The only thing that I found that was out of date is the display. V1 really needs to upgrade their display. You can't visually distinguish between the types of radars at night. You have to here the tone to tell. My wife gets annoyed when the detector keeps going off. If I could turn the volume down to where I can hear it going off but can't tell which radar frequency, but visually look and see, that would be nice. That was the only draw back when I compared the two detectors. I loved the directional arrows, but because of the display, the 8500 won out.
Good idea about the differenct colored lights for the differenct alerts. It's not a problem for me, since I'm pretty good with distinguishing the tones and always leave the audio turned up.
V1/8500 problem and I ended up springing for the V1. I was replacing an old Escort 5000. If anyone doesn't remember what the 5000 is, it was the one with the HUGE two-line LCD display. I liked it because it displayed where the radar was coming from (only left or right however, it didn't have rear detection). I figured a rear arrow would be an upgrade. Anyway, I've only had it for a couple of weeks and it's already paid for itself...
I had the Bel 7 or 8 series and although a good detector cannot compare to my new V1. I have no concerns here. I even have picked up laser several times in my area.
This detector seems to be a winner...no I dont work for them.
Do these high priced detectors still false alarm? I had a middle priced one years ago and the thing drove me crazy. 300 dollars is alot to spend for a false sense of security. Help me to make a decision please.
I believe that most detectors will give you false alarms.
As far as the high priced detectors are concerned, the directional display and the signal counter on the Valentine 1 are very useful in helping you determine which signals are false alarms. It tells you where the signal is coming from and how many signals it has detected. My V1 has paid for itself many times over.
Even with a detector that gives no false alarms, you still have to worry about a false sense of security because you can still get caught by pace, VASCAR, or instant-on-radar if you are the first target the officer has found.
Anyone look at the Valentine One web site lately? They aren't doing any upgrades right now and will not take any emailed questions. Strange for an organization that prides itself in customer service.
Perhaps this is a sign they are going to be rolling out the new version of the V1 soon.
I picked up a Passport 8500 a couple months ago after getting my first ticket in almost 10 years. (21 over, $175, ouch!) I've always resisted detectors in the past because every time I've ridden with someone that has one, the false alarms were extremely annoying.
I've always relyed on my eyes (and a fair amount of luck) to avoid tickets in the past. Pay attention and look for the cops, and don't speed in areas where you know they might be hiding.
I'm not the type of speeder that runs 20mph over the speed limit constantly. I usually run about 5-10mph over, with occasional burst of speed that might take me to 30-40mph over the limit.
Anyway, after that last ticket, I decided to get the Passport. I checked all the reviews and it seems that the Passport, V1 and Bel are all rated pretty much the same for detection. I picked the Passport because I thought the V1 was too expensive and the Passport was readily available at local stores (unlike the Bel).
So far I've been very happy with the Passport 8500. In Auto mode, false alarms are very rare. It will go off if I drive directly in front of a motion detector, but other than that, it almost never falses. The detection range is more than adequate. Since I don't speed all the time, I just don't speed any time it's going off or has gone off lately. I'm usually not in a hurry to get anywhere, but I like to go fast once in a while.
I have a friend with a V1, and while I think the arrows would be nice, for my type of driving, they are not a requirement. I also notice that he gets far more falses than I do. His model is several years old though.) I have a freind who just got a Bel 980. We took a road trip to Indianapolis for the 500 together last month and used my Passport. He has since gotten his Bel and mentioned that he get's more falses than we did with the Passport.
I also like the mute button on the power jack. Since my power outlet is right next to the steering wheel, it's much easier to hit that than to reach up to the top of the windshield and hit that mute button. Very nice when the cop is right next to you at a stop light and the detector is going off full blast.
So far the radar has saved me several times from putting on a burst of speed when a cop is around. After driving the road where I got my ticket (on my way to appear in court), I've determined that a detector probably would have prevented me from getting the ticket in the first place.
So here's my conclusion. Detection range on the V1, Bel, and Passport are all adequate. If you like the arrows and can afford it, get the V1, if you want to minimize falsing, get the Passport. If you want to save a little money and still have a good detector, get the Bel.
Well, more their customer service than the actual unit. I got a V1 for Christmas last year from my wife. Loved using it until I discovered that every time I sounded the horn in my '94 Chevy Camaro, the laser detector went off. Didn't seem right to me, especially since this never happened with my Escort 4600. At Valentine's recommendation, I sent it for repair under warranty. It came back with a note on an invoice saying "repaired." Went out to my car, sure enough, the darn thing was still doing it. Sent it back for refund.
Guess what? Valentine wouldn't take it back unless I agreed to a $50.00 "restocking" fee. I complained to a manager on the phone. He was rude, short, and abusive. Told me that Valentine's policy was to impose this fee after thirty days. It didn't matter to him that the unit was a Christmas present (and hence purchased early) or that I tried to get it fixed with them first. It also didn't matter that the ONLY place Valentine mentions this 30 day limit is in very small print in ads (I didn't see any ads since I was going by their alleged "reputation" and their website, which is devoid of all mention of this 30 day limit). To the manager, all that mattered was I was beyond their 30 day return period.
So they credited my credit card for the price of the unit minus the $50.00. I didn't get refunded my shipping expenses from the purchase of the unit or the shipping expenses for the bogus "repair" or the shipping expenses to return the unit. All told, I was out close to $100.00.
To resolve this mess, I had to challenge the charge on my credit card. Thankfully, I had kept all documents, including purchase receipt, repair invoice, postage receipts, etc. My credit card company agreed with me. I got back the $50.00 plus the original shipping of the unit to me. I lost out on the shipping for the repair and the shipping for refund - all told about $20.00. Then Valentine had the GALL to try to recharge my card for the credit for the fees they were forced to reimburse!! Again, thankfully my credit card bank wasn't fooled and denied the charge.
Based on this experience, I will NEVER NEVER NEVER buy or recommend any product from Valentine. Their business practices are questionable under the Uniform Commerical Code and the Magneson-Moss Act.
ps: this story has an even nicer ending - got an Escort 8500 this past Spring. Works GREAT - very few false alarms (fewer than that piece of crap V1), more accurate detection (already has saved my butt twice - both 10mph over highway limits), AND great customer service (no, I do not work for Cincinnati Microwave).
I was looking at the BEL Vector LR 970 over at SoundDomain.com and as I was reading the description I came across this sentence which makes no sense to me:
"BEL radar detectors feature Image Rejection Technology (IRT) which provides super-sensitive X/K/Super Wideband KA." Can someone tell me what exactly that means?
