Radar/Lidar detectors

stever · July 2003

Try an .org extension for a different (?) one:

Speed Trap Exchange

Steve, Host

corvette · July 2003

That appears to be a different one, but useful nonetheless. Google still has the original Speedtrap Registry indexed (speedtrap.com), so its disappearance appears to be recent.

scipio1 · July 2003

OK, on my way to work today with my V1 I found a reproducible way to get a false laser warning. Following a black SUV with the sun right behind my shoulder, the reflection would set off my forward laser sensor whenever I got to about the same reflection angle.

Strange huh?

hhunter · July 2003

I just finished driving around NC and had a lot of KA falsing with my V1. I vaguely remember a discussion somewhere about this because the manual is too optimistic about this band.
Where might I look for assistance?

stever · July 2003

Try a Discussion Search in here for KA falsing or similar. Some past posts will turn up, like this one:

"this_is_nascar Jan 15, 2001 3:15pm

Steve, Host

hhunter · July 2003

Thanks for the link. I have wondered if the next software upgrade will address increasing KA falsing with the V1. Any rumors when the next version will be released?

oregonman · July 2003

I just got a BEL Vector 985 based on various reviews and articles, partly because of its Ka sensitivity. I was suprised that I get no advance warning approaching a photo radar van. I have passed the van in three different locations and each time I can see the van well before the detector alerts me. I estimate the detector went off 50 - 200 feet fron the van. If I had been speeding, I would have been nailed each time. Is this normal? Do I have a defective unit?

tmundar · July 2003

I believe that photo radar vans use very weak radar signals to measure vehicle speeds. Since photo radar vans are designed to catch people as they are passing the van, the radar signal only needs to be powerful enough to measure speeds at close range. I have never gotten strong signals from photo radar vans.

ocuihs · July 2003

Details To Remember About Laser

1. There is no moving laser.

2. All laser encounters are like Instant-on radar; virtually no advanced warning.

3. Laser alarms are rare with the Valentine One, so be prepared to respond.

Laser False Alarms

1. Red neon, from stores and occasionally from brake lights of other cars immediately ahead, can imitate the characteristics of speed laser. Solution: Move away from source.

2. The electrical systems of some cars generate electromagnetic interferences, triggering laser alerts. How to test: Try V1 in a different car. Possible solution: Try relocating detector within the interfering car; also, your dealer may have a factory fix.

corvette · July 2003

I have read that a laser gun must have a line of sight between the gun and target vehicle that is uninterrupted by glass; i.e., it can not be used within a patrol car without rolling down the window. Personal observation seems to prove this theory. Is this true? Are there any laser guns on the market that sidestep this restriction?

gvmelbrty · July 2003

At one time yes, but not so with the newest laser guns.

The new Kustom Signals Pro Laser III has an inclement weather mode allowing the laser to be operated through the patrol car windshield. The other three laser gun manufacturers are working on similar technology.

Line of sight is still necessary.

Various new (for 2002) electronic speed enforcement tools for police are summerized in this Feb. 2002 issue of Police Magazine: http://www.policemag.com/t_cipick.cfm?rank=87019

-tom

scipio1 · July 2003

I haven't had any problems with V1 Ka falsing - almost every Ka alarm has ended up being a confirmed radar.

I have, however, received numerous laser falses in LA traffic. I notice that LED-style rear tail lamps tend to set the laser alarm off refgularly.

ruking1 · July 2003

Wow, how weird, I was just through LA and on VERY crowded freeways with the Bel 985 set on the rural mode (most sensitive to Ka Band) absolutely no falsing at all. Got a few X and K band, as per normal. Highways I-10, CA 101, 110, 405, Highway 1(PCH)

hhunter · August 2003

I drove about 4,000 miles durng the past month and covered about 10 southern states. I may be wrong, but the only KA falsing with my V1 that stands out in my memory was in North Carolina on either 1-85 and I-40.

ocuihs · August 2003

To activate KU band even though not applicable in the USA. How can one tell in the United Kingdom the audio and visual signals of KU band since V1 units have only X, K, Ka, L?

The decimal point LED that is to the lower right of the Bogey Counter numeral is the band identification for Ku-band. The sound for Ku-band is the same as K-band. After reprogrammed V1s with serial numbers ending in 0600 or higher (software version 3.619+), a flashing red LED just to the right of the Bogey Counter after the lamps-on test, but before the Mode indicator appears indicates that Ku coverage has been activated.

Also to reprogram to enable in an area with frequent K-band false alarms and other desired features.

