Radar/Lidar detectors

mike734 · January 2001

Philly7;

I have not seen that trap since that night. Also, that night I only got a laser warning. I think they were testing out their new laser toy. I have seen speed traps on Avondale Rd however. That road is killer without a detector.

philly7 · January 2001

On 120th off NE 8th. That whole street all the way up the hill is 25mph. The cop usually sits in one of the driveways on the west side of the street. Starting from Larry's market all the way to Home Depot. I got snagged there last year (before V1) with instant-on Ka band.

I agree with you. As I said before, I think Laser is new to WSP. Be careful out there.

stever · January 2001

Speedtrap.com

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artmbgolf · January 2001

What do you think about the "Radar Jammers" advertised in the back of Motor Trend and in some catalogs. I forget the name of it, but it is supposed to make your car invisable to radar, by sucking up the signal and not returning it or messing it up in some way that the police don't get a reading.

scotian · January 2001

This has been discussed in this discussion already. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a search function in Town Hall ("Board Search" will list boards, but not specific posts; it is useless), and you can't load up the whole discussion and search for text yourself, you have to go 20 messages at a time.

blane · January 2001

artmbgolf:

I'd suggest that the operative phrase about so-called "jammers" is "SAVE YOUR MONEY".

scotian · January 2001

The only ones that work are very expensive and very illegal in the U.S.

pcleveland2 · January 2001

Still looking for advice on updateing a older Escort detector Only have X and K band. Hate to give in and buy a new one and give up the range. Anyone know of a tech to add Ka and laser to it.

Pat

srhawkins · January 2001

Years ago, you could by a Laser detector from BEL or Escort that detected laser. You may find a used one of these on Ebay, but no such thing for Ka band. A new detector is needed for Ka band. My V1 or BEL980 has more range (and features) than my old Escort did. Sorry, but I think it is time to move on.

drzoom1 · February 2001

If this has been discussed already, let me know and I'll dig thru the past threads. I have Valentines in both my car (~95 V1) and my wife's car (~89/90 V1). I swear by them. I got my first V in college and have not had a tix since then (1989). Nowadays, I rarely exceed 90-95 mph, and typically travel highways at ~75/80 mph (nothing to write home about), but I still enjoy looking for "bogeys".

My question is this, have the winshield mounts improved over the past 6/7 years. Both of our V1s are mounted on the visor. I'm going to upgrade one of my V1s this summer and may purchase a new winsheild mount, if they have improved.

God bless the V1

srhawkins · February 2001

My V1 mount has two suction cups that are connected by a small bar to take them off the window fast. You slide the V1 in place and it locks there. It is very effective, but the cups are of light rubber and deteriorate with the weather. I had to replace them every 6 months or so. If leave it in one place, they last longer. You can view all this on the V1 web site.

scotian · February 2001

I've had my V1 semi-permanently mounted for over a half a year now with the window mount. Works fine! I'm wondering if it would be advisable to use a small drop of Shoe Goo...

rewyllys · February 2001

Here's a question that I hope someone with personal experience can give me an answer to.

I'm considering buying an Escort Passport SR1 radar detector to be installed in my 2001 Lexus LX470. The SR1 is a model whose detector is concealed behind the front grille, with a separate display mounted in the passenger compartment.

Having been told that the display would be mounted on the top of the steering column, just under my line of sight through the top of the steering wheel to the instrument panel, I can't help wondering how this actually works out for the driver.

Does anyone have personal experience with such an installation in an LX470 or a Toyota Land Cruiser? If so, I'd certainly appreciate your comments on how satisfactory such an installation has been for you.

Thanks in advance for your help.

blane · February 2001

rewyllys:

If you want the best performance that ANY brand of detector can achieve, DO NOT have it mounted behind the grille. The grille is too low for longest distance protection. The higher in or on your vehicle that you mount it, the longer the range of detection (especially when you are approaching the crest of a hill with the police radar or laser gun on the far side. Also, the chrome, or other plastic or metallic, material that the grille is made of will block, or interfere with, your detector's reception of incoming signals. This is also true of certain automobile windshields containing metallic tints.

