Radar Detector Advice

Shipkiller · 03-20-2012, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

Nope, you're correct.

On very rare occasions you can catch LIDAR coming through the windshield of the car in front of you. But that's never likely to happen.

That very same thing has happened to me on several occasions and has saved me each time. The thing is, I don’t think it was bleed through the windshield. Since the laser ‘cone’ is only about 18” wide, I really think it’s the officer weaving the gun around a little. Of course it could be a combination of the two.
Although I would like a laser jammer setup, the cost/benefit ratio is all wrong. I very seldom take the ///M on trips and the locals don’t use laser guns.

zMpower08 · 03-20-2012, 06:37 AM

When I was doing research a while back on which radar detector to buy, I read that if you place the radar detector towards the bottom of your windshield you have a much better chance of catching a laser signal in time to slow down. Supposedly they aim for your license plate, and the further you are when they pull the trigger the more the beam will spread before it hits your plate hopefully allowing for some of the signal to hit your detector.

Since I haven't hard wired mine, I keep it towards the bottom anyway to avoid a dangling cord in my face and I have never been pulled over since I bought the detector. I have encountered plenty of laser alerts--and the escort 9500ix scares the crap out of me every time that laser alert comes on haha

mousitch · 03-20-2012, 07:53 AM

I have my 9500ix hard wired on top on the right top side. Cannot even see or tell its there. If I'm in a shady neighborhood or parking lot I just unplug it and put in the glove compartment(takes 15 seconds). Awesome detector by the way

Kgolf31 · 03-20-2012, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zMpower08

When I was doing research a while back on which radar detector to buy, I read that if you place the radar detector towards the bottom of your windshield you have a much better chance of catching a laser signal in time to slow down. Supposedly they aim for your license plate, and the further you are when they pull the trigger the more the beam will spread before it hits your plate hopefully allowing for some of the signal to hit your detector.

Since I haven't hard wired mine, I keep it towards the bottom anyway to avoid a dangling cord in my face and I have never been pulled over since I bought the detector. I have encountered plenty of laser alerts--and the escort 9500ix scares the crap out of me every time that laser alert comes on haha

LIDAR is instant.

I catch signals at the top of my windshield. Regardless, it's instant and when you get a LIDAR alert and you're speeding, be prepared to start pulling over.

zMpower08 · 03-20-2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

LIDAR is instant.

I catch signals at the top of my windshield. Regardless, it's instant and when you get a LIDAR alert and you're speeding, be prepared to start pulling over.

I must just be getting very lucky then. It's happened a few times when I was going faster than I should have been on the NJ Turnpike with the trooper hiding on a service road overpass

Kgolf31 · 03-20-2012, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zMpower08

I must just be getting very lucky then. It's happened a few times when I was going faster than I should have been on the NJ Turnpike with the trooper hiding on a service road overpass

Probably wasn't going fast enough for him then.

-c- · 03-20-2012, 10:55 AM

Didn't someone mount theirs where the gps antenna goes up in the A pillar? Completely hidden and it worked through the frit or they removed just enough ... Can't remember, And then have a auxiliary visual unit elsewhere, I think it was the v1 stealth aux unit ..... I think it was a v1

Shipkiller · 03-20-2012, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

LIDAR is instant.

it's instant and when you get a LIDAR alert and you're speeding, be prepared to start pulling over.

True words...

sbtwister · 03-20-2012, 03:15 PM

I recently installed an Escort Qi45. This is a "stealth" unit with a remote sensor head that I mounted in the lower grill (it did require cutting an opening in the grill), and the LED readout in the cabin. The readout is very small (~1" x 2") and discrete.
Installation took longer than the advertised 45 minutes, but there was quite a bit of custom work required on the grill. Other than that it was not bad at all, maybe 4 hours. It requires only 1 wire to pass through the firewall - very easy.
The system works great, it is noticeable only if you know where to look, and turns on when the ignition is on. Overall, I'm very happy with it. Not sure if this is still available, might be replaced by the 9500.

Hawkeye · 03-20-2012, 03:47 PM

The V1 up top is pretty stealth. It blends in with the giant rear view mirror on the windshield and you cannot see it unless the cop is on his knees next to your window or he is really looking for one and knows what to look for.

