Blackspot Interactive Road Angel Compact User manual

USER GUIDE
Blackspot Interactive Limited
Unit 5, New Rookery Farm, Little London
Silverstone, Northants NN12 8UP
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.blackspot.com
Please register your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT and
update its database of danger zones as soon as
possible.

Thank you for buying your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT
As our roads become busier, more congested and more regulated, staying
alert to road and traffic conditions is a challenge to everyone. Even the
most conscientious driver can have a momentary lapse of concentration
that could easily lead to an accident or a fine and points.
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT is specially designed to be a simple-to-use
addition to any vehicle, to alert and warn you in advance of known danger
areas. In the comprehensive ROAD ANGEL COMPACT database are
stored Police, Local Authority and Ministry of Transport designated danger
spots, including accident black spots and safety camera locations.
Using the latest Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology, ROAD
ANGEL COMPACT compares your position with the known danger spot
locations and gives you an audible and visual warning as you approach
them. An accurate GPS speedometer in the display gives you time to
adjust your driving to the approaching danger.
The safety of you and your passengers is our prime consideration, and we
trust that for all the miles you drive, your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT will
enhance the safety and enjoyment of your journey. Join other ROAD
ANGEL COMPACT users in guarding your life and livelihood.
We are pleased to have you as a valued customer and hope you will be
delighted with your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT. Having listened to our
customers we think the new features will make this product your perfect
driving companion.
Dave Clark, Managing Director
Blackspot Interactive Ltd.
The directors of Blackspot Interactive Ltd. sell ROAD ANGEL
COMPACT as a road safety enhancement device. Driving within
the speed limits at all times and within the limitations of the
road condition and your abilities is paramount. The directors of
Blackspot Interactive Ltd. take no responsibility for the use of
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT for other purposes than those
stipulated.

1
Table of Contents
1. Introduction....................................................................3
ROAD ANGEL's main features........................................................3
Front View...........................................................................................4
Back View.........................................................................................v5
ROAD ANGEL's Database.................................................................6
Register Now! ...................................................................................7
Subscriptions....................................................................................8
Warranty............................................................................................8
Security..............................................................................................8
2. Installation......................................................................9
Unpacking .........................................................................................9
Mounting the Unit.............................................................................9
Assembling the windscreen mounting bracket...............................x10
Using the dashboard pad .................................................................11
Choosing the location.......................................................................12
Providing power .............................................................................13
Hardwiring.........................................................................................14
Getting Started................................................................................15
3. Operation......................................................................16
Understanding the Display............................................................16
Standby Mode ..................................................................................16
Alert Mode ........................................................................................17
Muting Audio and Speech Warnings................................................18
Alert Types........................................................................................19
Customizing ROAD ANGEL...........................................................20
Changing Settings............................................................................21
Menu Settings.................................................................................24
Adding and Deleting Danger Zones .............................................27
Deleting zones..................................................................................27

2
Adding new locations........................................................................27
Adding an Average Speed monitoring section (SPECS zone).........28
Protecting and Cleaning................................................................28
Cleaning the case and screen..........................................................28
General precautions.................................................................xxviii28
4. Updating the Database................................................29
System requirements........................................................................29
Updating ...........................................................................................30
5. Troubleshooting ..........................................................31
6. Background Information.............................................34
About Global Positioning Satellites (GPS) ..................................34
Speed Cameras and Blackspots...................................................34
7. Accessories .................................................................38

3
1. Introduction
Road Angel Compact uses the latest global positioning satellite (GPS – see
page 34) technology to give you audible and visible alerts as you approach
hazardous sections of road:
•Accident black spots (as designated by the Police and Local Authorities)
•Safety cameras
•Mobile roadwork cameras
•Average speed measurement areas
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT also displays a constantly updated and accurate
speed reading with your compass heading. Should you break down, ROAD
ANGEL COMPACT allows you to pinpoint your location and direct rescue
services to your vehicle.
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT's main features
•Simple windscreen mount with 'plug & go' installation
•Easy to position in any vehicle
•High visibility speed, time/compass display
•Built in Visor
•User programmable locations
•Full range of hazardous sites
•Audible and visual warnings
•Instant distance-to-danger reading
•Speech alerts
•Database updates (via Windows PC over the Internet)
•Designed and manufactured in the UK
•Simple to adjust settings

