When these alarms were first released it was claimed that they were so good that they could almost predict in advance when you were going to get a run! Now, that might have been the JRC team using a little artistic licence but it is certainly true that these alarms have proven themselves on the bank time and time again. When you think of bite alarms, JRC might not be the first company that comes to mind – however, with these alarms making waves up and down the country it more than likely that that looks set to change!
The Radar DS Solar Bite Alarms are, as the name suggests, the first ever solar powered unit to be available on the UK market! Powered by a lithium-ion accumulator battery, the alarms in this system are completely rechargeable. The solar panel is mounted to the rear of the system, allowing you to keep your battery levels topped up when you’re on the bank fishing! You never need to worry about your alarm battery running out mid-session again! What’s more, you don’t even need bright sunlight to use the solar function, regular daylight is more than sufficient to completely charge the battery. However, if you do find yourself on the bank in darkness more than daylight – a particular problem when you’re carp fishing in the winter months – you’ll be pleased to note that the alarm comes supplied with an additional wall charger too. This is manufactured in Europe and has a two-pronged European wall fixture, so will require a socket convertor for UK use.
As well as the innovative solar charge capacity, the JRC Radar DS Solar Bite Alarms also boast a number of features which you would expect to see on a top quality alarm system of this kind. Firstly, the system is completely adjustable. You can modify the volume of the alarm to suit your needs on the bank, which is perfect if you could sleep through a small earthquake in the night and need your system on maximum volume to ensure you don’t sleep through your next personal best capture! You can also modify the tone of each alarm, ensuring that you can quickly and easily identify which alarm has the run without even having to look at your setup. You’re even able to adjust the sensitivity of the bite alarm. This is especially useful, as not only does it allow you to tailor your alarm system to the weather conditions (you might chose to reduce the alarm sensitivity on a windy day) but is also allows you to tailor your alarm to the kind of fish you are targeting (for example, if you are targeting smaller fish you might want to increase the sensitivity of your alarm). The alarm also has a mute function, which is incredibly useful when you are fishing with the receiver set in vibration mode on stealthy swims.
The Radar DS Solar Alarms are completely waterproof. As the electronics are all completely housed within the alarm, it will function even after a hard frost – so you don’t need to let a little inclement weather stop you from enjoying the best of the winter angling. The receiver allows you to completely control the volume and vibration intensity of the alarm from afar and it operates on an easy tubing system. This reduces the risk of interference from other alarm systems around your venue, ensuring that you’re only ever responding to your own bite alarm. Both the alarm and receiver are fully functioning at night; the receiver has a handy torch feature to guide your way and the alarm itself is fitted with a nightlight function. The receiver is powered by a AAA battery.