Inspector Cayman S (Signature). My detailed and honest review

This is the updated Inspector Cayman. The letter S at the end was added for a reason. It means that the device is signature.

A signature (translated from English as “signature”) means a certain digital signature of the emitted signal, that is, the nature of the radiation.

Knowing specifications radiation, such as frequency, length and number of pulses, as well as the pause between them, duty cycle and other parameters, it is possible to identify the source of such a signal, in this case a speed control device. Those. The name of the police radar will appear on the screen.

We tested Inspector Cayman S on radars. Watch the video

However, what is important is not the fact of identifying the model of the speed radar used, but the ability to distinguish the real process of measuring speed from false interference in the same radiation range.

What should you expect from signature radar detectors?

First of all, this is a radical reduction in false alarms in the K-band. It is in this range that the vast majority of emitters for automatic doors, blind spot sensors, cruise control, etc. operate.

This will allow you to move with significantly greater comfort with the radar detector turned on in large cities, where previously the use of a radar detector was practically useless due to the huge amount of interference.

Features of Inspector CAYMAN S:

• The first video recorder with radar detector with signature technologies to appear on the Russian market;
• Please note, the processor is Ambarella A12A20. This is no longer an ambarella 7, as in models from competitors;
• Full HD 1920×1080 resolution, 130° view;
• Display 2.4″;
• Detects all police radars;
• Voice prompts in Russian;
• Built-in G sensor;
• Swivel windshield mount;
• Made in Korea.

Equipment Inspector CAYMAN S:

• DVR Inspector CAYMAN S;
• Suction cup mount (rotating);
• Cigarette lighter adapter;
• Card reader for micro SD;
• Operating instructions in Russian;
• Warranty card;
• Package.

Now many manufacturers are switching to the production of completely new devices that are equipped with signature technology for identifying radars and cameras. Probably many of you have not heard what it is and why it is needed at all. The pioneer with this technology on my channel and website will be the Inspector company, which kindly provided me with a COMBO device called “Cayman S” for review. As it becomes clear, the abbreviation “S” just means new technology. So let's test it and see what comes out of it, of course there will be a video version at the end...

To begin with, I would like to explain to you what “Signature” technology is (if translated literally into Russian, it turns out to be “signature”). To exaggerate, the gadget sees the characteristics of the radiation - such as the length and number of pulses, as well as pauses between them (this is a kind of “digital signature”) and it can accurately determine the type of device being emitted. That is, there are banal touch doors (supermarkets), alarms, blind spot sensors, cruise controls, etc., everything that works in the “K” range should not be taken into account! BUT is this really so, we will definitely check. However, the review will be complete, we will look at the quality of the video, the build, and the interface.

Equipment

• The Inspector Cayman S itself

• Windshield suction cup

• Cigarette lighter charger

• USB keychain for reading memory cards

• Warranty and user instructions

The box itself, as usual, is of high quality, I have no complaints about it! Inside there is a soft shell, in which the gadget itself is located. I’ll say this about the package, the device was made in Korea (which is an additional advantage), but the package contains only the most necessary without frills!

In principle, this is enough, but I remember when there were cases (or all sorts of bags for carrying), additional fasteners, cables for connecting to a computer, etc. This is not the case here – and in fact, that’s not what’s needed. In general, I hit the lyrics, the completeness is sufficient.

Connectors and appearance

– here is the main camera lens, a peephole for capturing radar radiation, and the main inscriptions

– she herself is loaded and functional. Here is a 2.4-inch display (320X240 resolution), then on the top right is a speaker (by the way, it is very loud and clear), below it are the main navigation keys - “MENU”, below - muting the sound, adjusting the sound and brightness. Well, the last one is a button for selecting city/highway/smart(IQ)/signature/signatureIQ modes, it also contains write protection. There is a microphone jack under the buttons. On the left side there are also two keys: on/off, and activation of video recording (it is also used to enter “geopoints”).

– suction cup mount

– power socket and memory card slot

– reset key

I would like to note that the body is small (it really won’t interfere with the view), it is made of very high quality, I personally have no complaints at all. There are no touch navigation keys (they are analog), which I personally like. Firstly, it will be easier to replace them (if they break), and secondly, this does not increase the cost of the device itself; nevertheless, the sensor is more expensive (we’ll talk about the price separately).

