At the first glance this Whistler cordless radar detector – selling for $120 retail – looks very similar to the company’s top-range models such as Whistler XTR-690SE or Whistler Pro 78SE. Along the same line as those other models, this unit appears to be well designed, taking into account even minor details. For instance, it does not have any of the brightness or windscreen mirror reflection that are commonly present on many other radar detectors.

Why are such small details important? Simply because light is easily reflected off bright colored surfaces, which can cast a mirror reflection of the device onto the windscreen, and you could end up facing it for as long as you are in the driver seat. As much as looking great displayed in the shop, a light-colored surface can create an unnecessary glare on the dashboard.

Out of the box the XTR-540 Whistler cordless radar detector operates on a set of three AA rechargeable batteries. A well-designed feature is the ability to shut off automatically after a configurable time delay. As an alternative, this cordless radar detector will also run with the provided DC power cable that also recharges the batteries as soon as it is hooked up. Compare this to the more expensive Escort Passport Solo S2 model (costing over 300 dollars) that employs two non-rechargeable AA alkaline batteries.

The XTR-540 Whistler cordless radar detector shows notifications via an LCD text screen, with a backlight that can be adjusted. As an example, it could be changed to show briefly during warnings and stay switched off otherwise to conserve battery power. Alternatively it is also configurable to dim in normal circumstances, and become fully bright throughout warnings.

You can also tailor the preferences according to your own liking. This cordless radar detector provides three different kinds of audible warnings. If you like to listen to megawatt stereos while driving, fear not, as this device also offers heightened visual notifications with a number of laser-bright warning LEDs which are impossible to miss, regardless of what lighting conditions you are in.

The menu offers an easy way to activate and deactivate laser detection and radio bands. If you are not in New Jersey or Ohio, which are the two states where X band radar is prevalent, turning X band off could result in a significantly more relaxing driving experience. As a side note numerous automatic door openers employ X band radar, which is a main reason for false warnings in urban areas.

I fiddled around with the various menu options and was satisfied with a combination of X-band being turned off and filter two in effect. This achieves a reasonable level of quietness together with fairly negligible occurrences of false warnings, especially while in urban areas.

All in all, the XTR-540 Whistler cordless radar detector offers great radar detection for a cordless model. The other advantage is one single charge of its batteries can be sufficient for several days of driving. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the best cordless radar detector at this price, and it is well worth a close examination by those shopping for the convenience of a battery-powered, cordless radar laser detector.

This model boasts a wide range of features and functions:

* Provides comprehensive protection by sensing both radar and laser bands from all directions
* High-resolution LCD display offers detailed signal strength and band identification on a maximum of 8 incoming signals
* Invisible to VG2 radar “detector detectors” in use by some police departments
* 10 user-friendly programmable features
* AutoSensitivity mode virtually eliminates false alarms
* High-efficiency power management circuitry maximizes battery life, providing up to several months of use on just 2 batteries
* Built-in earphone jack
* Automatically turns off when not in use, then prompts you to turn it on when you next start the car
* Powered by 2 AA batteries (included)
* Read more features and specifications

The standard package comes with a protective case and suction cup windshield mount.

Here are detailed features and specifications for this Fontgate cordless radar laser detector.

Operating Bands:

* X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
* K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100MHz
* Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz
* Laser 904nm, 33 MHz bandwidth

Programmable Features:

* Power-On indication
* Auto Power function (on/off)
* Power-On sequence
* Signal strength meter
* Auto Mute function (on/off)
* Audio tones
* City Mode
* Brightness control
* Dark Mode
* Bands (on/off)

Radar Receiver/Detector Type:

* Superheterodyne, GaAs FET VCO
* Scanning frequency discriminator
* Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
* 4-bit analog-to-digital converter

Laser Detection:

* Quantum limited video receiver
* Multiple laser sensor diodes

Display Type:

* High-resolution graphic LCD
* Back-lit for use after dark

Power Requirement:

* Two AA batteries or Escort SmartCard (not included)

Operating Bands:

* X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz

Sensitivity Control:

* Highway, Auto, and City settings

Price Tag

No competitor comes close to the Escort Solo S2. This really is presently the only battery-operated radar laser detector that costs in excess of $200. In fact, it is really just close to $300. Nevertheless, you get what you pay for, as there is a significant improvement in overall performance compared to cheaper, less than $200 dollar units. Escort is well known for its strict policy in using quality components in its radar detectors. If money is no object, you probably could go for a corded model such as the Escort Passport 8500 that will offer better overall performance at a price of around 300 dollars. Considering the Escort Solo S2 is really a cordless radar laser detector, it does its job very well. In terms of power consumption, the Escort Solo S2, like many other competing products, runs on two AA alkaline batteries. It however is bigger in size, and comes equipped with a great LCD display. Should you totally require a cordless radar detector, the Escort Solo S2 is certainly worth buying.

Performance

When compared to the old Escort Solo, the Escort Solo S2 is purportedly considerably improved. This radar detector, similar to numerous others, detects various bands including laser, X, Ka, K with ease. I was really having thoughts about its detection capability for the X band, and took it on a road that has a very strong X-Band transmitter. As I soon found out, the Escort Solo S2 performed very nicely on X-Band, providing a fairly great forewarning time. Similarly the Escort Solo S2 provided ample forewarning to decelerate when it came to K-Band too. It does give much more warning time as opposed to some less expensive cordless radar laser detectors, such as PNI or Beltronics, however not significantly more. Nevertheless, it is a far cry in the previous Solo. But for that cost you fork out, you are able to get considerably much better protection from the corded detector.

