If you have the time to look around then it does seem strange that some people would choose these junk devices (quite obvious even from the packaging alone...) when you could get a proper OSRAM (top global brand) V16 beacon at literally the same price. Why settle for anything less?

Months ago (before we became 'street wise') I bought 4 (3 for mates) from Amazon, they arrived all looked fine then I realised they did not have the comms option - so I sent them back and got a full refund (Amazon always excellent in my experience) in many ways this whole thing has been a cock up so far IMO.

Drove from Girona to Alicante today. Saw five broken down cars. None has their beacon on, if they have one anyway. None had triangles out either mind you.

Also the manufacturer has to keep an intermediate server running to forward the locations from active devices to the DGT. Once the manufacturer's server goes down the their V16s become as useful as the old non-geolocation V16s. So if everyone who needs one has bought one then there's no more money coming in to keep the servers running... the Chinese manufacturers' servers will probably disappear first along with the manufacturers themselves, I doubt they're going to keep a server up until 2038.

By the way no V16 requires you to download an app for it to work, so there's no need to e.g. scan the QR code on the box and download it and fill in your info (as much as they'd like you to).

On Trustpilot OSRAM do not fare well !

Agreed. I just prefer to bypass those manufacturers altogether...

Use common logic instead. Why would the #1 and most respected lighting brand be anything than the BEST when it comes to this product? Should they invest in their own development... or is it easier to flood a certain site with fake reviews?

OSRAM is so far ahead of anything else that it's a no-brainer...

[QUOTE=astera;13334221]OSRAM is so far ahead of anything else that it's a no-brainer... ]And you think OSRAM isn't actually manufactured in China alog with all the rst of them?

You can see the system in action here: https://mapabalizasv16.es/#mapa

Some with appropriate sat nav in the car may be able to see this too.

Surely the connected beacon has a SIM card or something inbuilt that connects it straight to the DGT server rather than an intermediary server to the manufacturer connecting it to DGT? As for requiring software ? I am aware there are some systems that can operate this way but I thought this new legislation was to ensure beacons not only gave visible warning at scene but connected direct to DGT without the need for software?

[QUOTE=Notdunroamin;13334232] Yes I looked up the Osram beacon and you are correct it is made in china . Osram is a highly regarded company for electrical items but as you say outsources to China like many companies. The Help Flash IOT which I believe was the first DGT approved beacon is one that is manufactured by a Spanish Company, I guess though that even that will have some Chinese components ? Personally arguing that one is better than another is pointless to me, DGT have assessed and approved a selection so they must function correctly surely if people prefer a particular brand then it that brand.

You can see a description and diagram in Spanish on this page, section "Cómo se comunican las balizas con la DGT".

My one has a QR code on the box and on the underside, if you scan it and download and open the app, pair it with your phone, fill in NIF/NIE, car numberplate, insurance policy number, etc... and they will automatically call your insurance company with your position if the V16 is active. But all of that is completely optional.

Clearly to you is is (a no brainer) but history tells (and reviews that you ignore) as they do not suit your opinion / thoughts.
Such is life. .

Thanks for the link although that reads to me that it contacts direct to DGT but has some means of the manufacturer being able to monitor and prevent tampering? I may be wrong but my understanding is the beacon is a stand alone means of making DGT aware of hazard and it's location. As for optional connection to an app to report incidents to insurers etc yes I get that, that is a good addition on but as you say not part of this latest legislation as a requirement. To be honest I think so long as one has in the car a "connected" V16 beacon there won't be any issues whatever the make is so long as it was or is approved by DGT, what make it is is irrelevant, I like Porche's but I drive a Dacia as I can't afford a Porsche but the Dacia does what I need🤣

I feel quite averse to giving my Insurance company any information other than what I want them to know. I also can't really see how it would speed up a claim process either. They would know my car is stationary on the AP7 but they don't know if I've had an accident, just a puncture or whatever and like as with a puncture, it's no concern of theirs anyway.
One of the broken down cars I saw a few days ago, three young women with it, I had half a thought to stop to offer help but that would mean activating my V16 which, if connected to my Insurance company, would inform them when it is nothing to do with them.
Nope, I can only see problems, especially at renewal time, for them to have a log of the V16 activation(s), even if it is only once. They would somehow deem you to be a higher risk and put your premium up I bet.

I can smell fake reviews from a mile away. And I can tell a good, proper product straight away. Common sense prevails.

The OSRAM model is top of the line, if not that I'd get something made in Spain at least.

You can see the locations of activated beacons on the DGT site.

Click on the triangle for details

https://etraffic.dgt.es/etrafficWEB/