If you get anything less you are just hurting yourself. The reason people keep going back to it is because it is the best setup that is not ridiculously expensive or hard to set up, no matter if you believe it or not.

bluecobra · 03-20-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GammaZeta

I wouldn't leave it on all the time because I rarely go over the speed limit, and am super conscious. I've never had a speeding ticket in over 16 years.

I don't know if I ever "plan" to speed, it just happens. The last ticket I received was from a state trooper in AL. I had the top-of-the-line Escort detector - thing was the size of a textbook - I had just passed several cars on a 2-lane road, shifted into 5th gear and coasting down from 90+ mph and WHAM - instant on radar coming over the hill I was approaching. Never had a chance. Some things you can't guard against.

I haven't had a speeding ticket since that incident 23 years ago and I drive as conditions allow. You never know when or where the police will be. That is why I have had radar detectors in my cars for over 25 years. I bought my first V1 when they first came out. I now have a V1 in each of my 3 vehicles - they never leave the vehicle. They are each mounted up on the windshield above the mirror and grab the power from the mirror. Always on!! The V1 has saved my ass countless times. Worth every penny.

My E46 M3 has the built in Escort system with front and rear sensors and the jammer and my Z4MC has the K40 Calibre built in system. Neither compare to the V1. I compared them for a while by leaving both on while driving, but after a while I came to the conclusion that the V1 was all I need. Get one, but remember none of them guarantee no tickets. Instant on and Lidar will get you if you don't pay attention.

antennahead · 03-20-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbtwister

I recently installed an Escort Qi45. This is a "stealth" unit with a remote sensor head that I mounted in the lower grill (it did require cutting an opening in the grill), and the LED readout in the cabin. The readout is very small (~1" x 2") and discrete.
Installation took longer than the advertised 45 minutes, but there was quite a bit of custom work required on the grill. Other than that it was not bad at all, maybe 4 hours. It requires only 1 wire to pass through the firewall - very easy.
The system works great, it is noticeable only if you know where to look, and turns on when the ignition is on. Overall, I'm very happy with it. Not sure if this is still available, might be replaced by the 9500.

Where did you mount the 1" x 2" readout piece?

John

sbtwister · 03-21-2012, 03:03 PM

Readout piece is located below the radio (velcro mount), on the far left side removeable panel where many people put the AUX in connector. It is very visible from the driver's position, but not so much from outside the car. The electronics of the Qi45, (sorry i said that there were only 2 pieces, there are really 3) are tucked inside this panel. This module is where the input from the sensor and the output to the readout connect, and is also where the speaker is located. Even though it is tucked in below the dash, behind this panel, the volume is loud enough to be heard even with the top down.

I will try and post some pictures later.

XMetal · 03-21-2012, 03:44 PM

Agreed with your analysis on V1. Only complain I have on the V1 is that it is pretty chatty (false alarm) on K-band in the city. I've already shut off X-band.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluecobra

I don't know if I ever "plan" to speed, it just happens. The last ticket I received was from a state trooper in AL. I had the top-of-the-line Escort detector - thing was the size of a textbook - I had just passed several cars on a 2-lane road, shifted into 5th gear and coasting down from 90+ mph and WHAM - instant on radar coming over the hill I was approaching. Never had a chance. Some things you can't guard against.

I haven't had a speeding ticket since that incident 23 years ago and I drive as conditions allow. You never know when or where the police will be. That is why I have had radar detectors in my cars for over 25 years. I bought my first V1 when they first came out. I now have a V1 in each of my 3 vehicles - they never leave the vehicle. They are each mounted up on the windshield above the mirror and grab the power from the mirror. Always on!! The V1 has saved my ass countless times. Worth every penny.

My E46 M3 has the built in Escort system with front and rear sensors and the jammer and my Z4MC has the K40 Calibre built in system. Neither compare to the V1. I compared them for a while by leaving both on while driving, but after a while I came to the conclusion that the V1 was all I need. Get one, but remember none of them guarantee no tickets. Instant on and Lidar will get you if you don't pay attention.

Hawkeye · 03-21-2012, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XMetal

Agreed with your analysis on V1. Only complain I have on the V1 is that it is pretty chatty (false alarm) on K-band in the city. I've already shut off X-band.

That is my only gripe as well. The Ka is what almost all LEO around me use so I pretty much assume it is a false alarm unless it is spitting the Ka band beep sequence.

