Radar Detector

[CaST]

What radar detector is the most effective for all types of guns and which model? Please include how you have mounted the radar detector?

It looks like most folks are using the X50 or the V1 but I thought I would ask how its mounted too.

Thanks

P

[dond]

X 50 on a BLM shelf. A Visual Alert (powered by the RD) lives on the shelf too. I have used a screamer but at speed with my superduper earplugs I have trouble hearing it, the VA is great. :cool:

Google MC radar detectors and learn more.

Here's the VA in action.

[Highrider]

The effectiveness of a radar detector is mostly dependant on how easily you can hear or see the alerts. I use an X50 with a H.A.R.D. display in my helmet - it is the most effective detection system I have found for the bike. I have attached some images of the mounting, which is a machined nylon plate that is attached to the dash cowl. The H.A.R.D. transmitter is mounted inside the dash just under the detector. The X50 is velcroed to the mounting plate. I am working on a weatherproof cover for the detector. Neither piece of electronics is water resistant, so the transmitter is protected under the dash and sealed in RTV. for now, I make it a habit to put the detector in my tank bag if I am riding in wet weather.

Ride Safe !!
Dave
:biker:

[crazykz]

You have two choices. The Valentine 1 or the Escort Passort 8500 x50.

It's just that simple.

Curt

[nm6r]

I opted for a two piece Whistler unit. The antenna is in the fairing and the control unit is in the fairing pocket. Both pieces are out of the weather and out of sight from thieves. I hear the plain english audible alerts and beeps in my helmet. I have found this to be the most effective means of alerts without being overly distractive or having to deal with batteries.

Ray
http://www.frontiernet.net/~st1300rider/smile04Bikerwheelie.gif

[ccryder]

Escort X50, see pict:
The layout on the dash will change since I'm adding an XM. I haven't decided where I want what but, the Quest speaker/ 12v is being hardwired so the 12v cigerette lighter is going to be mounted under the dash shelf.

I have mine running through my Starcom intercom. It overrides the audio when there is an alert. If you don't have an intercom, just use ear buds. If you want music and radar then you have to look at something like the Mix-It or AmpliRider amps.

Time2Work
Neil S.

[KentS]

V1- Mounted on Larry Buck shelf with velcro.
These units can detect multiple signals.
I quit using the heads up display ... too distracting.

All the radar units tell you when it's too late :o: and all alert you to stay aware of ALL your surroundings.

[CaST]

Has anyone seen this magnetic mounting unit from ram mount for radar detectors? Doesn't the magnet interfere with the unit?

http://65.102.174.119/rammount/productdetail.aspx?partnumber=RAP-300-1

[John Anthony]

What's the scoop with LEO's using LIDAR. Is there a detector that will pick it up or are you basically toast if they are using these.

John

[Medicine Bear]

Valentine 1! It's the only unit that shows you where the radar is... to the sides, front or rear. I also have an X50 but like the V1 better because of the display.

I used the clutch resevoir cover replacement and Ram Ball mounts from Motorcycle Larry. Sorry, but I 've lost the link to MCL.

http://motorcyclelarry.com/

Fred :03biker:

[MOTO JUNKIE]

2 inch square of velcro smack dab in the middle on the dash. cobra battery operated unit...:cool:

[CaST]

Valentine 1! It's the only unit that shows you where the radar is... to the sides, front or rear. I also have an X50 but like the V1 better because of the display.

I used the clutch resevoir cover replacement and Ram Ball mounts from Motorcycle Larry. Sorry, but I 've lost the link to MCL.

Did you use the RAP-300 with the res cover?

[BC Rider]

What's the scoop with LEO's using LIDAR. Is there a detector that will pick it up or are you basically toast if they are using these.

John

There is some information out there indicating that you can buy yourself some time via a laser jammer and/or laser veil.

some discussion on it here:

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/showthread.php?t=45961

www.blinder.de is for the jammer - there are others. The premise is that they reduce the range of the lidar enough to give you a chance to slow down. Explicitly illegal in some states and provinces and gray in some others.

I only have experience with my escort 8500 - it has detected lidar for me. However I don't know whether I was measured by that time. My sense is that a detector MAY give you a warning under certain conditions (eg. heavy traffic and long shots by lidar operator) - but most information out there indicates that the laser warning is actually an early indication that you are about to get a ticket.

more info here http://www.radarbusters.com/support/product-tests/4.asp

[CaST]

Anybody know who has the best price on the Valentine 1?

[sport_tourer]

I use an Escort 8500 mounted to the dash via a curved shaped piece of wood with velcro on both sides, with the detector velcroed in turn to the wood. Never a problem if you use the industrial strength velcro. I also run a radar screamer for the audible alerts as I prefer audio vs. visual alerts. Without a radar screamer, I think anyone would be hard pressed to hear a radar detectors audible alert.

