k40_GreenLine, Author at K40 Electronics

Dealer Spotlight: iNNovative Concepts

Nick Frazier, the owner of INNovative Concepts in Wilbraham, MA, recently installed a K40 Platinum360 front and rear radar detector and four Laser Defuser Optix on a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray. Besides being a fantastic retail partner for K40 Electronics, INNovative Concepts is an industry-renowned retailer, and Nick is an award-winning installer. About the Custom Installation of the K40 Platinum360 and Laser Defuser Optix This Corvette client was a referral from K40 Electronics. K40's 24/7 Consult line takes client calls, makes product recommendations, and then refers the client to a qualified dealer in their area. In this case, that was INNovative Concepts. When asked about the installation, Nick replied: "The installation took approximately two days, not including a couple of days waiting on some of the parts that were custom painted for the installation. Below the factory splitter in each side vent, we fabricated an acrylic pod to house one of the Optix laser defusers. Instead of having them visible, we decided to make it appear as if they were a part of that splitter area. The black finish isn't just high-gloss acrylic; it's a painted part with a metallic flake clear coat. So to ensure it looked more factory, we had it painted to match. The IR acrylic conceals the defusers' location." This solution for the Laser Defusers was actually the most challenging part of the installation." "The vehicle is a pretty straightforward install. We grabbed power from the auxiliary power port under the glovebox. This is an accessory power supply, although Chevy did something weird with it. When the door opens, it momentarily cuts power (for like 1-2 seconds) to that port, so the system may restart if the vehicle is running and the door is opened." The Delivery Nick sets up a time to deliver every vehicle, no matter how big or small the job. He goes over the features, what they mean, and how to change them to best suit the needs and wants of the client. They also reach out later to make sure they are not only enjoying the product(s) but also understand the operation. Nick said the client was ecstatic about how the K40 installation turned out. Completely hidden for the most part, with anything that had to be visible looking like it belonged on the vehicle – The client actually prefers the look of the vehicle with the Laser Defuser Optix pods INNovative Concepts made and installed over the stock bumper. The client just called them (2 weeks after the installation) to tell them that the system already saved him from [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2023-07-26T16:29:40-05:00May 26, 2022|Press|

K40 Radar FAQs

Last month, K40 posted Part 1 of a blog series answering some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) answered on its Consult line – 800-323-5608. The K40 Consult Line is a unique service available to all drivers with questions regarding police speed enforcement and protection options. K40's favorite thing is to talk to people about their cars and how K40 can help them avoid speeding tickets. Below is a continuation of frequently asked questions and their answers. What's the difference between a portable and a custom-installed radar detector? The K40 Platinum100 is a portable radar detector that mounts to your windshield and plugs into your vehicle's 12V outlet or is hardwired directly to a 12V power source. A portable radar detector has a visual screen and voice or tone alerts to tell the driver what radar band signal it receives and signal strength indicating proximity to the signal. These portable or dash mount radar detectors can be removed from the vehicle for use in another vehicle, such as a rental car. Portable radar detectors are "plug and play." They require no professional installation to use unless the driver wants the unit hardwired into the vehicle. The K40 Platinum360 and Platinum200 are hidden radar detectors that have components that are discreetly installed within a vehicle's interior and exterior. The components are not visible and maintain the factory or OEM look of the vehicle's interior. Drivers receive radar/laser alerts through one or two discreet LEDs mounted in the instrument cluster or dash area, and voice or tone alerts via a hidden hi-def speaker. These systems are designed to automatically turn on and off with the vehicle's ignition and are controlled via a handheld or custom-installed remote control. Remote radar detectors require expert installation by professional installation specialists. Can I transfer my custom-installed K40 system from my old car to my new car? Yes! K40 systems are an investment that should last many years. K40's partner installation specialists can remove the system from your old car and reinstall it in your new vehicle. K40 recommends that you consult with your installing dealer or K40 before reinstallation. K40 or your installing dealer can assess your system configuration to determine that the system will still adequately protect your new car. They will also make you aware of police speed enforcement technology or tactics changes that might require system setting changes or component additions. You can read more about when you might need to replace your radar detector here. Where will the LEDs be located in my car with a custom installed radar detector? Each [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2023-03-02T09:31:06-06:00May 2, 2022|Radar and Laser 101|

