As these revenue generating devices are poping up all over around here, I was looking to see if I could download new POI's to my Garmin 225w. Guess not. Or do I have to put a card in it? All I see on my computer is the 0 byte disk.

Has anyone used the GPS based "spider" or mirror with alarms in them? I have no fear of red light cameras, as I would never, never run a red light. Problem is, most are also speed traps. I have been occasionaly known to exceed the posted limit. Carefully of course.

 

Escort has a radar dector with these cameras in its database

 

Have it! 9500ix. The database is updated weekly to include all known speed traps, speed cameras and redlight cameras. You can also mark your own locations. It also learns false alarms and locks them out. If the false alarm signal goes away, it unlocks it.

Well worth the money!

 

I have an older garmin, and I downloaded the camera and speedtrap db from trapster.com
I used POI loader from garmin to transfer the traps into to the GPS.

When I get about 1/2 mile from one of the traps, the GPS beeps and the screen says "known enforcement area". I run this in addition to CB and Radar :P I don't speed, but I want to make damn sure I don't pay any of these hidden taxes.

 

I'm a trapster user, free popular fairly accurate as long as it's not in an area with every cross over and bridge marked. Either way that little ding is a good reminder to glance down and check that I'm keeping myself in check.

 

POI loader from Garmin. OK. Not the instructions I read. I will search.
MAN these things have bad documentation.

 

Found it. Cool. Now for some POI's. Looks like the paid site, GPS Data Team is one option. Any other suggestions for "safety" downloads?
Any just plain cool suggestions?

 

I'll second a Escort 9500ix recommendation. Best $500 I ever spent!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fishber...7617025973537/

 

I was kinda looking at their stealth version. Problem is I live in Md. DC and Va ban detectors. If they see one, even if it is off, even a bracket, you are just about guaranteed to get the maximum fine. They used to rip them off the dash and stomp them, but I guess did it to one too many lawyers. Even the stealth mount, as it has to be visible for LADAR is a bit too obvious. I have seen Md troopers looking into grills for more than the plate number. Don't know the ratio of radar vs ladar and if mounting the head behind grill solid section for a true stealth radar-only works well enough. A few areas, like Montgomery County now have a pile of trash-can size mobile units. They will even admit it, it is all about the money. "Law Enforcement", not "Public Safety".

 

wow... remind me never to visit your neighborhood!

 

Funny, the file I downloaded from Trapster will alert me to "enforcement zones" but does not seem to have the camera's. I went through several today I knew were there and no warning from the Garmin. They were not new.

The map on my area from 'Red Light Spider" had identified cameras at the end of my street, but I believe these are only the small traffic monitor cameras, not the big flash photo boxes. That is unless someone has wised up and digitized the process. I am not going to run one to find out.

Fish.. ,Can't wait to retire and get the heck out of here. About 12 more years thanks to loosing half my savings in my IRA's.

 

some camera alerts dont need the card installation basically its already included in the setup. though some say that it requires an upgrade so better check them out first.

 

Try this site... I have researched this topic and they seem to have the highest counts in the DB...

http://poidirectory.com/poifiles/united_states/safety/

 

The PA senate has started the ball rolling.

SB 595 was just passed and could allow another dozen and a half cities (those with
over 18,000 population - including mine and neighboring Lancaster and Harrisburg)
to install Red Light Cameras.

It now goes to the House of Reps to see if they'll rubber stamp it as well.

Hooray for more state revenue, more $ to the insurance companies and body shops,
more rear end collisions, shorter yellow light cycles, and the theft of one's constitutional
promise of due process. I don't run red lights, unless you count the occasional time where
it has gone from yellow to red before I get through the intersection, but the robotic justice
league seems anti-american to me.

It's too late for me to persuade my state senator (Michael Waugh), as he already voted for
the bill, but perhaps my state (Eugene DePasquale) will read the email I sent him before voting.

Next will be speed cameras and extending radar to the local police instead of just the State boys.

I've already started pricing and saving for the Beltronics Pro GX65 or the Passport 9500ix.

 

Add me to the list of people who adore their Passport 9500ix. I've got it hard-wired in my Mazda. The first thing I did after ordering my MINI was hunt down a fuse box diagram and DIYs so I could get it installed right away without any glitches.

I'm lucky that MN has graciously ruled red light cameras unconstitutional, but the database was a HUGE help when I was driving out of state. The yellows here are exceptionally long and there's always a 2-3 sec delay before the intersecting lights turn green, so my conditioning for intersections is all wrong for most other places. I'm convinced the alerts saved my butt more than once in Iowa.

Word of advice, Escort/Beltronics is very, very particular about their sellers from whom they'll honor their warranty. If you want to buy one, make sure it's an approved seller or you may find yourself out of luck if something goes wrong with the unit.