[CaST]

I was hoping you weren't going to say that.

[Diggers1300]

Valentine 1 got the nod with me not just because it is an excellent unit but it can be returned and upgraded as future enhancements become available for a very modest fee as compared to a new unit. (Whew!! Long sentence) My last upgrade cost $50. Now it picks up the POP radar.

[billxp]

V1 velcro mounted in the left pocket attenna facing frt, Remote Audio Adapter mounted at the top of the pocket and the Concealed Display mounted on the left side of the dash by the upper vent.

[CaST]

V1 velcro mounted in the left pocket attenna facing frt, Remote Audio Adapter mounted at the top of the pocket and the Concealed Display mounted on the left side of the dash by the upper vent.

Are radar detectors illegal to have in California?

[sherob]

I know they are in some NE states... they are illegal in commercial vehicles too ;)

[sherob]

I have a 8500 X50... does POP, no upgrade required ;) Use with Parnes LED visual on the dash... works great. Have it mounted with MCL magnetic mount on MCL riser nice and low out of the way ;)

[CaST]

Are radar detectors illegal to have in California?

I think I answered my own question. According to CHP website:

Radar detectors are legal, but jammers, or any device which interferes with radar signals, are illegal (28150 VC).

---------

Is the Valentine 1 a jammer?

[Killtimer]

The V1 is a detector only.

I'll add a :yes: to Mike's customer service and upgrade policy. My (then) 4 year old unit was velcroed to the dash of my ST1100 when I wrecked it....... found the unit dangling by the power cord. After another 3 years of service I noticed that the unit would rattle if I shook it. Sent it in and for ~ $150.00 they replaced it with the newer smaller better featured unit, complete with all the cords, power taps and mounts. They even sent a new cig. adaptor. More than fair IMO.

[jeff4912]

No saying that you will not get hit by LIDAR out in the rural areas, but more likely than not you will be hit by radar. LIDAR is still new enough that alot of rural areas do not have it yet or are not willing to spend $4k per unit:eek: . Also, LIDAR is a stationary device at this time and most of the time at least in my experiemce in Washington state and the surrounding states, you usually see an LEO when they drive by you the opposite direction. So, since they are moving, the only measuring device they can use at that time is radar.
A good radar detector unit certainly may assist you in a happier ending day if you find that perfect set of corners out in the country somewhere. Easy to find yourself above the speed limit with the ST's smooth torky power.
Not saying to go out and speed, just be prepared if you find yourself day dreaming on that perfect road.

[billxp]

I remember reading some where that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety often donates this equipment to urban as well as rural areas.
I've noticed most of the time if the patrol car is sitting perpendicular to the road with his window open its lidar. This is necessary because they actually have to aim it exactly on your vehicle.

[jeff4912]

I wish the Insurance Institute would give us some free gear. I have never heard of that but who knows. Sitting perp. to the roadway they also use radar, but you are right about being stationary. My info is pretty much local knowledge of the NW area.

[wjbertrand]

I think I answered my own question. According to CHP website:

Radar detectors are legal, but jammers, or any device which interferes with radar signals, are illegal (28150 VC).

---------

Is the Valentine 1 a jammer?

No, the V-1 is not a jammer, nor is the 8500. Radar detectors are illegal to use in California in a big rig truck I believe as it is in the rest of the country.

[dond]

No, the V-1 is not a jammer, nor is the 8500. Radar detectors are illegal to use in California in a big rig truck I believe as it is in the rest of the country.
That's a big 10-4 WJ. No RDs allowed in any commercial driving nationwide.


CDL holder:

[Fastraveller]

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9090

http://www.radarbusters.com/?ovchn=OVR&ovcpn=overture&ovcrn=escort+8500&ovtac=PPC

Here is a review and a website that I like to go to.

[CaST]

Valentine will sell you a Valentine 1 for $350. They take returns from customers within the 30 day return period and can't sell them as new. Put your name on the list with Pete.

[Putt]

The radar detector on a F-22A is said to be pretty good... Excellent
radar nullification capabilities also, by both electronic and chemical (think TNT+RDX).


Putt...

[Actionfigurejoe]

I've got a V1 which has been updated with the latest firmware. It's usually attached to the dash by velcro and a wedge cut to the contour of the dash. The wedge allows the unit to sit flat. When the weather turns wet, I peal the V1 off the dash and locate it on the outside wall, inside the left, locked storage compartment via a velcro strip. I use the Mix-it amp so I still get audio warnings. The detectors distance is somewhat diminished inside the compartment.....but not much. It still detects front and rear radar. Locating it on the outside wall of the storage compartment is important. If the unit is located on the inside wall, it'll be inline with the metallic coated headlight reflector which would block the radar signal. This wouldn't be good.

