Speedflip Number Plate Mount
The Speedflip Number Plate Mount is another of those
gadgets that could have come straight off the James Bond Film
Set. This simple design of a electronic flip down number plate
mount is made out of aluminium and therefore quite light. It has
quite a good profile as well being only 25mm deep so it sits in
existing number plate areas very well and is designed for cars
or bikes.
The unit I was sent looks a little rough round the
edges. The aluminium unit is not finished off very well and the
wiring is made up of speaker cable with big flip switches. These
switches may be okay for a car but not so good for a bike where
space is far more limited. You get stacks of cable with fitted
crimps to allow the wires to be run round the vehicle with ease.
The kits consists of the main unit, three main wires,
one for power, one for flip on/off and a status LED. Two short
wires to connect the main unit to the battery box, yes there is
a 140mm x 80mm x 45mm control box that houses 8 x AA batteries
and the control circuit. Easy to hide in the boot of a car. The
motorbike box is smaller at 90mm x 100mm x 50 mm. It also comes
with different switches for a motorbike.
The unit runs on 8 AA batteries and can not be wired
to the vehicle as the servo in use is only 6 volts. You could
come up with a 12v to 6v supply if you don't want to use batteries
but be careful check with the makers first for a spec. The servo
used will work from 4.8 - 6v. Batteries are supposed to last for
three months or thereabouts. Expect the first set not to last
very long as you will spend most of the time giving mates a demo,
who will then go away wanting one…..!
Its takes around half an hour to an hour to fit
depending on the car or bike and there is no rocket science involved
so almost anyone with some basic skills can fit it. Your number
plate can either be fitted using screws (you will need to drill
your own holes or by using double sided tape.
The unit works very well and will perform a flip
down in less than half a second and returns back just as quick.
The LED confirms the status of the units position.
Above: Flip up and flip down
Some of the things I like to see is the unit painted
black to blend in a bit better, the three separate wires combining
into one multi core cable for cosmetics, but then I am just being
a bit picky. Lets face it when its fitted you wont see it until
its in the down position anyway. Some double sided weatherproof
fitting tape for the number plate could be included in the kit
though. (Since making these comments the makers are looking at
a signal wire system)
Can I recommend it,
Yes, this is a great gadget for those times you feel like being
james bond!!
Review done April 2002
