Nick Balgowan presents Australian radar detector and laser jammer news.

Here you will find some interesting snippets from the media, real world and other information sources. If you have any radar detector news, please feel free to send it to us for publication. Please send us enough evidence and factual content to support any claim. Nick Balgowan has featured or been quoted in more media articles in 2008 related to speed cameras and radar detectors than other suppliers combined.

Does an imposed speed limit really work?

Speeding is a major cause behind many fatal accidents, so it must also be true that mandating lower speed limits will make us all safer, right? Like how after marijuana was made illegal, you could hardly find anybody smoking the stuff.

It was back in 1974 that the federal government passed the National Maximum Speed Limit Law in the USA, slowing America down to a creeping 55 miles per hour. The main reason behind the law was to lower gas consumption, but President Nixon promised us it would make our streets safer as well.

Partially thanks to anti-speed limit activists like Sammy Hagar, in 1995 it was repealed. But not everyone was happy about that. Some states and many cities still have their highway speed limits set at or near the '74 lows, and a lot of people support bringing the '74 law back into effect before every man, woman and child in the country finds themselves living in the horrifying universe of 2 Fast 2 Furious.

But There's a Problem...

After the National speed limit was repealed, the state of Montana removed all non-urban speed limits in their state. A few years later, engineers working with the state decided to venture out to see just what kind of post-apocalyptic Death Race wasteland their lawless state had produced. What they found was that, you guessed it, on the roads where they removed the speed limits, fatalities didn't go up at all.

Proponents of the national law still argue that traffic fatalities nationwide did drop during the national speed limit's lifetime. Buzz-killing critics of the law point out that no, no they didn't.

Why Doesn't it Work?

Because, and this surprised the hell out of us, people aren't completely retarded. As it turns out, people tend to drive at speeds they feel comfortable driving. Yes, there are reckless madmen out there, but they're not going to obey a couple of digits on a sign anyway. It just becomes a make-work project for traffic cops.

By the way, even worse than speed limits are speed bumps, the irritating, jarring humps they put in parking lots and such, intended to physically force drivers to slow down and make their CD players skip. Not only do those things not prevent accidents, but they keep ambulances from getting to emergencies, which is exactly the sort of thing you don't want happening when years of bacon sundaes and cookie-dough sandwiches finally catch up with you.

The above link references a study in Boulder, Colorado that found speed bumps kill as many as 85 people for every one life they save. Holy shit! We think landmines have a better ratio.

Another dodgy radar detector supplier in NSW still pretending they are in NZ

Presently we have inside information that NSW detectives are investigating yet another radar detector outlet operating from a back yard in NSW. This supplier via a series of poorly constructed web pages pretends to operate from NZ in conjunction with a NZ supplier. Amid claims they are "Authorised Whistler Repair & Sales since 1982" and also "V1 Approved reseller & repairs." Both claims are entirely false. Their web page goes on to quote they have customised and modified current model Whistler radar detectors and Valentine One radar detectors, again false claims. We have obtained products from this supplier and there are absolutely no modifications what-so-ever.  Just trying to extract more money out of a flooded New Zealand market and move products in NSW where is it very dangerous and illegal to do so. Even if they had been modified, wouldn't you want a genuine product with a legitimate warranty, not some product butchered by a backyard operator? Gone are the days of using metallic tape to mask an oscillator leak. Clearly these old timers have nothing better to do than sell overpriced alcohol testers. Sydney phone numbers go straight to answering machine and their registered address is a residential house.  With no street address on their web page, no secure online ordering or even product descriptions perhaps they work a day job too? Some of their prices are 43% more expensive than our normal shop price. Perhaps they have missed the section of Valentine Research's web page that clearly states they do not have distributors nor service centres?