[Tim4255]

I use a Beltronics STi Driver (mounted out of sight) with a Lidatek Laser ECHO LE-30 to even the odds a bit with Lidar. :D

"The STi Driver was completely invisible to all radar detector detectors while maintaining a high, blistering sensitivity to all radar bands."
- Speed Measurement Laboratories 2005

NEW Exclusive TotalShield™ Technology
TotalShield™ technology makes the STi completely invisible against any type of radar detector detector. Not only will it keep you unseen by the current VG2 and Spectre, it will be completely undetectable by any future threats as well.

Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
patented AutoScan™ feature continuously analyzes all incoming signals and automatically rejects unwanted false alarms. This gives you, the professional driver, the perfect balance of long-range detector performance without those annoying false alarms.

Clear Digital Voice Alerts
The STi's easy to understand digital voice alerts keep you informed without taking your eyes off the road. For extremely noisy environments like a motorcycle connect the 3.5mm mono output to your Starcom1 Advance or Autocom.

Tim :policeST:

[Txrebel]

I am running the 8500 X50 up on the dash with industrial velcro. I routed the audio into the junction box design NM6R provided in another link that merges multiple inputs into the autocom. Works great, dont have to see the alarm since able to hear it in both ears. Thanks for the schematic for the junction box Ray.

[Dorian]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Beltronics RX65. It supposedly has a better discretion circuit that gives fewer false alerts than the V1. Is there something I'm not catching?

I've found that when we hit the freeways (lordy, I hate straight freeways when riding) that my wife gets extremely heavy on the throttle. I am preparing to buy her a radar detector to save us a lot of money (and debates) in the long run. I think it would be better for our marriage if I let the radar detector do the nagging instead of using the CB. Is the RX65 the wrong way to go?

Dorian

[billxp]

Well radar detectors work best on roads you travel all the time. I know were it falses and where its silent so if something strange happens I'm prepared.

I have the V1. IMHO the counter and directional arrows are worth the price. Others may have different opinions and some test may show differently on sensitivity but I believe all the top end units perform well.

[Actionfigurejoe]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned the Beltronics RX65. It supposedly has a better discretion circuit that gives fewer false alerts than the V1. Is there something I'm not catching?

I've found that when we hit the freeways (lordy, I hate straight freeways when riding) that my wife gets extremely heavy on the throttle. I am preparing to buy her a radar detector to save us a lot of money (and debates) in the long run. I think it would be better for our marriage if I let the radar detector do the nagging instead of using the CB. Is the RX65 the wrong way to go?

Dorian
The V1 falsing seems to occur when POP mode is on. I simply shut off POP mode and the unit remains quiet. POP isn't that widespread in my area. Police can't issue a ticket when using POP anyway. Also, not one radar detector on the market can detect the new 16ms POP units.

I also like the arrows and the ability to upgrade. The Bell doesn't offer either. Still, Bell and Passport offer excellent units.

[bygdawg]

I have a Bel 995 and my buddy has a V1. We both pick up signals at the same time. I think both units are great and worth the price.

[jnsgardner]

Check out the rain cover for the Escort 8500 from Cycle Gadgets. It seems cheap and effective. I've got one on order. Also, I have the Visual Alert from Marc Parnes permanently installed in the upper right vent aimed right at my eyes. It gets your attention day or night without the expense, battery usage, or the bother of having something so close to your eye that using the H.A.R.M. causes.

Here is the link at Cycle Gadgets. http://cyclegadgets.com/Products/product.asp?Item=LS-RC

John

[Phillyrube]

I always like these discussions. Me n my radar will defeat any detector. The warning comes from the scattered radiation from the transmitter. Now, from my point of view, the bst way to avoid a summons is to go with traffic, no lane changes, just don't bring attention to yourself. We'll go after the lane changers and superspeeders, and anyone by themselves. The instant on radar we use is undefeatable if you are within visual sight (1/2 mile or so) and he lights you up.

Remember, the officer cannot use the radar alone. He must visually see you, estimate your speed and then use the radar to confirm. He must also have an audible signal that coincides with the readout.

What does radar see? The largest target, the fastest target, the closest target. Based on that, by itself, it is useless. It must be combined with other evidence.

Now, my "let him go" story...I was working a stretch or road that runs through a state park, trees overhang the road, straight as an arrow for 4 miles. I'm running radar, looking in my mirror, and I notice a very bright headlight going on and off (cutting between cars). I finally discern a crotch rocket of some sort, and the radar pops up at 90. Heck, I spill coffee all over myself and my paper trying to get the car in gear. The guy on the bike slows down and stops about a mile up the road away from me. He could have blown away from me and no way I would have caught him.
So from me, a warning to slow down, and I let him go.