When it came to Ka-Band on the straight, the Escort Solo S2 really had no trouble spotting  the signals. It did a great job in giving several seconds of time to decelerate prior to the policeman was in visual sight. This really is much better than the Ka-Band overall performance you’d anticipate from the less expensive cordless units. This really is also surprising thinking about a cordless detector requirements to shut itself on and off about 85% of the time to save energy. It is a far cry from the corded detector for example an Escort Passport 8500, Bel Vector 985, or Valentine 1, but among the cordless radar laser detector units, it is a really great performer.

User-friendliness and Features

Two AA alkaline batteries provide the power to run this Escort Solo S2 unit. Alternatively it may also be operated with a 12V SmartCord which also permits you to mute the unit from the cigarette lighter. Should you not want to reach all the way up to the device to mute it at all, you can rely on this feature. Additionally the Escort Solo S2 has memory retention so that your settings which you select in the driver-selectable settings will be memorized regardless of whether you change the batteries. This unit is compatible with Shift Link so it can be connected to the Escort ZR3 so you are able to get outstanding laser jamming abilities. The Escort Solo S2 also spots Safety Warning System messages so that you are able to see if there are any hazards in front of you on the road. In comparison to any other cordless display, the Escort Solo S2 provides by far the nicest display. It is a backlit LED that gives you a clear view from the radar threat in addition to a signal strength bar. A lot better than the icon display you would find otherwise. You will also find that apart from the mute button on top of this cordless radar detector, all the other options are on the front panel. Here you can see the the volume buttons, the power button, and the program button. It is slightly more sophisticated than the older Escort Solo or other cordless radar detectors, but it is not difficult to know it.

Conclusion

The Escort Solo S2 is a rather highly-priced cordless radar laser detector. It however does provide a lot more than other competing cordless radar laser detectors. It also features overall much better sensitivity. Nevertheless, some might see that paying close to $300 may be way too much for a cordless radar detector. You may be able to enjoy adequate protection with other cordless detectors. But on the whole, the Escort Solo S2 is deserving of most of the acclaims that it attracts because it makes a very efficient use of the AA battery power supply in any circumstance. The price tag is well justified though, and you can always get a discount for it from the big online sellers such as Amazon.com.

If you’re annoyed with messy power cords running on your car’s dashboard, then a cordless design can come in handy. Nevertheless a cordless radar laser detector has its fair share of criticism as well. Most notably, being cordless can mean slightly sacrificed overall performance and accuracy. The ball is inside your court, and this review will assist you to make a choice on whether a corded or cordless design is right for you, and whether this specific design of cordless radar laser detector will serve your requirements.

Why Not A Cordless?

Having a cord lying around the car seems to be visually unpleasant for many people. These are the people who claim it makes the car appear poor, and they go out to buy a cordless radar laser detector. Probably the cheapest are the designs from PNI, which I have not yet had the opportunity to experiment with. They sell for less than 150 dollars. There is additionally the Bel Express 946Li which sells for about $200 in shops but could be bought for close to $140 online. Needless to say when you are moving from a 12V cord to dual 3V batteries, you’re in for an overall performance reduction. It is a known fact that a radar laser detector is never the most energy-efficient electronic equipment. So that you can have a somewhat decent battery life, the detector typically turns itself on and off. This may decrease K and Ka band overall performance.

What Is It Like?

The Bel Exprfess 946Li is really a cute small unit that does look like other Bel units to a certain degree. It has 1 of those much more annoying LED displays. I truly like the digital displays on the Vector designs much more than this. Nevertheless, the Bel Express 946Li does provide distinct audio alerts for various bands. This radar laser detector does possess driver configurable functions which permit you to switch off the bands or to turn on the SWS-warning system. Additionally it also has brightness settings which permit you to make the LED either really bright or dark. Another good feature is that the device shows the battery remaining time, which is very helpful. In general, it is a nicely packed and simple to use unit.

Cost

The Bel Express 946Li could be bought for close to as small as $140 on the internet. If you are really serious about purchasing a cordless detector, the Bel Express 946Li is undoubtedly a steal. Nevertheless, in case you just want the down-right greatest protection, then it may make more sense to get a corded unit that will certainly deliver the greatest overall performance feasible. Try other Bel Express radar detector models if you are in the sub-$200 category, they certainly are superb performers.

Overall performance

We tried this radar laser detector out in K-band and Ka-band territory. The outcome on a straight road is that we spotted a police cruiser that was pulled over within the median that had K-band facing our direction. If you are searching for a cordless that may provide you with sufficient time to slow down, then the Bel Express 946Li is really a good option.

The Verdict

The Bel Express 946Li is certainly a much better cordless radar detector. It surpasses the preceeding Solo model in many ways, and comes fairly close towards the S2 in overall performance. With a price tag of less than 140 dollars, you really cannot go wrong with this cordless radar detector. Nevertheless, if radar detection sensitivity is your utmost concern then I would suggest you fork out another 70 dollars to get the Bel Vector 985 which has clearly superior overall performance. Also, within the mid-$100 price range, you should be able to get yourself a good Bel Express which will provide you with excellent overall performance. In general though, the Bel Express 946Li proves itself a very worthy radar laser detector to own.