4
Front View
Menu Button
Press to enter and
navigate ROAD ANGEL
COMPACT's settings
(see page 21) or to mute
unit (see page 18).
Display
Shows speed,
time/heading, satellite
reception and indicates
type of hazard (see
page 16).
Magnetic Base
Magnet in base of unit
secures ROAD ANGEL
COMPACT to rubberised
metallic disk on mounting
bracket or dash pad.
Delete Button
Press to change ROAD
ANGEL COMPACT settings
(see page 21) or remove
alert zone from database
(see page 27).
Store Button
Press to enter new
zones (see page 27)
and confirm new
settings (see page 21)

5
Back View
External Antenna
Required for certain
vehicles (see page 12).
A
uxiliary Port (AUX)
Connection for additional
laser sensors.
USB Port
/
Powe
r
PC connection – use to obtain
database updates (see page 29)
and to connect to the vehicles
cigar socket

6
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT's Database
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT uses a database of Police, Local Authority and
Ministry of Transport designated danger spots, including accident black
spots and safety camera locations, primary schools and congestion
charging zones. Your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT can store up to 50,000
unique danger locations. Using the latest Global Positioning Satellite (GPS)
technology, ROAD ANGEL COMPACT compares your position with known
danger spot locations and gives you an audible and visual warning as you
approach them.
It is critical to the accurate operation of your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT that
you update your unit regularly to maintain the very latest data. With up to
100 new hazard locations added each month, we suggest that you update
your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT monthly (see Updating the Database on
page 29). If you are a high mileage driver, using unfamiliar roads, we
recommend weekly updates.
To qualify for database updates:
1. Register your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT with Blackspot Interactive
Ltd. You cannot update the database until you have registered (see
page 7).
2. Purchase a valid subscription package (see page 8). Your new
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT comes with an initial, free, 6-month
subscription.

7
Register Now!
Register your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT immediately after purchase. This
is important for two reasons:
•You cannot update the unit until it has been registered. Database
information will be significantly out-of-date at the time of purchase and
should be updated as soon as possible (see page 29).
•Without registration, we cannot resolve warranty issues, log queries or
solve problems with your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT.
REGISTER your unit in one of the following ways:
1. Register online:
a) Go to www.blackspot.com
b) Click on the Product Registration link. The Product Registration form
is displayed.
c) Enter your ROAD ANGEL COMPACTS's serial number. You can find
this on the back of the unit.
d) Click on the Next button. Once your details have been entered, you
will be prompted to download the update software directly to your
PC. The registration process normally takes one full working day –
you can then use the software to update your ROAD ANGEL
COMPACT(see page 29).
2. If online registration is not possible, please call the Registration helpline
(recorded) on: 0870 084 7439. Leave your name, address and
telephone number and we will forward a registration form to you the
same working day (Mon – Fri).

8
Subscriptions
Your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT comes with a free subscription for six
months of database updates and product support. It is critical to the
operation of your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT that you update the unit
regularly and so continued subscription is essential. With constant
additions to the Road Angel database (1000+ sites per year), the benefit of
your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT and the protection it provides will be
dramatically reduced if you fail to maintain your database.
You can also subscribe online at http://www.blackspot.com/subscriptions/.
Warranty
Your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT is guaranteed for one year from the date
of purchase from all defects that occur with normal use. If your unit fails to
perform as specified in these instructions, please visit:
http://www.blackspot.com/warranty
Security
Owing to the high number of thefts, we strongly suggest you remove your
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT and its bracket from view when you leave your
vehicle.
Please contact Blackspot Interactive Ltd if your unit is stolen or lost. Each
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT is identified by a unique serial number on the
back. We can disable a unit through our security systems and detect any
attempt to re-register it. This has frequently resulted in the safe return of a
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT to its rightful owner.