The location of the display is a matter of convenience and personal preference. The faster that you can see or hear the warning, the quicker you can react to reduce your speed. That's another reason to mount the detector itself as high as possible.

pooboo · February 2001

I live in NYC and go to school in upstate NY. My first week of school I got not one, but TWO speeding tickets (77 and 80 in a 55). These are my first tickets and I've been told they will be quite expensive. SOOO, I'd like to buy a radar/ lasor detector to avoid this in the future. I don't know a thing about them, but I thought they were illegal in NYS? Is it one of those laws that everyone breaks anyway? help!

joe166 · February 2001

What you asked is not as simple as it seems. First there are only a couple of states (and D.C.) that SAY that radar detectors are illegal. As far as I know, NY is not one of them. However, there is a complicated legal argument that any state law restricting the reception of radio signals is unconstitutional due to the Federal Government regulations under the FCC. That is not worth fighting for a $100 ticket. In those states that prohibit them it is just easier to put them in the trunk while transiting. The problem with detectors is not the illegality, it is the perception of some law enforcement types that if you have one you are intending to violate the law. That is why you see posts about "hidden" radar detectors. I have one above my rear view mirror (Valentine with a remote indicator) with the wiring hidden under the trim to hook up under the dash. Since you can't see it readily from outside the car I have had no problems, but a big red light going off on your windshield is to a highway trooper pretty much like a red flag to a bull. Put it high for better reception, but get a remote so that the signal can be hidden from casual view. No detector is foolproof and I fear you might think it can do more than it is capable of if one ticket didn't slow you down. None of them is much help against laser. You hear the sound when you have been tagged. You should read a book about pushing the envelope and avoiding tickets. Things like never being the lead car, slowing down at obvious choke points such as overpasses, always letting overtaking cars get close enough to identify them, "hiding" behind trucks that are going at a good speed, looking for road markings that can be used to time you by troopers in planes, etc. The radar detector is just one part of a comprehensive plan that has kept me from a ticket for more than 20 years. Lest this seem to be a result of never speeding, I recently AVERAGED 76 mph door to door from Tallahassee to Miami including two meal stops and three fueling stops. You just have to pay an awful lot of attention. I don't count on my valentine to do anything but remind me to be vigilant. At night it is essential, but in the daytime, I usually know when it is going to go off and have already slowed down.

blane · February 2001

pooboo:

Detectors are not illegal in New York State. Only DC and Virginia have such laws (Canada too). You indicated: "I'd like to buy a radar/ lasor detector to avoid this in the future." The detector can only help improve the odds. You are just looking for trouble doing "77 and 80 in a 55". Take it a bit easier. You'll live longer.

pcleveland2 · February 2001

Detectors are legal as long as your vehicle is under 9 tons in NYS. Don't think you are driveing anything that big. It is much like Joe166 and blane said. Detectors will only help you push the odds, and not prevent the ticket. And detectors are difinately a red flag to a speed cop. They even have detector detectors to see if you have a detector.

If you get one, do your homework, study up on them and pick a good one. If I were going to buy one it would be the Escort 1800 or the Valentine. Would not bother with the hidden remote. One word of advise. Slow down and enjoy life. It can be a lot more fun that you think.

philly7 · February 2001

Joe is absolutely right. I drive a 2001 Cadillac DTS and I have the same rig that Joe has. It is the best detector set up I have ever had, but like all other detectors, it is useless against Laser. All the "rules" Joe talks about being aware of (not being the lead car, slowing down for overpasses, etc.) I broke and by the time my V1 went off, I was toast.

It is false hope to believe that a detector is going to solve your problem.

One thing I might add to the others' advise is to use some of the resources available on the net to find out where the traps are on your route to and from school. Information gathering is as important a tool for avoiding tickets as a good detector!

Good Luck

trippdogg · March 2001

I am on the other end of the radar that people try to avoid with radar detectors. I never had any problem with them, I use to have the in my cars all the time. I've come to nt bother with detectors anymore, because unless you pay attention to whats going on around you will end up getting yourself a ticket. I assume the newer detectors are better in the way of false alarms, but most people have the cheaper detectors and tend to ignore their detectors when they go off for a few seconds then go silent, I guess they feel it's a false alarm, when actually I tagged them with the insant on.

Another thing I noticed is when i turn on the radar, I watch the speed quickly go down on the unit as th approaching vehicle slows down, but after they pass me they tend to speed up again, thinking the radar is going off because I am running radar behind them, but I'm actually tracking them as they speed up wuth my rear mounted unit.

