The Sho Me G 900 STR radar detector is an improved version of the previous G-800STR radar detector. It is distinguished by modern hardware and software content. Let's consider it in more detail.
Radar design
The main design difference from the Sho Me G 800 STR in the new version was the use of modern electronic elements in the circuit boards of the device. In the new model, a more powerful GPS chip from SIRF was installed, which allowed to increase the speed of the device, the accuracy of the determination of radars and other devices and to reduce the start time during a cold start.
Technical and hardware
The Sho Me G 900 STR radar detector has acquired an additional OTG command, which allows you to add several cameras to the gadget database at the same time or to upgrade the chips using the USB cable that comes with the kit. Prepared audio and video files are saved on the device’s memory card, and then transferred to the operating parameters of the radar detector.
Compared to the previous version, the Sho Me G 800 STR increased the display size. The image from the cameras and information about the speed of the machine are displayed on the screen of the gadget. Integrated chips with double memory allow you to save and display large amounts of information.
An additional advantage of the new model of the radar detector was the addition to the package of a remote control, with which you can remotely configure the Sho Me G 900 STR. Programming the device system and changing the settings is carried out by pressing the appropriate key combinations on the supplied control panel. Such an original solution gave the Sho-Me radar detector a competitive advantage over similar devices of other brands.
The car owner can customize the function of the hotkey. An additional and very pleasant advantage, according to reviews on the Sho Me G 900 STR , is the presence in the kit of the device of a special bag for packing and storing the device.
The main features of the radar detector
The main characteristics of the radar include:
- Ability to work in the ranges of K, X, Ka, Ku with the fixation and determination of all tracking devices operating in similar ranges.
- Detection of the Avtodoria complex and advance warning of the driver about speeding.
- Built-in GPS module on the fourth-generation SIRF chipset.
- The user can save in the device’s memory the false alarm points and the location of the traffic police radars and lasers.
- The radar detector operates in three speed detection modes.
- Three main operating modes are available - “Track”, “City 1” and “City 2”.
- The radar is equipped with an informative OLED display.
- There is a built-in sensor for automatic screen brightness.
- Information displayed on the device’s display is accompanied by a voice notification.
- Software updates and firmware Sho Me G 900 STR are carried out without connecting the device to a personal computer.
- The included remote control allows you to control and configure the gadget from a distance.
- The radar database and software are updated automatically.
- The device notifies the car owner of a low battery.
The tests carried out by Sho Me G 900 STR showed that the gadget is able to recognize signals of the Robot complex. And the Strelka complex is detected by a radar detector at a distance of 1200 m.
Contents of delivery
The Sho Me G 900 STR radar detector is supplied as follows:
- Radar Detector
- Power cable.
- Suction cups and mount for installing the device on the windshield of a car.
- Velcro on the dashboard.
- USB bootloader.
- USB cable
- Remote control
- Bag for storing and transporting the detector.
Instructions for Sho Me G 900 STR, also included allows the owner to easily understand the rules of operation of the device.
Antiradar functionality
We list the main features and functions of the radar detector:
- The device timely and accurately detects all police radars operating in the permitted ranges.
- The updated module allows the radar detector to detect Strelka complexes at a distance of 1200 meters.
- The Sho Me G 900 STR radar detector operates in several modes, including the City-2 mode.
- The control panel connected to the infrared receiver allows you to control the device at a distance and without the participation of the driver, so that he can not be distracted from the road.
- The OTG function allows you to easily and quickly update software and databases of connected cameras.
- The reception sensitivity is increased by the manufacturer due to changes in the laser parameters of the device.
- The type of security camera and the maximum permissible speed on the highway is determined automatically.
In addition to the basic functions, the Sho Me G 900 STR anti-radar is equipped with additional ones that greatly simplify the operation process and allow the car owner to customize the gadget in accordance with personal preferences and wishes.
Radar Detector Advantages
The described device, according to user reviews, has a number of obvious advantages:
- Work in several modes.
- Compact size.
- Light weight.
- Long term of operation.
- Lightweight and easy to install.
- High speed data processing.
- The presence of front and rear lenses.
- Three levels of signal adjustment.
- Russified voice notification.
- Affordable price for Sho Me G 900 STR (it ranges from 5,000 to 7,700 rubles.).
- Resistance to mechanical damage.
- High level of sensitivity.
Informative display
I must say that car owners turned to the manufacturer of Sho-Me radar detectors with a request to display on the instrument display information about the current speed of the machine, not only in standby mode, but also in GPS-fix modes in the X, K and Ka ranges. This appeal was explained by the fact that the driver, relying on the speed constantly displayed on the radar display, can select the maximum allowable speed mode without violating traffic rules.
Separately, we note that the speed indicated by the vehicle’s speedometer is always 8% higher than real, while the data displayed by the radar detector and recorded by its GPS module differ from the real ones by hundredths of a percent. This algorithm in the factory firmware of the radar detector worked in such a way that at certain times - when detecting radar ranges or GPS points - information about the current speed of the car ceased to be displayed.
A double-edged sword was the fact that the detection of many tracking systems begins in 1,500 meters. Despite the fact that it was rather difficult to realize the wishes of consumers because of the limited size of the display, the developers of the Sho-Me G-900STR radar detector still managed to achieve their goal: the speed of the car began to be displayed on a constant basis, which was immediately noted in customer reviews.
Improved laser signal detection algorithm
Changes to the radar software made it possible to detect the Vitronic PoliScan photoradar laser system. A similar device is made in the form of both a portable tripod and a stationary complex.
A feature of Vittronic PoliScan is that the speed of a moving vehicle is determined by a narrow laser beam. The vehicle speed is recorded at a distance of 15–75 m from the device. But this is in theory, in practice, the distance is 40 m.
Due to the narrow beam, the radar detector cannot pre-warn the driver about the presence of such a complex on the highway at a great distance, therefore, after it is detected, the driver has only a few seconds to reduce the speed. A plus is the fact that such complexes practically do not occur on the territory of Russia.
Changing GPS Databases
The updated firmware version of Sho Me G 900 STR uses a two-point base to identify tracking devices. The first is the location of the camera or radar, the second is the entry point, which is located at a certain distance from the tracking device. For each stationary complex, this distance is individually calculated by highly qualified specialists on the basis of data collected in practice and the conditions of the terrain in which the radar is installed.
The changes made to the firmware were aimed at eliminating the false positives detected by users of the radar detector, which detected complexes located on parallel streets. And also on the adjustment of informing the owner of the vehicle about approaching various video and photo fixation complexes, depending on the range of these complexes. Thanks to this, the need for further use of the “Dist.” Parameter has disappeared.
Specially for the new firmware of the radar detector, point-to-point databases were released that can only be used with new software. And the new ATO parameter allows the user to independently select the base for further use.
Switching sensitivity levels in automatic mode
The sensitivity level of the Sho Me G 900 STR radar detector in the new firmware is automatically adjusted, depending on the vehicle speed. The constant sensitivity level for the "City 1" mode is low, for the "Highway" mode it is high.
The new ATSPD parameter with a scale of values from 0 to 120 works according to the following principle: the radar detector operates in the "Track" mode with a high sensitivity level at the value AT = 0, and at AT = X - the average sensitivity level if the speed is below X. If the vehicle’s speed is higher than X, then the “Track” mode is activated with constant support for a high level of sensitivity. The user can independently control them by setting the parameters ACSPD and ATSPD.