9
2. Installation
This section shows you how to install ROAD ANGEL COMPACT in your
vehicle.
Unpacking
Empty all the parts out of the box and familiarise yourself with each item.
Each pack contains:
•The ROAD ANGEL COMPACT unit
•A windscreen mounting bracket with:
•2 x Suction cups
•4 x Anti-vibration dampers
•Dashboard mounting pad
•Cables:
•1 x Cigar Power Plug
•1 x USB cable/Power Cable
•Quick Start Guide
Mounting the Unit
We recommend that you install your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT on the
dashboard of your vehicle. ROAD ANGEL COMPACT has an internal high
sensitivity GPS antenna and requires a clear view of the sky to
communicate with GPS satellites.
If you want to install ROAD ANGEL COMPACT anywhere else within your
vehicle, you will require an external GPS antenna. Please contact
Blackspot Interactive Ltd or visit www.blackspot.com for details.
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT has a quick release magnetic base and is
supplied with:
•A bracket for mounting ROAD ANGEL COMPACT on the front
windscreen.
•A mounting pad for fixing ROAD ANGEL COMPACT directly onto the
dashboard.

10
Assembling the windscreen mounting bracket
1. Locate the seven anti-vibration dampers; there
are three pairs of round dampers and a long
rectangular bar.
2. Select a pair of dampers according to the pitch of your vehicle's
windscreen:
Windscreen pitch Damper type
Low, streamlined e.g. Sports car style short
Standard e.g. Saloon style medium
Upright e.g. 4X4 style long
3. Insert the selected pair of dampers into the
two holes towards the back of the bracket,
and slide towards the back. These dampers
hold the bracket at the correct angle and
stop it from touching the windscreen.
You may need to experiment with
different combinations of the dampers
to get the best fit.
4. Press the rectangular damper into the
three holes along the front edge of the
bracket. This damper stabilises the
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT in the
mounting bracket.

11
5. Push the two clear suction cups into the large holes on the top of the
bracket. Slide across to the smaller holes towards the outside edge of
the bracket.
6. Attach the bracket to your vehicle's windscreen. Read the guidelines in
the next section (see Mounting ROAD ANGEL COMPACT in a Car, on
page 12).
Do not leave the bracket on the front windscreen without the
product attached, for security issues (see page 8).
Using the dashboard pad
You can mount ROAD ANGEL COMPACT directly onto the dashboard
using the supplied rubber pad.
Remove the backing from the bottom of the pad and fix to the dashboard
(see Choosing the location on page 12). ROAD ANGEL COMPACT can be
placed onto the rubber pad where it will be held firmly.

12
Choosing the location
Mounting ROAD ANGEL COMPACT in a Car
NO ROAD ANGEL COMPACT OR ASSOCIATED ITEMS SHOULD
BE ATTACHED TO OR PLACED ACROSS THE PADDED
SURFACE OF THE AIRBAG MODULE ON THE PASSENGER SIDE
OF THE DASH PANEL. ALL WIRING MUST BE TUCKED AWAY SO
AS NOT TO INTERFERE WITH ANY OF THE VEHICLE'S
CONTROLS.
Use with UV and Heated screens
UV screens block GPS signals from entering the vehicle, stopping ROAD
ANGEL COMPACT from acquiring its position. This can be a problem with
certain models of vehicle, i.e. BMW, Mercedes, Renault, Peugeot &
Citroen.
Heated screens can also affect GPS signal strength.
If your vehicle has a UV or heated screen, you may need an additional
antennae to support ROAD ANGEL COMPACT (please contact Blackspot
Interactive Ltd or visit www.blackspot.com for details). Most vehicles fitted
with a UV screen have a defined section behind the rear view mirror where
the antennae can be fitted.

13
Providing power
1. Locate the USB/Power Cable and the Cigar power plug.
2. Connect the cable to the socket labelled USB on the back of your ROAD
ANGEL COMPACT.
Power socket
(
PWR
)
ROAD ANGEL-
Back view

14
3. Route the power cable to the cigar socket. Do not connect it yet.
4. Plug the other end of the USB/Power cable into the Cigar Power Plug
5. When routing the cable, ensure that it does not interfere with any of the
vehicle's controls or airbag modules. If you use your cigar socket for any
other devices, a dual adaptor may be used.
Hardwiring
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT has a 5V regulator built into the Power Plug. If
the cable is used to hardwire the unit into the vehicle, you will damage the
device.
To hardwire the ROAD ANGEL COMPACT into your vehicle, purchase a
cigar socket, wire this into the power system and use with the supplied
cable.
Consult an auto electrician if you are unsure how to carry out
this procedure as incorrect hardwiring may affect the validity of
vehicle and product warranty. Consult vehicle manufacturer if
in doubt.

