I saw a while back someone who had wired and mounted their radar detector into the cd holder in the dash, I think this is really cool and want to do it on my tl, any directions on how to do it? also any particular model of detector i should get? Is it possible to do myself or should i find a place around here to install it for me. Anyone in the NY area know of a place that could do this kind of work?

Thank in advance


-bau-


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It may look really cool, but the effectiveness of it being in that location will be minimal. If the radar sensors can't see, then it won't pick up the radar. I know with the Valentine, you can buy an optional display and mount that in the car in a discrete location. This is what I have done and it turned out pretty good. I had to go that route because radar detectors are illegal TO USE in VA.

 

I think I know what babybau is refering to. He must of been talking about remotes because wiring the detector in that area is impossible. I've seen this too and all that is is just the remote for the hardwired radar/laser sensors that are mounted in the nose of the car and the rear bumper. VERY expensive project and should run around $500 at the very least!

 

The irony of this is that you have to do something illegal (use a detector in VA) in order to avoid getting caught doing something which is also against the law (speeding); or to look at it from another POV--you have to break a law so that you don't have to worry while breaking another law...

Not criticizing you or anything like that, just that I realized the irony in your post...

Tony

 

Good point tdoh, wait, make that a great point but shouldn't I have a right to know that I am being monitored, regardless of how or by whom? Also, most other states don't have a problem with their motorists using them. But yeah, it is pretty ironic.

As far as remote sensors on detectors go, from my research I've found that they are not as effective, although that is the way I first wanted to go and was so close to, especially because of the whole VA situation...maybe now the technology has improved so that this could be a feasible option that competes with the V1 and 8500...

 

I'd only go remote for the "coolness" factor. THe stand alones seem to always outperform the remotes for far less costs.

 

I hope VA goes the way the other states have and remove their restrictions on radar detectors.

 

I'm the one that has the radar mounted above the radio. Search on for SR1 and you'll find it.

Peoples opinions of remotes are way off. A controlled test is one thing - usage is another. The trick is to learn how your detector reacts before relying on it.

Seeing as regular detectors clutter up the windshield/dashboard (let alone this spiral cord dangling) - people often mount them poorly - thus killing their performance. Many I see have no line of site backwards. Most people do not check or consider how windshield tint or angle willl effect performance of the detector - thus gettting no where near the performance of these "tests". And let's not forget how easy they are to steal.

The performance of a remote is much more predictable since they're optimal mounting is easier to achieve and mounted outside thus less chance of obstruction.

I'm sure I'll get at least on v-1 flame but don't count a good remote out. Every detector has it's good and bad stuff - but having had both I like the remote the best since I know exactly what to expect.

 

Why--are you planning to drive to VA someday? :duck:

Tony

 

they are expensive but they are sweet. friend's dad has the passport remote in his jag. it is cool as hell.

 

By all means I all pro remote. I myself just couldn't justify the overall cost, plus there is no guarantee that I would only want to use the detector on that car alone. If money was no object I'd go remote all the way, but seeing as some people here are radar newbies, I'd personally recommend the cheaper alternative.

 

Quote:

I myself just couldn't justify the overall cost,

How much are we talking? I thought my V1 w/remote display was expensive...

 

Passport SR1 $999.95 Installed (I've seen just the unit sell for $500)
Passport SRX $1,499.95 Installed
Passport ZR3 Shifter $499 Installed (New product that jams laser and can be integrated with the 8500)

Here is a previous post I made on the ZR3

 

Nah, I think that laws that prohibit a person from knowing if he's under surveillance are unjustifiable.

 

Couldn't find the SRX locally so I went with the SR1. Purchase price was $450 plus installation. Found several places to install anywhere from $60 to $350. Went with the middle range from a place recommended. Not sure $60 would have done a good job and at $350 - well, let's just say that seemed high

 

The problem with grille-mounted detectors is that the detector is too low to detect a radar signal over a hill in time to warn you about it.

Why hasn't anyone made a concealed radar detector that has horns that attach to the windshield and rear window?

 

I have to disagree with you there. If your detector can "see" the radar, the radar can "see" you. Granted it may go off a few seconds before a lower mounted one but it's doubtful that will save you. Besides - I've seen people mounted it so high that the upper tinting of windshields hinders performance and so low (or in a corner??) that it's line of sight is no better or even worse then in the grill area.

In actuality, Over the hill detection has more to with the radar bouncing off things and hitting the detector then straight on. So for over hills or around corners you need a bit of luck that it will be reflected towards you. And at that point, where it's mounted is irrelevant since the beam will be highly dispersed.

 

Not so according to Motor Trend's 2001 radar test article (click here for article). The remote-mounted detectors had trouble sensing "over the hill" radar compared to dash-mounted ones.

 

I don't see that exact quote in the article but regardless that's a weak retort. Do you always put such high stock in what you read? I mean just compare 0-60 times for the TLS between Motor Trend, Car&Driver, Carpoint, Edmunds etc - their all different???

You will learn not to put so much faith into such things. The problem is you can't take those results and duplicate them - you just can't extrapolate that one articles results will fit every situation - it defies logic.

Besides that - motor trend results were based off speedzones tests. And in there over the hill test - only 4 out of 13 detectors responded in the test - all of them weakly and one of them WAS a remote. So your conclusion is poor.

I stick by my original post - the cop is going to get you coming over the hill regardless of what you've got and where it's mounted unless your lucky and/or catch a reflected signal.