Inforad v3 - GPS Speed Camera Warning Device User's Guide

Before you start

Before using your INFORAD, please read this User's Guide it will save you valuable time and effort.

About your INFORAD

Your INFORAD employs state-of-the-art Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. It has been designed to help you observe the Highway Code and increase your awareness of speed limits and accident black spots. It employs no electromagnetic or laser detection equipment, does not interfere with Police detection equipment and as a result, is perfectly legal in the UK, Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and Sweden.
N.B. We strongly recommend you verify its legitimacy in other countries such as Germany and Switzerland before making your journey.

How does INFORAD work?

INFORAD monitors your vehicle's exact position using the Global Positioning System satellite network. By constantly comparing your current position against a database of over 10,000 speed camera locations, INFORAD is able to give you advanced warning of impending speed camera zones.

Getting started

Although your INFORAD unit is pre-loaded with a speed camera database, the road network is constantly being modifi ed. For best results therefore, we strongly advise you to download the INFORAD MANAGER software and then register your device with us, so that you may update the database from our web site.

Installing your INFORAD

Check the contents of the package.
Check that your package is complete. It should include an INFORAD device, a proprietary USB cable, a cigarette lighter power adapter, this manual and a fl exible mat.

Installing INFORAD in your vehicle
Place the fl exible mat on your dashboard as close to the windscreen as possible in clear view of the driver's line of sight.

Place your INFORAD device on the flexible mat, which is designed to hold it fi rmly in place.

Now connect the USB cable to the cigar lighter adapter provided and insert the other end to socket (E). Plug the adapter into the vehicle's cigar lighter. INFORAD powers on once you turn your ignition key and a green LED (D) tells you that the unit is functioning correctly.

Certain vehicles with 'athermic windscreens' may require an optional external antenna to boost reception (see the web site for more information). In this case, connect the external antenna to socket (F).

Using your INFORAD

Once powered on, the green LEDs will sweep backwards and forwards as the unit searches for the minimum 3 satellite signals needed to calculate the device's position. This search may take between 1 and 5 minutes depending on where you are. If you are on open ground, the search will be quicker than if you are surrounded by tall buildings or crossing a dense forest. Once the satellites have been located, the green LEDs will 'freeze' and you'll hear a brief signal informing you that the satellites have been located.

If you encounter any diffi culties, read section 5 "Capturing satellite signals" and failing that, contact our technical support team (see section 7 - Online technical support ).

Buttons and controls

1. The 'volume' control. Rotate backwards and forwards to adjust the volume of the audible alarms. N.B. Speed camera alarms are slightly louder than the others.
2. The 'record' button. Press this button for more than 1 second to record your current position (a user-defined 'Point of Interest'). A short melody informs you of a successful operation. These user-defi ned 'Points of Interest' (POIs) emit a dedicated alarm (see section 4 - Alarms) and can be managed later on using the INFORAD MANAGER software available from our web site.
3. The 'speed limit' button. Press this button for more than 1 second to record the current speed of your vehicle. A short meolody will inform you that a speed limit has been successfully set. If you exceed this limit, the device will beep until your speed falls below the limit. To cancel this function, press the button again.

N.B. Pressing buttons (B) and (C) together will invoke the self-test diagnostic programme. It is preferable to do this only when asked to do so by your reseller or a support technician. If you invoke the self-test diagnostic programme by accident, power the device down by disconnecting the USB cable and then power it back up again by reconnecting it.

Alarms

Your INFORAD device will warn you of speed camera zones and other events using visual and audible alarms. The display (D) comprises 5 tri-colour LEDs that will inform you of the following situations:

N.B. You may encounter other alarms during the self-test diagnostic or when you connect to your PC.

Updating the on-board speed camera database

The speed camera database

Your INFORAD is designed to work out of the box and requires no complex installation. It is supplied pre-loaded with a database containing the location and operating direction of over 10,000 speed cameras across Europe. Currently, the UK, the Benelux, France, and Spain are covered. Consult the web site (see end of document) for further additions to this list.

