Radar Detectors using Bluetooth/Smartphone App

[bobframe]

I just became aware of the new capabilities that several radar detectors have of using Bluetooth to communicate with smartphone apps.

So, as I understand it, the detector outputs information via BT to (in my case) either an iPod or iPhone which displays or plays (in the case of audio alerts) the information. If you were already using the iPod to play music, the alert overrides the music and plays the alert.

First of all, do I have the technology right?

Second, is anyone using this stuff to do what I have described?

Edit: Just talked to the folks at Escort and I was told that their "Escort Live" will only work with an iPhone. No iPod support (which seems odd to me since both devices run the same OS....I thought).

 

[Tom Mac 04a]

The problem I see with this ; radar to iphone, is how do you hear it?

If you have a Iphone linked to say a Sena headset for music and phone, there are no more BT links left to the phone for the radar ( I believe the ifone has 2 bt links, HST and A2DP )
If you link the radar to the ifone, depending on which link it uses ( prob hst as its mono ) theres only one link left for the Sena.

This would have to have more info before jumping on the bwagon... Will check it out.

Tom

Edit;
see vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snZC7fngACc

Looks like it would be fine in a car cause your using the ifone as a gps/touch screen. The tech person didn't know which BT format was used (HST or not ), Also noted that after the first yr there is a subscription cost ( first yr free ) and your using phone data time for info thru the app.
Maybe good for those that don't use a headset and have the fone in like the tank bag/mount.

 

[Tom Mac 04a]

As a side thought... Most of the higher end GPS's allow custom dbases for Red Light cams and such ( for $ you can get a subscription http://www.gps-data-team.com/us/ )

Or a GPS Angel ( http://www.gpsangel.com/?page_id=2&sid= ) whch is sort of a stand alone cam detect using gps locations from a dbase you update for free.

Not a LIVE like above, but workable in the systems many are using.

 

[MountainDew]

Just one more reason to hold on to my J&M cb, as everything is hard wired and the Escort is the priority alert.

 

[wjbertrand]

I think the main purpose of the bluetooth link to a phone and the reason a phone is required vs. an iPod is that the radar detection data is shared over the air with other users having the same or similar set up. Kind of a networked lookout for radar traps. Not sure how valuable that will be until significant numbers of drivers have adopted it.

 

[bobframe]

Not sure how valuable that will be

not much value to me...unless the (people) network becomes huge.

If you have a Iphone linked to say a Sena headset for music and phone,

But I don't. I would actually prefer to do this with my iPod, since I think it's battery life is superior to the iPhone.

The iPod is just being used to play music through my ear phones. No mas. I am simply wanting a wireless (BT??) device to deliver a tiny bit of information ("see radar ahead, boss") to a waiting app on my iPod. At which point it plays an audio alert that supersedes everything else it is doing. Then it goes back to sleep.

 

[Tom Mac 04a]

I am simply wanting a wireless (BT??) device to deliver a tiny bit of information ("see radar ahead, boss") to a waiting app on my iPod.

Understand... but I believe the iphone is required for the app AND the data link to the internet for their 'LIVE' service.
The main reason I can see the ipod touch NOT working is it has no gps built in and it is WIFI based / doesn't have a true cell type data link.

No one to my knowledge has what yr looking for... you might do a check with the major radar companies

As per apple and maps;
4.For iPod touch with Maps, the Maps application provides your approximate location using information based on your proximity to known Wi-Fi networks (when on and available). The more accurate the available information, the smaller the circle identifying your position on the map. The feature is not available in all areas. Known Wi-Fi networks are predominantly in urban areas.

 

[bobframe]

No one to my knowledge has what yr looking for

The story of my life.

The main reason I can see the ipod touch NOT working is it has no gps built in and it is WIFI based / doesn't have a true cell type data link.

Probably right... Thanks for trying....I appreciate it.

 

[wjbertrand]

You can get the functionality you are looking for using a comm system such as a StarCom or Autocom unit. Dunno about the AutoCom, but you can get a bluetooth dongle to link the StarCom unit to your helmet bluetooth headset.

 

[bobframe]

helmet bluetooth headset

Didn't realize that I'd have to have one of these. I think what I want isn't possible...at least not today. I give up.

on the Escort 850 You can install a small LED light at eye leve

This might help with seeing the alert. Any idea where I'd find this "small LED"??

 

[Gene]

Love mine works great in the car on the bike it is direct powered without the smart cord if is just another gps equipped detector hard wired to the comm system

 

[wjbertrand]

Didn't realize that I'd have to have one of these. I think what I want isn't possible...at least not today. I give up.



This might help with seeing the alert. Any idea where I'd find this "small LED"??

I assumed you were already using a BT head set? If not, the comm systems usually include a wired headset.