It means they hired an ad person to write their copy. They named some of their technology a fancy name and then they did not explain what it means. All of them seem to do that. It is kind of like Pontiac saying their cars feature wide ride chassis which provides superior handling. It means they came up with a catchy phrase that someone likes the sound of.
I have forwarded you email to Mr. Valentine and he has read the response I am sending to you. This posting is disconcerting. I really don't know who the person is and do not know the exact situation. Some people become angry, make unreasonable demands or do not desire to have a resolution to a situation. Fortunatly this is a small percentage of customers. We try to give good service every time. We do make mistakes sometimes; but in those situations we bend over backwards to make it right again. I do not know what the specific details are; but the following is the normal procedure or policy that is followed. 1. We have just one manager in the sales department who handles situations such as this and "he" is a she! 2. The situation he describes with the falsing is caused by the interface of the Valentine One and the vehicle in which he was using the unit. What can happen is that the current being supplied to the lighter adapter socket drops below 11 volts which makes the laser portion of the unit think that it has been turned off and then on again. This situation can be easily remedied by direct-wiring the Valentine One. In some cases the electrical system of the vehicle needs attention. The problem can be cause by EMI. There are also other ways to stop this from happening. We try various things to correct the falsing and sometimes in takes sending the unit back in. We have worked with many customers to resolve this. 3. We do have a re-stocking fee of $50 if a customer wants to return a unit after the 30-day money back period has past. For Christmas gifts the 30-day period begins on December 25 so the 30-day period lasts until the end of January. 4. There would have been no charge for the "repair". Also, we refund the cost to send in a unit to have it looked at if the unit is under warranty. I cannot see how this person would have spent $100. 5. If he disputed the $50 re-stocking fee, the accounting department probably asked the bank to look into the dispute and explained our re-stocking fee. The bank saw the fee as reasonable and re-charged the customer's card. 6. Cincinnati Microware went out of business in December 1998. Investors bought the rights to the name Escort. The company identity is Escort and the product identity is Passport.
Thank you for sending us your email. We appreciate it when people are considerate enough to take the time to write to us. Hope your experiences with us have been good ones! Margaret
44264 - thanks for forwarding the response from Valentine. If Mr. Valentine or Margaret wishes to contact me directly to discuss this situation, I would be MORE than happy to do so. I have documentation of my entire unhappy experience with them and am more than willing to show them the documentation. They can email me at yzfrider@hotmail.com. I do not think a customer is being unreasonable in asking for a refund when faced with a device that has a problem that the company will not fix or resolve. For the record, Valentine's customer service representative NEVER discussed a potential solution with me. If he had, Valentine would have probably had a satisfied customer on their hands and instead of a disgruntled, aliened former customer. At the very least, the company has some phone representatives that need some serious training in customer relations.
As for my costs for dealing with this sordid mess, here is the breakdown of my expenses:
1. Postage to return for repair (certified, insured, return receipt requested): $26.00 (no, I was not reimbursed that shipping for "repair" under warranty - in addition, no letter was included about what "repair" was done. Moreover, the unit was returned scratched).
2. Postage to return for refund (certified, insured, return receipt requested): $26.00
3. "Restocking fee": $50.00
Total $26 x 2 + $50 = $102.
In relating the story, I noted that thanks to my bank, I recouped $50.00 of my expenses. I am still out about $50 for trying the V1. Again, I am MORE THAN HAPPY to discuss this issue with either Mr. Valentine or Margaret. I will be HAPPY to fax them copies of the letters I wrote to the company documenting my experience including evidence of return, repair, and subsequent contact. As you can tell, I am still VERY UNHAPPY with Valentine. Everything I have stated in my prior post can be backed up with documentation. If Valentine wants to FINALLY step up to the plate and make things right for this consumer, I am willing to discuss. They certainly did not do so before.
yzf are you sure you don't or didn't work for the old Cincinnati Microwave?
I no of nobody that is unhappy with the product or service from V1! Their product is superior in every measurable way. There is no "planned obsolescence" with a V1 unlike the Escort brand. Don't get me wrong I've owned 3 Escorts and liked then all but this V1 might be the last one I ever need to buy -- Its That Much Better!!!
Yup, I'm sure I don't or have ever worked for Cincinnati Microwave, Escort, or any other iteration of that company. I am a regulatory attorney at a large law firm. My clients include automotive companies and their various suppliers. Cincinnati Microwave, Escort, or whatever they call themselves legally are not even clients of my firm.
I have owned radar detectors since I was old enough to drive. I had one of the first ever produced Passport radar detectors. It replaced an older Bel detector. I've also had a Fox detector installed in the grill of my old beat up Chevy (remember those ancient detectors?) and assorted others. In all my years of driving and owning detectors, I have never ever had the type of treatment I got from Valentine. My issue is with their customer service (or lack thereof). My comment in my original post about their "crappy" detector had more to do with my anger at the company than the detector. Okay - that and the fact that the Escort 8500 works better - it's already saved my butt a couple of dozen times. In all fairness the V1, I have to say that the detector was fine and I liked it quite a bit except for that one problem with the laser detector going off when I hit the horn (I think I did say in my original post that my beef was with the company more than the product). If Valentine had been at least decent about helping me with the problem in the first place instead of saying "it's your car's fault and there's nothing we can do about it" they would have had one very satisfied customer. Instead they screwed up by trying to blame my car, me and everyone else but themselves. Not the right way to do business.
When one of my clients has a problem with my service or a work product, I will bend over backwards to fix it - I do NOT blame them for the problem. Case in point, just yesterday one of my clients called up saying he didn't get a package of documents I sent to him. I didn't blame him. I apologized and immediately went to work to track the package through FedEx. I had my secretary work with the mail room to find the package. If the package had not been found, I would have recreated it and sent it priority FedEx immediately at no cost to the client. THAT's the way to treat a customer.
As for the "planned obsolesence," I don't Valentine's hype. The radar industry is CONSTANTLY trying to come up with ways to beat radar detectors. Radar detector companies constantly try to detect the new technology. It's a continual cat and mouse game - always will be. V1's will go obsolete just like everyone else's detector when new radar or lidar is developed. Yes, Valentine will "upgrade" your detector - but not for free. It costs. In fact, between the original price of the V1 and the upgrade, you will be able to afford the new Escort and the next model that comes along. So I don't buy the hype about "planned obsolesence." BTW - do YOU work for Valentine? (-:
Still waiting to hear from Valentine - see re: post #615. No response from my invitation to discuss my original post (post #611) or their response to my situation with their detector. Guess they would rather just dismiss me as a disgrunted unreasonable former customer (see post #614). That's okay - my thoughts about them run along the same lines.
