Radar/Lidar detectors

ruking1

I am glad you like the V1! I don't think one can go wrong with either the V1, 985 BEL or Passport 8500, there are a host of others but these are among the best.

..."If you operate a radar detector in a car it is legal except in Virginia, Washington D.C. or on U.S. military reservations where they are illegal. In Canada only three provinces allow detector use in cars; British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. In trucks (18 wheelers) it is a different story. Operating a radar detector in an 18 wheeler was made illegal in all states effective February 1995 per USDOT directive, Code of Federal Regulations, CFR 47, parts 392, 392.71"... Quote from Speedzones

kheintz1

Visit http://www.amcits.com/advisory.asp?print_version for more information. Read carefully under the subject line "Traffic Safety and Road Conditions" and you'll find the following words: "...It is illegal to take automobile radar detectors into Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, or the Yukon or Northwest Territories. Police may confiscate radar detectors, whether in use or not, and impose substantial fines."

abfisch

Perfect, concise answer. That is what I wanted to know. They cannot even be in the car and can be confiscated.

abfisch

peglegger

I have an Escort 8500 and I'm considering adding a ZR3 Laser Shifter. Has anyone used it and what do you think?

-Did you have problems mounting the front transmitters? You have to find space in the front grill for the two units and I'm wondering if there are issues with clearance for your car, issues with keeping them clean from snow/mud, etc.
-Did you interface it to the 8500? Are you better off not using the display that comes with the ZR3 and use the integrated 8500 display?
-What did you pay? I found a unit for $280 and an installer that's willing to do it for $80 - $100. He has never put in a ZR3, but he's a full-time guy and said it won't be a problem and he said he would normally charge more, but he would like to do it and might add one to his car.
-Can you use the ZR3 as a stand-alone unit? Could a V1 user still use both units independently?

Thanks!

carguy46

What are some of the differences between the Escort Passport 8500 and 7500s models? (besides the $70 price difference.)

kheintz1

http://www.escortstore.com/8500.htm

mushroom

For anyone who owns any type/brand of radar detector, I have a question. What is your biggest complaint or annoyance about your detector? I'm interested in the most common consumer complaints, so if you have any, please let me know. I'd love to get everyone's opinion, so please just take a moment to reply. Thanks in advance.

pathstar1

My V1 is a great "door" detector. Especially around malls. It also does well with radar ;-).

hhunter

I like much about the V1, but am distracted bytoo much falsing and wish it had an auto-mute feature.

carguy1234

I don't think any of them are effective against laser. If they have a trap set up and pulse on infrequently, you don't have much of a chance.

ruking1

When you say not effective against laser, I think you might really mean: you don't have as much time to react as with KA/K/X band varieties.

carguy1234

They can hit you instantaneously as you approach, with 0 time to react. I know many people that have got tickets this way. Even with V1's, or any others.

mike734

The V1 and other laser detectors ARE effective against laser if the road has moderate traffic. Stray (scattered) laser light can be picked up and "tickle" the detector. I you hear a laser warning, no matter how slight, prepare to get hit full boar. I have avoided two tickets on North Bound I405 in the Bellevue Wa area because of advance warning.

ruking1

I also would agree, even if the "leakage" is far less than other radars such as KA/K/X. While not as prevalent as the other radars I have avoided tickets when the laser was being used. The other thing is there is a definite way to not let a laser get a lock on you, if there is no one behind you.

mushroom

I feel sorry for you guys dealing with lasers. Around here it's rare for cops to use laser. In fact, most cops are pretty obvious and keep their Ka radar on constantly.

About complaints, it seems the biggest complaint about detectors is their number of false alerts. I guess even mute mode would be unneccesary if false alerts were eliminated. For anyone who's heard others complain, does this sound pretty accurate? I'm still hoping to hear more complaints/annoyances about detectors. Thanks to all who've replied so far, it's really helpful.

pathstar1

detection is subject to less warning than radar, mostly due to the more concentrated nature of the radiation (narrow beam width) and the fact it's used in instant on mode. My V1 falses laser warnings from LED centre brake lamps and some tail lights. Red neon signs will also trip it.

Here in Canada, the RCMP use "instant on" radar. If there is little traffic you also get no warning.

Biggest laugh I get is the photo radar Edmonton, St. Albert, Calgary, and other cities contract. The contractor leaves the radar on and my V1 detects it very well - I almost always wave to them (after slowing down, of course ;-).

this_is_nascar

Are you folks run in advance-logic mode? I used to run my V1 in the ALL (A) mode. Now it's in the "L" mode. It filters out most of the falses without affecting real radar detections.

pathstar1

Yes, I run it all the time in "L" mode. The automatic door openers use the same microwave frequency that "K" band (I think - those little lights and letters beside them are hard to see when driving) uses, so technically it is not "falsing". It's detecting a signal and warning you. I may someday turn off that band, as I haven't had any actual radar hits on it. That's the nice thing about the V1, you can turn on/off by band when you want. Instructions on the Valentineone site. I may disable the laser part by just putting tape over the detector, as it's pretty useless. It doesn't give you much warning but falses often. I usually see the police with the laser devices before they get a chance to "zap" me anyway.

hhunter

Yes, I am using L and I get stray signals on Ka as well as K. I go more by the sound than trying to see the light.
I can't turn off a band because I drive through too many different states and will have to sneak through Virginia this summer. Is the V1 still stelth to the latest police detection devices?