Main menu and display

I'll start with displaying information from the display - as usual, the Inspector (COMBO) has several modes. The first is “RD” (radar detector) which displays speed and information about the complexes or camera, “VR” (video recorder) is simply a video recorder mode, “RD+VR” (this is a combined mode) as it becomes clear, both modes are combined.

Personally, I find it convenient to use “RD+VR”; I believe that this is the most complete display of information. If you scroll through the display in this mode, you can see the top line (recording indicator, time, memory card, satellites, microphone, battery, band display). The bottom line displays the mode (which is currently on), display mode, brightness and volume. The middle part displays the speed and direction of movement (north – south – west – east). The display is very readable, I personally really like it.

MENU . Very extensive, 9 pages down, but simple and understandable. You can configure anything and everything, I won’t focus on it, let’s watch it in the video version.

Let me just say that I liked it, there are no problems with whether the gadget is plugged into the cigarette lighter or turned off (many Chinese devices have a weak link here). With the Cayman S, we can click on the menu at any time and configure it, even when it is disconnected from the cigarette lighter and running on one battery - this is a real plus! Everything works as you expect.

Operation and capabilities of the video recorder

ABOUT CARDS. I always write this - this Inspector supports memory cards from class 10 and above, I personally advise you UHS-I, YOU CAN’T PUT A LESS CLASS! Otherwise, your gadget will glitch; I have an excellent article on choosing media on my website.

Let's start with the characteristics of the hardware:

• Ambarella A12A20 processor (Cortex A9 792 MHz), the processor is quite powerful, I have no complaints about it
• OmniVision OV4689 sensor (1/3″). Installed on many devices, has proven itself only on the good side
• Recording resolution Full HD 1920×1080 (18/15/12 Mb/s)
• Video recording format: MP4 (H.264 codec)
• Lens viewing angle 130° (wide angle)
• Loop recording with auto start: 1/3/5 min.
• Built-in battery (370 mAh) - designed for 20-30 minutes of autonomous video recording with charge level displayed on the device screen

Of course, there is a G-sensor and automatic exposure correction. In general, there is everything for success. BUT!

Friends, I have honest reviews, and I can’t lie to you here, the recording quality, despite the powerful processor and good sensor, is “4 points out of 5 possible.” There is “grain” and the camera is a little “soapy” when shooting at a distance, of course next to the car at 2 - 3 meters more or less, but it’s not suitable for high definition! It's unfortunate, usually the Inspector device produces a very high-quality, detailed picture.

I asked the manufacturer a question, they told me that this internal optimization is “lame”, that a new firmware will soon be released that will fix everything! It seems to me that the hardware allows it, so let’s wait and see. For now I’m writing as it is.

Operation of the radar detector andGPS capabilities

Let's start with the possibilities again:

Ranges :

• Reception of ARROW ST/M radars
• K - 24.150 GHz ±125 MHz
• X - 10.525 GHz ±50 MHz
• Laser - 800~1000 nm (180°)

Signature detection:

• "CORDON" (incl. "CORDON-M"2)
• “KRECHET” (incl. “SKAT”)
• "CHRIS"
• "VOCORD"
• "ISKRA" (incl. "RADIS")
• "BINAR"
• "ROBOT"
• "AMATA"
• "LISD"

Coordinate Database

• Stationary radars "Strelka-ST"
• Stationary control cameras
• "Low-power" radars
• Average speed control systems: Avtodoriya, etc.
• Potok systems
• Models of radars and cameras

Honestly, it catches everything and everyone; personally, I simply have NO complaints about the work of the rad detector! GPS works amazingly quickly and accurately (“cold start” about a minute, “warm” - 10-15 seconds). There are two types of definitions: “the beeper” is ordinary, and the girl warns about cameras based on GPS. Many people ask me questions about “squeakers” because they get annoying, here everything is fine in the menu, we set auto muting and after a few “squeaks” the sound intensity drops and is not annoying at all (this is a plus).