It's just about 2 months since I had an Escort Passport SR-1 installed in my new car, and I'm delighted with it! Admittedly I'm comparing the SR-1 with its 12-year-old predecessor (a Cincinnati Microwave unit) that I had used in two previous cars, but the SR-1 stands on its own admirably.
It has both front and rear detectors, and of its laser capability, Radartest.com reports: "The only truly effective laser detector we've seen is the Escort Passport SR-1 whose antenna mounts near the license plate, the officer's usual point of aim."
For me the nicest features of the SR-1 are: (1) in Auto mode, it sets itself automatically for city vs. highway driving; and (2) the audio warning signal is automatically muted after a few seconds, while the visual warning remains easily readable on the display unit that is mounted on top of the steering column, just in front of the steering wheel, a location that is easy for the driver to see while being invisible to cars behind me. Unlike the situation with my former radar detector, which was mounted above my rear-view mirror, I no longer have people following me at night because they've realized that I have a detector. The SR-1 goes through a reassuring self-check each time it is turned on, and there are numerous options for the various settings, making it a very flexible and user-friendly unit.
The SR-1 has to be installed by a professional installer (or at least an expert mechanic). As a senior citizen, I no longer get the satisfaction that I used to from crawling under cars or under dashboards, so I was quite content to let someone else do the dirty work. The installation and a road test of it took just under 5 hours (which included time for the installer's lunch). I'd guess that the minimum time would be at least 4 hours.
I have had 2 Bels in the past, good but not as good as the V1. No complaints here.
With respect to having a laser detertor near the licence plates I would just say this. If a police officer has targeted you plate with laser no system is going to work for you. Yes, you will get an alarm but at about the same time he is locking in your speed.
Most experts agree that laser is too fast. Our only hope is to pick up "stray" signals off other vehicles and in this case having the detector up off the ground a little probably will help as it does for radar.
Thanks Hairydog. I like to think that I maintained some semblance of a reasonable position with appropriate documentation to back up claims and events.
Sounds like you have an interesting job. Do you investigate stuff like this regularly or is it something else? I got lucky in that I got to do something that lets me incorporate my love of cars, motorcycles (hence the email handle) and all things mechanical.
I'll keep you posted. Don't be surprised, however, if nothing happens. I pretty much resigned myself to losing out the $50+ bucks in shipping costs that it cost me to try the V1. Call it lesson-learned about a bad company.
If you are still looking for a good radar detection WITH a company that stands behind its products, try Cincinnati Microwave or Escort or whatever they call themselves! Their passport 8500 has proven to be pretty good in my experience. Very few false signals and very good response on radar (especially over hills). Just last weekend, I got a signal after exiting off the thruway onto a windy, hilly street. Sure enough, as I went over a hill AND around a corner, there was one of those "YOUR POSTED SPEED IS:" signs with the radar firing away.
Can't say anything about its laser detection abilities at this point. Personally, I don't think laser detection is very helpful. By the time you pick up a signal, your busted anyway - laser (aka lidar) is that good.
I had a brief opportunity to test an Escort 8500 alongside my V1. The 8500 had few of the false (or non-threatening) signals that the V1 picked up (they were both in L/city mode), but of those that they both responded to, the V1 was noticably quicker on.
The window mounting bracket on the 8500 is a joke -- nothing like the V1. The 8500 could not mount properly to the windshield of my 300M, with its long-windowed cab-forward design. I had to slide a map between the visor and the visor-mounted CD holder to prop up the back of the 8500.
Two people I know have the 8500, so maybe I'll be able to test them again.
Keep in mind that Mike Valentine says you should not compare two detectors side by side because they affect one anothers performance (usually people say this when the V1 doesn't show favorably side by side with another detector).
I've read most of the opinions out there on the two and it sounds like both units work really well. I doubt anyone would regret buying either. Sounds like the 8500 has a small edge in Ka and fewer falses with the V1 having the location arrow feature.
I have an 8500 and like it, esp the multiple bogey counter. Wouldn't mind the V1 arrows, but not for $150 more.
In L/Auto mode (V1 in Advanced "L"ogic, 8500 in "Auto"), while driving down a freeway in the city, my V1 registered a faint Ka signal, which then went away. Five seconds later it started up again, went steadily up to 1/2 strength on the meter -- which is a strong signal -- and finally the 8500 kicks in with a Ka signal at full strength. Not very impressive, 8500. I passed the source of the signal, the 8500 lost it, and the V1 showed it behind me for a bit.
From the manual:
"Passport's AutoSensitivity mode provides long-range warning, with minimum false alarms. In this mode, Passport's internal computer continuously analyzes all incoming signals and intelligently adjusts the sensitivity circuits."
"intelligently adjusts the sensitivity circuits" -- what does this mean, exactly?
It may have behaved differently in City or Highway modes: "Full sensitivity is maintained on all other bands [K, Ka]," but "We recommend the Auto (AutoSensitivity) mode for most driving."
From V1 web site:
"In Advanced-Logic, X-band bogeys that the computer has reason to believe aren't radar will not be reported at all. One exception: To be failsafe, the computer will always pass extremely strong signals along for your judgement. This mode is particularly useful in metro areas.
The computer is smart: It never operates the receiving circuits at less than maximum sensitivity and it knows that K-band bogeys and Instant-on are always threats. So it will always warn you immediately at the 'initial' volume when those radars are detected, no matter what mode you've selected."
I have a 8500, and I don't use the Advanced-Logic mode for that very reason. It tends to only beep in warning at full strength.
I just programmed X-band off the detection, which cut down 95% of the falsing, and leave it in highway mode. Here in CT the majority of the radar traps are K-band, with a little Ka throw in the mix. The Escort works very well for me here.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm still open to hearing from Valentine. I noticed that he's not accepting emails due to "mail volume." Seems he could hire someone to review those if he was really concerned about customer input. Again, V1 is not necessarily a bad unit - it just needs a better corporation behind it!!
Sign me,
Still Lovin' my 8500.
ps: CMW is currently offering trade-in discounts on old detectors. Makes the price of a new 8500 (already $100 lower than V1) seem all the more attractive! (BTW - its not on the website - call to get it - 800-433-3487. It's worth $40).
Of the two Ka signals that both detectors detected in L/City modes, the V1 was a bit quicker on the uptake. Even moreso with the X-band signals. The 8500 twice registered a faint, brief Ka signal that the V1 didn't squawk about, the only falses the 8500 has registered so far (a false defined as a signal that only one detector picks up).
It does seem incredibly inane for V1 not to accept email. Very arrogant.