I have thought about trading in for an Escort 9500 with the GPS feature...

sbtwister · 03-21-2012, 09:22 PM

Attached are some images of the interior install and the sensor location of the Qi45.

[IMG]

[/IMG]

[IMG]

[/IMG]

antennahead · 03-21-2012, 09:31 PM

Can the wire on the interior readout be hidden behind the piece so it doesn't show, or does it stick out to the side making an invisible install impossible? Thanks.

John

sipman · 03-21-2012, 10:23 PM

Just food for though, as I have an escort I believe in prevention. But after talking with NJ state trooper friends right after they all got in trouble for profiling, I learned some interesting stuff.
It's illegal to profile people. It isn't illegal to profile cars. That said, the profile cars on the NJ turnpike that are at least 10 years old, and more often older than that. The idea is that the folks that can't afford new cars are the ones that don't have insurance, registration, drivers' licenses, etc. And often have the things you shouldn't have... open beverage, drugs, guns. So from the cops standpoint they are more lucrative in terms of money, and I guess in terms of making the world safer.

Sure this is one trooper's opinion, but he says if there's a ferrari doing 100, he knows the guy will fight the ticket with a lawyer and to him it's not worth the hassle. The guy who has no insurance isn't fighting the speeding ticket.

The other one was don;t wear ball caps because in a car it makes you instantly juvenile. Not sure what that means for convertible drivers. Any opinion?

The funniest admission was they keep track of the concerts in Camden, and at the PNC Arts center. If Phish, Widespread panic, aquarium rescue unit, etc is playing at any of those, they target the VW vans, or any cars with the bands stickers on them as they know there is an extensive drug culture around those bands.

So I guess I'm a fan of using a radar detector, but also a fan of speeding in my Z4MC and not in my 83 Rabbit GTi!

udme86m · 03-22-2012, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kgolf31

You're on a public forum, suck it up.

nominated for quote of the year

sbtwister · 03-22-2012, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Can the wire on the interior readout be hidden behind the piece so it doesn't show, or does it stick out to the side making an invisible install impossible?

The wire sticks out the side, so that's about the best that you can do. The Qi45 also comes with a single small circular (~5mm) LED that can be mounted somewhere on the dash, as the visual warning, then the LED readout shown does not need to be installed. You may lose some things like strength meter and visual indication of the band detected, but a verbal warning is announced, and there are different warning tones for different radar bands.
Drilling a small hole and mounting the single LED there is probably the most discrete installation, and may be preferred in states where the radar/laser detector is illegal.

ShakyDog · 03-22-2012, 02:56 PM

Hard wired power cable in both the Z4 and the X3 for V1. Only detector I will own it talks a lot around town, but in the country twisties it is quiet unless I need to take notice. Only reason it is in the X3 is it is nice to have in those stupid moments.

"Why no, I am not in a hurry, to be quite honest sir I don't know why I was going XX miles an hour"

Steve

jrich4411 · 03-22-2012, 03:23 PM

I originally started with the V1 then switched over to an Escort 9500ix because the V1 was WAY too chatty for where I live. I ran both of them side by side for about a week and I found that the both had strengths - I think the V1 was better in K but the 9500ix was better in Ka - but overall, the V1 was slightly more sensitive. That being said, BOTH performed fantastic.
I fabbed a mounting bracket for the 9500ix myself. The pic is not very good as I took it from my cell http://www.jonandtracey.com/rd.jpg but you get the idea. I pulled the passenger side visor and screwed it into the flat spot that the left end of that visor screws into, the mounted the visor back in place. If you really look for it you can tell that the visor mount sits out the width of the metal of the bracket, but you really have to know what your looking for. With that bracket, I can pull the RD & store it in seconds.
I then installed the remote display in my ash tray. I also have the Escort ZR4 laser shifters installed, and the remote display for that is also in the ash tray. Very discreet, and within easy reach for the controls.
I got the opportunity to see Ron Stygar's V1 setup last December - If you have the V1 it is by far the way to go!

