What’s Nice
Up to date Platform
Large Vary
Auto Mute Reminiscence
Not So Nice
Some Bland Show Colours
No Directional Alert Arrows
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Because the successor to the trusty R3, the Uniden R4 gives higher false alert filtering, Gatso detection, and two Low Noise Amplifiers (LNA) to extend the general vary. Mainly, the Uniden R4 takes the whole lot good concerning the R3 and turns it up a notch, however there’s a worth bounce to contemplate.
As of this writing, the R3 retails for $299 on Amazon, whereas the Uniden R4 goes for $350. Is it value spending the additional cash to have the up to date R4? On this evaluate, I hope to assist reply that.
How I Use My Uniden R4
The Uniden R4 sits alongside models from Escort, Cobra, Radenso, and K40 in my assortment of radar detectors. Whereas my Escorts are good with all of the Bluetooth options, typically I don’t want all that “stuff” after I drive. My purpose was to discover a “seize and go” radar detector for fast journeys round Detroit with affordable vary and good false alert filtering.
At first, I sought out two cheap Cobra models however was solely glad with one and developed a love/hate relationship with the opposite (in hindsight, I used to be in all probability too lenient in my unique evaluate of the 480i). That led me to buy a Uniden R3, which, though costlier than the Cobra models, was much more dependable and fulfilling to drive with. I’ve since ordered an R4 to interchange the R3 as my “seize and go” radar detector.
Uniden R4 In-Depth: What It Presents
The R4 comes with a 12V DC energy wire with an RJ11 connector, hook and loop tape for dashboard mounting, and an proprietor’s handbook. Included are two completely different windshield mounting brackets. There’s a bigger single suction cup bracket and a bracket with two smaller suction cups. Uniden features a carrying case too.
New Platform
The Uniden R4 is constructed on an all-new platform, giving it a bonus over the R3 by way of detection vary and out there options. For instance, the R4 has an Auto Mute Reminiscence characteristic that routinely locks out false alert areas, which is tremendous handy. The R4’s new platform additionally homes the twin LNAs to detect radar sources farther away than the R3 can. Likewise, the R4 can detect Gatso radar utilized by the most recent pace cameras.
These are all key variations between the Uniden R4 and R3 and will assist you to justify the worth bounce.
Concerning the R4’s new platform, comparability is a automobile platform, or fairly, the structure and chassis. Each automobile has a “platform” on which it’s manufactured. Think about the distinction between a automobile constructed at present and a decade in the past. The brand new automobile might be safer, extra fuel-efficient, journey and deal with higher, and have extra tech options. The up to date structure, or platform, permits such issues to return to fruition.
The identical analogy could be utilized to the Uniden R4 and R3, just a bit smaller.
Radar & Laser Safety
The Uniden R4 will provide you with a warning to X, Ok, and Ka radar bands and laser (LiDAR) weapons. I’ve X bands turned off, however the Downriver communities south of Detroit use instant-on Ok band, so I’m hesitant to have my R4 ignore Ok band outright. Whereas you could have the occasional Ok band false with the R4, the brand new Auto Mute Reminiscence characteristic is fast to save lots of them.
You’ll be able to experiment with the Ok and Ka filters within the settings menu, together with a segmentation filter. Since Ka is commonest right here in Michigan, I’ve my R4 set to slim Ka segmentation. In slim segmentation, the R4 scans just for U.S-spec weapons versus your complete Ka frequency vary (or vast segmentation). Because the R4 just isn’t watching the total Ka frequency vary, it has a faster response time, which is useful in an space the place instant-on Ka band radar is current.
The R4 may also detect POP transmissions, MRCD, MRCT, RT3, and RT4 (RT3 and RT4 being the separate frequency ranges of the aforementioned Gatso radar). This implies the Uniden R4 will provide you with a warning to all kinds of radar sources, from patrol automobiles and pace traps to visitors cameras and different photograph enforcement gadgets.
When warning you of an upcoming crimson mild or pace digicam, the R4 will present visitors mild or digicam icons and the corresponding distance (in ft) to the alert.
OLED Show & All Risk
The R4’s OLED show will present the frequency when a specific radar band is detected. The corresponding sign power indicator strikes from blue to white, then to yellow and orange, and at last to crimson, relying on how shut you’re to the risk. Audible alerts are additionally issued, with the tones changing into extra fast the nearer you’re to the radar supply. You can even set the R4 to announce the frequency of any radar bands you encounter.
The R4 will concurrently detect as much as 4 radar bands and present every of them visually by the All Risk characteristic within the settings menu. The strongest sign is designated because the precedence, displaying entrance and middle on the OLED show. Some other alerts seem on the left aspect of the display screen and resemble just a little digital chart. Beneath this digital chart is the kind of radar band, adopted by sign power bars that ascend vertically the nearer you get to the supply.