Radar Detectors Frequently Asked Questions

K 40 Answers Questions K40's Consult Line is a unique service available to all drivers with questions regarding police speed enforcement and protection options available. Our favorite thing is to talk to people about their cars, our products, and how we can help them avoid speeding tickets. Do Radar Detectors Work? The short answer is YES! Police radar guns emit a radio frequency that uses the doppler effect to bounce off a target and return to the officer's gun, giving them the vehicle's speed. Radar gun frequency waves emitted from the officer's gun travel a great distance and can be detected by a radar detector even before the driver can see the officer, giving the driver ample time to slow down and avoid a speeding ticket. Are Radar Detectors Legal? In the United States, the answer is mostly YES! Radar detectors are legal in 49 states and illegal for drivers only in Virginia, Washington D.C., and on military installations. Radar detectors are illegal in all commercial vehicles (vehicles over 18,000 lbs). Check for the provinces that allow radar detectors if you live in Canada. What's the difference between Police laser and Police radar? LASER: (Estimated to be 20% of all speeding tickets in North America) Police laser guns give no advance warning. Laser detectors provide little protection when used alone. If you are targeted by a police laser gun while speeding and do not have a laser jammer, you will receive a speeding ticket. A police laser gun is very short-range. Laser guns' average ranges vary from approximately 800-2000 feet. An officer cannot be moving/driving while using a laser gun. Police laser guns must have an unobstructed view of the target vehicle. A police laser gun can target and acquire speed on a specific vehicle in a pack of cars. Although Any police force can use laser guns, K40's data show that it is used primarily by State and County officers on Interstates and other highways. RADAR: (Estimated to be 80% of all speeding tickets in North America) Police radar guns use a radio frequency that spreads out over great distances. Radar detectors can pick up these frequencies from a great distance, giving advance warning. Police can be moving/driving while shooting radar. A police radar gun will reflect off the largest target in a pack of vehicles. Instant-On Radar is when an officer hides on the other side of a hill or curve and turns his gun on as a vehicle crests the hill or comes into view around the bend. The only advance warning a driver might receive [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2024-02-22T10:28:16-06:00March 23, 2022|Radar and Laser 101|

Are Radar And Laser Jammers Legal?

Although police can use either radar or laser guns to determine your speed, there are distinct differences in how they are used and the laws regarding how drivers may protect themselves from a speeding ticket. The FCC governs police radar guns (Federal Communications Commission). They use radio frequencies that can travel great distances, making it easy for radar detectors to pick up their signal and slow down in plenty of time to avoid a speeding ticket. The FCC strictly prohibits radar jamming. It is a federal offense with a fine of up to $10,000 for each conviction. Laser jammers fall under the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) jurisdiction, and there are NO federal laws prohibiting the use of laser jammers. However, some states have laws on the books that ban laser jammers. Where Are Laser Jammers Illegal? The following states have laws against using laser jammers. It is K40's experience that these laws are rarely enforced. California – Vehicle Code Section 28150 This law states that any person purchasing or using FOUR OR MORE devices to jam police laser is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine. K40 recommends using three Laser Defuser Optix transponders on a vehicle in California. Colorado – Vehicle Code Section 42-4-1415 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, punishable with a fine. Illinois – Vehicle Code Section 5-12-613 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Petty Offense, punishable with a $50 fine. Minnesota – Vehicle Code Section 169.14 Sub 12 (Page 6) All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Oklahoma – Vehicle Code Section 47-11-808 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. South Carolina – Vehicle Code Section 56-5-3870 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Being found guilty of violating this law is a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of up to $1000. Tennessee – Vehicle Code Section 39-16-610 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class B or C Misdemeanor. Texas - Vehicle Code Section 547.616 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class C Misdemeanor. Utah – Vehicle Code Section 41-6a-609 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Being found guilty of violating this law is a Class C Misdemeanor. Virginia – Vehicle Code 46.2-1079 All radar/laser jamming is illegal. Police officers can confiscate the devices. No demerit points will be issued for violating this law. Iowa – Vehicle [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2024-05-06T13:39:35-05:00February 10, 2022|Laser Jammer Laws - USA and Canada, Radar and Laser 101|