03-20-2012, 06:37 AM	#24
zMpower08 Private 8 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 335i Sportline Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pensacola, FL iTrader: (0)	When I was doing research a while back on which radar detector to buy, I read that if you place the radar detector towards the bottom of your windshield you have a much better chance of catching a laser signal in time to slow down. Supposedly they aim for your license plate, and the further you are when they pull the trigger the more the beam will spread before it hits your plate hopefully allowing for some of the signal to hit your detector. Since I haven't hard wired mine, I keep it towards the bottom anyway to avoid a dangling cord in my face and I have never been pulled over since I bought the detector. I have encountered plenty of laser alerts--and the escort 9500ix scares the crap out of me every time that laser alert comes on haha __________________ 2008 M Roadster [SOLD] (Imola Red/Imola Red/Madeira Trim): Stubby Antenna, CDV delete, ZHP Knob, RE Transmission Mounts, RE SSK (Removed) 2012 335i Sportline (Melbourne Red/Black): Formula One Pinnacle Tint 15%R/30%F
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03-20-2012, 07:53 AM	#25
mousitch Dark Sider 129 Rep 1,779 Posts Drives: 2008 Space Gray Z4MC Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Missouri iTrader: (11) Garage List 2008 Z4M Coupe [7.50]	I have my 9500ix hard wired on top on the right top side. Cannot even see or tell its there. If I'm in a shady neighborhood or parking lot I just unplug it and put in the glove compartment(takes 15 seconds). Awesome detector by the way __________________ [URL=http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/153/071jt.jpg/] 2008 Space Grey M Coupe-Euro headers-RPI Scoop-Gruppe M CAI-Eisenmann Race Cans-RE X-pipe-ECU Remap with O2 and EGT delete-H&R Sport springs-Zeck CDV delete-Stock Gloss black powder coated wheels-LED Tekarbon Angel Eyes Project-Michelin Super Sports-Hardwired Uniden R7-H&R front and rear spacers-Alarm module added-stereo amp recoded to vert spec settings
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03-20-2012, 10:55 AM	#29
-c- Colonel 889 Rep 2,736 Posts Drives: bmw Join Date: May 2010 Location: Chicago iTrader: (5)	Didn't someone mount theirs where the gps antenna goes up in the A pillar? Completely hidden and it worked through the frit or they removed just enough ... Can't remember, And then have a auxiliary visual unit elsewhere, I think it was the v1 stealth aux unit ..... I think it was a v1
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03-20-2012, 03:15 PM	#31
sbtwister Private 0 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2005 3.0i Z4 Roadster Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	I recently installed an Escort Qi45. This is a "stealth" unit with a remote sensor head that I mounted in the lower grill (it did require cutting an opening in the grill), and the LED readout in the cabin. The readout is very small (~1" x 2") and discrete. Installation took longer than the advertised 45 minutes, but there was quite a bit of custom work required on the grill. Other than that it was not bad at all, maybe 4 hours. It requires only 1 wire to pass through the firewall - very easy. The system works great, it is noticeable only if you know where to look, and turns on when the ignition is on. Overall, I'm very happy with it. Not sure if this is still available, might be replaced by the 9500. __________________ Alpine white Z4 3.0i, Dream red leather, M-sport seats, Sport package, Xenons, Heated seats, Premium sound, XM Radio, Aux in, Strut brace, Black grill, CF Roundels, Stubby, Half foam.
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03-20-2012, 03:47 PM	#32
Hawkeye Brigadier General 2070 Rep 4,365 Posts Drives: '07 Z4 Coupe, '21 X3, '16 GMC Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 GMC Sierra SLT [10.00] 2008 Yamaha R6 [9.00]	The V1 up top is pretty stealth. It blends in with the giant rear view mirror on the windshield and you cannot see it unless the cop is on his knees next to your window or he is really looking for one and knows what to look for. If you get anything less you are just hurting yourself. The reason people keep going back to it is because it is the best setup that is not ridiculously expensive or hard to set up, no matter if you believe it or not. __________________ 2007 Z4 3.0si Coupe • 6 MT • Black Saphire Metallic • PP • SP 2016 GMC Sierra SLT Z71 Premium Plus 4x4 2017 Harley StreetGlide • Denim Black • V&H Tune 2021 BMW x30i • Phytonic Blue Metallic • Fully loaded
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03-21-2012, 03:03 PM	#35
sbtwister Private 0 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2005 3.0i Z4 Roadster Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	Readout piece is located below the radio (velcro mount), on the far left side removeable panel where many people put the AUX in connector. It is very visible from the driver's position, but not so much from outside the car. The electronics of the Qi45, (sorry i said that there were only 2 pieces, there are really 3) are tucked inside this panel. This module is where the input from the sensor and the output to the readout connect, and is also where the speaker is located. Even though it is tucked in below the dash, behind this panel, the volume is loud enough to be heard even with the top down. I will try and post some pictures later. __________________ Alpine white Z4 3.0i, Dream red leather, M-sport seats, Sport package, Xenons, Heated seats, Premium sound, XM Radio, Aux in, Strut brace, Black grill, CF Roundels, Stubby, Half foam.