The same web page sprouts waffle freely available from the mainstream media as their own gospel. For example their 2008 July news claims "WA has gone back to K-band." Well mobile radar in WA has always predominantly been K-band, with the odd KA system appearing.  Multanovas have always been KA-band and if anything, WA is now moving towards LASER; "back to K-band" indeed  This is clearly evident by current WA police department tenders for Laser based photographic cameras. No mention of increased use of k-band. Perhaps more hype to shift their stock pile of obsolete K-band only detectors - now useless every where in the world.   People in glass houses....  A recent incident in Moss Vale springs to mind.

Some really interesting information regarding police speed cameras in Western Australia.

"Since 2006, Multanova numbers have nearly doubled, from 14 to 25, yet the death toll shot to an 11-year-high of 235 last year." opposition Leader Paul Omodei said.  hmmm, do speed cameras really work or just make for more paranoid and unsafe driving? These statistics are reflected WORLDWIDE. Speed cameras are clearly little more than lethal revenue raisers.

Double demerit points over the East Long weekend - but we give you FREE tickets!

That's right, with Double Demerits points kicked in over the Easter long weekend. The police were charging for their tickets, but ours were completely free!  We gave away over 250 free double passes to the Barbagallo Raceway Autotrader race day on April 13.  Which would you prefer, to pay the police and spend double your demerit points, or receive absolutely free tickets to the races and keep your points with a quality radar detector?

• click here to download the Race Day poster (this offer is now closed)

We are giving away 8 radar detectors in 4 weeks in conjunction with Auto Trader!

In conjunction with Auto Trader magazine, we are giving away 8 Whistler radar detectors in 4 weeks. Buy Auto Trader between February 22 - March 20 for your chance to win, conditions available from Auto Trader. Of course, if you buy a radar detector and happen to also win, we will gladly refund the purchase. This is undoubtedly the largest promotion involving radar detectors ever in Australia.  Whistler Radar detectors will feature on the front cover of 3 editions of the WA Auto Trader magazine and exclusively on the cover of the 4th edition, plus feature on posters in most petrol stations and newsagents throughout Perth. Each week, for four weeks, we will give away a Whistler XTR690 and Whistler PRO78 radar detector for a total of 8 radar detectors. Click on the link below to view the advertising poster or any of the pictures below to view the point of sale displays found throughout Western Australia. Display pictures coming soon.

Motorvation People's Choice Award Sponsors - January 19-20, 2008.

Radars.com.au proudly sponsored the People's Choice Awards, with 850+ competition entrants this year, Motorvation 2008 was huge. Once again, we were the only exhibitor of radar detectors attending major car shows and trade exhibitions.

Autosalon Exhibition, Perth Convention Centre July 21-22, 2007.

Autosalon was a very successful show for us and a perfect opportunity to showcase the new high performance radar detectors from Whistler. We were the only full time radar detector supplier present at the exhibition. Strangely no other "largest supplier" was seen of. It was fantastic to hear feedback from existing customers and also to hear from people who recently purchased other products that have not performed as advertised, many of whom are now happy Whistler owners. We would like to thank Lloyd from Autosalon for our pole position immediately inside the front door and adjacent to the Alpine centre point display. We had 3 staff members in attendance at the show. Click on a link below to view the larger image. Look out for our stand at other exhibitions this year where we plan to introduce more exciting and innovative products.

Tradesman Show, Burswood Exhibition Centre June 2008

One of our dealers, Geodetic attended this trade show and heavily promoted the Whistler Brand of radar detectors. Thanks to Clayton for his special effort.

The West Newspaper, Page 30, Saturday July 2, 2005.

Radar Detectors making our roads safer (Nick Balgowan.)