Dealer Spotlight: Think Cartronics

Jerry Ricci-Ott, the owner of Think Cartronics in Houston, TX, recently installed a K40 Platinum 360 front and rear radar system and K40 Laser Defuser Optix on a 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition. Electric vehicles are a large part of the automotive future, and K40's technology keeps pace with that technology to allow for the installation of its products in these high-tech vehicles. About Think Cartronics Jerry Ricci-Ott has always been a car enthusiast, starting with Hot Wheels at the age of two, building his first V8 engine on a custom run stand at the age of nine, to getting his Nascar license at nineteen. He has always gravitated towards working on luxury and exotic automobiles. Jerry's first jobs included custom sound systems in luxury coach buses for celebrities to high-end sound systems and radar detectors in cars for sports personalities as an apprentice in the late 80s. In 1994, he bought the company he was then working for, which eventually became Think Cartronics. While still focusing on the mainstays of the business, which were audio, video, and custom installed radar detectors, he expanded his product offerings as the wants and needs of his customers grew. Today, Jerry and Think Cartronics have been installing K40 radar detection systems for over thirty years, and this category now makes up 99% of their business. He was excited at the opportunity to do a complete radar and laser protection package on the 2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition. K40 Platinum 360 radar system and K40 Laser Defuser Optix Installation Lucid Motors is a new electric vehicle company specializing in luxury EVs as an option to Tesla's Model S. Named Motortrends 2022 Car of the Year, Lucid Motor's mission is "to inspire the adoption of sustainable energy by creating the most captivating electric vehicles, centered around the human experience. The company's first car, Lucid Air, is a state-of-the-art luxury sedan with a California-inspired design underpinned by race-proven technology." Any vehicle with "race-proven technology" needs the protection of a K40 radar and laser defense system. The limited-edition Lucid Air Dream owner is a repeat customer who first came to Think Cartronics after Jerry had installed a K40 system on his brother's car. This is the thirteenth car on which he has done radar installations between the two brothers' collections of vehicles. When asked how the installation went, Jerry said, "As crazy as it sounds, the radar receiver location was the most challenging part of the installation. After some disassembly and test fits, I found a location for the front radar receiver that will save hours [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2023-07-26T16:30:00-05:00January 26, 2022|Press|

When should a radar detector be replaced?

Just like any aftermarket vehicle product, your radar detector should be an investment that lasts. A radar detector's lifespan can vary. As radar and laser gun manufacturers develop and update their technology, police radar detector and laser jammer manufacturers must do the same. This technology tit-for-tat has been going on since the 1970s. If your radar detector looks like any of these, you are decades overdue for an upgrade. Radar detectors and frequencies since the 1990s Since 1993, the following frequencies/wavelengths have been approved for use by police officers for radar and laser speed enforcement: Band Frequency Notes X 10.525 GHz few states Ku 13.450 GHz not used K 24.125 GHz common K 24.150 GHz common Ka 33.4 - 36.0 GHz most common IR -- Infrared 904 nm wavelength Laser So if you have a radar detector from 1994 or later, it should be able to detect anything the police might be using for enforcement. But can you trust it? Although the frequencies used by police radar and laser guns haven't changed in over 25 years, many other technological advancements in everyday life are now using those same frequencies. This can cause false alerts for an older radar detector from items such as: Automatic door openers Security systems Traffic Sensor Filters Collision Avoidance Systems Blind Side Assist Lane Departure Warning Railroad Crossings Farm Equipment Construction Equipment / Signs Before 2015, there was no solution to this false alert problem, but now most manufacturers have engineered some form of K-Band Filter into their products. Therefore, if your radar detector is experiencing a lot of false alarms, you might want to consider an upgrade. Since 2015, there have been many other improvements to radar detectors, more extended detection range, more sensitivity, and additional programmability. Today's radar detectors are all about sophisticated technology and personal customization. K40 Radar Detector's Latest Updates In 2020, K40 Electronics introduced its most advanced product line, the Platinum Series as well as Laser Defuser Optix. Platinum Series Radar Detector Features: A NEW DESIGN FOR THE RADAR RECEIVER: New slimmer design and added LNA Technology boost sensitivity, giving up to 40% more performance. ENHANCED FILTRATION: AUTO FILTER: This allows for a seamless driving experience as the system is automatically less sensitive at low mph and offers more range and sensitivity at higher mph. KA FILTER: Enhanced filtering of non-police KA band frequencies – particularly useful in metropolitan/cities. K & KA BAND SELECTIVITY: Select the range of police radar frequencies the K40 system scans. Narrowing the bands allows for a faster response time and potentially fewer false alerts. [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2024-03-07T12:46:05-06:00December 2, 2021|Radar and Laser 101|

What’s The Best Radar Detector For You?

