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"The UK SpeedTrap Guide"
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NOVUS Rider
Camera Warning System
The NOVUS Rider is a really touchy feely unit. The finish is a satin rubber and feels so smooth you just don't want to put it down, maybe I have a rubber fetish!
Anyway the finish and build quality of the NOVUS Rider is in a class of its own and out of all the NOVUS products this is the most versatile product in their range so far. It can be powered by a 4-8 hour internal rechargeable battery or powered by the vehicle with the supplied lead.
In the box you get the NOVUS Rider, with all of its data pre-installed, so it's ready to use, 2.5m power lead, spare fuse, cable ties and wire clamps for fitting (cable ties and wire clamps only need to be used if you wish), magnetic mount, USB update cable and an instruction guide.
The NOVUS Rider uses a high sensitivity Sirf Star III GPS Engine to give you maximum signal. The sensitivity was good enough to get a signal in our office.
If powered by the internal rechargeable battery the NOVUS Rider will last from 4 to 8 hours depending on your setting. In energy saving mode expect 7-8 hours and in normal mode 4-5 hours. The NOVUS Rider can be charged by the in vehicle power cable or USB cable. It takes just over1 hour to charge from the power cable or just over 2 hours on the USB cable.
It can also be powered directly from the vehicle using the in vehicle power cable and will charge at the same time. In battery mode the display will only activate when an alert is given thus saving power.
This is one of the best units I have seen for use on a motorbike, its so small you can slip it in your pocket and use an ear bud to hear the sound or connect it to you comm's unit. There is also an external LED and Wireless Bluetooth option for this unit. There are pre-cut slots on the base of the NOVUS Rider, these are for the optional handle bar mount system.
On the unit there are the following.. Power socket 9 -24v, Mode selection switch (for Camera mode or Normal mode and Download mode), Volume control, Menu button, LED display and 2 side multi-function LED Warning lights, Earphone socket, Data port and Accessory socket for either Bluetooth or extension LED warning lights..
The LED display is clear and easy to see day or night. The Side mounted multi-function LED warning lights light up well enough to see in daylight. Voice alerts are clear and have little distortion at full volume. Speaker is on the top and there is more than enough volume for a noisy environment. I have not tested it on a bike but I suspect you may hear it at a steady speed without an ear bud.
In use its simple, in the Normal mode you will get all the warnings, cameras and safety warnings along with a voice announcement for the time on the hour and fatigue warning after 2 hours driving, suggesting you take a rest.
In the Camera mode you wont get any reduce speed warnings in possible mobile camera sites.
The warnings start with a voice announcement indicating the type of site you are approaching, then the speed limit for that site and then the distance to the site. In most cases the warning will happen at least 500 yards away. The speed limit will flash up on the right of the display and the count down distance left on the left of the display. You also get a chime when you get closer to the site. If you are still over the speed limit the Rider will make another voice announcement asking you to reduce speed. Once the site is passed you get an all clear chime.
You can add and delete sites as you wish.
Sites covered.
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The Menu button has several features. When stationary it will give you, Date, Trip distance, Average speed, Maximum speed, current number of satellites and time. They will stay for 10 seconds before reverting back to the main screen.
When moving the menu button will store the current position or delete the current warning/user position..
If the menu button is held for 4 seconds then the LED will go blue and you will get the following information, heading and speed, bearing and height above sea level.
Updating the unit is simple using the provided USB cable. First time users need to download the update installer then once that has been installed on your PC, return to their website and download the updates. They offer free lifetime updates.
This unit also has a three year warranty. (On the box it says two years but on the unit it says 3 years. I checked with NOVUS and they confirmed three years.. now that shows real confidence in their product).
Can we recommend it, YES, we can.
For £89.99 the NOVUS Rider has a feel of quality.
Using the Novus Rider is a pleasure to use, it is well finished
and is a great no fuss GPS warning system.
This is an ideal unit for a no-wire install
or for using on a Motorbike.
It will even appeal to those who like the feel of smooth rubber!
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