#Cobra rad 480i vs irad manual
From left to right: manual muted alert, current speed, scanning bar, speed limit as detected by the iRadar app, sensitivity mode (Auto in this case). Specific icons appear when connected to the iRadar app. If a radar band is detected, the screen returns to either the More or Less Detail mode. When the screensaver is turned on via the menu, the “scanning bar” appears and bounces back and forth, looking for threats. The Cobra RAD 480i has a screen saver mode, which is a feature we like. More Detail is the factory setting, and it’s the setting we prefer. You can access these modes via the Menu button on top of the unit.
Here, you will only receive three bars based on the intensity of the radar alert: one for low, two for medium, and three for high. However, you can simplify things via the Less Detail mode. The more squares that appear, the closer you are to the source of the radar. Five squares represent the signal strength on the display screen. The display screen will show you alerts according to your desired “detail mode.” In More Detail mode, the RAD 480i displays the detected band, signal strength, and frequency (pulse rate for lasers). Just change the brightness settings via the DIM button on the top of the unit, based on your preferences (Bright, Dim, and Dimmer). The OLED display screen is one of our favorite things about the RAD 480i, especially when driving at night. Unlike other radar detectors, the RAD 480i does not have a color display, opting instead for a black and white combo that is sofer on the eyes. Most likely, there is a patrol car waiting on the other side. Be mindful if this happens, especially if the intensity of the alert increases as you climb the hill or begin to cross the bridge. You may find the RAD 480i will issue a slow alert as you approach a hill or bridge. The tones will become faster for X, K, and Ka bands as you approach the source, whereas a laser alert will be more sudden and direct by contrast. The Cobra RAD 480i issues a specific alert tone for each type of radar band it detects. If you receive a VG-2 alert after switching it on, it will be of a similar intensity to that of a laser threat. We only received one VG-2 notification during our three-week drive, and we could never visibly see the source. However, the RAD 480i does not give off this signal, making it “invisible” to radar detector detectors (which likely explains why the default factory setting for VG-2 is off). The RAD 480i is also VG-2 capable, meaning it can identify the infamous “radar detector detector.” Typically, radar detectors themselves emit a low-level signal that VG-2 can sniff out. The LaserEye should have a clear view out of your rear window to ensure maximum coverage. Ensure the unit is as low as possible but not obstructing its view, either to the front or rear. It will perform best if you mount it in the center of your vehicle (approximately) on your front windshield. Cobra’s proprietary LaserEye technology (located on the top left-hand side of the unit) means the RAD 480i can detect signals from both the front and rear.
The Cobra RAD 480i will alert you to X, K, and Ka radar bands and laser (LiDAR) guns. Unfortunately, the RAD 480i does not come with a carrying case, so I grabbed this one on Amazon. I prefer the windshield mount as the hook-and-loop fastener makes it impossible to adjust the angle of the RAD 480i. The Cobra RAD 480i comes with a 12V power cord, suction cup windshield mount, a hook-and-loop fastener for dashboard mounting, and a quick reference guide. It’s definitely a step above any base model radar detector, but beyond the iRadar app, there may not be much else to chew on if you are a “bells and whistles” type of person. It’s best to think of the RAD 480i as a “middle ground” unit. And with a retail price of $149.95, it’s easy to justify the cost of the Cobra RAD 480i.ĭepending on your preferences and what you want in a radar detector, the Cobra RAD 480i is either amazing or lackluster. If you consider the average cost of a speeding ticket in the United States (around $150, not counting the increased insurance premium), then yes, a radar detector makes sense. The most obvious reason is to avoid a speeding ticket. The Cobra RAD 480i is also lightweight, which is beneficial when mounting the unit to your windshield. Multiple sensitivity modes, location marking, and compatibility with Cobra’s iRadar app help make the RAD 480i a well-rounded radar detector for something in this price range. The Cobra RAD 480i detects all radar bands and laser guns and alerts you via an easy-to-read OLED display.