To narrow down what might be the best radar detector for you, consider the following: Where do you drive? What kind of vehicle do you drive? How many miles do you drive? Do you drive more locally or for longer distances? Do you intentionally speed or find yourself accidentally over the limit? Do you drive primarily on interstates and highways or more rural roads? What's your budget? Are you looking for something portable that you can move from vehicle to vehicle? Or would you prefer something that is installed? These are the questions a K40 Consultant asks a potential customer to determine the best radar detector solution for them and the proper customizable settings. There are many factors to consider when you are looking for the "best" radar detector. The best radar detector for one driver may not be the best for another. Whether you're an enthusiast or an everyday driver who doesn't want the hassle and expense that comes from getting a speeding ticket, you have choices. In looking for a radar detector, you should consider the following: Sensitivity: The more significant the sensitivity of the radar detector, the more signals it will report and from greater distances. K40 Sensitivity: Our Platinum Series radar detectors use LNA (Low Noise Amplifier) technology to boost signals which gives you optimum range. Selectivity: This is the filtering technology of a radar detector. It allows the radar detector to receive and reject radar signals that do not precisely match police radar frequencies. K40 Selectivity: K40 radar detectors minimize false alerts and allow you to customize which police radar band frequencies it is scanning for. K40 engineers balanced sensitivity and selectivity into K40 products, giving the driver time to slow down to avoid a speeding ticket while minimizing false alerts. Built into every K40 Electronics radar detector is KBF or K-Band Filter. KBF features advanced signal processing that automatically evaluates and ignores signals from vehicles on the road that are equipped with radar-based safety features. K40's built-in K-Band Filtering is automatically activated when the system is turned on. There's nothing to turn on or configure. More importantly, this filtering technology does not reduce detection range or performance. All K40 radar detectors have a FILTER button. With the FILTER button, you can select from the following settings to further customize your radar detectors selectivity: HIGHWAY – Maximum range and sensitivity on X, K, and Ka-band police radar signals. For highway travel or in any area in which you are unfamiliar with the types of radar used. CITY – Decreased range and sensitivity on X, [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2021-10-07T13:03:39-05:00September 30, 2021|Radar and Laser 101|

Dealer Spotlight: rolling tones

David Gold, owner of rolling tones in Concord, NC, recently installed a K40 Platinum360 front and rear radar detection system and Laser Defusers on a 2021 Ferrari 488 Pista Spyder. David Gold started his business in 1982. His passion for vehicles and electronics made this a perfect career path for him. "This business is a natural outgrowth of my love of automobiles and electronics. I never feel as if I am working." His mission statement is one word, "Perfection," and his business motto is "Not just high tech, but high touch." Although rolling tones has a state-of-the-art shop in Concord, NC, most of his mobile electronics business is a concierge service. He routinely travels to his customers' homes or offices to perform these intricate radar installations. Radar Detector Installation On A Ferrari This customer came to David as most do, through a referral from a previous client. David's reputation for working on high-end and exotic vehicles is well known in his area and throughout the 12V industry. This 10-hour installation started with a complete vehicle inspection with the customer, noting any vehicle damage and discussing component placement. Some other special touches that David gives all his customers include: Protective seat coverings to keep the interior clean while the install is taking place Wearing a Tyvek coverall so that nothing on his clothing or in his pockets can mar the interior Soldering and heat shrink wrapping all electrical connections Tesa tape surrounding all wiring bundles to look like they came from the factory A traceability label is placed on the door jam for any future technicians that may work on the vehicle so that they are aware that a K40 radar system is installed and who they can contact with questions Complete vacuuming of the vehicle and wiping down all surfaces so that the car is showroom clean Two bottles of custom labeled water in the cup holders "Although not as challenging as a Pagani," David said, “this Ferrari presented some unique installation difficulties.” Without carpeting or sound treatment, running cables throughout the vehicle and keeping them hidden took extra time and finesse. Radar receivers cannot receive a signal if mounted behind metal or carbon fiber, and this vehicle has carbon fiber bumper covers. A solution had to be engineered so that the carbon fiber did not block the front and rear radar receivers. By partially removing the underbody panel, David was able to find an ideal spot for both receivers. David's favorite part of any installation is bringing the customer out to the vehicle when the job is [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2023-07-26T16:30:23-05:00August 27, 2021|Press|