All in all it's a game of cat and mouse. You get caught you pay the price.

vac23 · March 2001

You wouldn't say that if some idiot took a corner too fast & wiped out your family would you? Cops are just doing their job-enforceing the law that our governent (which we elected) passed.

minuteman26 · March 2001

Checks and balances make this country work. Probably the person referring to "goons" never had to investigate an accident with body parts and fluids on the ground.

jgmilberg · March 2001

I was looking for a radar detector that is a permanent install unit. I saw the K40 units and like them. I was wondering if there are any other companies out there making them. I want a couple of led's on the dash and a remote "speaker", the sensors would be mounted behind the front grill and out in back somewhere behind the facia. Out of sight out of mind. I looked at an older '92 suburban and it had one like this installed in it, but the guy had the dealer install it and was not sure what shop installed it. I am an avid do it yourselfer so I would not mind installing it myself if I can get the parts. I also wanted something with the vg-2 detector. Thanks

mike734 · March 2001

Has anyone tried the plastic license plate covers that obscure the numbers at "known photo angles?"
These devices are suppose to make photo survalence unable to read your number because unless you are directly behind the plate, the number is obscured. They cost about $30. I have seen them advertised in the back of popular car magazines.

pat84 · March 2001

I have Fresnel lens type covers on my tags. They do work. An airport that I frequently use, has CCTV cameras looking at the rear tag from maybe 2 feet off center of the tag. They can't read it and have to come out of their booth to record it. Don't ask me why they need my tag number to pay for parking.

drew_ · March 2001

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mike734 · March 2001

They need the number to verify the time spent in the parking lot. You may notice when you check out that your number is displayed on a screen for checker to see. That is why I find it so ridiculous that they expect you to pay "maximum fare" when you lose your ticket.

blane · March 2001

mike734:

I don't know anything about the vehicular laws of Washington, but any form of license plate cover (clear, fresnel, tinted, obscuring, reflecting, glass or plastic) is illegal here in New York State. It's use 'em at your own risk.

trippdogg · March 2001

actually most states have laws that make it illegal to obstruct the view of the license plate in anyway. The way the law is written here in NJ, I could actually ticket a person for having too much dirt on their license plate, or having one of those license plate frames that is put on by car dealers.... Don't worry though, I don't know any officer that would take it to that extreme

brillmtb · March 2001

Is it true that the radar guns will not lock on a vehicle that is changing speed quickly? I have heard that they will only lock if the rate of acceleration or deceleration is less than about 2mph per second.

Secondly, as an officer dont you think it is more valuable for you guys to be driving around. The only real way to cut down on crime is to make the criminal fear that the risk of being caught is high. By sitting in one place doing radar you just get us busy people on the way to work (well not entirely true). My point would be is that I would rather you driving by my house while my wife and kid are home alone and keeping the rapists, burgerlers, etc second guessing rather than ticketing for going over the speed limit.

55mph vs 75 mph in an accident....you will die just as fast. 55mph may seem slow and safe but it gets too much credit for saving lives.

By the way, I dont know how you guys do your job anymore. theres just so much disrespect for officers these days. Its a shame.

scotian · March 2001

That screws up the efficient flow of traffic big time, and creates a sometimes-dangerous teeming mass of agitated drivers. Now, if they pulled over people who didn't use their turn signals...

tonychrys · March 2001

Egads, you said it! I'm from NY and commute into NJ everyday, and I swear they must teach NJ drivers not to use their turn signals, especially on the parkway. NJ police depts would make a fortune in ticket revenue if they started to enforce that law.

scotian · March 2001

is a sign of weakness!

tonychrys · March 2001

is a sign of contempt for other folks on the road and their safety. It's helpful to know what the other guy is about to do on the road, none of us are mind readers, though it's easy to figure out some minds....

brillmtb · March 2001

I have always laughed at this, try it sometime.

turn on your turn signal near a car behind you that is travelling at the same speed as you and with plenty of room for you to move into his lane and just watch them accelerate to block your path.

What is it about people?

scotian · March 2001

That's why when I change lanes I make sure I have enough room and flip on the signal a split second before going into the lane. I almost always see the person behind me in the other lane begin to accelerate but by then it's much too late.

People suck.

yurakm · March 2001

Anybody can do it, from "racer" who always wants to be one car ahead, to a cautious driver who does not agree that there is "plenty of room" to move on his lane, and closes the gap for his own safety.