Contrary to what many people believe radar detectors are actually legal in Western Australia. In fact, Western Australia is the only state in Australia where they (Radar Detectors) are legal and research showing that radar detector users have 24 per cent fewer accidents than non-users (United Kingdom MORI report.) Nick Balgowan from www.radars.com.au warns buyers should choose carefully as not all radar detectors on the market are suitable for use in Western Australia. "Some radar detector suppliers do not offer any warranty or support, do not allow refunds, do not include GST in the pricing and do not provide a detection guarantee," he said. "Unfortunately, once a buyer purchases one of these unsuitable radar detector products they are stuck with it. For this reason it is so important to know what conditions radar detectors must meet." A similar situation exists for older detectors that can no longer be used reliably as they do not detect the current sped cameras used in Western Australia. In response to the rise in unsuitable radar detectors on the market www.radars.com.au has product a comprehensive DVD demonstrating the incompatibilities of cheaper and older radar detectors. The DVD also explains what requirements the radar detector must meet to be suitable for use in Western Australia. With the launch of this new product www.radars.com.au is offering their DVD for only $29.00 which includes a $20 discount on a future purchase. Operating since 1992~1998 Nick Balgowan's company stocks a variety of radar detectors to suit your needs and budget. His company also provides a full warranty and comprehensive support for your radar detector in Perth. www.radars.com.au proudly offers the world’s best radar detectors as independently tested and awarded for 2004/05 giving the longest range and best protection available online  at www.radars.com.au or by calling 08-9370-4038.

The West Newspaper, Page 34, Saturday August 13, 2005.

Radar Detectors are legal in WA (Nick Balgowan.)

Some people think Radar Detectors are just for people who want to speed, of course there is always a small majority who will abuse any system, but this could not be further from the truth. Independent research shows that Radar Detector users have 24% fewer accidents (United Kingdom MORI report) and are generally very conscientious drivers. Police in New Zealand, the UK and the USA actually support and promote the use of Radar Detectors for this reason. Radar Detectors incorporating the new Safety Warning System (SWS) are now available from www.radars.com.au and can alert you to emergency services vehicles, road hazards and other obstacles that use SWS. Trucks that have 100km speed limiting and cars with cruise control are often booked at 115km when the drivers obviously are not intending to speed. A Radar Detector is a valuable investment that can safe guards your license, particularly with more and more speed cameras being questionably placed. Even the most conservative, conscientious and safe driver may inadvertently exceed the speed limit simply due to a slope on the road. www.radars.com.au proudly offers the world’s best radar detectors as independently tested and awarded for 2004/05 giving the longest range and best protection available online  at www.radars.com.au or by calling 08-9370-4038.

Police in the USA are now selling radar detectors they confiscate! January 2008.

Can anybody see the hypocrisy of the US police department confiscating a radar detector or recovering one and then selling it at auction?  This Cobra radar detector Model:ESD9850 is now up for auction on a popular police auction website Government Auctions. It is extremely ironic that the police are selling a radar detector that is essentially designed to hinder police work. Surely if the police are selling radar detectors then they endorse them.  Or does this prove their highest priority is simply revenue raising? Apart from that, the auction is currently only $27 so somebody is about to get themselves a bargain (well for a Cobra anyway.)

Latest undetectable Multanova speed camera spotted in Malaga!

The rumours are true. The police have a new weapon in their arsenal against Perth motorists. A 100% undetectable speed camera! We will bring you more information on this startling and urgent development as soon as possible. For the time being, please see our photographic evidence here.

Are laser jammers legal?

Most probably "no," however it has not been proven in court yet. Are parking sensors that "interfere" with police laser equipment "legal?" This is entirely another question. Intentionally or apparently unintentionally obstructing police is still obstructing police. We have written confirmation from government departments advertising of this nature is a breach of the trade practices act. If you have purchased a "parking sensor / laser jammer" under the impression that it is "perfectly 100% legal to use" you are entitled to a full refund. Only an oxymoron would believe ignorance of the law is a defence - or in this case claiming ignorance in advance. Considering there has been ample advertising of this product being a police laser gun jammer (by the same person,) it would not take a magistrate long to determine 51% probable cause.

Radar detector suppliers in NSW selling out to the authorities (again?)