The default setting for the All Risk characteristic is off, however turning it on will provide you with extra situational consciousness. Because the R4 doesn’t have directional alert arrows, having the All Risk on will provide you with an thought of the whole lot happening within the quick space.
For me, the All Risk characteristic is useful north of Detroit in Oakland County. Novi Highway runs between Northville and Walled Lake, taking you straight by Novi within the course of. You go a number of purchasing plazas, together with Twelve Oaks Mall, completely different residence complexes, and even cross over I96. It’s a closely patrolled space, and the probabilities are excessive you’ll encounter multiple police automotive with its Ka radar on (often fixed on and possibly a Stryker gun, primarily based on the Ka frequencies my Uniden R4 shows).
Sensitivity Modes
Just like the R3, the Uniden R4 has a Metropolis and Freeway mode. In Metropolis mode, X and Ok band sensitivity is lowered to stop false alerts, whereas Ka bands keep at full sensitivity. In Freeway mode, all bands go to full sensitivity to provide the most response time on the open highway. You’ll be able to additional optimize the R4’s sensitivity ranges by the Superior Mode.
The Uniden R4 has an Auto sensitivity mode, which the R3 doesn’t. Auto sensitivity is speed-dependent, switching forwards and backwards between Metropolis and Freeway modes at a pre-set pace. Within the settings menu, search for “Auto Metropolis Pace,” the place you’ll be able to set the R4’s switching level between Metropolis and Freeway in 5 mph increments between 10 and 60 mph.
Auto sensitivity mode makes the Uniden R4 a wonderful “seize and go” radar detector. I’ve already lent my R4 a number of occasions to household taking a weekend getaway or a piece journey. The Auto mode is sweet as a result of I can “set it and neglect it” for them. You simply put it on the windshield, and away you go!
Right here in Detroit, I’ve the edge at its max, 60 mph, so my R4 doesn’t swap to Freeway mode till I exceed that pace. There are roads within the Detroit metro the place you’re nonetheless within the metropolis however driving in an space with a better pace restrict. For those who use the Auto sensitivity mode, it’s greatest to set the switching level between Metropolis and Freeway primarily based on the place you reside.
Mute Reminiscence & Mark Location
While you encounter an alert to be false, press the Mute/Dim button on the entrance of the unit or the Mute button on the ability wire. You’ll then see “Mute On” seem on the show. Press one of many buttons once more to save lots of that GPS location and frequency to the R4’s reminiscence. While you go that location once more, the R4 will show the alert and the frequency on the OLED show, nevertheless it received’t make a sound. At this level, I’ve misplaced observe of the variety of CVS and Walgreens doorways I’ve saved to my R4!
Mark Location (listed as “person location” within the proprietor’s handbook) works equally, however you’ll use it for areas with a recognized radar supply or a spot the place they “like to take a seat.” When getting into this space, press the Mark button to save lots of that location. The R4 will problem a voice immediate the subsequent time you’re close to that saved location.
Reminiscence Quota
The R4’s up to date platform helps a characteristic referred to as Reminiscence Quota, one thing the R3 doesn’t have. Reminiscence Quota permits you to set the person variety of Mute Reminiscence and Mark Areas. In whole, the R4 can save as much as 2,000 factors between the 2, however you’ll be able to allocate that a technique or one other in 50-point increments.
For instance, I’ve my Mute Reminiscence set on the most of 1,750 allotments, which means I’ve 250 for Marked Areas. I are likely to encounter extra Mute Reminiscence areas right here in Detroit, so I need the best allotment doable. Nevertheless, I might drop that allotment for Mute Reminiscence in 50-point increments if I would like extra room for Marked Areas.
Is The Uniden R4 Value The Cash?
If you’re a radar detector fanatic or like having the most recent toys and devices, then sure, the Uniden R4 is value each penny. Little doubt I’ll at all times belief my R3, however I’ve zero regrets about upgrading to the R4.
If you’re new to radar detectors and trying to buy your first one, the R4 is a high-quality decide. It’s straightforward to study and use and will provide you with loads of advance discover when a radar supply is close by. Nevertheless, in case you are on a finances, go together with the R3. Though it has fewer options than the newer R4, it’s nonetheless radar detector to your day by day drive.
As of this writing, the R3 retails for $299 on Amazon, whereas the Uniden R4 goes for $350.
Carl Anthony is Managing Editor of Automoblog and a member of the Midwest Automotive Media Affiliation and the Society of Automotive Historians. He serves on the board of administrators for the Ally Jolie Baldwin Basis, is a previous president of Detroit Working Writers, and a loyal Detroit Lions fan.