So, it depends.

BTW, except the rare saints between us, most everybody was more than once in the "racer" mood. Even girls :-).

And if there is really a plenty of room, almost nobody have enough time to close the gap. Not sure about Corvette, Trans Am, BMW 540, and alike, but very few mid-price vehicles, if any, are capable on such acceleration.

In Connecticut new drivers (16-year old and immigrants) are taught that plenty of room means you see headlights in the rear-view mirror, not a side one. Not sure if this is just a rule or state law, but to know this is necessary to pass tests. My friend received his first license in California; there the rule was "one car length in head of you and 1 behind for every 10 mph". I.e. 6-8 car lengths with 60 to 80 mph highway speed.

Of course, the majority of drivers have more experience and does not follow these rules. Witness the 30-car pill-outs.

timadams · March 2001

I'm thinking of buying one. Does it work well...plenty of warning and few false alarms? I'd be interested in hearing about owners' experiences with the 8500.

jim_c · March 2001

I purchased one a little over a month ago. I actually purchased both the Valentine 1 and the Passport 8500 for conparison. The directional indicators and rear detection on the Valentine were nice. The problem I had was that you could not visually distiguish between the types of radar at night. You had to rely on the sound. I really didn't see any differance in detection distance, I've read that the 8500 detects a bit quicker on KA but did not get a chance to go through KA. The Valentine 1 was more sensitive on X and maybe K band. Valentine 1 needs to update to a better display, then I would purchase one. I sent the Valentine back and kept the 8500. It's a hundred dollars cheeper then the Valentine also. They both give you a 30 day money back so you can always compare them and then send one back.

Jim C

rio3 · March 2001

I just bought the 8500... it is quiet as a mouse! I've been using a Whistler for the past 5 years, so this detector is a big improvement. It's size is a bit larger than most. For $30 more, you get an additional 2 years on the warranty (total of 3 years) in which if they invent more current technology, you're entitled for an upgrade to the software. I beleive for the money, and I had a hard time justifying 300 bones, it is worth it.

brillmtb · March 2001

I will have to admit I do the same on occasion. too often I run into that "cautious driver" yurakm refers too who takes a perfectly safe situation and creates an unsafe one by unsafely closing the gap as fast as possible when all they had to do was stay off the accelerator and perhaps even stay out of the fast lane except for passing...much like they do so well in Europe.

spitzayasuck · May 2001

Just got the phantom II doesn't seem to false alarm too much, actually it doesn't do much of anything yet, does anyone else have any experience with this detector

fef1 · May 2001

fef1 · May 2001

Accidently cut my above post off, Just wanted to let those interested that I have been using my new 8500 for the past 2 weeks with SUPER results, fewer false alarms and great sensitivity. On my trips from NY to Vermont weekly it has worked well.
I previously used a Valentine 1 which performed well but I think the 8500 has the edge! plus its $100 less! Hope someone finds this info useful.

spitzayasuck · May 2001

I did have the phantom II but after doing more research i decided to send it back. I did alot more research looking at both the V1 and the passport, today I made my decision to buy the passport. People in this room seem to live and die by the V1 but its technology is aging and the passport seems to be the better detector for Ka band. The v1 has the edge with X but that is never used anymore

minivanfool · May 2001

Does anyone have any info on:

Bel 880
Bel 890
Cobra 9550 or Cobra 9850
Uniden 757

I really can't afford the high end models, and need some protection.

Any info or recommendations would be helpful would be helpful.

mike734 · May 2001

I hope the 8500 is better than the V1 because the V1 team will now have a reason to upgrade the V1 and we should get an opportunity to upgrade.

this_is_nascar · May 2001

Why is it that the majority feel that the V1 is aging technology? Just because the looks have not changed in years, what's the issue? Just because Escort and others release a new model every year or so, why does that make the V1 an aging technology?

spitzayasuck · May 2001

new technology is always coming out, I want the newest radar detector with the best technology. V1 will probably come out with a new model soon, there current one is 3 years old. When the v1 first came out it wasn't so technologically advanced that it is still top of the line after 3 years

this_is_nascar · May 2001

My point exactly. Although the casing may not have changed much, there have been upgrades to the software. I'm not debating whether the V1 is the best or not (you can find that argument everywhere you look), I'm just stating that V1 is not as out-of-date as everyone thinks.

Radar/Lidar detectors

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