The database will change from time to time as the network evolves. INFORAD has a team of people constantly verifying this evolution to ensure the best possible coverage. Nevertheless, there will be times when you come across a new camera before we do. In this rare situation, please inform us of the location via the INFORAD MANAGER software (Speed Camera Feedback Form) or on our web site. In order to perform these tasks, you will fi rst need to download the INFORAD MANAGER software and register your device so that you can download updates from our web site from time to time. We advise that you register your INFORAD and download the latest database at your earliest convenience.

Capturing satellite signals

In order to determine the position of your vehicle, the unit needs to capture at least 3 satellites orbiting the earth. Without this minimum condition, your INFORAD cannot triangulate your position and calculate where you are. When you start the device, you will notice sweeping green LEDs. This indicates that the device is searching the skies for 3 satellites. When it has found a minimum of three satellites, the unit will display 2 green LEDs and emit a short melody.

If for some reason, the green LEDs continue to sweep, the necessary satellites have not been found and the unit is not yet operational. If this is the case, please check the following:

1. Be patient. When starting INFORAD for the fi rst time, it may take a little longer to capture the satellite signals. It should not take more than 5 minutes at most. If it does, contact Technical Support (see end of document).
2. Keep still. For the best results, please ensure that your vehicle is stationary and free from overhead obstructions (garage, tree cover, tall buildings etc...).
3. Check for an athermic front windscreen. Your vehicle may be fi tted with an athermic or 'comfort' windscreen. This means the windscreen is manufactured with an invisible metal fi lm designed to refl ect the sun's heat. Such windscreens tend to weaken and in some cases even block the GPS signal. To test if this is the case, try holding your INFORAD out of the vehicle's window or sunroof. If the sweeping green LEDs become fi xed, your unit has succeeded in locating the necessary satellite signals and the likelihood is that you have an athermic windscreen. In this case, you will require an additional optional external aerial, which can be plugged into your INFORAD unit. (See Where can I Buy Options? in the 'Frequently asked questions' section at the end of this document.)
4. Check for a heated front windscreen. Your vehicle may be fi tted with a heated front windscreen, which could be the cause of signal loss. Please test as in point 3. An additional aerial may solve the problem.
5. Mount close to the windscreen. Ensure that your INFORAD is mounted as close to the front windscreen as possible. This is important, as your INFORAD needs a clear 'line of sight' to be able to 'see' at least 3 satellites overhead. If the unit is not far enough forward on the vehicle's dashboard, the roofl ine may obstruct the satellite signal and make capture diffi cult.

INFORAD MANAGER (IFM) SOFTWARE

In order to use IFM, you will need to fi rst download the software from the web site (see end of document 'Frequently asked questions' for the web site address in your region). This software only runs on PCs installed with MS Windows® 98SE or greater. IFM allows you to reconfi gure your unit and modify among other things,

1. the approach and departure distance of speed camera alarms,
2. enable and use the onboard trip recorder,
3. diagnose faults,
4. manage your own user-defi ned Points of Interest (POI's)
5. download database updates. In order to download database updates, you must fi rst register the unit on the web site.

INSTALLING AND USING INFORAD MANAGER

In order to use IFM, you will need to fi rst download the software from the web site (see end of document for web address) and register your unit. Follow the on-screen instructions. If after completing the installation process, no icon appears on your desktop, the chances are your installation was not successful. In this event, please try again. Once you have downloaded and installed IFM you can register your unit.

1. Connecting INFORAD to your PC
   N.B. The order in which you connect the cable is important.
   First connect the USB cable provided in your box to the INFORAD unit and then to your PC. This USB cable provides power and data. There are no other cables to connect. Now start the INFORAD MANAGER software. Once running, click on the 'start' button presented by the 'welcome page' to begin detection of your device. This should only take a few seconds. If INFORAD MANAGER cannot detect the unit, try another USB port on your PC or check that the cable is properly inserted. Ensure that your INFORAD is connected directly to the PC and not to a 'docking bay' used with certain laptops. Once INFORAD MANAGER has detected the unit, you may proceed to the next step.
2. Ensure you have an Internet connection. INFORAD MANAGER needs an Internet connection to perform all functions properly. Please check that your 'broadband' or 'dial-up' Internet connection is running properly. If not, restart the connection. If the 'broadband' or 'dial-up' connection is working, go to the next step.
3. Anti-virus software and fi rewalls. If you have problems connecting over the Internet via INFORAD MANAGER it may be due to anti-virus or fi rewall software installed on your PC.

