Radar detector

I want a new toy. A radar detector.
Where to install and what type.

I am thinking a tube that runs from one morrow bolt to the other. The tube would have 2 pieces (of the same tubing) cut and welded on the ends so that a larger bolt would fit through and bolt into the original and the detector would mount in the middle. Any one?
The detector would have a straight view of the road, out of the way, and not be in the way of the other gauges.

Will you be using it in an area where it is legal to have a radar detector?

This will have a HUGE effect on your installation and options.

The last radar detector I had was made by FOX (the same people that make the radar guns) back in 1983.

It never failed to give me advanced warning whenever I came within a mile range of a convenience store or fast food restaurant microwave oven.


Dan

dspevack wrote:

It never failed to give me advanced warning whenever I came within a mile range of a convenience store or fast food restaurant microwave oven.

Did you slow down or stop

What's a morrow bolt?

I mounted mine with a RAM mount using a mount that replaced 1/2 of the front brake master cylinder clamp. It's on the left side of the handle bars but works fine. Radar detectors are legal here though. I powered it with a hardwire cable wired to one of Dennis's headlight power taps. I can take a picture if interested.

Also for hearing it...you won't hear even a loud detector at highway speed.

I have tried two things. First, I tried a 1cm ultrabright LED I mounted in the dash. Just wired it straight to the headphone jack (MONO! Don't use stereo or you risk your detector if it's an Escort) and it would flash when "sound" was sent to it. Worked reasonably, but not good enough in the day.

I'm now using a blue tooth module to interface with a ham radio. It had an audio input for an accessory, so I've wired to that. This works a lot better, although there's typically a 1 second or so delay before I hear anything. That's okay for my style of driving.

I grew up in Virginia where radar detectors are illegal so I never owned one, until I moved to Alabama I got one right away, forbidden fruit and all.

The only radar they ever detected are the ones they mount over the doors at supermarkets that open the doors automatically. That's why I always call them "grocery store detectors."

They might be worthwhile if you are one of those people that speed everywhere they go, but I just slowed down a little and find that life goes by fast enough even at the speed limits.

There's a big difference between good and bad radar detectors, particularly in detecting the real thing and not alerting on other stuff.

I use a Escort 9500ix. I turn off X band (not used here, or in most of the country) and that eliminates 90% of the false alerts. It's speed-sensitive, so it increases sensitivity as your speed increases. If you're going 20 MPH, you really don't need to know about radar sources! It also learns and remembers the location of things like radar signs and the occasional K-band door opener. I almost never get an alert on my 30 mile commute - and when I do, it's a cop with radar. It probably beeps twice a month on my commute. It's nothing like the bad radar detectors that continually tell you there's a Wal-greens or Post Office within 30 miles.

Certainly, if you never speed, I'd agree the usefullness of the radar detector is limited. Following the law is certainly the best way to avoid a ticket - you won't get out of every ticket with a radar detector (they like to use laser around here - good luck avoiding that, and you know you won't get a warning when the cop catches you and sees your detector). But if you do occasionally speed and want a detector, I'd recommend doing some research on how well the different detectors work and I personally think the GPS features of the detectors is well worth the money. I bought mine after a ticket on a city street by a photo van - I drive that route the same speed or slower than traffic generally drives it. I was going 37 MPH in a 30 - naughty, yes. Unusual in this stretch of road - hardly.

I've had a Whistler 1800 (£60 e-bay) in my car for almost 10 years as here we've got a lot of fixed Gatso cameras which work off K band. It has a good range & picks up reflected signals so I often get a warning before I get to the camera. Unlike some parts of Europe, detectors are not illegal in the UK although I believe you're not allowed to jam a signal. The Whistler's saved me a number of times, not because I was consciously speeding but 'cos I hadn't noticed the speed creep up. I've set the detector to "city" mode so it just beeps twice and doesn't become too annoying when picking up a false signal. It's proved very useful when the police are out with their lasers & hidden from sight!

The Whistler's too big for a bike so I bought a small one for my big bike a couple of years back but as I haven't got round to fitting it, I'm thinking of putting it on the scooter instead as I ride this the most.

Thanks all.(Jmaslik) As always, much input to the questions posted here.
Yes, in California it is legal.
I spent two hr last night reading and researching all possibilities and the Escort 9500ix looks like the best bet for my money.
And I have decided to use a Ram-mount instead of making my own.

Wow, $500? That's why mine was so bad, I think I paid around $50 for mine, but that was 20-some years ago.

Radar detectors are illegal in most EU countries.
E.g. Holland: fine = 250 Euros & confiscation of detector.
But it can always be worse: in Belgium the vehicle itself can be confiscated if caught with a radar detector...

And more bad news: even GPS-systems that mark (fixed) radar traps could get you a hefty fine on this side of the pond! Fines are (very) high: e.g. in France = €1500 !!!

Just seen this today.Owner says water proof.Heres a link that has the company's link.
http://www.baggersmag.com/motorcycle-gear/baggers-tested-adaptiv-technologies-tpx-radar-and-laser-detection-system-20/?image=0

Having recently retiring from the force, I ask you John, why waste your money on a radar detector. Very few agencies use Radar anymore, the vast majority are using Laser/Lidar, like the CHP. if an officer gets you with a laser, your done, I say don't waste your money.

John made this post Nov 15, 2012 so I'd hope he has made his choice by now.   

I could have made a "second" radar thread .lol

Mudnman, I didn't mean you shouldn't have added radar information in this thread. Adding it here probably makes using the search function easier. My comment on the age of post was in reference to ebear695s offer of advice to Johns OP.

I was joking.

lol means haha ,that's funny,I was joking ,hehe,ect ect lol<<< :lol!: 

There is only one.... Valentine.
I have a friend who owns cars that cost more I will ever make in my entire life combined. This is the only thing he uses.
I've been using it for 6 years. Best thing ever.
Updates/repairs... the best deal ever.
Get a RAM mount magnet base. Rain, snow, Texas heat, accidents still working like a champ. And yes you will find a used one and it it's all just fine.

valentineone.com

L

For those who are tech savvy and interested:
High end escort units pair with your cell phone via Bluetooth for the "Escort Live" feature.
So if you have a Bluetooth Helmet that you normally pair with your cell phone, you will hear the beeps and alerts from the Radar Detector in your helmet.
This can be valuable when riding, especially if you listen to music or other communications which have to be loud enough to compete with road noise.
Works for IOS and android.

Some of you insist that riding should be done without distractions.
You are entitled to your opinion. No need to comment.
This post is only for those that find the information of value or importance.

Dan

I would not/have not spent any $ on a detector.

Greysilver wrote:

I would not/have not spent any $ on a detector.

Any reason why?

I used to use radar detectors regularly. Have not used one in nearly 10 years; as I get older I find that speeding is not nearly as much fun as it used to be    My reactions are not as sharp and since being retired am just not in a big hurry anymore... This is especially true on my two-wheelers. I need all the reaction time I can get !!!