unless you have lead in your tint it shouldnt be a problem.

 

When I was on a G35 forum, it was always frowned upon to mount in the tint band. Maybe there was more metal in the tint back then. I still don't think it's a great idea as any distortion can affect the long range ability. Isn't that what you pay for? I also doubt you can test for that using normal situations. If you do some research you will see opinions go both ways. Here is a discussion on this very forum, although dated.
https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/effect-blue-tint-radar-detector-209881/

It's up to you where to mount it but I will remain below the tint line & away from the black dots.

 

Definitely away from the black dots. The suction cups won't even stick on them, I tested just to see. If you mount the cups to where they are half way on the tint strip, then the detector should be low enough that the tint strip wouldn't change anything. But the range of mine is great, it is mounted in the tint strip with the detector right below it. I might try lowering it just a hair though...

 

^ I have my detector mounted in the black dots and there is no apparent loss of range for radar or laser. My Sti alerts me in plenty of time to slow down. I think I would have noticed a degradation in the 3 years of having the detector at its location. Perhaps Myth-busters should do a show on the 'tint-strip' affecting radar range idea- it appears to be fiction and not based on fact.

 

Lol at the mythbusters...

 

But how do you know there is no degradation if you never moved it? You pay a premium for longer range & accuracy. You may not be getting all you paid for.

 

I used the suction mount for about 4 months before relocating the unit so had a good idea of how my detector performed prior. I got tired of the cords and having the unit fall off the windshield which prompted me to a better mount solution. I drive in mostly the same routes and have ample test time driving in known radar/laser enforced areas. My unit appears to work consistent in the new location as it did in the lower location and that is my basis for my opinion.

I had to go and review the mount location and have to disclaim that the detector is only partially blocked by the dots- perhaps a MM or so at most. That means the laser sensor would be blocked by dots but the radar antenna may not be- here's my full disclosure.

For radar, I have minutes of notice to slow down. Sometimes so much notice that you can get fooled into thinking it's a false signal. I'm also using CITY-NOX mode that cuts range in lieu of false signals so I'm nowhere near the maximum range of my unit.

In laser situations, the detector goes off like it did when it was mounted lower with a suction mount. There is only so much range for laser anyway so this is my strongest argument about the dots. I can't see any difference since the unit alerts me the same way- there is no signal strength just a sound and the alert light. You better act on the alert or you'll be toast if you're speeding.


Perhaps there is a slight range degradation but I doubt that the detector could discern the difference with the 6 LED signal strength meter. I would bet any degradation is < 5% at most and not relevant. I'll leave that work to Mythbusters or somebody else with the equipment. The next time I see a radar speed limit sign and have some time, I can do an experiment and see if the detector can measure the difference in signal at a distance between dot location and mid-windshield.

 

Owned. It really doesn't matter. But higher=better according to most people...

 

I put mine in the middle of the windshield, low enough that it's obscured from the rear, the cord running up the right side (same sides as the power plugs). If you mount it high, it does better with radar, but behind the tint and high up you lose laser detection effectiveness. Laser is shot lower at headlights or front plates, the tint blocks the laser lense. Of course laser alert lets you know you've been tagged, it doesn't warn you in advance. Plus the X50's cord is too thick to hang high. I agree that direct wire is the best for higher mounts.

 

From Escort's website, the tutorial section:

"First rule of thumb: For RADAR, the higher the better. For LASER, the lower the better. We recommend placing the detector as low as possible. Laser is more difficult to detect than radar. With that said, as far as positioning the detector, you want to give the detector a clear field of view: front and rear. Avoid placing the detector behind the tinting at the top of most windows, or hidden behind parking stickers, wiper blades, or anything similar that will obstruct the detector's window or lens. We no longer include the visor mount with the detectors because most cars have tinting that will reduce the laser detection range. We also advise placing the detector where it will not obstruct your view."

 

I feel like trying to worry about the detector picking up laser signals is a lost cause. If it picks up a laser signal, the cop already has the laser on your car and you're screwed. Best bet is to keep the detector up high so it can get the radar signals better.

I'm looking into getting laser jammers. Although, not many cops around here use lasers so I'm still not sure.

 

^ I agree. Using a laser is like aiming a gun and the cop is going to be < quarter mile from you anyway. In my experience the detector works fine high or low even with laser.
I get to test this on Carlsbad blvd at lunch a couple times a week because the cops are almost always there enforcing the 35 mph speed limit with laser (FYI: for anyone familiar with Carlsbad CA.)

I think the high radar position is the better choice to optimize for anyway. No cop on a isolated country road is going to get you with laser, but radar is a different story. That's where your speed will be higher and the need for range is greater. Remember radar or laser detection works off the concept of sniffing a signal intended for another vehicle and not your own. If you're the only car on the road, you'll be nailed with your detector mounted high or low and it won't matter which brand you own. The higher end brands give you added range that improves your odds of a cop flashing a car ahead of you 1-10 miles up the road.

At least with the high mount, it won't be so obvious to the cop that you even have a detector if should get stopped. Yes, if you use the cig. cord you'll want a low mount since it would look pretty lame having a cord run up high from the cigarette lighter.

 

For radar detectors higher is better.

Don't dangle. Run the cord along the head liner seam either into the moon roof power or over and down the A-pillar to the fuse box.

 

^The only reason to run the cord to the sunroof is to make it look good. I'm still undecided on hardwiring...

 

Right, for a clean look.

I'd 100% go with a hard-wire install. Then get an extra power adapter for if you take it to a different car.

 

Ya, I wanna do it, but money is a problem, and even a 16 dollar cord could make a difference. I'm gunna wait til summer.

 

My Camera sucks but:



And the Mute Button (at the top):



Works perfectly at this height, have avoided every 'bad situation' thus far

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-audio-bluetooth-electronics-navigation-94/valentine-one-radar-laser-detector-rear-view-mirror-757978/

 

I've got my escort 9500ix hardwired (cost me $20 for the cord and $20 for the install... a great value for $40) and the wire comes out by the rearview mirror. I have it placed just to the right of the mirror, and the cord runs down the a-pillar.

FYI - if it hasn't already been said, you will be given a regular cord with the detector and have to buy the directwire separately... which will solve your mobility problem. Hardwire is the ONLY way to go.

 

I don't have a V1 so that proves to be useless. Hardwiring seems like a great idea, hands down, but I just don't honestly think that it dangling is really bad. Maybe it is just me?

 

No offense but that's believable coming from a 16 year old.

Trust us, it looks cheap, like an afterthought.

 

Haha you are probably right. Don't get me wrong, hardwiring looks much better, it is just that I don't MIND having the cord there...

 

omg leave the kid alone, he needs it to be portable, that's fine.

Just remember never to leave the cord, the suction cup or the radar when leaving your car.... thieves love such freebies. This is the main reason why mine is hardwired, as you can't really see it from the outside, plus im a neat freak. =]

 

Haha it's nbd. I posted this to receive everyone's input. Good or bad...