1. Anti-virus software is constantly monitoring your Internet connection for intrusions. As a result, this monitoring can sometimes interfere with Internet communications to the INFORAD server feeding your PC and INFORAD unit with information.
2. The purpose of a fi rewall is to block data entering your PC coming from certain web sites or accessing certain PC 'Internet ports'. INFORAD MANAGER may require these 'Internet ports'.

N.B. If you have any trouble operating INFORAD MANAGER, it may be that you have anti-virus or fi rewall software preventing it from working correctly. In this case, you should temporarily disable this software. Alternatively, you may try 'lowering' the security settings of your PC or Firewall software

If after following all these points your problem persists, please refer to the 'Technical Support' link which can be found in the 'About' section in the INFORAD MANAGER software. You should complete the form describing your problem. We will investigate the problem and endeavour to resolve it for you as quickly as possible. Alternatively, you may send our support team an email.
(See Online technical support at the end of this document).

Frequently asked questions

CAN I CUT THE USB CABLE?

No. If you do this, you will no longer be able to connect the unit to your PC. The cable provided uses proprietary protocols needed to communicate with your PC. If you require a professional installation, contact your local stockist who will be able to advise you about a special harness option. Alternatively, consult the web site for a list of professional stockists.

CAN MY INFORAD WORK WITH A PDA?

Yes. If your PDA supports bluetooth a special option available from July 2006 onwards will enable you to connect your INFORAD to your PDA.

CAN I USE PC NAVIGATION SOFTWARE WITH MY INFORAD?

Yes. The INFORAD chip set is compatible with NMEA-0183 v2.0 for this purpose.

WHERE CAN I BUY INFORAD OPTIONS AND DOWNLOAD THE INFORAD MANAGER SOFTWARE?
For further information regarding options please call 0870 165 3533 (for the UK) or +353 6171 9750 (for continental Europe). Alternatively you can go to the following web sites:
www.gpsinforad.co.uk for UK customers.

1. Visit the WHERE TO BUY/PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION section for options. Professional installations will incur an extra charge.
2. Visit MY INFORAD for IFM downloads and registration. www.gpsinforad.com for continental European customers.

Online technical support

If you have diffi culties installing or operating your INFORAD unit, you can refer to the section «HELP/ FAQs» on the web site or alternatively contact our customer support by email: support@gpsinforad.com.

Specifications

GPS receiver: SiRF, 12 channels capable of tracking 12 satellites simultaneously.
Average acquisition time*: Initialisation: ~3 mn, 38 s when cold and 8 s after warming up.
Update time: 1.1 seconds.
Accuracy: Position 10 meters (10.9 yards) RMS speed < 1 Km/h (0.62 mph).
Processor: RISC 32 bits ARM7 at 50MHz.
Memory: Processor 128Kb RAM 8Mb.
Antenna: Active internal with connector for optional active external.
Alarms: Audible and visual.
Power supply: Cigar lighter adapter: Input: 12/24V DC, Output: 5V DC 850 mA.
Dimensions: Net: 70mm diameter x 22mm high.
Weight: Net: 200 grammes.

Can be simultaneously used as a GPS receiver. Compatible with NMEA0183 v2.0 for navigation applications, running on PCs.
* Depending on local meteorological conditions.

INFORAD Ltd
Unit L6, Smithstown Industrial Estate,
Shannon, County Clare,
Ireland
Tel: +353 61 719750 - Fax: +353 61 719747
Contact: info@gpsinforad.com
Technical support: support@gpsinforad.com

Documents / Resources

References

• http://www.gpsinforad.co.uk
• Inforad – Outils d'aide a la conduite – Avertisseurs de danger

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Inforad v3 - GPS Speed Camera Warning Device User's Guide