We have had several reports from truck drivers that their personal details have been provided to the authorities as radar detector owners. It seems another NSW based grey market importer of radar detectors is under the thumb of the authorities. After all, it is clearly difficult to import and distribute equipment in an area where even ownership is illegal such as New South Wales. A dysfunctional web page making reference to interstate offices and offices in New Zealand is designed to put people off their trail. This supplier's web page contains invalid and incomplete contact information. A quick search on company ownership leads to a trail of several linked companies with the same directors and same registered addresses.

Default programming for Whistler PRO-78 and XTR-690 radar detectors

After extensive testing we have determined the optimal setting for Whistler radar detectors used in Australia. All Whistler radars supplied by TCG are pre-programmed for use in Australia and these settings are included on the warranty card included in each package.

What is the leading cause of sudden death in Australia?

WA Government Health Department statistics show the disproportionate emphasis placed on "speed kills" advertising. 19,019 killed by smoking, 2,831 from alcohol, 1,731 by road accidents, 863 by illegal drugs and 203 by murder. The simple fact of the matter is that tobacco sales are already very highly taxed - the government really does not care to stop people from smoking, only a small percentage of this tobacco revenue is spent on anti-smoking campaigns and education. The easiest way to further "tax" road users is speeding fines - specifically automated photo camera speeding fines. Some $2 million is collected DAILY by road traffic authorities in Australia. What percentage of this revenue is spent on road safety campaigns, improving our roads or even driver education and training? Not much. The real killers on our road are FATIGUE accounting for 30%+ of road fatalities, inexperience and specifically dangerous road conditions. The figure of 1,731 refers to ALL road fatalities. Does anybody else see the hypocrisy? Recent figures suggest that only 2% of road fatalities occur at speeds above the posted speed limits.... by Nick Balgowan.

Backyard suppliers in hot water over illegal imports. October 2007

It seems the ACMA has received a tip off that has prompted a shake down within the whole industry. Importers without a supplier number have been contacted and can expect orders to cease supply of unapproved radar detectors and similar products. Time will tell the long term ramifications of this anonymous act. Although strong evidence exists as to the origins of this complaint.

Do governments really care to stamp out speeding, or do they really support it?

If governments really wanted to stop motorists speeding why would they create a budget that relies on speeding fine income?  Surely the aim would be to balance a budget WITHOUT significant income from speeding fines? Various reports have shown governments being "concerned" when speeding fine income decreases, shouldn't they be overjoyed? Think about it, why would governments want to cut out millions of dollars of "money for nothing it makes no sense.

Radar detector supplier in hot water with DOCEP, October 2007

We have insider information that a particular radar detector supplier in Perth has been approached by the Department of Employment and Consumer Protection regarding their clearly deceptive and illegal advertising. Products "100% legal to use" are clearly not so legal at all.

Proposed ban on the sale of radar detectors in Queensland looming? October 2007

Currently the use of Radar Detectors in Queensland is illegal, however there are no laws against the sale of radar detectors in Queensland. This makes is difficult to test or demonstrate a product effectively. Our information sources from Queensland confirm that the sale of radar detectors in Queensland may soon become illegal also. We will keep you updated as more information comes to hand.

New office warehouse established in prime light industrial precinct.

Total Control Pty. Ltd. has secured new and impressive office / warehouse facilities in the popular Morley light industrial precinct. Located amongst major car dealerships, audio stores and only minutes from the Perth international airport and one block from the Centro Galleria shopping centre. Total Control Pty. Ltd. has negotiated a 7 year secured commercial lease. Stability, support and service guaranteed to our valued customers. See our office photographs here. No customer in our history has even been left without support or warranty service.

What is the best radar detector for use in Australia?

