US GPS Camera Warning System Available

I had one of these useful gadgets in the UK for a few years before moving out to California. It's a GPS device that 'knows' where all the fixed redlight and speed cameras are located, and uses GPS to warn you when you're getting close to one, should you need to slow down..... Finally one has arrived with US camera locations built-in, and it's getting a good write-up so far. RADARBUSTERS Just thought our membership might be interested as we approach Christmas, and are looking for interesting 996 gadgets to stuff the stockings. Chris.

Now that's a cool idea.

Can the unit be updated via the internet with new sites?

Yes, according to web site. This sounds too good to be true!!!!!!GR

Yep - appears that you connect to your PC via USB, and download updates via the NavAlert website, so it stays current.

Well, as I said they have been around for a few years now in the UK, due to the crazy number of speed and red-light cameras that have been deployed. Only a matter of time before someone did the database for the sites here in the US - I expect it will be a popular addition to any car! The UK versions offered prizes to people for reporting new locations - very effective. Chris.

No they do not have those in the USA, they have another system which is illegal in Europe which is a radar detector which can spot speed cameras and let you know about them. The problem with the speed cameras in Europe is that they have the fixed sites which can be downloaded and the movable sites which you never know if they are there or not. I use my TomTom in Germany and it knows where about 80% of the cameras are but the other 20% is anybody�s guess unless I break the law and use the Valentine One and convert via the menu to EU Mode. If you are willing to break the law, risk confiscation of your detector and a fine then the Valentine One will blow away your GPS Speed Camera data base detector, in my humble observation. Note I do not encourage anybody breaking the law in Europe so use at your own risk, FYI you can buy the EU Mode Valentine One through Ebay and have it shipped, also I am not affiliated with any company that sells any type of Radar Detector, again use at own risk, hidden mode preferred.

rountreed You seem somewhat confused - we are talking about a new US GPS based system here. You need to go away and do your research - the V1, or any other radar detector, will NOT spot the majority of speed and red light cameras, which use burried sensors in the road to detect your vehicle, and not RADAR/LASER. For example, the old GATSO speed cameras use RADAR, and these are being phased out as digital models replace the old 'wet film' models. As well as actual speed/red light traps, other locations to be aware of include school zones, and other areas where you want to SLOW DOWN, but where there is no actual camera in situ. Your RADAR detector would have difficulty spotting a school zone I think - the GPS systems have these locations built-in. There are a huge number of European GPS devices that provide exactly the same service as this new NAVALERT device, and work on exactly the same principles. i.e. a database of cameras and other locations linked to a GPS receiver. Origin b2 RoadPilot MicroGo Snooper S2 neo Snooper Evolution Snooper Sapphire Snooper S6-R neo Plus Talex Lite Talex AA Navigator All-in-One TMC 2006 Garmin StreetPilot 2720 Navman iCN 530 Snooper Syrius TomTom GO 710 TomTom GO 910 Road Angel Compact New Road Angel 2 Road Angel Plus! Drive Smart It's just that until now these devices have been limited to the European market - however it would appear the NavAlert has finally brought the GPS+database technology to the US. I'd suggest that people who are interested in such a device would probably run a NavAlert for camera detection, and a RADAR/LASER detector for day to day speed trapping, therefore giving themselves better protection, should they feel they need it. Chris.

Anyone wanting a quick view of Speed & Red LIGHT camera positions in the US can use the following link provided by photoenforced.com GOOGLE CAMERA MAP - US Chris.

The device in the original post (others as well probably) shows your speed at all times, as well.......very cool.

Hey, it even allows the user to add their own fixed locations into the device! RADAR Roy's review says: Full 'Radar Roy' Review Now that's slick - I didn't have that on my UK model. Chris.

I can't understand why someone in their right mind would need to know where a red light camera is. Common sense would be to just stop at the red light and then the camera location would be a mute point.

Jim, I'd agree with you - but many of these red-light cameras are now being used as speed cameras as well. RED LIGHT is a bit of a misnomer. And of course there are many seperate cameras which are speed only that you need to worry about.

Speed cameras are not allowed in Florida thank goodness.

cdodkin, I fully understand the camera database as I stated I use my tomtom 910 in Germany and have used it in the UK, Netherlands ETC... The data base is ok but is not great as it misses many cameras. With the Valentine One in Euro mode I have picked up all the speed/ safety cameras in Germany, as far as the UK goes you may be correct since I only spend about 2-3 weeks a year around Cork. I will stick by my point that in (Germany) the Valentine One (EU Mode) is MUCH better than the data base in my tomtom 910 with its yearly safety camera subscription. UK again may be different. Cheers

Are there any speed cameras actually in use in the US? The map website just says red-light cameras, and since I never run red lights its not something I need until they start introducing speed cameras (lets hope not).

Yes - various states are now deploying speed cameras in the same way as the UK did 5-10 years ago. There is a high profile test in Phoenix AZ for example, with automatic speed cameras on the 101. Not sure that CA will allow speed cameras at this point, but as soon as you go out of state you need to be aware. Chris.