Snooper 6

Supatramp · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 11:10 pm Post subject: Snooper 6

Hello there,

Is there any sign yet of the review of the Snooper 6??
I was just wondering, as besides simply having to decide which unit to buy, it seems I have further confusion as at least one of my cars has a "coated" windscreen, which I believe is a problem for the GPS aeriel.
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David

Darren · Posted: Wed Dec 03, 2003 11:33 pm Post subject:

We've been promised review samples of the S6 and S4 early December so should be soon, once we have them I'll post an initial impression and can answer questions but don't expect to see a completed review until the New Year Thumbs Up

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Darren Griffin

Supatramp · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2003 7:36 pm Post subject: Snooper 6

Darren,

Thanks for the info; it's just that I've discovered that there are problems with "coated" windscreens, which one of our cars has. I've been told that although the laser/radar detectors aren't affected, the GPS aeriel is and it has to be fitted on the rear parcel shelf, which means that I have to buy a unit with a separate rather than built in aeriel. However, I then have an additional problem as the car concerned is an estate without a saloon type rear parcel shelf!!
Could you suggest a solution??
Thanks in anticipation.
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David

Darren · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2003 7:40 pm Post subject:

If that is the case and the coating affects GPS reception (some do not) then you would need a device that permits use of an external antenna.

Even in this case you can normally position the external aerial in the bottom right or left hand corner of the dashboard where the coating is not present. Experimentation will reveal the ideal position but there is almost always a location around the edge of the windscreen or behind the rear view mirror where the coating is not present.

Some external antennas can also be positioned outside and have a magnetic base, the originb2 antenna has sufficient cable to permit this.
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Darren Griffin

Darren · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 1:09 pm Post subject:

Just received confirmation from Snooper that an S4 is en-route for review. Sadly they are out of stock of the S6-R and don't expect to have a unit available until January Sad

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Darren Griffin

Supatramp · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 3:14 pm Post subject: Snooper

Hello Darren,

Thanks for your replies.
Unfortunately, it was actually the Snooper 6 I was interested in as I think it has a better spec, but I'll check somewhere that has a review/details.
Am I right in thinking that b2 and Snooper 6 have separate aeriels, whereas the Road Angel has it built in?
However, your suggestion that some do work with coated screens and some don't, may mean that I have to check with the manufacturers/ distributors concerned.
The more I research this matter, the more queries I seem to have!!!
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David

Darren · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 4:22 pm Post subject:

You appear to have misunderstood my explanation re. coated windscreens. It's not that some devices can work behind a windscreen that has such a coating, if it blocks GPS signals then it will prevent any GPS device from working.

What I was trying to explain was that not all coatings are alike, some block signals completely, some degrade them significantly and others have no effect. Most coated windscreens if not all have an uncoated area wich can be at the lower corners of the glass or behind the rear view mirrors.

So should you choose a b2 or S6 (and yes, both have external antennas) then you should be able to mount the antenna in a position that will work regardless of having any anti-glare coatings on the windscreen.
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Darren Griffin

Supatramp · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 9:53 pm Post subject: Coated windscreens

Thanks again Darren for your clarification.
I have to say that I'm now leaning towards the Snooper S6R Neo. In comparison tables, it seems to have all the main things that the b2 has. The fact that the b2 could be fitted with the cables well hidden was a definite attraction for me, but although I haven't seen it spelled out in plain English, I get the impression that the S6R is similar. I think I read somewhere that you'd seen a demo of the Snooper, so can you confirm that it's cables can be hidden??
Thanks again in anticipation.
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David

Darren · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:04 pm Post subject:

They are very similar, for me the b2 display unit was smaller and had better presented information. Another minor issue is that database updates for the S-6 are performed by plugging directly into a standard phone line whereas the b2 plugs into a PC via a serial cable and downloads over the web.

I doubt you'll be dissappointed with either unit, if it helps you decide the S6 user manual is here and the b2 user manual is here. Happy

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Darren Griffin

Supatramp · Posted: Sat Dec 06, 2003 3:55 pm Post subject: Snooper/b2

Darren,

Thanks again for your info, in particular the user manuals.
I've read both and I think it'll be the Snooper S6R Neo, as it already has the radar detector included.
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David

Supatramp · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 1:14 pm Post subject: HELP!!!!!!!!!

Having more or less decided on the Snooper S6R Neo, I went onto another forum site yesterday and found someone asking about the Snooper S6R Neo.
There was one reply from somebody who had bought one, but had found it unreliable and inaccurate, and had had it taken out by the people who had supplied/fitted it and replaced it with a b2.
I don't have a problem with the b2, except that it currently doesn't have a radar detector, and although one is due early next year, it costs another £100 plus I regularly find that estimated forward dating seldom goes to plan.
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David

Skippy · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 10:30 pm Post subject: Re: Snooper 6

Skippy · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 10:34 pm Post subject:

Errr, I don't want that last post to sound disparaging of the reviews on this web site! Embarassed

It's just that RADAR detectors can be a bit of a mine field of dodgy units and wildly inflated claims from the manufacturers. Tread carefully.

Keep up the good work guys! Thumbs Up

Darren · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 10:34 pm Post subject: Re: Snooper 6

Supatramp · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 11:12 pm Post subject: Snooper 6

Thanks Darren and Skippy for your replies.
I have to say that I'm getting more confused by the day!!!
Yes, I'd be happy to go for the b2 if only it had the radar detector available now.
Skippy, how do you find the Bell; I think the 990 has been superseded by the 500 or 550. I had discounted those units on the basis of comments made by a certain Scottish internet supplier, but I now believe that the same company has now given me several bits of false/wrong information so I've decide to put my business elsewhere, when I eventually decide what to go for.
Skippy, as you obviously have a bit of experience in this area, can you tell me of other sites where I'll get unbiased info, similar to pocket gps world.
Thanks in anticipation/
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David

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