Radar detector...which one??
- Thread starter Stallion
- Start date
Mart86&04
Well-known member
Radar
I have used Valentine 1 & currently using Escort Passport 8500.
Both are very nice and I believe the Valentine can be upgraded when new technology comes out. Only downside is you have to send them your unit.
I have used Valentine 1 & currently using Escort Passport 8500.
Both are very nice and I believe the Valentine can be upgraded when new technology comes out. Only downside is you have to send them your unit.
Vette79
Well-known member
The Valentine 1 is the best unit I have ever used. It can be upgraded and it also can track multiple bogies at the same time and give you it's general direction. It's warning is very good.
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Both the above units units work very well, I run the Escort. I would NOT recommend anything from RMR (Rocky Mountain Radar)
Scott
Scott
- Thread starter
- #5
Stallion
Well-known member
A quick question about that Valentine 1 (or any other radar detector for that matter, I guess): you just use the suction cups to put it on your front windshield, right? And how does it get power? You run a wire down to the cigarette lighter inlet? I'm not too wild about wires just hanging around my car. Also, my ipod is plugged into that one already. Hmmm....
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You can get a hard wire kit with either one. The cord is run behind the trim. I use the cigar lighter cord plug for mine because I transfer it from car to car. I also use a power splitter in my lighter, phone charger in one outlet, detector in the other.
Scott
jhecox
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what about Beltronics?
KOPBET
Well-known member
Remove the trim behind the rear view mirror and use the power for the lighted mirror. You can use a short piece of telephone cord to make the jump (at least you can for the Escort. Don't know about the Valentine however).
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- #10
Toms007
Moderator
I've heard of several guys hard wiring into the power in the rear view mirror, sounds like the ideal way to do it.
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- #11
Stallion
Well-known member
So you just "pop" off the rearview mirror and splice into the circuit there??? Any more detail on that operation?
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- #12
Toms007
Moderator
Stallion, I don't how they do it for sure, I've just heard of people doing that. But I would guess you are on the right track. Just need to find wires that are hot when the ignition is turned on.
KOPBET
Well-known member
Follow the mirror cable up into the windshield header. There is a small connector up there for the 12v lamp power. Identify which pins in the radar detector connector are for the power hot and ground and match to the plug-in from the phone cord. Do the same on the connector for the mirror with a volt meter. Route the phone cord coming from the radar detector into the same area. Trim back the insulation from the wires and tin the wires with solder. You may want to double them back over again because of their small size. Push the tinned end of the wire into the backside of the connector pins for the hot and ground, test and tape. No cutting or splicing necessary. Easy as pie.
Glide
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I use the Solo One (or is it 2) from Escort. It's cordless and easy to move from car to car. I'm happy with it.
Bel Vector 985
I have tried the Valentine and have had better luck with the Bel just make sure you buy the high end one. Good place to pick them up is the truckstops. Escort is also a good choice for the money.
I have tried the Valentine and have had better luck with the Bel just make sure you buy the high end one. Good place to pick them up is the truckstops. Escort is also a good choice for the money.
vett boy
Well-known member
I use the Escort 8500 and it has saved me a couple tickets.Don't fall for the Rocky mt. detector/jammer.
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Valentine-1 here. I've had mine for probably close to 10 years. It's only acted up twice in that time span and each time Valentine has fixed it for free and without question.
I've been with other people in their cars that have the Escort or the Bel or whatever brand. And I'll tell you, once you've had the arrows to point out the sources of the signal, I don't know how people go without it.
When it comes to detection distance and whatnot, since almost every officer has instant-on now, whether it be radar or laser, "detection distance" is essentially a moot point. HOWEVER...I will tell you that laser DOES in fact have a spread, it's not a pinpoint. My V1 will pick up the laser signal of cars in front of me being tagged, which is enough time for me to hit my brakes if need be.
I've been with other people in their cars that have the Escort or the Bel or whatever brand. And I'll tell you, once you've had the arrows to point out the sources of the signal, I don't know how people go without it.
When it comes to detection distance and whatnot, since almost every officer has instant-on now, whether it be radar or laser, "detection distance" is essentially a moot point. HOWEVER...I will tell you that laser DOES in fact have a spread, it's not a pinpoint. My V1 will pick up the laser signal of cars in front of me being tagged, which is enough time for me to hit my brakes if need be.
zee_oh_six
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I would highly recommend the Valentine One (or anything made by Mike Valentine). Had an original Escort, then an original Passport, then a fairly early model of the Valentine One. Since my V1 was getting to be over 13 years old, I recently did the upgrade to the current model/features. It's been awesome!
As for installation, I always use the visor clip mount, I think that it is quicker to move from vehicle to vehicle (with suction cups you would theoretically have to adjust the mount for different windshield angles). Usually use the cig lighter plug (again quicker to move around) but have also hardwired to the "switched" power circuit and run the wire behind the trim.
As for installation, I always use the visor clip mount, I think that it is quicker to move from vehicle to vehicle (with suction cups you would theoretically have to adjust the mount for different windshield angles). Usually use the cig lighter plug (again quicker to move around) but have also hardwired to the "switched" power circuit and run the wire behind the trim.
Gorgon
Well-known member
Interesting. Looks like I got out just in time. I wonder why FL is trying to outlaw detectors?
I have an Escort 7500S which has served me very well.
I'm always curious of the "arrows are better" statement. Don't you slow down if you get an alert? Or do you check the arrows first and then slow down risking a ticket? :confused
Leon
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