That all depends on your requirements, budget and where you drive. One radar detector does NOT suit every user. Be very cautious about reading any review as it is fairly easy to see some are either sponsored or financed by an actual manufacturer or a distributor with a vested interested in promoting their own products. Naturally we are a Whistler distributor, but if you want to spend more on a different brand we will happily supply for you. But we believe Whistler provide high performance, reasonable pricing and the best warranty in the industry (unmatched in fact!) Sure, you could spend double the amount for some minor or questionable performance gains but spending $800-$1000 for a product with only a 12 month warranty or no local distributor support does not necessarily provide the "best deal" available on a radar detector in Australia. We encourage you to shop around and then compare prices and backup support. We provide the largest range, best prices and the simple facts relating to each radar detector or laser jammer available. If we don't stock it, we don't recommend it.

Australian based research and development

Our company has applied to the Australian Taxation Office and Aus-Industry for company tax concession on our significant ongoing Research and Development expenditure. New patent pending technology has been designed and we except to apply for a commercialisation grant from the Federal Government to bring several new and innovative products to the market over the coming 6~12 months. In recent years our group has successfully applied for Innovative patents in Australia, USA and the UK. New technology has now been entered into the international patent process for protection in 140 countries with anticipated costs for the patent application alone expected to reach circa $225,000 AUD. Our group owns and maintains a number of trademarks and exclusive agencies for Australia and New Zealand.

Struggling Perth car audio retailer drawing needless attention?

Who is really doing the damage? From chalk board to flashing road signs and a failed franchising attempt (you can only franchise a business if it has a track record of profit!) $200 off what exactly? Radar Detectors from this struggling Perth retailer have been sold at the same price for some time. We challenge you to obtain a $200 discount from their normal pricing. We have had many reports from people who attempted to obtain a $200 discount from this questionable promotion. The price on these radar detectors is the same before, during and after these promotions. The false statements made by this retailer are easily exposed as is their lack of any real technical knowledge on radar detectors. We have called all their stores today, and prices quoted are the same or HIGHER than recommended retail prices - the same day we took these photographs. $200 off what?

The same financially strained retailer is repeatedly quoted informing people "Beltronics manufacture Multanova speed camera." This is entirely false. Multanova is manufactured in Europe, Beltronics are manufacturer in Canada (using parts largely from the Philippines and Asia.) Just call one of their stores and grab an earful of their sales pitch.

UPDATE:  As recently as 19/2/08, these stores still inform customers that Beltronics manufacture the Multanova camera. This is false and blatantly misleading.  Just call these stores for their "sales pitch."  Multanova are manufactured in EUROPE, and Beltronics are assembled in Canada.  A simple internet search will show these two suppliers are not related. Why would police departments purchase radar equipment if the same manufacturer also sold radar detectors?

UPDATE: 1/6/09.  Audiocom Morley has now closed it's doors!!  Unable to effectively manage their store, inventory, staff and products has lead to the closure of Audiocom Morley.

Full disclosure in conjunction with Dun and Bradstreet

Our company has a 100% clean bill of health with internationally recognised risk assessment provider Dun and Bradstreet. Our DUN # to identify our company is 75-544-5921. We note with interest few other suppliers are registered with Dun and Bradstreet - something they want to hide perhaps? Copies of our company report are available from our office.

Tax evasion by backyard operators in Queensland uncovered

Back yard operators in Queensland exposed for retail fraud and tax evasion trying to sell cut price car audio, radar detectors and laser jammers. Telephone numbers are never answered, business name registered in Victoria and NOT REGISTERED FOR GST, yet their web pages clearly quote "all prices include GST" and a postal address provided in Queensland, yet their main place of business is registered as Victoria. Little wonder they do not answer their telephones. Have you sent money to this operator and not received your order? The list of complaints we have received grows by the day. If a deal looks too good to be true, then it probably is!

Beltronics STI Driver, not as undetectable as first claimed by some retailers?

Australian Beltronics products carry a warning "we do not guarantee undetectability against future threats." See this video showing measurable and detectable emissions from the Beltronics STI. Here is a video showing Beltronics STI Radar emissions being recorded and measured. Video Have you been sold a Beltronics STI radar detector with claims like "future proof" and "immune to current and future RDD threats?" Is there a new RDD threat emerging?

