Radar detectors? Do you use one?

[Dswilliamson2112]

Greetings from Asheville NC!

I am trying to get a radar detector setup on my bike- the problem is being able to hear the alerts. I recently tried out a Valentine one gen 1 which did not work out well- thinking about upgrading to the Valentine one generation 2 or finding something cordless.,

any ideas or pics of your setup??

Have a great week/
David

 

[ToddC]

I used to use one. But after having a friend who was a LEO, I realized that their equipment was so fast that once I got the warning, it was too late.
The new guns they use can track multiple targets.
So I just keep it within 10 mph most of the time.......
T

 

[ST Gui]

No. I did once upon a time as I thought it was a cool gadget far more than I had need of ECM. That and I ride at reasonable speeds — as in the posted speed limit + a couple mph.

A detector could help some riders when it catches bear bait and they pick up the signal. When LIDAR is used right:

LOL.

 

[drrod]

When I ran one (Valentine one), I had the audio module hooked up to a bluetooth transmitter (Sena SM10) that I linked to my Sena headset so I could hear it.
That being said, I quit using it several years ago because it became much less useful once things like burglar alarms, door openers, lane departure systems, adaptive cruise control, etc became more the norm. False alarms became too annoying (for me).

 

[kendoo]

I run a V1 and use the BT module to feed the alerts to my headset via an app (V1 driver for ios). The app allows you to filter out frequencies or mute them quickly. I find most of the false alarms were K-band, but not all of them were, so I have them setup to mute quickly. It also has learning capability so any annoying alarms on my work commute will not alarm after riding by them 3 times. All of that is configurable in the app as well. I find it has some value in remote areas where Waze might not necessarily help.

 

[Obo]

Don't run one anymore. They're now illegal here. Get caught with one and you get to pay a cash prize, free demerit points and get to drive over your detector like a monster truck.

 

[NVDucati]

I use one. I've used them for many years. They have saved me literally thousands of dollars over those years. Mostly, they are effective on those "Concentrated Enforcement Areas" that get set up to reduce speed as drivers enter the town/city limits.
I also use the turn-by-turn directions included in the software app (bluetooth to Sena).
You do need to keep your equipment updated. An older unit becomes annoying and ineffective. Particularly, with the advent of "blind spot detection" supplied on most new cars.
I've settled into using units made by a company, once best known for making CB radios for big rigs. They morphed into a high tech fleet management company which includes radar detectors.

 

[The Dan]

I run one and it has saved me from many a ticket. You have to understand how LEO works his gun and understand what the gun picks up. I have caught instant on when the hit a car in front of me many times and slowed in time. It’s all a learning curave.

 

[Daboo]

I've been using a Uniden DFR-9 when following ToddC and The Dan. It helps.

The DFR-9 has some nice features that allow you to customize the alerts and keep from getting inundated by false alarms from grocery store automatic doors and Blind Spot Monitor radars on cars. Like The Dan wrote, you have to understand how the LEOs work. Laser will get you every time. Instant On radar when you're the only one around, will probably get you. But often I've found I can pick up the Instant On radar miles away as the LEO tags other cars.

Initially, I used a BT transmitter to pair up with my BT headset and hear the warnings in my helmet. I still prefer that setup, but I ride often with some riders who have BT headsets and there's only so many things that can be connected on the two available channels. The size of these is about like a small box of matches and easily attaches with velcro to the side of your detector.



I've later moved to the Marc Parnes Visual Alert. http://www.marcparnes.com/Visual_Alert.htm



That's the Uniden DFR-9 with the Marc Parnes Visual Alert. I'm holding the RAM mount with the magnetic radar detector mount.

The audio warnings are nice as they tell you which band is being sensed. The Visual Alert doesn't differentiate between bands. It's not a big deal. You soon learn what to pay attention to and what to ignore. If you're in traffic and get a warning...look for a Mazda. If you're pacing the traffic and not leading a pack, you have little to worry about. But if you're going down the road and begin picking up intermittent signals, pay attention. Chances are there's a radar trap ahead. I was going through a small town in Eastern Washington last summer when the K-band was going off. Normally, that's a grocery store but in this case, it didn't quit as I moved. In fact, it kept getting louder and stronger. Eventually, the local Sherriff went by.

I had a humorous situation last summer. I went to WESTOC in Park City, Utah. I needed gas and was heading out of town when I spotted an LEO on the side of the road. I pulled over to ask for his help and my radar detector was going off like crazy. I should've just hit the Mute button but for some reason, I didn't. He laughed as I was trying to get my helmet off so I could hear him with the detector going off.