5port

My biggest complaint against Cin Microwave detectors is the power cord. When the unit is new there is no problem. The power cord on Cin Microwave detectors plug into the side of the unit. After a couple of years the nickel coating on the power connector wears off and any bump will cause the detector to reinitialize (off then on).

   I fixed this by opening the detector and soldering the power wires directly to the pc board. Otherwise their detectors work fine.

kheintz1

My Escort 8500 is almost 2.5 years old, and it's seen about 60,000 miles of road time so far. To date, my unit has not demonstrated any problems whatsoever, including the ones you've described. That said, I for one appreciate your advisory.

ocuihs

Besides the ones mentioned (LED brake lights & neon signs), also on those laser-guided cruise control cars such as Infinity FX series.

You can turn on/off laser (don't put tape over the laser sensors).
How to reprogram V1...If you really want to.

hhunter

I have a long trip this summer and am distracted by the fact that Passport and others now read BEE III Pop, but the V1 does not. Is this a concern for driving through south east states? Should I sell my V1 on Ebay and get the Passport 8500?

ocuihs

I kept the V1 and dumped/returned the 8500 after 30 days side-by-side comparisons.

New radar gun is sold under false pretenses. The POP mode isn't error prone; it's error riddled.

hhunter

I had Escort/Passport for about 15 years then went with the V1 after taking it on a trip with a new Passport 8500. However, now the 8500 X50, the new Bel, etc read BEE III Pop. Maybe it was Motor Trend that now put 8500 X50 in front of the V1. I have read Mike's article, but am a little frustrated that he offers us no protection from BEE III Pop.
I have to drive through GA this summer and they use laser near Atlanta and I keep getting a lot of falsing on KA in NC. Regarding KA, I don't think my unit is defective since others here seem to have this problem in some locations.
With no rumors of a V1 1.9 coming, I am confused because V1 features are important to me during a 4K trip.

chile96

I had the 8500 for the last 3-4 years but left it in the car I just sold because it was hardwired and I was too lazy to take it out - plus it was a good selling point! Anyway, I was all ready to buy the valentine and try that one out but I found myself ordering the new 8500 X50 (with the blue LED) which should be arriving Tues or Wed. Is there really any advantage of the new & imrpoved X50 version of the Passport 8500?

BTW, what is the BEE III Pop?

thanks in advance
frank

kheintz1

GOOGLE is our friend: http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9080

hhunter

When I put the P8500 and V1 side by side, I thought the 8500 was a good choice but was won over by the V1 arrows. I don't know if I can give up the arrows, but since V1 refuses to help with POP hence my quandry. And I am starting to wonder if 8500 now does better with laser than V1.
I am intrigured by this claim of P8500 X50 and don't know how to judge the claims:
"The Passport 8500 X50's new "V-Tuned" radar receiver provides extreme range on all radar; conventional and "instant-on" including POP mode, X-Band, and up to 50% more range on the all-important K and Ka bands than the original Passport 8500. Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides maximum range, with minimum false alarms"

raystar

Greetings,
I recently purchased a Radar Detector (Whistler 1873). Instead of using the windshield suction cup mount, I would like to mount it to the Dashboard. I'd like to use a mounting system that would allow me to quickly unmount the unit from a Dash mounted bracket. I don't want to use velcro as a mounting option. Any sugestions?

Raystar_Enterprises

5port

I dont think they make a mount for the dashboard. Most people are concerned it would leave marks. I've got my detector mounted using the winshield suction cup mount but I have it mounted to the window in the middle just a inch above the wipers. In this position the rear of the detector is resting on the dashboard. I havent noticed any loss in sensitivity due to it being close the the wiper blades.

93fsu1

I think the test at startup is very annoying. No need for it to be so loud, especially since I have my volume set for highway speed, not for intial startup in the garage.

blane

The higher up you mount your detector, the farther down the road it will "see". Mount it lower, such as at dash height, and you risk having a somewhat delayed alarm, along with the higher risk for receiving a citation.

pathstar1

I prefer using the passenger visor. This allows you to run the power cable up inside the "A" piller. The visor supports the cable as well as it crosses to the centre end of the visor (near centre of car). I make a wedge of polyethylene foam (ethafoam) to hold the visor level.

