Radar detector Sho Me STR 520: specifications and reviews

In the market of automotive electronic assistants, there is a clear imbalance between the budget segment and premium devices. This is explained by the desire of manufacturers to surprise their fans with modern multifunctional equipment. The introduction of new options and capabilities significantly increases the status of the product, and with it the price tag. And if in this way it is possible to attract a new client, then the task of the developers is completed.

This scheme actually worked for a long time, but now the situation is changing. An ordinary user primarily focuses on quality and practical models, which do not necessarily require a wide range of fashion and technology solutions. STR, обзор которого представлен ниже. Specially for such a consumer, the Sho Me 520 STR radar detector was produced, the review of which is presented below.

General information about the model

The model embodied the concept of an inexpensive and well-balanced by the basic characteristics of an assistant, allowing to determine the majority of standard speed meters. The device has turned out to be compact and quite ergonomic, as many owners have noted. Of course, it loses noticeably even to representatives of the average price group for a number of operational parameters, but the developers focused on the main quality - the ability to catch the signals of police speed fixers. For the most part, they succeeded in this task, although a laser remained outside the detected devices. The Sho Me 520 STR radar detector can not detect this technique, as well as some Asian meters. But this is not always a problem, because on Russian roads, mainly use typical police equipment like the "shooter".

Main characteristics

If you initially discard innovative features, then the performance of the device looks quite attractive. Moreover, according to the basic qualities, even specialists suggest to refer to the middle segment the radar detector Sho Me 520 STR. The characteristics of the device are as follows:

• The spectrum of the K-band determination is from 24 050 to 24 250 MHz.
• The spectrum of the X-band ranges from 10,500 to -10,550 MHz.
• Overview of the laser sensor is 360 °.
• The system of protection against detection - VG-2.
• Dimensions - 106x68x32 mm.
• Weight - 131 g.
• The current consumption is 310 mA.
• The operating temperature range is -30 to +80 ° C.

As noted above, the model does not work with the definition of laser installations. But this, perhaps, is the only disconnect with the officially declared capabilities of the device. The fact is that the detector is equipped with a laser emitter operating in the spectrum of 800-1000 nm, but in practice the Sho Me STR 520 radar detector proves to be of little use for processing the newest speed-fixing systems.

Functional

To the incontestable advantages of the device in terms of introducing new features is the improved module for determining the "arrow". According to the calculations of specialists, the device is able to record the finding of such installations at a distance of more than 1 km. This is a good indicator even for some devices from the premium segment. It is also supposed to work efficiently with LISD-type systems, which also detects the Sho Me STR 520 radar detector at a great distance. "Arrow", perhaps, is the main target of this model.

According to the other criteria for assessing functionality, one can state the poverty of the device. Probably the most significant drawback in the functionality was the lack of a GPS system. Even if it does not guarantee the ability of budget-class radars to accurately determine the latest high-speed detector complexes, then with its help, the driver himself can more efficiently navigate the location of responsible sectors.

Device Features

If we compare the device with similar devices that are developed for high-quality processing of the main radar signals, we can also distinguish the ability to determine the strength of the emitted wave. For beginners this option may be superfluous, but experienced drivers also use this ability for effective orientation on the road. It is also noted that it is possible to disable individual frequency spectra, mute signals in automatic mode, voice notification and wide interface settings. Again, the Sho Me STR 520 radar detector and in these parameters is not an exception to the general segment, but in the budget class this toolkit is still exclusive. At least, if we evaluate the detector for the quality of the implementation of functions.

User's manual

Installation is made by means of a special clamp and Velcro. For convenient placement and operation, an anti-slip mat is provided on the dashboard. The instrument is controlled using an intuitive menu and physical buttons - all information about the operating parameters is displayed on the LED display. Power is supplied through a special slot via cable from the cigarette lighter.

Unlike most even budget models, this device does not have a remote control panel. But this flaw is not all motorists see as a drawback. Moreover, the creators of modern car assistants are increasingly focusing on the automatic functions that provide and the radar detector Sho Me 520 STR. The instruction, in particular, indicates the presence of automatic switching between the modes "city" / "route". The user only needs to set the number of reception levels and adjust the frequency ranges.

Positive feedback about the model

Among the key advantages that the owners of this model give, one can name confident work with the majority of standard traffic police cameras, with tripods and deployed fixation systems. Added to this is the design optimized for compact interior design, ergonomics, quality assembly and reliability.

As for new technologies, they, in some aspects of the application, also give a positive impression to those who constantly use the Sho Me 520 STR radar detector. Reviews of this kind do not even highlight the advantages of the same automation as the disposal of an unnecessary option. Usually overloaded with new functions, the devices attract a lot of inconvenient factors of exploitation. This device has been removed from this defect.

Negative feedback

The omnivorousness of the device in terms of working with most standard signal emitters often turns into a nuisance of a different kind. So, many car owners note that the detector in this performance readily responds to other anti-radars, parking signaling devices and even walkie-talkies. It is also noted here that it is possible to determine the operation of the device on the target police station by the number of squeaks, but this is hardly a comfort in the city's close flow. This behavior is explained by excessive sensitivity and poor-quality interference protection system, which is provided by the Sho Me 520 STR radar detector.

The reviews also point to the absence of a GPS module, which could exclude, among other things, permanent trips to unnecessary signals. In such situations, the driver could simply turn off certain ranges and compensate for their handling by the navigation system, but the concept of balanced filling of the budget device does not yet provide such solutions.

Conclusion

In a huge range of electronic assistants, even a professional can get confused, as regular updates require extensive testing to fully understand their real value. At the same time, there remains a list of basic qualities that make it possible to make a choice in favor of this or that model. In this sense, the Sho Me STR 520 radar detector is good because it has virtually no hidden nuances of operation. He will cope with the basic tasks well and not be upset by a premature failure, as it often happens with other state employees.

Of course, there are also negative aspects of the device operation, but they are also quite open to the consumer. In particular, you will have to sacrifice a lot of opportunities to work with the latest modifications of speed meters and high-quality protection against false positives.