Five squares represent the signal strength on the display screen. The display screen will show you alerts according to your desired “detail mode.” In More Detail mode, the RAD 480i displays the detected band, signal strength, and frequency (pulse rate for lasers). Just change the brightness settings via the DIM button on the top of the unit, based on your preferences (Bright, Dim, and Dimmer). The OLED display screen is one of our favorite things about the RAD 480i, especially when driving at night. Unlike other radar detectors, the RAD 480i does not have a color display, opting instead for a black and white combo that is sofer on the eyes. Most likely, there is a patrol car waiting on the other side. Be mindful if this happens, especially if the intensity of the alert increases as you climb the hill or begin to cross the bridge. You may find the RAD 480i will issue a slow alert as you approach a hill or bridge. The tones will become faster for X, K, and Ka bands as you approach the source, whereas a laser alert will be more sudden and direct by contrast. The Cobra RAD 480i issues a specific alert tone for each type of radar band it detects. If you receive a VG-2 alert after switching it on, it will be of a similar intensity to that of a laser threat. We only received one VG-2 notification during our three-week drive, and we could never visibly see the source. However, the RAD 480i does not give off this signal, making it “invisible” to radar detector detectors (which likely explains why the default factory setting for VG-2 is off). The RAD 480i is also VG-2 capable, meaning it can identify the infamous “radar detector detector.” Typically, radar detectors themselves emit a low-level signal that VG-2 can sniff out. The LaserEye should have a clear view out of your rear window to ensure maximum coverage. Ensure the unit is as low as possible but not obstructing its view, either to the front or rear. It will perform best if you mount it in the center of your vehicle (approximately) on your front windshield.
Cobra’s proprietary LaserEye technology (located on the top left-hand side of the unit) means the RAD 480i can detect signals from both the front and rear.
The Cobra RAD 480i will alert you to X, K, and Ka radar bands and laser (LiDAR) guns. Unfortunately, the RAD 480i does not come with a carrying case, so I grabbed this one on Amazon (as an Amazon associate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases). I prefer the windshield mount as the hook-and-loop fastener makes it impossible to adjust the angle of the RAD 480i. The Cobra RAD 480i comes with a 12V power cord, suction cup windshield mount, a hook-and-loop fastener for dashboard mounting, and a quick reference guide. Shop Cobra Electronics Cobra RAD 480i In-Depth: What It Offers It’s definitely a step above any base model radar detector, but beyond the iRadar app, there may not be much else to chew on if you are a “bells and whistles” type of person.
It’s best to think of the RAD 480i as a “middle ground” unit. And with a retail price of $149.95, it’s easy to justify the cost of the Cobra RAD 480i.ĭepending on your preferences and what you want in a radar detector, the Cobra RAD 480i is either amazing or lackluster. If you consider the average cost of a speeding ticket in the United States (around $150, not counting the increased insurance premium), then yes, a radar detector makes sense. The most obvious reason is to avoid a speeding ticket. After covering the features and specs, I will suggest a few other units if you are thinking about purchasing the RAD 480i. In this article, I will run through the RAD 480i “spec sheet” and summarize our three-week drive as I go along. Although it offers a good array of features for the money, our overall opinion is mixed after three weeks of driving with the 480i through Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana.
#Cobra rad 480i radar and laser detector stores portable
The opinions below are my own based on my personal experience with the product.įront and rear laser detection, different sensitivity modes, and real-time alerts via the iRadar app: just a few of the features that make the Cobra RAD 480i portable radar and laser detector a near-steal at about $150. The RAD 480i in this review was supplied to Automoblog by Cobra Electronics. Affiliate Disclosure: Automoblog and its partners may earn a commission when you purchase the products featured in this review.
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