There are two drawbacks with this method. Some passengers are irritated by not being able to use the visor (but they are usually also irritated by the beeps the detector emits, so I just ignore them). This placement also puts the detector so it has to "look through" any tinting band at the top of the windshield, and that can attenuate the signals it's looking for.

The advantages of putting it up there are:
1. Very good range due to height.
2. Can be difficult for police to see it there (they can be very obnoxious if they see you have a detector, even if it's legal).
3. The power cable is out of sight, further stealthing the detector.
4. It's easy to install/remove with no marks on the windshield.
5. With a V1, you usually also get a good path through the rear window if it's up that high.

hhunter

Last week I sent email to V1 complaining that the V1.8 may be detectable in VA and there is no coverage for BEEIII Pop. I got two emails from a salesperson saying they are working on a "number of different topics." In the second message he said "stay tuned" [to the V1 web].

Does this mean that V1.9 is coming shortly or they are stringing me along so I will not go with another detector?

blane

Good question hhunter. But, how could anyone on this board have an authoritive answer for you?

hhunter

I thought someone could help me interpret the email. I know it is only speculation, but lacking hard evidence no other option is available to make a decision.

carguy1234

Does anyone have experience with the Bel RX65? Sounds like a really good detector for the price.

blane

The price? Of a ticket? No thanks, I'll stick with the V1.

carguy1234

I'm not sure I understand your reply. I can't find any tests where the V1 is superior, plus the V1 offers no protection against the new laser methods.

Other than the arrows, what is the advantage of a V1?

Thanks

pathstar1

include the fact it is upgradeable. For example, I have an older model V1 (laser det. on extended housing on bottom of unit). For 60% of new cost I can get a new unit (upgrade) when I send in mine. Bonus, I also get all the standard accessories included for that cost (so I will have an extra set).

You can also turn on and off each band. It also has two detectors built in - front and rear.

Disadvantage is the extra initial cost of the detector.

You will have to decide for yourself if the extra features are worth the extra cost.

As for the previous question as to whether the unit will be "upgraded" to handle the newest radar and laser "threats" - it always has been in the past. I see no reason to believe it will not be upgraded soon.

Guess this makes me a V1 fan. I just love the way mine works!

hhunter

I got email today from Escort saying that even their new P8500 X50 is not invislbe to Spectre II, but they are "working on it."

kirbstoy

Hi..Is Spectre II the newest radar detector detector? I wonder if the latest models from Bel are invisible to Spectre II? Guess I'll send them an e-mail.

carguy1234

Is anything able to prevent detection from this? I read one article saying that basically all detectors will be found with it.

But that said, why does it matter? Detectors are only illegal in a couple places that I
am aware of in the US.

Interesting reading:

http://www.speedzones.com/

hhunter

According to http://www.speedzones.com and http://www.radarbusters.com all detectors can be seen by Spectre II. The latter web gives a good overview of the new rdd.
It matters to me because I will be driving through VA for a week this summer.

cjs2002

Hello all Im currently in the process of getting a new car (either the 04 TL or the 04 MB C class) but I have one question... I'm hoping to get a radar detector does anyone have any suggestions as to which one I could get that works well and is reasonably priced thankx

blane

If you are planning to purchase a new 04 TL or 04 MB C Class, you realize that they are not considered to be economy cars. What do you consider to be reasonably priced for a radar detector? Do you consider a $400 investment too much, to avoid summonses over the several-year life of a detector? If not, I'd consider the Valentine 1's directional arrows to make it a no brainer choice.

cjs2002

I was thinking about it but wanted to try and stay away from that upper range like 100 to like 200 maybe... but I can go up to 400 if need be I just didn't really want to

hhunter

There is a bb about radar detectors at http://radardetectorforum.avoidfines.com/

There are also occasional messages about rds in NGs like rec.auto.driving Then I find specific threads in BBs and NGs about BMW, etc.

But is there another major BB or online forum about rd?

carguy46

I had a question about where to put my radar detector on the windshield..

First off, where is the overall best place to put it? And secondly, does it hurt radar detector performance if I place it on the top of the windshield, just to the right of the rearview mirror? (I don't have the blue tint going across the top of the windshield) Thanks in advance for your advice.

pathstar1

Top centre of the windshield is best as long as you don't have the dark band up there. I clip mine on the passenger visor inside edge, just beside the rearview mirror.

To confirm this try what I often do: find a radar source your detector responds to. This can be a trap or just mall doors. Pull over and stop, then move the detector around to see the effect. I find the sensitivity (distance to radar source) is about double at the top of the windshield compared to on the dash.

Use a straight wire cable (not coil-cord) and route it up the "A" piller, either inside (they usually pull off easily) or under the door seal, then along the top of the visor (I zip tie it to the visor pivot). This makes for a good stealth install. A dangling cord is an obvious giveaway.