What is the SPECS radar system (UK)? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Ashok Arora · 19th January 2002, 03:17

I've heard about a police speed device called SPECS being introduced here in the UK. Does anyone know what it is and will a regular detector pick up the 'signal'.

ps. drove the car again today after a month and it feels great!

Ashok
2002 Carbonblack/Caramel

Spie · 19th January 2002, 11:07

Specs is not radar at all but a video detection system that reads your number plate and times you between two points. They look like this :-

The cameras face towards you.

Look for this logo on the support pole.

You can read all about the SPECS system here.

Radar detectors will not detect SPECS systems, you have to locate them with a GPS system such as the Geodesy or Origin Blue i. I have bought a Geodesy and will have an Origin Blue i system on Monday. I intend to compare the performance of both and will report back here.

Hope this helps you Ashok.

JohnH · 19th January 2002, 14:30

Spie,

Let me know what your conclusions are as I am waiting to decide which one to put in my new M5. The webmaster of the UK M3 site is also doing a comparison so will be interesting to see if you both come up with the same conclusions. Do you have the Geodesy Plus unit?

Loz · 19th January 2002, 14:49

Just to add to what Spie has already pointed out, the Cameras on the Motorways are often just up on an overhead gantree, the only notice being standard speed camera warnings. This is definitely the case on the section of the M6 Junctions 5-6. They must catch thousands a day

Some peps, not knowing think that because they know where the cameras are, they are easy to spot as they've now included a yellow square background to them, that they are safe if they go slow past them. NOT SO! On this section there are at least 4 cameras in each direction and your speed is averaged out through the section by using timings from all of them.
The posts with the upside down W were used on the M6 some time ago up a junction 19 for a temporary installation.
As Spie said the only way to detect them is with Geodysey or Origin Blue

Good luck and watch out for the dreaded SPECS.

Loz

Spie · 19th January 2002, 15:26

Yes JohnH I have the Geodesy Plus. It's actually the same unit as the standard but has enhanced software.

Ashok Arora · 19th January 2002, 16:42

Thanks for the info and weblinks (Spie). This is scary stuff - maybe I should have bought a 530d instead (just kidding!). Please post your experiences with the origin system - looks like we'll need radar detectors & gps units unless someone can incorporate these into one unit... now there's a good idea!

Ashok
2002 Carbonblack/Caramel (on the road again)

Bullit · 21st January 2002, 11:48

I know the guy who runs Origin Blue i. From what I understand the Origin product has the advantage of a digital display and has more features. At the end of the day, probably the accuracy of the speedtrap database will determine which product is best.

Regards

irfy · 21st January 2002, 12:55

I have the 'Origin blue i', it's a good feature
rich product however, it's not the most compact
device I have ever used. I find this a real issue
since the size is not conducive for stealth installation.

Regards, Irfy.

JohnH · 21st January 2002, 15:10

I agree that the Origin unit is bigger as it has to have a screen. Am I right in assuming that as these devices are GPS based and do not detect or monitor radar signals that they will still be legal when the new laws come out? As I said on a previous post we are doing a comparison test between the Geodesy and Originbluei on the BM3W website and have already put a group buy in place for the Originbluei so if anyone wants to take advantage then let me know.

Ashok Arora · 22nd January 2002, 01:41

Yes John, the systems are GPS based.

Ashok
2002 Carbonblack/Caramel