In Japan, there are three major companies that are responsible for many of the radar/laser detectors in Japan. Yupiteru (Jupiter), Cellstar and Blitz (who appears to have taken over Comtech technology).
One differences of Japan publicity is to recognize these devices as safety devices for people to be good drivers and preventing “accidental” speeding. While in America, the radar detector (especially in Virginia and Mississippi) were looked at devices that enabled people to speed and evade law enforcement. In most of Australia (except Western Australia), Ireland, United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, to name a few, radar detectors are illegal.
But in Japan, they are legal and in 2023, new devices are being released to detect mobile orbis MSSS. MSSS is a mobile orbis that uses multiple frequencies, unlike conventional orbis.
Therefore, conventional radar detectors may not be able to warn you.
And while other countries focus on radar detectors that warn you, Japanese radar detectors include GPS functions and animated videos, spoken language with various tones and if used with an OBDII connector, it can also function as a digital meter, inc. tachometer, water, battery voltage and more.
Do Japanese radar detectors work in other countries? They do, but sometimes they may not, as the frequency used in one country may be different from another.
Today I will be reviewing the Yupiteru Laser Detector SUPER CAT LS21 4th Generation Amplifier IC.
It’s important to emphasize that this is NOT a radar detector, it’s a laser detector.
But before we get to the review, let’s talk about Yupiteru. Who or what is Yupiteru?
Yupiteru was established in the 1970’s as a music software business that was known for its Jupiter Records label. But as the company focused on audio equipment, such as karaoke machines, they karaoke business plummeted and the company focused on telephones and wideband receivers and car security systems. But where things changed for Yupiteru (who had gone through bankruptcy and financial problems in the ’70s and ’80s), they would be known for creating the S90, the first radar detector.
is considered the best and is known for their quality but the caveat for many is that it costs Y4950 yen for unlimited data updates. Or 35 day payment plans of Y990. And you can purchase an SD card with maps included. The caveat is because both Cellstar and Blitz offers their updates for free.
But Yupiteru is known for their quality and their long technological history.
Which now leads me to the Yupiteru Laser Detector SUPER CAT LS21 4th Generation Amplifier IC.
This is the third small laser detector from Yupiteru, the first was the LS10, then 2021’s LS20 and now we have the April 2022 release of the LS21.
This device is small, as you can see from the comparison shots, about the width of two US quarters or three 10 yen coins.
So, what makes this different from the 2021 LS20 release? Well, the horizontal coverage was 40 degrees. Now, this new version covers 65 degrees horizontally.
There is only one button and that is the volume setting, which you can get 8 volume levels and you get the “Laser Desu” female warning voice.
You also get a dashboard base to hook up the unit to or a metal plate to hang it on top of your windshield with double stick tape for the plate.
For me personally, it works better on the top of the windshield as the base adhesive didn’t work well (partly because I clean my car a lot and use cleaner on my dashboard which doesn’t allow for much sticking of anything.
You also get a cigarette lighter plug in for power and you also get another adapter that can hook to a radar detector. So, a cigarette lighter adapter could be plugged into the S21 and a radar detector using this special adapter.
There is an LED light on the button (it lights up to white).
It’s a very compact device. But does it work well?
As mentioned before, it’s a laser detector, not a radar detector. While in Japan, Orbis Lasers are sometimes on a tripod or by police, the question is how often will one detect a laser?
I think depending on your area, you may get a lot or you may get nothing.
As you can see from Amazon reviews, it’s almost 50/50 in terms of comments of those that say it works and another side which feels it’s a waste of money, because it has not detected anything.
But truth be told, you may not get any laser detection. Radar, yes. But laser, probably not as much as one would think. And for this device, it’s a laser detector and that leaves people wondering, “is this thing working?”.
So, what is the benefits? Well, I like the idea of having it paired with a pre-existing radar/laser detector because one of the things about radar detection or laser detection is that signs, vehicles and certain angles can block your device from working correctly. Tinted windows or UV covered glass can affect detection. But one thing people do is have various devices covering the left, middle and right. Sure it’s overkill, but that’s for the hardcore people who want to do such things. Two may be enough.
But by it’s own, my feeling is although it’s newer and has 60% coverage, a boost up from last year’s LS20, while it sounds good, I think of this device as more as an addition to older radar detectors where the laser is several years older. This would give you a much better laser detection.
On its own, it’s quite boring. Maybe for one’s piece of mind and seeing it with it’s glowing power LED in hopes it will one day protect you.
I personally have not had it able to detect anything in the US (NOTE: Yupiteru does not recommend these devices to be used outside in other countries). But I do it as part of my R&D and the fact is I enjoy Japanese technology especially with Japanese voice and it’s lower price. I didn’t mind getting it for Y6186 (granted, you’ll have to pay that 2900 yen for shipping to the US).
Overall, if you want straight up laser detection, just don’t expect to hear audible sound warnings as much. But for your peace of mind, it may be worth owning. But please do your own due diligence to find out if your country’s frequency band can work with Japanese laser detectors before buying.
