I have not so far suffered an accident or an insurance claim due to my own fault. Yes, I still enjoy travelling quite quickly on the open road and firmly believe that in safe conditions this helps with concentration.

Geodesy — from Morpheous Ltd

I first came across this device when attending the World Super bikes at Brands Hatch at the end of July and was immediately impressed. As a result, I purchased one on the 6th August 2001 and it is in regular use in both the car and on the motorcycle. Since fitment, I have covered approx 1600 miles in the car including a trip to Cornwall and approx 800 miles on the motorcycle 450 of which was a trip this last weekend which included Hampshire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Devon and Dorset and to date it has not failed me once. It is perfectly legal, 100% accurate, user friendly and yes, does have safety benefits as well.

The device which measures approx 11 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm, comes complete with a car dashboard mounting kit, a motorcycle mounting kit and a desktop modem for downloading the latest camera location information. I have hardwired both mounting kits but the car mounting kit comes with a cigar lighter connector if this is preferred. All it requires is an earth and a live connection. In the car it sits in the middle of the dashboard and on a motorcycle it is mounted on the inside of the screen. It clips into the mount very easily and is simply taken out and slipped into a pocket when leaving the vehicle.

It is recommended that you update the device about once a week. This is simplicity itself. It is slipped into the desktop modem which you connect to the mains and to a telephone line. Everything necessary for this is supplied. The modem automatically dials up and updates itself. You have to do nothing. After approx 2 minutes you get a series of Green lights, when you remove the device from the modem and are ready to go on your way.

So, how does it work? It works by Global positioning based on a system of 24 satellites, which circle the earth twice each day in a precise orbit transmitting information to earth. The Geodesy must be able to see at least 3 of these satellites to calculate its position. Using this satellite information and the database of fixed speed detection cameras the Geodesy can accurately and reliably warn you well in advance of an impending camera. It is capable of identifying the location of fixed radar, laser and digital camera systems including the previously undetectable SPECS infrared system. What it cannot identify are mobile hand held cameras and radar guns so you still have to keep an eye open for them.

There is a scale of 10 display LED's which are your warning lights. These count up from the left as you approach a camera location. One red LED indicates a distance of one tenth of the selected distance (it is adjustable according to your wishes), two red LED's indicates two tenths of the selected distance. When the 5th LED is illuminated, the display will flash slowly and when the 6th red LED is illuminated the sounder begins to emit a warning tone. The flashes and warning tone will increase in frequency as you get closer to the Camera location. Once the location has been passed the the display counts down in Green.

I have left my Geodesy at the factory settings and it starts to give warning at approx 1 mile with an audible warning sound set at 50%. Should you require a shorter warning distance or a lower or higher audible warning sound you only have to telephone Morpheous who will make the necessary adjustments so that the next time you download the latest information the settings will be as you require them.

Should you come across a new camera location that has just been installed pressing a report button when the Geodesy is NOT in alarm mode will enable Geodesy to store that location as a new location. If you then telephone the suppliers and report the exact location of the new camera, providing you are the first to report it, you will receive a bonus.

So, is it worth the money? Although it is not cheap at £380 I believe it is. With the ever increasing camera installations, ever increasing fines and no doubt higher insurance premiums for getting caught I firmly believe that my money has been well spent. If only speed cameras were located at danger and accident black spots with this device we would all be better and safer drivers as it does encourage you to slow down, allow greater distance between the vehicle in front and to be more alert.

If you can afford it — buy one.

Robin Simmons, September 2001