BUT WAIT, WE ARE NOT GATHERED HERE TO TALK ABOUT TEEPERS! What about SIGNATURES?

Actually, there are several modes here, as I already wrote:

• Route
• City/City 1/City 2
• IQ (Intelligent Mode)
• Signature (Signature mode)
• IQ Signature (Intelligent Signature Mode)

“Highway”, “CITY”, “IQ” - these are the usual modes, for those who need it. They turn certain ranges on or off and decrease or increase sensitivity. Actually, “IQ” does all this automatically, BUT WE ARE NOT INTERESTED IN THEM! Why are they needed if there are signatures?

But “SIGNATURE” and “SIGNATURE IQ” are our “newfangled catchers”! But here's where things get interesting:

If the “SIGNATURE” mode is enabled - then the “Cayman S” will detect only those radar detectors that it knows, that is, “CORDON”, “CHRIS”, “KRECHET” and so on, BUT IT WILL SIMPLY IGNORE OTHER EMISSIONS - because it does not know them. New signatures are added programmatically; as soon as the traffic police releases a new radar, the company’s specialists will remove the signal signature and add it to the device

“SIGNATURE” mode IQ" - up to 80 km/h it will work as a regular “SIGNATURE”, but beyond this interval, unknown devices will be detected in the “K-band”. This is in case of enterprising traffic police officers on the highway. I BELIEVE THIS IS THE MOST ADVANCED ALGORITHM TODAY.

Actually, I also have no complaints regarding SIGNATURES. Everything is determined and what is caught is written on the display - very cool. I read that they all let some radiation through (that is, they confuse them), and that there are still false positives! HOWEVER, our city may be small, but I didn’t have them! I rode to the doors, where the usual COMBOs light up something in the display (but the GPS does not allow them to signal), this one is silent and does not light up anything. IN GENERAL, THE WORK HERE IS GOOD.

Now we are watching the video version.

FINAL FEELINGS

Now probably everyone is interested in the price of this “Cayman S”, if you believe the Yandex market, the price tag ranges from about 9,500 to 11,900 rubles. If you take it for 9500 it’s very good price, below the psychological mark of 10,000 rubles.

There are a lot of advantages here, after all, this is “Inspector” (and don’t understand what company). This includes equipment, packaging, build quality, the “menu” (and its elaboration), the operation of the radar detector, and, in the end, the cost.

At the end of last year, we tested the Inspector Cayman combo video recorder, which then demonstrated good quality video recordings and accurate operation of the radar detector. In 2017, the updated Inspector Cayman S model was released, becoming the first and so far the only one with support for signature technologies. Attentive readers may have already seen several of our detailed reviews signature radar detectors, the number of such models is still limited. The technology is complex, consisting in processing data from the receiver and determining from this entire flow the signatures of operating speed control systems. Everything else is filtered, ensuring precise and comfortable operation.

In addition, it will also be interesting in assessing the performance of the new Ambarella A12A processor, which is also rarely found in DVRs. We had the opportunity to be among the first to conduct a comprehensive and detailed test. Inspector Cayman S has already appeared in Russian stores; below is a summary table compiled based on data from the Yandex.Market service.

Inspector Cayman S review

Equipment

Supplied in a light, thick cardboard package with a picture of the case, a description of the key advantages and a summary table with characteristics. There is also a mark about the Korean assembly.

The package includes a power adapter for the cigarette lighter, a microUSB cable, a windshield mount, instructions and a warranty card.

Appearance

The Inspector Cayman S retains the body design of its predecessor. Only the markings on the front side have changed; the emphasis here is on signature technologies.

The complexity of the filling did not negatively affect the dimensions. The body is thin compared to classic combo models. It takes up no more space on the glass than conventional DVRs.

Exterior of the Inspector Cayman S

It can also be hidden behind the salon mirror. In addition, you can hide the power cable under the casing and side stand. The length of the included adapter allows this to be done.

The laser receiver window occupies a very limited area of ​​the front side. And as tests have shown, it is not inferior in accuracy to massive models.

The lens block is stylized and protrudes slightly above the surface of the body. The lens is protected from scratches when carried.

