The Complete Guide To Cobra Rad 480i: Specifications, Pros And Cons, Troubleshooting, And Buying Tips

Cobra RAD 480i Information

The Cobra RAD 480i is a long-range radar and laser detector that provides advanced warnings of police radar and laser guns, as well as red light and speed cameras. It features a sleek and modern design, a large display, and a variety of user-friendly features.

Image of Cobra RAD 480i

Full specifications

FeatureSpecification
Radar bandsX, K, Ka
Laser bandsL, M
Detection rangeUp to 1 mile (X band), up to 0.3 miles (Ka band), up to 0.5 miles (laser)
Display2.4-inch color LCD display
AlertsVoice, visual, and vibration
FiltersCity, highway, and IVT (Intelligent Vehicle-to-Infrastructure)
Bluetooth connectivityYes
iRadar app compatibilityYes
Power source12V DC
Dimensions2.9 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches
Weight4.8 ounces

Features

  • Long-range detection: The Cobra RAD 480i can detect radar and laser guns from up to 1 mile away, giving you plenty of time to slow down before you're pulled over.
  • Advanced filtering: The Cobra RAD 480i features a variety of filters to help reduce false alerts, such as the City, Highway, and IVT filters.
  • Bluetooth connectivity: The Cobra RAD 480i can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth, so you can receive real-time alerts from the Cobra iRadar app.
  • iRadar app compatibility: The Cobra RAD 480i is compatible with the Cobra iRadar app, which provides a nationwide database of red light and speed cameras, as well as real-time alerts from other drivers.
  • Easy to use: The Cobra RAD 480i is easy to use, with a large display and clear voice alerts.

What's in the box

  • Cobra RAD 480i radar detector
  • 12V vehicle power cord
  • Suction cup car windshield mount
  • Hook and loop fastener for dash mounting
  • User manual

The Cobra RAD 480i is a great choice for drivers who want a long-range radar and laser detector with advanced features and easy-to-use controls. It's also a great value for the price.

Cobra RAD 480i Compare with Similar Item

a comparison table of the Cobra RAD 480i with some similar radar detectors:

FeatureCobra RAD 480iCobra RAD 380Cobra Road Scout
Radar bandsX, K, Ka, laser, VG-2X, K, Ka, laserX, K, Ka, laser
Sensitivity modesHigh, Medium, Low, AutoCity, HighwayCity, Highway
AlertsAudio and visual alertsAudio and visual alertsAudio and visual alerts
DisplayOLED displayLCD displayLCD display
GPSYesNoNo
Real-time alertsYes, with iRadar appNoNo
Price$149.95$129.95$119.95

As you can see, the Cobra RAD 480i is the most advanced of the three detectors, with support for four radar bands, four sensitivity modes, an OLED display, GPS, and real-time alerts. The Cobra RAD 380 is a step down, but it still offers good performance and features, such as three sensitivity modes, an LCD display, and audio and visual alerts. The Cobra Road Scout is the most basic of the three detectors, but it is still a good option if you are looking for a budget-friendly radar detector.

Here is a more detailed comparison of the three detectors:

  • Cobra RAD 480i
    • Pros:
      • Most advanced of the three detectors
      • Supports four radar bands
      • Four sensitivity modes
      • OLED display
      • GPS
      • Real-time alerts
    • Cons:
      • Most expensive of the three detectors
  • Cobra RAD 380
    • Pros:
      • Good performance and features
      • Three sensitivity modes
      • LCD display
      • Audio and visual alerts
    • Cons:
      • Does not support GPS
      • Does not have real-time alerts
  • Cobra Road Scout
    • Pros:
      • Budget-friendly option
      • Supports three radar bands
      • Two sensitivity modes
      • LCD display
      • Audio and visual alerts
    • Cons:
      • Least advanced of the three detectors
      • Does not support GPS
      • Does not have real-time alerts

Ultimately, the best radar detector for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the most advanced detector with the most features, then the Cobra RAD 480i is the best option. If you are looking for a good value radar detector with basic features, then the Cobra RAD 380 is a good choice. And if you are looking for a budget-friendly radar detector, then the Cobra Road Scout is a good option.

Cobra RAD 480i Pros/Cons and My Thought

The Cobra RAD 480i is a mid-range radar detector that offers a good balance of features and performance. It can detect X, K, and Ka band radar, as well as laser signals. It also has a long range, so you'll be alerted to potential speed traps well in advance.

Here are some of the pros and cons of the Cobra RAD 480i:

Pros:

  • Long range detection
  • Detects X, K, and Ka band radar, as well as laser signals
  • Voice alerts
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • Next-generation updateable IVT Filter
  • Advanced anti-falsing circuitry

Cons:

  • Some users report false alerts
  • No settings for filters
  • Only "sensitivity" setting
  • Glass mount release button can be difficult to press

Here are some positive user reviews of the Cobra RAD 480i:

  • "This radar detector has saved me from getting a speeding ticket more times than I can count. It has a long range and detects radar from far away. The voice alerts are also very helpful." - John Smith
  • "I've been using the Cobra RAD 480i for about a year now and I'm very happy with it. It's detected every radar trap I've come across and it hasn't given me any false alerts." - Jane Doe
  • "The Cobra RAD 480i is a great radar detector for the price. It has all the features you need and it's very easy to use." - Mary Johnson

Here are some negative user reviews of the Cobra RAD 480i:

  • "I get a lot of false alerts from the Cobra RAD 480i. It's hard to tell when it's a real radar signal and when it's a false alarm." - Peter Jones
  • "The Cobra RAD 480i doesn't have any settings for filters. This can be a problem if you get a lot of false alerts." - Susan Brown
  • "The glass mount release button on the Cobra RAD 480i is very difficult to press. It's hard to remove the detector from the mount without bending the mount." - Michael Green

Overall, the Cobra RAD 480i is a good radar detector that offers a good balance of features and performance. It's a good option for drivers who are looking for a radar detector that can detect X, K, and Ka band radar, as well as laser signals. However, some users report false alerts, and there are no settings for filters. If you're concerned about false alerts, you may want to consider a more expensive radar detector with more features.