15
Getting Started
1. Place ROAD ANGEL COMPACT onto the mounting bracket or
dashboard pad.
When located correctly on the rubberised pad, ROAD ANGEL
COMPACT is held firmly in position because of a magnet within its
base.
2. Park your vehicle outside with a clear view of the sky through your
windscreen (clear of obstacles such as tall buildings and over-hanging
trees – these may delay or prevent satellite acquisition).
3. Plug the power plug lead into the cigar lighter socket. If your socket is
ignition-switched you will need the ignition to be on.
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT flashes its blue and red backlights.
If you have not updated your ROAD ANGEL COMPACT, the display
illuminates red and prompts you to ‘Please register your Road Angel
and execute an update. Any key to continue’. Press any button to clear
this screen. When you have updated ROAD ANGEL COMPACT, this
message will not appear again.
4. The display illuminates blue and show.
The first time the unit is switched on, it must acquire data from a
minimum of 4 satellites to establish its position. THIS MAY TAKE UP TO
45 MINS. After approximately 4 hours use, ROAD ANGEL COMPACT 's
internal battery will be charged sufficiently for it to be able to memorise
its position. Subsequent starts will acquire satellites within 1-2 minutes.
5. When ROAD ANGEL COMPACT has established its position, the
display shows your speed (0 if you are stationary). Your unit is now
ready for use.

16
3. Operation
Understanding the Display
Standby Mode
In its normal standby mode, ROAD ANGEL COMPACT’s display shows
your speed and compass heading or time, satellite reception (indicated by
a five-bar column – the more bars displayed, the greater the satellite
reception) and the status of audio output:
Speed Measurement
ROAD ANGEL COMPACT calculates your vehicle speed from GPS data.
The speed is updated every second and, at a constant speed, is highly
accurate. If you are accelerating or decelerating, the displayed value will
lag behind the actual speed by a small margin.
You may find a difference between the reading on your vehicle's
speedometer and ROAD ANGEL COMPACT. This is because all vehicles
are manufactured with a tolerance on the speedometer to allow for tread
depth, tyre size and pressure changes.
Speed
Time
/
Heading
Satellite reception

17
Alert Mode
When you are approaching a known danger zone, the LCD display turns
from blue to red and the type of danger is shown on the left side of the
display. The table on page 19 shows the types of alerts issued by ROAD
ANGEL COMPACT:
Please Note Advisory speed limit does not show on Blackspots, Schools or
Congestion warnings.
In addition:
•The Proximity-to-hazard counter increases from 1 to 5 bars as you get
closer to the danger zone.
•If the Warning has an Advisory speed limit then the alert type icon and
advisory speed limit will alternate.
•Speech warnings will tell you the type of zone followed by an audible
tone that increases with your proximity to the hazard.
USE THE ADVISORY SPEED LIMIT FOR GUIDANCE ONLY.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS KNOW THE SPEED LIMIT AND TAKE
ACCOUNT OF DRIVING CONDITIONS
When you have passed the danger, ROAD ANGEL COMPACT returns to
standby mode.
Proximity-to-
hazard counter
Alert type icon
Speed Of
Vehicle
Proximity-to-hazard
counter
Advisory Speed at
Camera
Speed Of
Vehicle

18
Muting Audio and Speech Warnings
You can stop audio and speech warnings temporarily when you are in a
danger zone, or permanently from Standby mode:
•To temporarily mute audio and speech warnings when in a danger zone,
press the MENU or STORE buttons. When you have passed out of the
danger zone, ROAD ANGEL COMPACT restores audio and speech
alerts to your current menu settings.
•To stop all audio output, press and hold down the MENU button for
about two seconds from Standby mode. ROAD ANGEL COMPACT
displays the Alerts menu icon briefly and then returns to standby mode.
The audio icon is overlaid with a cross. Repeat the procedure to restore
audio output.
To customise audio and speech alerts for each type of danger zone, adjust
the appropriate settings in the Alerts menu (see page 20).