Laser and radar detectors are an important category at Westminster Speed & Sound. We’ve offered them since we started our electronics division in 1990. These systems fall into three main categories:
- Portable Systems
These self-contained units plug into a vehicle’s power port and mount using a suction cup on the windshield or one of our custom-fit BlendMount brackets. These laser and radar detectors can easily move from one vehicle to another. - Hybrid Systems
This type of system combines a hardwired portable detector in your vehicle, mounted using one of our BlendMount brackets, with a set of custom-installed front laser shifters to defend against LIDAR. - Custom-Installed Systems
These systems are designed to become an integrated part of your vehicle. While not portable, they can often be removed when you’re ready to sell your vehicle and reinstalled in your next one.
Types of Police Radar Speed Measurement Systems
Law enforcement agencies use two types of speed detection technology:
Traditional Radar
Radar has been in use since World War II. It was part of an experimental system that detected Japanese planes approaching Pearl Harbor. The signal was mistakenly dismissed as a flock of birds at the time. Police radar speed detection technology uses high-frequency radio waves to measure the speed of a moving vehicle by calculating the change in frequency of the reflected signal.
LIDAR (Laser-Based Radar)
This newer form of speed detection uses laser technology. The system looks like an old-fashioned film video camera and is aimed at a vehicle’s front license plate or headlights to allow an officer to isolate a single vehicle in a dense traffic environment. LIDAR is highly accurate and provides speed information quickly.
Exploring Radar Detector Options
Portable Systems
Portable detectors are available in a wide price range. The least expensive models aren’t worth your time—they frequently false-alert due to security systems in buildings or modern vehicle driver-assist radar, and they have limited range.
Higher-end models use advanced filtering to differentiate between police radar and non-threatening sources. They’re also much more sensitive, giving you more time to react.
Hybrid Radar and Laser System
Our hybrid system combines a portable radar detector that can be moved between vehicles with permanently installed front laser shifters. This setup gives you robust radar and laser protection at a lower installed cost than a complete custom solution.
Custom-Installed Laser and Radar Detectors
Custom-installed systems take laser and radar detection to the next level. These discreetly mounted solutions are often invisible from the outside. There’s no risk of smash-and-grab theft since everything is hidden.
These are the most sensitive systems available, including the industry’s best filtering technology. If your detector goes off, it’s likely a legitimate threat that you should react to immediately.
One key advantage of a custom-installed system is the inclusion of laser shifters. Instead of simply alerting you that your vehicle has been targeted with a laser, the system actively diffuses the signal, giving you precious seconds to slow down and avoid a ticket. With a portable detector, a laser alert typically means you’ve already been clocked. But with a custom-installed system, you can respond quickly and keep driving confidently.
We offer the following custom-installed LIDAR and radar detection solutions:
The 180 Package includes a hidden front radar receiver and front laser shifters.
The 360 Package adds rear radar and laser coverage for complete protection.
Professional Installation Makes the Difference
The installation is one of the most critical elements of any custom-installed detector system. Our professional technicians integrate the components in a way that looks factory-installed. Even where you can’t see our work, our attention to detail is unwavering. We ensure every wire is routed safely and securely. We even add service connectors so bumper covers can be removed without affecting the system.
At Westminster Speed & Sound, we specialize in installations for luxury vehicles such as Porsche, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Range Rover, Corvette, and more. We frequently fabricate 3D-printed mounts for interior displays and exterior laser shifters. We also use our laser CNC machine to create custom mounts for system controllers. All of this ensures your system is both effective and visually seamless.
Performance Verification
The final step of every custom installation is performance testing. We test each system on the road using police-grade radar and laser guns to ensure everything meets our standards. This is the only way to guarantee you’re getting maximum protection.
Baltimore’s Best Laser and Radar Detector Solutions
If you want a discreet radar detector system that offers maximum performance and reliability, call or Contact Us. We’ll help you choose the best solution for your vehicle and provide an award-winning installation that exceeds your expectations.