While I empathise with yzf's frustration with Valentine Research's lack of response to his legitimate customer service concerns, I will not compromise my ability to have the most competent detector protecting me. I wholeheartedly recommend the V1. It's worth every extra upfront penny. Anyone who gets a speeding ticket with less detection protection has wasted their initial savings.
No, I don't work for, or have any financial interest in, their company. I'm just a very satisfied V1 owner.
The 8500 had far fewer X-band falses, its sounds are more high-tech sounding than the V1, and I could more easily visually tell which band was detected (alphanumerics v. dot).
However, the V1 outperformed the 8500 in my little test. And it has front/back sensors with accompanying arrow display for information that really is quite useful. It's mounting hardware is far superior to the 8500, and the LED on the 8500 power plug (for stealth mode) is a far cry from V1's remote display (for those willing to pay extra for it). I don't even know if the 8500 has a hardwiring kit as the V1 does. The V1 is well worth the extra money, but not all will see it that way.
The 8500 is very good, but the V1 is better.
I wish the V1 had a dot-matrix display (on-unit and remote) that implemented both the arrows and the alphanumerics. As cool as the arrows are, the V1 does look a bit dated compared to the 8500 in this respect.
Rather than argue whether the 8500 is better than the V1, I'll just note that we really are comparing the top performers in radar detectors. They are all going to be "top picks." The features compared and discussed so far (with the exception of rear detection) are really personal preference.
The short time I had my V1, it worked well (as noted above, the only issue I had with the unit was not being able to hit the horn without triggering a signal!). But was having an extra antenna for rear detection and arrows worth the extra $100 and the annoying glitch I had? - not in my opinion.
I went with the 8500 and have not regretted it. It has picked up rear radar (and saved my butt) despite the lack of a dedicated rear antenna. It has also picked up radar really well around corners and over hills providing me with plenty of warning. Yes, the mount is not as substantial as V1's, but it works well - it clung on very securely while mounted on my motorcycle windshield (now THAT's a vibration test). The smart cord may not be as fancy as the V1's, but it is included with the base price of the 8500 - the V1 cord costs extra (another $39). The 8500 is also more compact and thus, easier to conceal (very necessary when a state trooper started eyeing me up and down one day whilst traveling on my bike).
So bottom line is both the V1 and 8500 will provide you with excellent protection (see www.speedlabs.com) - it's just a matter of preference on which you buy. Personally, I've stated that I don't like Valentine Research and the shoddy customer service I had, so my choice was easy. Hope this helps the discussion.
Would placing your laser/radar detector on your front passenger seat be effective as opposed to mounting it on the windshield? I currently live in a state where it is prohibited, and I don't want a remote detector. People with this equipment please reply. My car can't live without one since you all know S4=speeed!!!
and don't think that because it is out of sight it can't be detected. A radar detector on the seat of a car is not likely to be very effective at all and it would probably be picked up by a detector made for that purpose if they bother to use them wherever you are from. I wouldn't bother. When I get to the Va border I unplug mine and put it in the glove box.
I've been using radar detectors for many years begining with a "Fuzzbuster" in the late '70's or early '80's. In July, I leased a new Focus ZTS for my last "commute" car prior to retirement.
The Focus didn't seem to lend itself to a wired or plug-in power source, so I did some research (Motor Trend and others) and finally went to my local Circut City and bought the Bel - "Express" cordless detector. I have several Radar-Intensive areas close by, specifically, Folsom, CA. The technology advances (in terms of almost totally eliminating false alarms) are amazing. Last week while driving through the foothills around Placerville CA, my Bel had a positive hit against a CHP ka radar source that was approximately a mile away. More than enough time to slow down. Given that "real-world" experience, I don't think I gave up much performance at all by going cordless. See ya....
If your detector cannot "see" through the windshield, as it can't sitting on the seat below and behind the dashboard, it cannot "see" the source of the incoming radar signal. You need to mount the unit as high as feasible on the inside of the windshield, where it can pick up the incoming radar signal at the maximum possible range.
In your case, since you apparently reside in Virginia, the only state in the Union that prohibits detectors, save your money and just observe the speed limits.
Unless someone has done a full test, I doubt that they could really give you a meaningful comparison. The Motor Trend test which was shown above is pretty good, but they didn't compare remotes to windshield mounts. Common sense tells you that you are giving up height and sensitivity when you are hiding the detector in a lower position. Any remote has to be far less sensitive than a windshield mount, and certainly lower than one of the top ranked windshield mounts. I have never had either one, (I am very satisfied with my V-1) so I can't help you with a specific comparison, but I thought these comments might help you in general.
For anyone interested in Virginia's prohibitions against radar detectors... (note the part about if you have access to it - i.e., in a glove compartment - that the officer can still consider it "in use"). __________________________
§ 46.2-1079. Radar detectors; demerit points not to be awarded.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth when such vehicle is equipped with any device or mechanism, passive or active, to detect or purposefully interfere with or diminish the measurement capabilities of any radar, laser, or other device or mechanism employed by law-enforcement personnel to measure the speed of motor vehicles on the highways of the Commonwealth for law-enforcement purposes. It shall be unlawful to use any such device or mechanism on any such motor vehicle on the highways. It shall be unlawful to sell any such device or mechanism in the Commonwealth. However, provisions of this section shall not apply to any receiver of radio waves utilized for lawful purposes to receive any signal from a frequency lawfully licensed by any state or federal agency.
This section shall not be construed to authorize the forfeiture to the Commonwealth of any such device or mechanism. Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.
Except as provided in subsection B of this section, the presence of any such prohibited device or mechanism in or on a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth shall constitute prima facie evidence of the violation of this section. The Commonwealth need not prove that the device or mechanism in question was in an operative condition or being operated.
B. A person shall not be guilty of a violation of this section when the device or mechanism in question, at the time of the alleged offense, had no power source and was not readily accessible for use by the driver or any passenger in the vehicle.
C. This section shall not apply to motor vehicles owned by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof and used by law-enforcement officers in their official duties, nor to the sale of any such device or mechanism to law-enforcement agencies for use in their official duties.
D. No demerit points shall be awarded by the Commissioner for violations of this section. Any demerit points awarded by the Commissioner prior to July 1, 1992, for any violation of this section shall be rescinded and the driving record of any person awarded demerit points for a violation of this section shall be amended to reflect such rescission.
(1962, c. 125, § 46.1-198.1; 1975, c. 108; 1976, c. 90; 1978, cc. 87, 91; 1981, c. 303; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 825; 1998, c. 300.)