********************************************
How to enter the Programming Mode.
How to determine your software version.
How to program your desired features.
How to exit the Programming Mode.
How to tell if V1 has been changed from factory settings.
http://www.valentine1.com/lab/MikesLabRpt3.asp

gvmelbrty · August 2003

June 2003 detector tests now posted at Speed Measurement Labs (SML): http://www.speedzones.com/

-tom

timadams · August 2003

Thanks for the link, gvmelbrty.

ruking1 · August 2003

I was happy to see that the Bel 985 is one close to the top of the heap!

scipio1 · August 2003

I think a couple of people asked about it here, so I thought I'd let you know I just posted three pics of my Navman iCN 630 setup in the BMW 3-series forum, if anyone is still interested.

ocuihs · August 2003

At the bottom of their test page under "Best in category -- Best at detecting POP modes", Valentine One radar detector is not listed until this webpage's reasons/history/background of POP:

http://www.valentine1.com/pop/

scotian · September 2003

My V1, mounted high and to the right of my rear view mirror, was left alone when a thief recently smashed my passenger front window to grab my girlfriend's purse.

It also sometimes false lasers while behind certain minivans/SUVs with LED rear brake lights. I have a V1 with the older laser detection.

I'm glad the POP mode is a POS.

hhunter · October 2003

Any rumors about when the v 1.9 V1 will be released?

kirbstoy · October 2003

Does anyone know of an objective test/comparison of cordless radar detectors? I'm especially interested in the new Escort Solo. Also, does anyone know of an objective comparison of the cordless detectors with corded detectors? I currently use the Bel cordless and, frankly, it has saved me from several speeding tickets...but I'm always looking for enhanced performance. Thanks , in advance!

ruking1 · October 2003

Here is a link.

http://www.speedzones.com/

There is a lot of product on the market. There is like a top three both in function and price. I went with the Bel985 early in 2001. To me this presented the best bang for the buck at 200 dollars or so. (V1 400, Passport 850 299) These three products have cords so I am not sure it addresses your real concern.

scotian · October 2003

You're better off chucking them and driving the speed limit.

mrl11777 · October 2003

I tried it. Did not trust it, and it sucked down batteries quick. Returned it and hardwired a V1 into my car. No regrets there.

hhunter · November 2003

I am a V1 user somewhat frustrated that there is no news yet about version 1.9. Today I got a mailing from Passport about their SR7. It requires a custom install and has antenna in front and back.
Anybody know about this unit?

kheintz1 · November 2003

I've been running an Escort Passport 8500 since 12/02, and I love it. I drive a minimum of 350 miles/week as part of my job, and I also take frequent road trips for pleasure. I've repeatedly read reviews and commentaries which seem to indicate that battery operated detectors tend to be less sensitive than plug-in detectors. It should be noted that most of the better plug-in detectors use a telephone cord type of plug-in jack at the detector, so if a stock plug-in cord isn't long enough to suit your needs, you can simply buy an extension cord and a male/female telephone cord adaptor (in order to make the extension) at any Radio Shack.

sensei1 · December 2003

Just curious if window tinting or does window tinting affect the range and accuracy of detectors like the V1 for rear callouts? Thanks.

joe166 · December 2003

Some do and some don't. It depends on the metal content of the film. If it has any metal content at all it will degrade the signal. The problem is that most installers are either uninformed or not willing to share information so it is hard to find out.

sensei1 · December 2003

I'll keep that in mind. I've been thinking of getting a V1 and window tints as well. Defeats the purpose of having a V1 if the rear signal gets degraded.

thebigshow · December 2003

I own a Valentine One radar detector. I am very happy with the radar detection performance, however, I have been hit with Laser twice and received tickets. (I went to court on one of the two tickets and it was dismissed.) I am considering purchasing a Rocky Mountain Radar RMR-C430. This unit claims to both detect and scramble all current forms of radar and laser.

I am less concerned about the detection

1) My main question to the group is, Does the Rocky Mountain Radar Scrambling technology really work?
2) I have talked to a few people who swear by these scramblers. I have also read a few tests that claim the scramblers offer no protection whatsoever. All of these test are on web sites of companies that resell radar detectors only. Does anyone have any real world experience with these units?
3) Does anyone know of any true independent tests?
4) If Rocky Mountain Radar is not the best unit, what brands do you recommend?

Please let me know. Thanks

hhunter · December 2003

I can't help your quest, but can you tell what state is using laser?

scotian · December 2003

Active laser scramblers can and pretty much do work, but are illegal in some areas. Active radar scramblers can work, but those that do are expensive and very illegal everywhere. Passive scramblers are crap and, if anything, increase the visibility of your vehicle to radar and laser.

chile96 · December 2003

I've had the passport 8500 for a couple of years now and used sparingly until I recently hardwired it in my new car. However, over the last 6 mos, I've noticed that it has started to pick up those annoying automatic doors (in front of Walgreen's, grocery stores, etc) as Ka band instead of K band. Sometimes when the signal is at full strength it will suddenly switch over to K band but other times it just stays lit up in Ka band. This was happening before it was hardwired into the car so I don't think that has anything to do with it. Does this mean my 8500 is failing or going kaput? Time to invest in new one?

thanks
fo

carguy1234 · December 2003

My Solo S2 cordless was doing the exact same things. Plus it was useless for laser protection (it would false all the time, but when I was under real laser tracking...nothing).