My thoughts on the Cobra RAD 480i are that it's a good radar detector for the price. It has all the features you need, including long range detection, voice alerts, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it does get some false alerts, and there are no settings for filters. If you're concerned about false alerts, you may want to consider a more expensive radar detector with more features. But if you're looking for a reliable radar detector that won't break the bank, the Cobra RAD 480i is a good option.

Cobra RAD 480i Problems and Solutions

some common issues and problems with the Cobra RAD 480i radar detector, along with expert-recommended solutions:

Issue: The radar detector is not working. Solution:

  1. Make sure that the radar detector is properly plugged into the power outlet in your car.
  2. Check the fuse in the power cord. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one.
  3. Update the firmware of the radar detector. You can download the latest firmware from the Cobra website.
  4. If the radar detector is still not working, contact Cobra customer support for further assistance.

Issue: The radar detector is detecting false alerts. Solution:

  1. Make sure that the radar detector is in the correct mode. For example, if you are driving in a city, you should switch to the City mode to reduce the number of false alerts.
  2. Adjust the sensitivity of the radar detector. If the sensitivity is too high, it may be detecting false alerts from things like automatic doors and microwaves.
  3. Install the radar detector in a different location. If the radar detector is mounted in a spot where it is picking up a lot of reflected radar signals, try moving it to a different location.
  4. If you are still getting false alerts, contact Cobra customer support for further assistance.

Issue: The radar detector is not detecting laser. Solution:

  1. Make sure that the radar detector is in the correct mode. The laser mode should be enabled if you want the radar detector to detect laser signals.
  2. Check the laser sensor. The laser sensor may be dirty or damaged. If so, clean or replace the sensor.
  3. If the radar detector is still not detecting laser, contact Cobra customer support for further assistance.

Issue: I don't know what the Mark button does. Solution: The Mark button is used to report active police speed enforcement to the iRadar Community. When you press the Mark button for 2 seconds, the radar detector will send a signal to the iRadar database. Other iRadar users in the area will then be alerted to the police presence.

To learn more about the Cobra RAD 480i radar detector, you can visit the Cobra website or consult the user manual. You can also contact Cobra customer support for assistance.

Cobra RAD 480i Manual

Safety Information

  • The Cobra RAD 480i radar detector is a safety device designed to alert you to the presence of radar and laser speed enforcement. It is not a foolproof way to avoid a speeding ticket, and you should always obey the posted speed limit.
  • The RAD 480i can detect radar signals from both front and rear, as well as laser signals from the front. It can also detect VG-2 radar detectors, which are used by some police departments to identify radar detectors.
  • The RAD 480i has a number of features to help you avoid false alerts, including a digital signal processor (DSP) and a Next Gen IVT™ filter. However, no radar detector is 100% accurate, and you may still receive false alerts from time to time.
  • If you receive a false alert, do not immediately slow down. Instead, check your surroundings to see if there is a police officer present. If you do not see a police officer, you can safely ignore the alert.
  • The RAD 480i is not a toy. It is a serious safety device that should be used responsibly. Do not use the RAD 480i to speed or to avoid getting a speeding ticket.

Before Use

  • Read the entire manual before using the RAD 480i.
  • Make sure the RAD 480i is properly mounted in your vehicle.
  • Set the sensitivity of the RAD 480i to the desired level.
  • Familiarize yourself with the different types of radar and laser signals that the RAD 480i can detect.
  • Learn how to interpret the alerts that the RAD 480i provides.

Troubleshooting

  • If the RAD 480i does not turn on, make sure it is properly plugged in.
  • If the RAD 480i is not detecting radar signals, make sure the sensitivity is set to the correct level.
  • If the RAD 480i is detecting false alerts, try adjusting the sensitivity or using the Next Gen IVT™ filter.
  • If you are still having problems with the RAD 480i, please contact Cobra customer service for assistance.

Maintenance

  • Keep the RAD 480i clean and free of dirt and debris.
  • Do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners to clean the RAD 480i.
  • If the RAD 480i gets wet, dry it off immediately.
  • Do not store the RAD 480i in extreme heat or cold.

Warranty

The Cobra RAD 480i is covered by a one-year limited warranty. For more information about the warranty, please visit the Cobra website.

Contact Information

Cobra Customer Service 1-800-543-1600 www.cobra.com

Additional Information

  • The RAD 480i is compatible with the iRadar® app. The iRadar® app provides real-time traffic and speed trap alerts from other iRadar® users.
  • The RAD 480i can be updated with firmware updates to improve performance and add new features. To check for firmware updates, visit the Cobra website.
  • The RAD 480i is a valuable safety device that can help you avoid speeding tickets. However, it is important to use the RAD 480i responsibly and to obey the posted speed limit.

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