The moral? Fess up if you get caught, and you were speeding. At worst you'll get the paper, and your honesty may just get you a warning. But, if you know you were not speeding, don't argue in the street. Argu8e it in court.....questions???

[wjbertrand]

Check out the rain cover for the Escort 8500 from Cycle Gadgets. It seems cheap and effective. I've got one on order. Also, I have the Visual Alert from Marc Parnes permanently installed in the upper right vent aimed right at my eyes. It gets your attention day or night without the expense, battery usage, or the bother of having something so close to your eye that using the H.A.R.M. causes.

John

Got a link? Doesn't seem to be on their RD pages?

[Actionfigurejoe]

I always like these discussions. Me n my radar will defeat any detector. The warning comes from the scattered radiation from the transmitter. Now, from my point of view, the bst way to avoid a summons is to go with traffic, no lane changes, just don't bring attention to yourself. We'll go after the lane changers and superspeeders, and anyone by themselves. The instant on radar we use is undefeatable if you are within visual sight (1/2 mile or so) and he lights you up.

Remember, the officer cannot use the radar alone. He must visually see you, estimate your speed and then use the radar to confirm. He must also have an audible signal that coincides with the readout.

What does radar see? The largest target, the fastest target, the closest target. Based on that, by itself, it is useless. It must be combined with other evidence.

Now, my "let him go" story...I was working a stretch or road that runs through a state park, trees overhang the road, straight as an arrow for 4 miles. I'm running radar, looking in my mirror, and I notice a very bright headlight going on and off (cutting between cars). I finally discern a crotch rocket of some sort, and the radar pops up at 90. Heck, I spill coffee all over myself and my paper trying to get the car in gear. The guy on the bike slows down and stops about a mile up the road away from me. He could have blown away from me and no way I would have caught him.
So from me, a warning to slow down, and I let him go.

The moral? Fess up if you get caught, and you were speeding. At worst you'll get the paper, and your honesty may just get you a warning. But, if you know you were not speeding, don't argue in the street. Argu8e it in court.....questions???
Forgot one other thing......Never slam on the brakes when the officer lights up your radar detector with instant on. A massive speed loss will get you a ticket. But a slow, deliberate deceleration will give you a chance. But that's no promise. :biker:

[number9]

I made a cheap rain cover for my V1 from a take-a-long food bowl I found in a 2-pack at Walmart for around $4. I used a heat gun to heat and form it so it fits snug to the sides of the V1. It ain't pretty but it will do the job, doesn't take up a lot of dash space and didn't cost me $60 ;)

http://community.webshots.com/album/550666960TQmCqD

I started to paint it black but decided to leave it clear so I can see inside and tell if moisture gets in there until I run it in a few biddy-drowners and see how it works out.

[billxp]

I always like these discussions. Me n my radar will defeat any detector. The warning comes from the scattered radiation from the transmitter. Now, from my point of view, the bst way to avoid a summons is to go with traffic, no lane changes, just don't bring attention to yourself. We'll go after the lane changers and superspeeders, and anyone by themselves. The instant on radar we use is undefeatable if you are within visual sight (1/2 mile or so) and he lights you up.
Well hopefully I'm some where behind the person you light up :) and my detector goes off. Or someone hits their brakes giving up your postion.
But If you do get me I'm hoping you like my :biker: ;)

I can't believe we are still playing hide and seek at our age LOL.

:bow1: :policeST:

[bygdawg]

Check out the rain cover for the Escort 8500 from Cycle Gadgets. It seems cheap and effective. I've got one on order. Also, I have the Visual Alert from Marc Parnes permanently installed in the upper right vent aimed right at my eyes. It gets your attention day or night without the expense, battery usage, or the bother of having something so close to your eye that using the H.A.R.M. causes.

John

I emailed him the other day about finding out if he had a unit that would work with my detector and still no word. Plus, I'm wondering about lighting up like a christmas tree at night and the trooper seeing my fire in the cockpit show.

[Phillyrube]

Well hopefully I'm some where behind the person you light up :) and my detector goes off. Or someone hits their brakes giving up your postion.
But If you do get me I'm hoping you like my :biker: ;)

I can't believe we are still playing hide and seek at our age LOL.

:bow1: :policeST:

Electronic cops n robbers!!!

[BC Rider]

Got a link? Doesn't seem to be on their RD pages?


Try this one http://www.legalspeeding.com/Radar_Cover.htm

[Daryl]

RC - do you use the concealed display or the remote audio with your V1?

I have a StarComm1 that I want to plumb the alert to - and want to use one of the acrylic boxes on my shelf.

Comments regarding visibility of the display while in the box, on the shelf?

Thanks