I agree with the above posts that the higher on the windshield you can set your radar detector, the better performance you will get. Putting the detector on the seat will not, however, totally negate the radar detecting abilities of most detectors. Radar is not visible. It's waves of electromagnetic energy that are beyond the visual spectrum of light. They can pass through objects, albeit at a slower rate than through the air. As a result, a radar detector will pick up those signals even if it does not have a clear "view" of the road. Of course, the detectors performance is diminished since signals getting to the detector through metal, plastic, and fabric are not as strong as signals shot through the air, but you will still get some warning. Hopefully, enough to slow down before the radar locks onto your speed. Laser detectors, on the other hand, will ONLY work with a clear view of the road as LIDAR uses focused light beams.
Thanks for your posts to my questions. Putting it on the seat does seem a little absurd come to think of it. However, when using detectors like the V-1 and other dashtop radar detectors, are you able to place it on the dashboard as opposed to mounting it on the windshield? I haven't bought a radar/laser detector before, and I have never seen them except in pictures. What I have seen is something like this:
Does it have to be mounted on the windshield, or can it just be laid out in the dashboard out of sight of the police officers view? In addition, does it matter if the detector is placed near the center or the side? Restrict performance? Thank your very much for responding.
I really prefer the visor mount for a detector for three reasons. First, it keeps it out of direct sunlight. Here in CA. that is a major concern. Second, it keeps it away from the "casual" view of some punk that will break your window glass just to steal it and third, with some ingenuity, it can be kept level with a clear line of sight out the windshield. Hiding the power cord is usually not a tough job. However, I went cordless (battery powered) on my latest vehicle. Also, you need to make sure the detector's line of sight is not compromised by after-market windshield tinting.
Windshield mounting seems to be the most popular means (and often times the standard holder that comes with most detectors). The general rule of thumb is the higher up on the windshield, the better the performance. You can get around the whole dangling cord thing by stringing a cord around the upper edge of the windshield then down along the A-pillar, under the dash to the power outlet. Higher end detectors like the Passport 8500 and V1 use modular phone cable cords as power sources so getting an extension cord is as simple as going to your local Radio Shack for phone cord. Using this method, you can mount your detector just above your rearview mirror to make it less obvious.
Universal dash mount kits (if you really want to go that route) are available from Radio Shack. Most detector manufacturers don't make specific ones since car dashes are so different, its hard to make one that fits all dashboards. Plus dash mounting usually involves some type of drilling or gluing to attach the mount to the dash. That makes moving the detector from vehicle to vehicle more difficult. Some detector manufactuers do make visor mounts as well as windshield mounts if you want to go that route. Usually, these are sold as options.
As for location (i.e., center of the windshield or off to the side), this doesn't seem to matter as much as height and a clear view for optimal detector performance.
Although you didn't ask, since you are new to detectors, I'd recommend you learn as much about the particular detector you buy as possible. Specifically, it takes a while to learn signal patterns that denote police radar vs. interference. For example, an X or K band alert that starts weak and gets progressively stronger is likely police radar. If an X or K band alert is more intermittent, it may be just interference from nearby burglar alarms or automatic doors in stores. Ka is ALWAYS radar. LIDAR is just plain deadly. You usually get ZERO forewarning of those. Also learn to "read" the road to figure out where police like to hide (i.e., bottom of hills, around corners, on overpasses). That will help your detector help you more.
BTW - detectors are useless against VASCAR or other timing devices, so being alert and watching the terrain and other car behavior in front of you can save your bacon even if your detector doesn't go off.
Comments
This detector seems to be a winner...no I dont work for them.
As far as the high priced detectors are concerned, the directional display and the signal counter on the Valentine 1 are very useful in helping you determine which signals are false alarms. It tells you where the signal is coming from and how many signals it has detected. My V1 has paid for itself many times over.
Even with a detector that gives no false alarms, you still have to worry about a false sense of security because you can still get caught by pace, VASCAR, or instant-on-radar if you are the first target the officer has found.
Tom
Perhaps this is a sign they are going to be rolling out the new version of the V1 soon.
jb
I've always relyed on my eyes (and a fair amount of luck) to avoid tickets in the past. Pay attention and look for the cops, and don't speed in areas where you know they might be hiding.
I'm not the type of speeder that runs 20mph over the speed limit constantly. I usually run about 5-10mph over, with occasional burst of speed that might take me to 30-40mph over the limit.
Anyway, after that last ticket, I decided to get the Passport. I checked all the reviews and it seems that the Passport, V1 and Bel are all rated pretty much the same for detection. I picked the Passport because I thought the V1 was too expensive and the Passport was readily available at local stores (unlike the Bel).
So far I've been very happy with the Passport 8500. In Auto mode, false alarms are very rare. It will go off if I drive directly in front of a motion detector, but other than that, it almost never falses. The detection range is more than adequate. Since I don't speed all the time, I just don't speed any time it's going off or has gone off lately. I'm usually not in a hurry to get anywhere, but I like to go fast once in a while.
I have a friend with a V1, and while I think the arrows would be nice, for my type of driving, they are not a requirement. I also notice that he gets far more falses than I do. His model is several years old though.) I have a freind who just got a Bel 980. We took a road trip to Indianapolis for the 500 together last month and used my Passport. He has since gotten his Bel and mentioned that he get's more falses than we did with the Passport.
I also like the mute button on the power jack. Since my power outlet is right next to the steering wheel, it's much easier to hit that than to reach up to the top of the windshield and hit that mute button. Very nice when the cop is right next to you at a stop light and the detector is going off full blast.
So far the radar has saved me several times from putting on a burst of speed when a cop is around. After driving the road where I got my ticket (on my way to appear in court), I've determined that a detector probably would have prevented me from getting the ticket in the first place.
So here's my conclusion. Detection range on the V1, Bel, and Passport are all adequate. If you like the arrows and can afford it, get the V1, if you want to minimize falsing, get the Passport. If you want to save a little money and still have a good detector, get the Bel.
Guess what? Valentine wouldn't take it back unless I agreed to a $50.00 "restocking" fee. I complained to a manager on the phone. He was rude, short, and abusive. Told me that Valentine's policy was to impose this fee after thirty days. It didn't matter to him that the unit was a Christmas present (and hence purchased early) or that I tried to get it fixed with them first. It also didn't matter that the ONLY place Valentine mentions this 30 day limit is in very small print in ads (I didn't see any ads since I was going by their alleged "reputation" and their website, which is devoid of all mention of this 30 day limit). To the manager, all that mattered was I was beyond their 30 day return period.
So they credited my credit card for the price of the unit minus the $50.00. I didn't get refunded my shipping expenses from the purchase of the unit or the shipping expenses for the bogus "repair" or the shipping expenses to return the unit. All told, I was out close to $100.00.