Escort 8500x50, 9500i & Valentine1 radar detectors sold in Australia

Escort and Valentine1 both design and manufacture exceptional radar detectors. However, it is important that Australian consumers realise that NEITHER of these manufacturers offer products for sale outside of the USA or for export. This means that neither firm provides direct warranty or support to customers outside of the USA. Escort in particular protect pricing and do not allow their main distributors to export quantities from the USA. Which means most part time radar detector web pages in Australia simply purchase their stock from eBay or from a retail USA based supplier, essentially acting as a middle man with no direct factory warranty or support themselves. Evidence available on request. Warnings are available from each manufacturer. It has come to our attention that particular part time and online suppliers in Perth are offering Escort radar detectors with factory serial numbers removed! Please note that all products we supply have appropriate original serial numbers attached and we offer local warranty support and also replacement services from a dedicated retail outlet in Morley Perth.

Some packages products that install brand name detectors contrary to manufacturer's guidelines also voids these warranties, this is confirmed in the warranty information contained in the user's guide and also from the manufacturers directly.

To quote one part time supplier "The Valentine 1 Radar Locator - The ONLY radar detector specifically designed to work in Western Australia." This is a false statement, Valentine1 do NOT offer sale or export to Australia or Western Australia and only supply domestic North American customers. The V1 radar detector has not been specifically designed for Western Australia at all.

Renewed interest from the media and authorities, June 2007.

We have received a tip off from our contact in Perth of renewed politically motivated interest in the Radar Detector and Laser Jammer industry. It has come to our attention that various products being promoted in Perth as "perfectly legal to use" have ruffled the feathers of the powers that be, yet again. It seems one or two people are responsible for another looming major shake-up. Soon after receiving this news we were contacted by the media for our comments, which of course, we declined to make.

Backyard operator exposed for insecure web page ordering and misleading shoppers

A back yard dealer in Perth was discovered advertising a VeriSign SSL security logo on their web page, without ever having an SSL certificate installed, the "click to confirm" VeriSign logo was stolen from another web page, and the verification link did not work. VeriSign consider false use of their logo and security offering as a serious offense and regularly prosecute web store owners fraudulently using their security logo. This attempt to provide a false sense of security to online customers has since been removed for this web page since it was discovered by a customer of ours and reported to VeriSign.

Are Western Australia's 17 Multanova camera being setup and used correctly?

Breaking news. We have EXCLUSIVELY obtained the operating instructions for WA'S Multanova camera. Plus via our contacts in WA we have been instructed on how to properly configure this camera for operation. We have now pin pointed the weakness in the Multanova camera and believe we have found a major floor in the operating procedures which may enable just about any Multanova speeding ticket to be successfully disputed in court!

Beltronics STI-XR vs. Beltronics STI-Driver. What you need to know!

NOTE: Here is the distributor's comment included INSIDE the packaging of the new Beltronics STI-XR "Stealth" radar detector. "Neltronics (Australian Beltronics distributor) cannot guarantee undetectability due to changing technologies." See our comparison article here.

Mobile Ka and rear facing Multanova detected in Perth, October 2005.

Predictions made here in 2004 ago have come true. We have seen several rear facing Multanova cameras in Perth, particularly on the Albany Highway south bound. The Multanova camera is already very difficult to detect and even more so facing away from oncoming traffic. Similarly a new concealed Ka band radar device has been spotted several times on Perth street in unmarked police cars! It finally seems obsolete K band is being replaced with the next generation of Ka band equipment. Other suppliers offering obsolete K band detectors will have you believe otherwise.

Are automated speeding fines just a tax on motorists?

You be the judge.  If the government spent nearly as much time, money and effort combating Tobacco and Alcohol they would save many more lives.