from all the feedback you lot are offering. Like flyin dwarf i like the idea of one unit plug and playbut I really think the laser detector is a must.

I have to disagree with you 0003SAS my road angel (laser)tripped when I was deffo 10-15 mph over the limit and never got the ticket, from a good distance as well, I realise this does not prove 100% reliability but makes me feel better

[0003SAS]

paadywac, I would guess that you may not have been the target of the laser operator. Making you very lucky indeed.

From all the evidence I've read and following discussions with the P.C who got me last year for doing 71 in a 60 zone :cry: it is clear from the evidence that the moment the laser hits on your vehicle and the operator presses the trigger, you have only 0.3 sec to slow down before the laser records your speed.
Also don't forget that the laser is normally aimed at a flat surface on the front of your car i.e the number plate. As the laser beam is still small in cross section, even at long range and has very little scatter then most dectectors sited on dashboards will never pick up any trace until it is to late!

This lead me to believe that the chance of any detector being reliable enough to pick up the dreaded laser was so small that it was preferable to have a unit that at least warned me of areas that lasers were known to be in operation. Leaving me to choose wether or not to slow down.

Hence my choice of the TT Go.

Drive with care. 0003SAS

[Flyingdwarf]

This lead me to believe that the chance of any detector being reliable enough to pick up the dreaded laser was so small that it was preferable to have a unit that at least warned me of areas that lasers were known to be in operation. Leaving me to choose wether or not to slow down.

Hence my choice of the TT Go.

I had a good look at the Indago website the other day and they claim to have the same thing, with the unit indicating known areas of mobile camera/laser use. No sign of the bluetooth that mathewr was refering to though I am afraid, so maybe the TT Go is the way to go (no pun intended).

[paddywac]

paadywac, I would guess that you may not have been the target of the laser operator. Making you very lucky indeed.

From all the evidence I've read and following discussions with the P.C who got me last year for doing 71 in a 60 zone :cry: it is clear from the evidence that the moment the laser hits on your vehicle and the operator presses the trigger, you have only 0.3 sec to slow down before the laser records your speed.
Also don't forget that the laser is normally aimed at a flat surface on the front of your car i.e the number plate. As the laser beam is still small in cross section, even at long range and has very little scatter then most dectectors sited on dashboards will never pick up any trace until it is to late!

This lead me to believe that the chance of any detector being reliable enough to pick up the dreaded laser was so small that it was preferable to have a unit that at least warned me of areas that lasers were known to be in operation. Leaving me to choose wether or not to slow down.

Hence my choice of the TT Go.

Drive with care. 0003SAS

Hmmm didn't know the time detection bit was that quick, thought they had to time you over a distance, however was deffo the target car, was actually on the a66 heading for Brough in Cumbria, I was lead car of two as I came over a rise and immediately my road angel sprang into life, was doing 85 or so on two lane dual carriage way, not sure what to think now

[0003SAS]

Hmmm didn't know the time detection bit was that quick, thought they had to time you over a distance, however was deffo the target car, was actually on the a66 heading for Brough in Cumbria, I was lead car of two as I came over a rise and immediately my road angel sprang into life, was doing 85 or so on two lane dual carriage way, not sure what to think now

Don't fall into the trap of thinking they have to track you over distance. This generally applies to Vascar or Video evidence. In the case of Mobile Cameras they can and do only have to target you the once. This gives them an instant reading/video recording.

I'm still of the opion that the use of Laser Detectors can lul you into a false sense of security as they are not a match for the well trained Mobile Camera operator. Don't forget that the M.C's can also pick you up AFTER you've passed them as they can target the rear of your vehicle where of course you don't have any L.D's

[Flyingdwarf]

...Laser Detectors can lul you into a false sense of security as they are not a match for the well trained Mobile Camera operator...

Well trained and with a lot of practice I might add, but when do they get a chance to practice. Good job tax payers money is paying for the police to do more important things like solve crimes, stopping shitbags vandalising you property and generally making the public feel safe. Just think of how many police you see on the beat and how quickly they respond when you call them, rather than spending all their time trying to catch speeding motorists. Oh no sorry, i got that the wrong way round didn't I? :barf: :barf:

[matthewr]

The Indago with Bluetooth on it isn't due out until May/June 2006 as far as networx automotive have told me. I don't think any detector will cover you 100%, you would have to be able to react in a millisecond to save you from a speed gun.

[paddywac]

Well trained and with a lot of practice I might add, but when do they get a chance to practice. Good job tax payers money is paying for the police to do more important things like solve crimes, stopping shitbags vandalising you property and generally making the public feel safe. Just think of how many police you see on the beat and how quickly they respond when you call them, rather than spending all their time trying to catch speeding motorists. Oh no sorry, i got that the wrong way round didn't I? :barf: :barf:

basically its all bleak news really, you strive to get a decent job which coincidentally offers a decent company car list, have to opt for diesel over 3.2 and 3.0 audi or bmw petrol offerings cos of tax robbery to pay for a load of scummers who can't be arsed to work because it is easier to rob, deface, vandalise and the cops because they are "underfunded" :confused2 :confused2 target the "more or less" law abiding motorist with the registered car, of fixed abode sales rep. Honestly I ask you what a joke.