To resolve this mess, I had to challenge the charge on my credit card. Thankfully, I had kept all documents, including purchase receipt, repair invoice, postage receipts, etc. My credit card company agreed with me. I got back the $50.00 plus the original shipping of the unit to me. I lost out on the shipping for the repair and the shipping for refund - all told about $20.00. Then Valentine had the GALL to try to recharge my card for the credit for the fees they were forced to reimburse!! Again, thankfully my credit card bank wasn't fooled and denied the charge.
Based on this experience, I will NEVER NEVER NEVER buy or recommend any product from Valentine. Their business practices are questionable under the Uniform Commerical Code and the Magneson-Moss Act.
ps: this story has an even nicer ending - got an Escort 8500 this past Spring. Works GREAT - very few false alarms (fewer than that piece of crap V1), more accurate detection (already has saved my butt twice - both 10mph over highway limits), AND great customer service (no, I do not work for Cincinnati Microwave).
"BEL radar detectors feature Image Rejection Technology (IRT) which provides super-sensitive X/K/Super Wideband KA."
Can someone tell me what exactly that means?
Can someone tell me what exactly that means?
It means they hired an ad person to write their copy. They named some of their technology a fancy name and then they did not explain what it means. All of them seem to do that. It is kind of like Pontiac saying their cars feature wide ride chassis which provides superior handling. It means they came up with a catchy phrase that someone likes the sound of.
This posting is disconcerting. I really don't know who the person is and do not know the exact situation. Some people become angry, make unreasonable demands or do not desire to have a resolution to a situation. Fortunatly this is a small percentage of customers. We try to give good service every time. We do make mistakes sometimes; but in those situations we bend over backwards to make it right again. I do not know what the specific details are; but the following is the normal procedure or policy that is followed.
1. We have just one manager in the sales department who handles situations such as this and "he" is a she!
2. The situation he describes with the falsing is caused by the interface of the Valentine One and the vehicle in which he was using the unit. What can happen is that the current being supplied to the lighter adapter socket drops below 11 volts which makes the laser portion of the unit think that it has been turned off and then on again. This situation can be easily remedied by direct-wiring the Valentine One. In some cases the electrical system of the vehicle needs attention. The problem can be cause by EMI.
There are also other ways to stop this from happening. We try various things to correct the falsing and sometimes in takes sending the unit back in. We have worked with many customers to resolve this.
3. We do have a re-stocking fee of $50 if a customer wants to return a unit
after the 30-day money back period has past. For Christmas gifts the 30-day period begins on December 25 so the 30-day period lasts until the end of January.
4. There would have been no charge for the "repair". Also, we refund the cost to send in a unit to have it looked at if the unit is under warranty.
I cannot see how this person would have spent $100.
5. If he disputed the $50 re-stocking fee, the accounting department probably asked the bank to look into the dispute and explained our re-stocking fee. The bank saw the fee as reasonable and
re-charged the customer's card.
6. Cincinnati Microware went out of business in December 1998. Investors bought the rights to the name Escort. The company identity is Escort and the product identity is Passport.
Thank you for sending us your email. We appreciate it when people are considerate enough to take the time to write to us. Hope your experiences with us have been good ones!
Margaret
As for my costs for dealing with this sordid mess, here is the breakdown of my expenses:
1. Postage to return for repair (certified, insured, return receipt requested): $26.00 (no, I was not reimbursed that shipping for "repair" under warranty - in addition, no letter was included about what "repair" was done. Moreover, the unit was returned scratched).
2. Postage to return for refund (certified, insured, return receipt requested): $26.00
3. "Restocking fee": $50.00
Total $26 x 2 + $50 = $102.
In relating the story, I noted that thanks to my bank, I recouped $50.00 of my expenses. I am still out about $50 for trying the V1. Again, I am MORE THAN HAPPY to discuss this issue with either Mr. Valentine or Margaret. I will be HAPPY to fax them copies of the letters I wrote to the company documenting my experience including evidence of return, repair, and subsequent contact. As you can tell, I am still VERY UNHAPPY with Valentine. Everything I have stated in my prior post can be backed up with documentation. If Valentine wants to FINALLY step up to the plate and make things right for this consumer, I am willing to discuss. They certainly did not do so before.
I no of nobody that is unhappy with the product or service from V1! Their product is superior in every measurable way. There is no "planned obsolescence" with a V1 unlike the Escort brand. Don't get me wrong I've owned 3 Escorts and liked then all but this V1 might be the last one I ever need to buy -- Its That Much Better!!!
Yup, I'm sure I don't or have ever worked for Cincinnati Microwave, Escort, or any other iteration of that company. I am a regulatory attorney at a large law firm. My clients include automotive companies and their various suppliers. Cincinnati Microwave, Escort, or whatever they call themselves legally are not even clients of my firm.
I have owned radar detectors since I was old enough to drive. I had one of the first ever produced Passport radar detectors. It replaced an older Bel detector. I've also had a Fox detector installed in the grill of my old beat up Chevy (remember those ancient detectors?) and assorted others. In all my years of driving and owning detectors, I have never ever had the type of treatment I got from Valentine. My issue is with their customer service (or lack thereof). My comment in my original post about their "crappy" detector had more to do with my anger at the company than the detector. Okay - that and the fact that the Escort 8500 works better - it's already saved my butt a couple of dozen times. In all fairness the V1, I have to say that the detector was fine and I liked it quite a bit except for that one problem with the laser detector going off when I hit the horn (I think I did say in my original post that my beef was with the company more than the product). If Valentine had been at least decent about helping me with the problem in the first place instead of saying "it's your car's fault and there's nothing we can do about it" they would have had one very satisfied customer. Instead they screwed up by trying to blame my car, me and everyone else but themselves. Not the right way to do business.
When one of my clients has a problem with my service or a work product, I will bend over backwards to fix it - I do NOT blame them for the problem. Case in point, just yesterday one of my clients called up saying he didn't get a package of documents I sent to him. I didn't blame him. I apologized and immediately went to work to track the package through FedEx. I had my secretary work with the mail room to find the package. If the package had not been found, I would have recreated it and sent it priority FedEx immediately at no cost to the client. THAT's the way to treat a customer.
As for the "planned obsolesence," I don't Valentine's hype. The radar industry is CONSTANTLY trying to come up with ways to beat radar detectors. Radar detector companies constantly try to detect the new technology. It's a continual cat and mouse game - always will be. V1's will go obsolete just like everyone else's detector when new radar or lidar is developed. Yes, Valentine will "upgrade" your detector - but not for free. It costs. In fact, between the original price of the V1 and the upgrade, you will be able to afford the new Escort and the next model that comes along. So I don't buy the hype about "planned obsolesence." BTW - do YOU work for Valentine? (-:
Still waiting to hear from Valentine - see re: post #615. No response from my invitation to discuss my original post (post #611) or their response to my situation with their detector. Guess they would rather just dismiss me as a disgrunted unreasonable former customer (see post #614). That's okay - my thoughts about them run along the same lines.