Speeding Ticket Facts

Having a radar detector and laser jammer is one way of avoiding a speeding ticket. Knowing the facts about speeding tickets can help too. Staggering Speeding Ticket Numbers FORTY-ONE MILLION drivers will receive a speeding ticket each year. ONE HUNDRED TWELVE THOUSAND speeding tickets are issued each day. Over SIX BILLION dollars in revenue to towns, cities, and states are generated annually by speeding tickets. Speeding ticket revenue per US police officer is THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND dollars every year. There are approximately ONE HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE MILLION drivers on the road. That means that over 20% of them will receive a ticket each year. That is ONE in FIVE drivers! Did You Know These Driving Fast Facts? Men receive speeding tickets 50% more than women. Morning commute and 1:00-3:00 pm are the most ticketed times of the day. The most common speeding ticket is for driving 12 mph over the speed limit. The average speeding ticket cost is $152.00. Insurance premiums after one speeding ticket will increase an average of 18%. The second speeding ticket will increase your premiums by 34%. Only 5% of drivers will contest their speeding tickets in court. Women are more likely than men to contest their speeding tickets. Common Speeding Ticket Excuses 52% of licensed drivers on the road admit to speeding 5-10 mph over the speed limit. The most common reasons they drove faster were to keep up with the flow of traffic, they were running late, they believe that the speed limit is too low, and they were distracted and not paying attention to their speed. Feeling like you are distracted while driving is the best reason to drive with a radar detector. When it alerts, it brings your eyes and attention back to the road and your speed. Which Vehicles Get More Speeding Tickets? Certainly, the vehicle you drive can also have an impact on your likelihood of receiving a speeding ticket. Overall, sports cars and sedans receive the most speeding tickets. However, if you own one of the below vehicles, your odds of receiving a speeding ticket are dramatically increased. According to Insurify, these are the top five cars with the most speeding tickets: 1. Alfa Romeo Giulia 2. Subaru WRX 3. Volkswagen GTI 4. Maserati GranTurismo 5. Dodge Ram 1500 What Are The Top Places To Get A Speeding Ticket? Where you drive can determine how likely you are to receive a speeding ticket and how much it will cost you. The top five states for speeding tickets issued 1. Ohio 2. Pennsylvania 3. New York 4. California 5. Texas [...]

By k40_GreenLine|2024-03-07T12:24:46-06:00July 21, 2021|Radar and Laser 101|

Summer Road Trip Essentials

Road Trip Essentials That Should Be On Your Radar For Your 2021 Summer Adventure According to a May 2021 study by TripIt, most Americans intend to travel for vacation by car this summer. Domestic Road Trips Spike Domestic tourism is at an all-time high. State and National parks are experiencing record spikes in the number of visitors this year as people suffering from quarantine fatigue load up the family car and road trip around the country. Your K40 radar detector should be first on your packing list to keep you ticket-free. We also recommend a few cellphone apps for a stress-free road trip. K40 Recommended Road Trip Cellphone Apps Waze FREE Available for iPhone or Android This app is our #1 recommendation because it helps drivers be alert to where traffic is backed up, where construction is, or where an accident has occurred. The app also allows you to plan your trip via Google Maps and re-routes you to avoid traffic jams and delays. Waze gives you crowdsourced information about speed traps giving you a heads-up for any instant-on police radar encounters. It also will alert you to: Fixed speed cameras Potential mobile cameras (reported by users). Tunnel cameras ANPR cameras Traffic light cameras Dangerous traffic areas Gas Buddy FREE Available for iPhone or Android Gas Buddy provides information on gas prices as well as other traveler recommendations, like the cleanliness of a gas station and hours of operation. Hoteltonight.com FREE Available for iPhone or Android Even if you've planned out all your stops, some nights, you might need a place to crash. HotelTonight.com is for those moments, with day-of deals on hotels near you any time of day or night. Find last-minute deals on available 3-star and above hotels at unbelievable prices. Jenna Irons of outsideonline.com gives an excellent account of her experiences with this app and a few others we've mentioned here. Other Recommended Road Trip Apps With Subscriptions Audible.com - Audiobooks can make the miles fly by. Listen to someone read your favorite author from the comfort of your driver's seat. Spotify.com - Pick a Genre of music or a specific artist. Take turns creating the perfect family playlist. Whatever your summer travel plans. Be safe, have fun, and remember that this is the year where you can truly drive without limits with our Ticket-Free Guarantee.

By k40_GreenLine|2023-07-26T16:31:42-05:00June 15, 2021|Press|

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