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03-21-2012, 09:22 PM	#38
sbtwister Private 0 Rep 52 Posts Drives: 2005 3.0i Z4 Roadster Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Santa Barbara, CA iTrader: (0)	Attached are some images of the interior install and the sensor location of the Qi45. [IMG][/IMG] [IMG][/IMG] __________________ Alpine white Z4 3.0i, Dream red leather, M-sport seats, Sport package, Xenons, Heated seats, Premium sound, XM Radio, Aux in, Strut brace, Black grill, CF Roundels, Stubby, Half foam.
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03-21-2012, 09:31 PM	#39
antennahead Captain 73 Rep 820 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MR silver grey Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Charleston, South Carolina iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Z4 M Roadster [5.00]	Can the wire on the interior readout be hidden behind the piece so it doesn't show, or does it stick out to the side making an invisible install impossible? Thanks. John
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03-21-2012, 10:23 PM	#40
sipman Private First Class 19 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4MC Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Philly iTrader: (1)	Just food for though, as I have an escort I believe in prevention. But after talking with NJ state trooper friends right after they all got in trouble for profiling, I learned some interesting stuff. It's illegal to profile people. It isn't illegal to profile cars. That said, the profile cars on the NJ turnpike that are at least 10 years old, and more often older than that. The idea is that the folks that can't afford new cars are the ones that don't have insurance, registration, drivers' licenses, etc. And often have the things you shouldn't have... open beverage, drugs, guns. So from the cops standpoint they are more lucrative in terms of money, and I guess in terms of making the world safer. Sure this is one trooper's opinion, but he says if there's a ferrari doing 100, he knows the guy will fight the ticket with a lawyer and to him it's not worth the hassle. The guy who has no insurance isn't fighting the speeding ticket. The other one was don;t wear ball caps because in a car it makes you instantly juvenile. Not sure what that means for convertible drivers. Any opinion? The funniest admission was they keep track of the concerts in Camden, and at the PNC Arts center. If Phish, Widespread panic, aquarium rescue unit, etc is playing at any of those, they target the VW vans, or any cars with the bands stickers on them as they know there is an extensive drug culture around those bands. So I guess I'm a fan of using a radar detector, but also a fan of speeding in my Z4MC and not in my 83 Rabbit GTi!
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03-22-2012, 02:56 PM	#43
ShakyDog Captain 183 Rep 623 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4 3.0i Alpine White/Red Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Missouri iTrader: (4)	Hard wired power cable in both the Z4 and the X3 for V1. Only detector I will own it talks a lot around town, but in the country twisties it is quiet unless I need to take notice. Only reason it is in the X3 is it is nice to have in those stupid moments. "Why no, I am not in a hurry, to be quite honest sir I don't know why I was going XX miles an hour" Steve
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03-22-2012, 03:23 PM	#44
jrich4411 Private First Class 5 Rep 165 Posts Drives: 2006 ///M black on black Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	I originally started with the V1 then switched over to an Escort 9500ix because the V1 was WAY too chatty for where I live. I ran both of them side by side for about a week and I found that the both had strengths - I think the V1 was better in K but the 9500ix was better in Ka - but overall, the V1 was slightly more sensitive. That being said, BOTH performed fantastic. I fabbed a mounting bracket for the 9500ix myself. The pic is not very good as I took it from my cell http://www.jonandtracey.com/rd.jpg but you get the idea. I pulled the passenger side visor and screwed it into the flat spot that the left end of that visor screws into, the mounted the visor back in place. If you really look for it you can tell that the visor mount sits out the width of the metal of the bracket, but you really have to know what your looking for. With that bracket, I can pull the RD & store it in seconds. I then installed the remote display in my ash tray. I also have the Escort ZR4 laser shifters installed, and the remote display for that is also in the ash tray. Very discreet, and within easy reach for the controls. I got the opportunity to see Ron Stygar's V1 setup last December - If you have the V1 it is by far the way to go!
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