Chris

 

[jfheilman]

My Adaptive Tech radar detector is wired to my Autocom sound system as is my GPS and CB Radio. Its a direct wire. I have not tired any other method.

 

[wjbertrand]

I use one, has saved me enough bacon to pay for itself a couple of times over. I have the earphone output (Uniden R7 or Escort Redilne) plugged into a Sena SM10 dongle and the dongle paired to my Cardo Packtalk. Works great.

 

[Dswilliamson2112]

I've been using a Uniden DFR-9 when following ToddC and The Dan. It helps.

The DFR-9 has some nice features that allow you to customize the alerts and keep from getting inundated by false alarms from grocery store automatic doors and Blind Spot Monitor radars on cars. Like The Dan wrote, you have to understand how the LEOs work. Laser will get you every time. Instant On radar when you're the only one around, will probably get you. But often I've found I can pick up the Instant On radar miles away as the LEO tags other cars.

Initially, I used a BT transmitter to pair up with my BT headset and hear the warnings in my helmet. I still prefer that setup, but I ride often with some riders who have BT headsets and there's only so many things that can be connected on the two available channels. The size of these is about like a small box of matches and easily attaches with velcro to the side of your detector.



I've later moved to the Marc Parnes Visual Alert. http://www.marcparnes.com/Visual_Alert.htm



That's the Uniden DFR-9 with the Marc Parnes Visual Alert. I'm holding the RAM mount with the magnetic radar detector mount.

The audio warnings are nice as they tell you which band is being sensed. The Visual Alert doesn't differentiate between bands. It's not a big deal. You soon learn what to pay attention to and what to ignore. If you're in traffic and get a warning...look for a Mazda. If you're pacing the traffic and not leading a pack, you have little to worry about. But if you're going down the road and begin picking up intermittent signals, pay attention. Chances are there's a radar trap ahead. I was going through a small town in Eastern Washington last summer when the K-band was going off. Normally, that's a grocery store but in this case, it didn't quit as I moved. In fact, it kept getting louder and stronger. Eventually, the local Sherriff went by.

I had a humorous situation last summer. I went to WESTOC in Park City, Utah. I needed gas and was heading out of town when I spotted an LEO on the side of the road. I pulled over to ask for his help and my radar detector was going off like crazy. I should've just hit the Mute button but for some reason, I didn't. He laughed as I was trying to get my helmet off so I could hear him with the detector going off.

Chris

Chris I like your set up. I think it’s pretty cool how far a radar detector technology has gone. Have you heard about the new redenso theia? I just read about it’s quite mind blowing where they are taking this.

 

[wjbertrand]

Radenso has been promoting it (Thea) for two years now, still nothing for sale. I’m beginning to think it’s vaporwear…

 

[Daboo]

Like so many products, the Radenso Theia appears to be limited by the chip shortage.

The only thing I'd like different about my Uniden DFR-9 is the directional arrows to indicate where the "threat" is coming from. But that's on a gee-whiz toy level. My first inclination is to check my speed and slow down if needed. If I took the time to figure out if the radar gun is over in the community off the highway and I'm just picking up stray signals....or it is the LEO over the hill, I'm probably going to get a ticket.

Chris

 

[Dswilliamson2112]

I just picked up an escort max 360 C and Limite this thing is pretty amazing. Very very little false signals

 

[Dswilliamson2112]

Radenso has been promoting it (Thea) for two years now, still nothing for sale. I’m beginning to think it’s vaporwear…

I haven’t seen them Publish a price yet it’s going to be very pricey but I enjoy learning about the technology. I just picked up an escort max 360 C, i’m going to try it out for a while but so far very little false signaling

 

[Daboo]

I forgot to mention another reason I have a radar detector. I ride with some Kawasaki Concours owners. The leader of the group rides is the role model of a "professional" and courteous motorcycle rider in traffic. Extremely safe. But when he gets out in the country, he'll open the throttle up to a less sedate pace. I know he has a radar detector. But I ride at the tail end usually of the group. I figure that if an LEO picks him up, that I'd like the forewarning to slow down before I get picked up.

 

[oude geit]

Uniden, it gives a variety of displayed info, for me it is best for 2 lane roads where im most likely in ticket range. Except in Texas...lol

 

[ST Gui]

I've been using a Uniden DFR-9 when following ToddC and The Dan.

I find being behind faster riders obviates the need for a detector. I think they're called bear bait.

 

[Tor]

I do. Mostly on the XR. Uniden R7. Bluetooth to helmet in addition to Adaptiv Visual.