It has both front and rear detectors, and of its laser capability, Radartest.com reports: "The only truly effective laser detector we've seen is the Escort Passport SR-1 whose antenna mounts near the license plate, the officer's usual point of aim."
For me the nicest features of the SR-1 are: (1) in Auto mode, it sets itself automatically for city vs. highway driving; and (2) the audio warning signal is automatically muted after a few seconds, while the visual warning remains easily readable on the display unit that is mounted on top of the steering column, just in front of the steering wheel, a location that is easy for the driver to see while being invisible to cars behind me. Unlike the situation with my former radar detector, which was mounted above my rear-view mirror, I no longer have people following me at night because they've realized that I have a detector. The SR-1 goes through a reassuring self-check each time it is turned on, and there are numerous options for the various settings, making it a very flexible and user-friendly unit.
The SR-1 has to be installed by a professional installer (or at least an expert mechanic). As a senior citizen, I no longer get the satisfaction that I used to from crawling under cars or under dashboards, so I was quite content to let someone else do the dirty work. The installation and a road test of it took just under 5 hours (which included time for the installer's lunch). I'd guess that the minimum time would be at least 4 hours.
My 31 years as a trouble-shooter has led me to rule in favor of yzf.
The right thing to do is walk the talk and insure yzf is reimbursed with a smile.
With respect to having a laser detertor near the licence plates I would just say this. If a police officer has targeted you plate with laser no system is going to work for you. Yes, you will get an alarm but at about the same time he is locking in your speed.
Most experts agree that laser is too fast. Our only hope is to pick up "stray" signals off other vehicles and in this case having the detector up off the ground a little probably will help as it does for radar.
Just my thoughts.
Sounds like you have an interesting job. Do you investigate stuff like this regularly or is it something else? I got lucky in that I got to do something that lets me incorporate my love of cars, motorcycles (hence the email handle) and all things mechanical.
Jim
I will be watching to see if Valentine will do the right thing. Please keep us informed.
I am in the market for a detector also. This is would led me to your post.
I wouldn't think of trading with a corporation that doesn't value their customers satisfaction.
Number one color vechicle ticketed nationwide is RED.
Number one vechicle ticketed is a SUBURBAN.
If you are still looking for a good radar detection WITH a company that stands behind its products, try Cincinnati Microwave or Escort or whatever they call themselves! Their passport 8500 has proven to be pretty good in my experience. Very few false signals and very good response on radar (especially over hills). Just last weekend, I got a signal after exiting off the thruway onto a windy, hilly street. Sure enough, as I went over a hill AND around a corner, there was one of those "YOUR POSTED SPEED IS:" signs with the radar firing away.
Can't say anything about its laser detection abilities at this point. Personally, I don't think laser detection is very helpful. By the time you pick up a signal, your busted anyway - laser (aka lidar) is that good.
The window mounting bracket on the 8500 is a joke -- nothing like the V1. The 8500 could not mount properly to the windshield of my 300M, with its long-windowed cab-forward design. I had to slide a map between the visor and the visor-mounted CD holder to prop up the back of the 8500.
Two people I know have the 8500, so maybe I'll be able to test them again.
I've read most of the opinions out there on the two and it sounds like both units work really well. I doubt anyone would regret buying either. Sounds like the 8500 has a small edge in Ka and fewer falses with the V1 having the location arrow feature.
I have an 8500 and like it, esp the multiple bogey counter. Wouldn't mind the V1 arrows, but not for $150 more.
jb
From the manual:
"Passport's AutoSensitivity mode provides long-range warning, with minimum false alarms. In this mode, Passport's internal computer continuously analyzes all incoming signals and intelligently adjusts the sensitivity circuits."
"intelligently adjusts the sensitivity circuits" -- what does this mean, exactly?
It may have behaved differently in City or Highway modes: "Full sensitivity is maintained on all other bands [K, Ka]," but "We recommend the Auto (AutoSensitivity) mode for most driving."
From V1 web site:
"In Advanced-Logic, X-band bogeys that the computer has reason to believe aren't radar will not be reported at all. One exception: To be failsafe, the computer will always pass extremely strong signals along for your judgement. This mode is particularly useful in metro areas.
The computer is smart: It never operates the receiving circuits at less than maximum sensitivity and it knows that K-band bogeys and Instant-on are always threats. So it will always warn you immediately at the 'initial' volume when those radars are detected, no matter what mode you've selected."
I just programmed X-band off the detection, which cut down 95% of the falsing, and leave it in highway mode. Here in CT the majority of the radar traps are K-band, with a little Ka throw in the mix. The Escort works very well for me here.
Our choice for a Radar detector has narrowed down to a Passport 8500 or Valentine.
Your negative experience with Valentine leaves us with no other options.
Thanks for your Posts.
Thanks for the vote of confidence. I'm still open to hearing from Valentine. I noticed that he's not accepting emails due to "mail volume." Seems he could hire someone to review those if he was really concerned about customer input. Again, V1 is not necessarily a bad unit - it just needs a better corporation behind it!!
Sign me,
Still Lovin' my 8500.
ps: CMW is currently offering trade-in discounts on old detectors. Makes the price of a new 8500 (already $100 lower than V1) seem all the more attractive! (BTW - its not on the website - call to get it - 800-433-3487. It's worth $40).
pps: Yes, I still do not work for CMW!
It does seem incredibly inane for V1 not to accept email. Very arrogant.
No, I don't work for, or have any financial interest in, their company. I'm just a very satisfied V1 owner.
However, the V1 outperformed the 8500 in my little test. And it has front/back sensors with accompanying arrow display for information that really is quite useful. It's mounting hardware is far superior to the 8500, and the LED on the 8500 power plug (for stealth mode) is a far cry from V1's remote display (for those willing to pay extra for it). I don't even know if the 8500 has a hardwiring kit as the V1 does. The V1 is well worth the extra money, but not all will see it that way.
The 8500 is very good, but the V1 is better.
I wish the V1 had a dot-matrix display (on-unit and remote) that implemented both the arrows and the alphanumerics. As cool as the arrows are, the V1 does look a bit dated compared to the 8500 in this respect.