I ended up returning it. Glad I bought from Crutchfield, since they took it back even a few months past their "no worry" guarantee, or whatever they call it.

For what It's worth, my 10 year old Bel detector was much more accurate on all bands than the cordless S2 was (I did some testing with known speed trap areas that I've tracked down in my area).

thebigshow · December 2003

I have been written two tickets in GA while the police officer was using Laser. I hope this helps.

ruking1 · December 2003

I have been in approximately 3 sites that used laser. The auditory warnings are THE most extreme! I have had a Bel 985 bought in late 2000.

chile96 · December 2003

Well I decided to see if I could "fix" my detector and discovered that the signal when I go by these shopping malls or grocery stores actually is correct (shows K band) but the sound is the "squak" that goes with the Ka band. I have never messed with doing all those personal settings that the thing is capable of so maybe I can just reprogram it and that will take care of it.

Unfortunately I've noticed in GA that the cops there (atlanta) NEVER drive or sit around with their radar constantly on. It seems they all have the radar gun and use it very discretionary so as not to alert any people like us

hhunter · December 2003

Thanks for the warning about GA. I will be driving this weekend from TN to GA to SC to NC with a V1 and Garmin 2610.
Laser worries me since even the pulse radar almost got me in western TN last week.

kheintz1 · December 2003

"Unfortunately I've noticed in GA that the cops there (atlanta) NEVER drive or sit around with their radar constantly on. It seems they all have the radar gun and use it very discretionary so as not to alert any people like us

"

Yes indeed, the so-called "instant-on" and "same lane" radars have been in wide use for many years throughout vast areas of the U.S., and their popularity is ever increasing and expanding, as is the use of laser. These technologies are potentially very bad news for the unwary. Therefore, especially when driving in UNFAMILIAR territory with a highly competent and sensitive detector (such as the Escort 8500), it is often very wise to take seriously most any alert, no matter how BRIEF or weak the alert may seem at first glance. With a detector such as the 8500 (and depending on terrain), your detector may be sniffing out the tell-tale signs of an instant-on/instant-off radar gun several miles ahead of your position. When in doubt, slow down.

hhunter · December 2003

The warning about laser in ATL helped me. I went through Sunday AM and got laser 30 miles out (south on I75) then going away from ATL on I-85. Police cars were wall to wall with several cars pulled over.

carguy46 · January 2004

I was looking into purchasing a radar detector soon, looking to spend around 100$, maximum around 150$. What are some of the better detectors in this price-range, and does the lower level of protection they provide make them a worthwhile purchase?

blane · January 2004

The February 2004 issue of Motor Trend has a radar detector review.

I'll stick with my Valentine 1 for its superior performance and invaluable directional arrows. What you might save on initial purchase price of a low-cost detector could cost you dearly in traffic court.

5port · January 2004

I've been using a Passport 5000 for about 8 years now. Cost at the time $179. All major bands and laser. Saved me many times. There are some very good detectors now between $150-$200.

carguy46 · January 2004

Looking at two models: the Cobra ESD 9870 and the Whistler 1793. Does anyone have any recomandations?

carguy46 · January 2004

Any opinions?

blane · January 2004

carguy:

You might want to read my post #1007.

carguy46 · January 2004

Yep, I have read the Motor Trend review. I was wondering, however, if anyone had personal experience with anyone of those radcar detectors.

abfisch · February 2004

Forum:

I have had a V1 for about 5 years and it performs flawlessly in most circumstances. Luckily, I have to gotten a ticket to date. I do notice that electronic road signs false alarm it readily. I do a high about of Thruway and Interstate driving in an 02 Avalon. I have a direct connection to the battery for total cordless operation with the visor mount.

I have one question for this forum. Recently, I took a trip to Canada to go XC skiing for a week. Regulations state that radar detector use in Canada is illegal, there use. Do you have to take it out of the car completely?? Put it in your trunk???? Or just turn it off and deconnect it??? I took it out of the car completely before we took the trip, because I did not want any problems but would like to know if you can leave it in your car and just not use it. Can they confiscate it??

If anyone has direct concrete knowledge of this game, can you please let me know.

Thanks.

abfisch

Radar/Lidar detectors

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