Next time me car gets vandalised I will tell the cops they don't need to do owt cos I have shot the perpetrator lets see how many helicopters, dog teams, SWAT teams are suddenly available then

Sorry about the rant but I detect that you see things as I do FD.

[Flyingdwarf]

basically its all bleak news really, you strive to get a decent job which coincidentally offers a decent company car list, have to opt for diesel over 3.2 and 3.0 audi or bmw petrol offerings cos of tax robbery to pay for a load of scummers who can't be arsed to work because it is easier to rob, deface, vandalise and the cops because they are "underfunded" :confused2 :confused2 target the "more or less" law abiding motorist with the registered car, of fixed abode sales rep. Honestly I ask you what a joke.

Next time me car gets vandalised I will tell the cops they don't need to do owt cos I have shot the perpetrator lets see how many helicopters, dog teams, SWAT teams are suddenly available then

Sorry about the rant but I detect that you see things as I do FD.

Lets not even go there. I feel it, and if we get started this forum could get messy. :cry:

Good to see I am not alone though?

Are you coming to the UK meet by the way on 22nd April. Would be good to see you there. We can talk about interesting things like where our taxes are going and stuff, or just e90/91's so that the old blood pressure doesnt rise too far.

1st UK Meet (http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=226302#post226302)

[vivekk]

Lets not even go there. I feel it, and if we get started this forum could get messy. :cry:

Good to see I am not alone though?

Are you coming to the UK meet by the way on 22nd April. Would be good to see you there. We can talk about interesting things like where our taxes are going and stuff, or just e90/91's so that the old blood pressure doesnt rise too far.

1st UK Meet (http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=226302#post226302)Sometimes, I think this (http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/africa/9812/11/flame.thrower.car/) should be legalised over here! ;)

Viv

(http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6135)

[Flyingdwarf]

Sometimes, I think this (http://www.cnn.com/WORLD/africa/9812/11/flame.thrower.car/) should be legalised over here! ;)

Viv

(http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6135)

I have seen a video of this once, and funny enough it was on an old 3 series I think. Looked 'dramatic'. Dont know if you could get away with toasting the cops though just because they pulled you over for speeding.

[vivekk]

I have seen a video of this once, and funny enough it was on an old 3 series I think. Looked 'dramatic'. Dont know if you could get away with toasting the cops though just because they pulled you over for speeding....I was thinking more about thieving carjackers, not particularly the theiving traffic cops, but there again, who am I to discriminate! :laugh:

[paddywac]

[QUOTE=Flyingdwarf]Lets not even go there. I feel it, and if we get started this forum could get messy. :cry:

Good to see I am not alone though?

Are you coming to the UK meet by the way on 22nd April. Would be good to see you there. We can talk about interesting things like where our taxes are going and stuff, or just e90/91's so that the old blood pressure doesnt rise too far.

Actually cos I have been away working I only picked up on this meet recently so put myself forward to go yesterday, its a day at least chance to meet some people, I'm not too techie so not sure what I can offer in term of bringing stuff, got a digi camera but from the sounds of it others will have much more, hopefully night out (two more lamb bhuna's over here) so yep am up for it now, don't believe there is anything in the diary to stop me at the mo

Hows the new car FD, liked the pics looks the same as mine except you got bigger wheels (major mistake on my part)?

[vivekk]

Actually cos I have been away working I only picked up on this meet recently so put myself forward to go yesterday, its a day at least chance to meet some people, I'm not too techie so not sure what I can offer in term of bringing stuff, got a digi camera but from the sounds of it others will have much more, hopefully night out (two more lamb bhuna's over here) so yep am up for it now, don't believe there is anything in the diary to stop me at the moCan't see a post from you on the meet thread, paddywac??? :confused2
Could you re-post so I can add you to the growing list & tell us your name, if you dont mind! Thanks.

An Indian sounds great.

Just having you & your car there is good enough, although bringing some polish etc for the cars would be good as well! ;)

Viv

[Flyingdwarf]

Actually cos I have been away working I only picked up on this meet recently so put myself forward to go yesterday, its a day at least chance to meet some people, I'm not too techie so not sure what I can offer in term of bringing stuff, got a digi camera but from the sounds of it others will have much more, hopefully night out (two more lamb bhuna's over here) so yep am up for it now, don't believe there is anything in the diary to stop me at the mo

Hows the new car FD, liked the pics looks the same as mine except you got bigger wheels (major mistake on my part)?


Mate, I just saw that you signed up to the meet in the 'official' thread. Thats good news. Think it should be a good showing as the numbers arent looking too bad! As Viv said, I wouldnt worry about what you bring as long as you dont turn up in a merc.

The car is great by the way. Only 194 miles on the clock so far but they have all been fun. As for the wheels, well I just couldnt resist. Looking forward to meeting everyone.

[Steve r]

I have a Navman 510 which is quite cheap at the mo £200. Took awhile to get used to it but that was probably due to the fact that i had'nt read the instructions! May be worth a look?