The short time I had my V1, it worked well (as noted above, the only issue I had with the unit was not being able to hit the horn without triggering a signal!). But was having an extra antenna for rear detection and arrows worth the extra $100 and the annoying glitch I had? - not in my opinion.
I went with the 8500 and have not regretted it. It has picked up rear radar (and saved my butt) despite the lack of a dedicated rear antenna. It has also picked up radar really well around corners and over hills providing me with plenty of warning. Yes, the mount is not as substantial as V1's, but it works well - it clung on very securely while mounted on my motorcycle windshield (now THAT's a vibration test). The smart cord may not be as fancy as the V1's, but it is included with the base price of the 8500 - the V1 cord costs extra (another $39). The 8500 is also more compact and thus, easier to conceal (very necessary when a state trooper started eyeing me up and down one day whilst traveling on my bike).
So bottom line is both the V1 and 8500 will provide you with excellent protection (see www.speedlabs.com) - it's just a matter of preference on which you buy. Personally, I've stated that I don't like Valentine Research and the shoddy customer service I had, so my choice was easy. Hope this helps the discussion.
opposed to mounting it on the windshield? I currently live in a state where it is
prohibited, and I don't want a remote detector. People with this equipment please reply.
My car can't live without one since you all know S4=speeed!!!
The Focus didn't seem to lend itself to a wired or plug-in power source, so I did some research (Motor Trend and others) and finally went to my local Circut City and bought the Bel - "Express" cordless detector. I have several Radar-Intensive areas close by, specifically, Folsom, CA. The technology advances (in terms of almost totally eliminating false alarms) are amazing. Last week while driving through the foothills around Placerville CA, my Bel had a positive hit against a CHP ka radar source that was approximately a mile away. More than enough time to slow down. Given that "real-world" experience, I don't think I gave up much performance at all by going cordless. See ya....
http://www.motortrend.com/july01/radar/radar_f.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
If your detector cannot "see" through the windshield, as it can't sitting on the seat below and behind the dashboard, it cannot "see" the source of the incoming radar signal. You need to mount the unit as high as feasible on the inside of the windshield, where it can pick up the incoming radar signal at the maximum possible range.
In your case, since you apparently reside in Virginia, the only state in the Union that prohibits detectors, save your money and just observe the speed limits.
__________________________
§ 46.2-1079. Radar detectors; demerit points not to be awarded.
A. It shall be unlawful for any person to operate a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth when such vehicle is equipped with any device or mechanism, passive or active, to detect or purposefully interfere with or diminish the measurement capabilities of any radar, laser, or other device or mechanism employed by law-enforcement personnel to measure the speed of motor vehicles on the highways of the Commonwealth for law-enforcement purposes. It shall be unlawful to use any such device or mechanism on any such motor vehicle on the highways. It shall be unlawful to sell any such device or mechanism in the Commonwealth. However, provisions of this section shall not apply to any receiver of radio waves utilized for lawful purposes to receive any signal from a frequency lawfully licensed by any state or federal agency.
This section shall not be construed to authorize the forfeiture to the Commonwealth of any such device or mechanism. Any such device or mechanism may be taken by the arresting officer if needed as evidence, and, when no longer needed, shall be returned to the person charged with a violation of this section, or at that person's request, and his expense, mailed to an address specified by him. Any unclaimed devices may be destroyed on court order after six months have elapsed from the final date for filing an appeal.
Except as provided in subsection B of this section, the presence of any such prohibited device or mechanism in or on a motor vehicle on the highways of the Commonwealth shall constitute prima facie evidence of the violation of this section. The Commonwealth need not prove that the device or mechanism in question was in an operative condition or being operated.
B. A person shall not be guilty of a violation of this section when the device or mechanism in question, at the time of the alleged offense, had no power source and was not readily accessible for use by the driver or any passenger in the vehicle.
C. This section shall not apply to motor vehicles owned by the Commonwealth or any political subdivision thereof and used by law-enforcement officers in their official duties, nor to the sale of any such device or mechanism to law-enforcement agencies for use in their official duties.
D. No demerit points shall be awarded by the Commissioner for violations of this section. Any demerit points awarded by the Commissioner prior to July 1, 1992, for any violation of this section shall be rescinded and the driving record of any person awarded demerit points for a violation of this section shall be amended to reflect such rescission.
(1962, c. 125, § 46.1-198.1; 1975, c. 108; 1976, c. 90; 1978, cc. 87, 91; 1981, c. 303; 1989, c. 727; 1992, c. 825; 1998, c. 300.)
http://www.speedzones.com/images/altim.jpg
Does it have to be mounted on the windshield, or can it just be laid out in the dashboard out of sight of the police officers view? In addition, does it matter if the detector is placed near the center or the side? Restrict performance? Thank your very much for responding.
Check out: http://www.speedtrap.com/
Here, you can search for and post known speedtraps across the U.S. Highly useful if planning a road trip!
Windshield mounting seems to be the most popular means (and often times the standard holder that comes with most detectors). The general rule of thumb is the higher up on the windshield, the better the performance. You can get around the whole dangling cord thing by stringing a cord around the upper edge of the windshield then down along the A-pillar, under the dash to the power outlet. Higher end detectors like the Passport 8500 and V1 use modular phone cable cords as power sources so getting an extension cord is as simple as going to your local Radio Shack for phone cord. Using this method, you can mount your detector just above your rearview mirror to make it less obvious.
Universal dash mount kits (if you really want to go that route) are available from Radio Shack. Most detector manufacturers don't make specific ones since car dashes are so different, its hard to make one that fits all dashboards. Plus dash mounting usually involves some type of drilling or gluing to attach the mount to the dash. That makes moving the detector from vehicle to vehicle more difficult. Some detector manufactuers do make visor mounts as well as windshield mounts if you want to go that route. Usually, these are sold as options.
As for location (i.e., center of the windshield or off to the side), this doesn't seem to matter as much as height and a clear view for optimal detector performance.
Although you didn't ask, since you are new to detectors, I'd recommend you learn as much about the particular detector you buy as possible. Specifically, it takes a while to learn signal patterns that denote police radar vs. interference. For example, an X or K band alert that starts weak and gets progressively stronger is likely police radar. If an X or K band alert is more intermittent, it may be just interference from nearby burglar alarms or automatic doors in stores. Ka is ALWAYS radar. LIDAR is just plain deadly. You usually get ZERO forewarning of those. Also learn to "read" the road to figure out where police like to hide (i.e., bottom of hills, around corners, on overpasses). That will help your detector help you more.
BTW - detectors are useless against VASCAR or other timing devices, so being alert and watching the terrain and other car behavior in front of you can save your bacon even if your detector doesn't go off.
Good luck.