On the driver's side, the Inspector Cayman S has a color display. There are three operating modes: DVR only, radar only, and co-op mode, which is the default.

You can also turn it off completely. All important information on speed cameras is duplicated with clear voice prompts in Russian.

To the left of the screen is the power button and the start recording button. On the right is a speaker and two control buttons. The sizes of the buttons are optimal for the ability to change the operating modes of the radar detector while driving, turn off the microphone, and add custom points.

On the left side there is a slot for a microSD memory card and a power port.

Conveniently, the Inspector Cayman S has two mounting rails. Removable and installed with a side shift. Does not move during movement. Risk of breakage when low temperatures kept to a minimum.

Hinge mechanism with rotation around an axis. The selected position is secured using a thumbscrew.

The build quality is excellent. All elements fit tightly together, without gaps, creaking or play of parts.

Mount Inspector Cayman S

Inspector Cayman S, like its predecessor, will look good in the interior of expensive cars and domestic Lada cars. At the same time, it attracts minimal attention from the street.

Settings

The menu is displayed as a list of options. The first item is to select the display mode. The alert volume level is set and automatic muting is activated. The shooting resolution does not change; instead, a choice of three bitrate options is offered (18, 15 and 12 Mbit/s). Sets the duration of the videos.

Setting up Inspector Cayman S

Individual ranges are turned off and on, the same for stationary complexes. Sets the maximum and permitted speed. It is possible to install a record stamp with the car's license plate. The priority between the operation of the active radar and the navigation module is selected.

Radar detector

Inspector Cayman S offers several modes of operation of the radar detector: City, Highway, Signatures (signature), IQ Signatures. The last two modes are of greatest interest; in them, the device operates on the basis of a signature database. They differ in that in IQ, when exceeding 80 km/h, all alerts will be displayed, including controversial ones in the K range. According to the experience gained during the tests, SIGNATURE is optimal for the city, SIGNATURE IQ for the highway.

Work Inspector Cayman S

We conducted tests on the roads of Kazan; before starting, the camera database and firmware were updated. The device proved to be a solid top five, not inferior in terms of accuracy in determining the types of complexes to individual radar detectors, which, by the way, are also more expensive than this combined model. When detected, the type of complex is displayed on the display and pronounced by voice. Depending on the presence or absence of excess, it can be limited only to visual display on the screen.

The city effectively filters radiation from automatic parking lots, doors in shopping centers, car security systems and communication towers. False positives are reduced to almost a minimum. The new portable CORDON complex, which is being tested in our region, did not go unnoticed. It can be detected at approximately a distance of 100-150 meters. ARROW, CHRIS, AMATA, GREKCHET are accurately detected.

I was pleased with the content of the database of stationary points; it already contains complexes installed in the spring of 2017. When approaching such points, the name of the complex, the distance to it, the permitted and current speed are given. For AVTODORIYA, the average speed in the area of ​​operation of the complex is calculated.

The user can also add points while moving. Notifications will also be displayed for them. For example, these may be frequent places of work for traffic police crews who do not use active radars.

Video recording

As mentioned at the beginning, Inspector Cayman S uses the flagship Ambarella A12A platform, which has improved the quality of Full HD shooting and HDR performance, the shooting bitrate has increased, and power consumption has decreased. It works in a pair of OmniVision OV4689.

The daily recording is highly detailed. License plates are readable from a long distance. There is no blur or artifacts. Colors are reproduced accurately. Brightness and exposure are adjusted automatically. While driving, the speed and route of movement are recorded. All this data will also be useful for proving the driver’s innocence and determining the culprit in court.

At night, HDR does its job well, correcting the light from the headlights of oncoming cars. Number plates, markings and road signs remain legible.

Summary of the Inspector Cayman S

Inspector Cayman S is unrivaled, offering modern signature radar detector technology at an adequate price, a compact body, detailed settings, highly detailed video recording, regular firmware and point database updates. Any system for recording traffic violations does not go unnoticed, which accustoms the driver to careful driving and saves the budget on fines. There were no failures or problems recorded.
receives the well-deserved award "Gold...