radar detector mount locations

[Skrilla]

Came up in a conversation this afternoon with a friend about where to properly mount a radar detector. I know from reading years ago and watching videos people have mixed opinions on high or low, which area is better.

Just curious where do you guys have your detector mounted (assuming you use one)? Myself I've always followed the low mount rule, but he disagreed. Don't know how much of a difference it really makes. Or if it even needs to be centered at all.

[max_boost]

Dunno if it really makes a difference? Mine is just below mid-way on the windshield

[max_boost]

but I gotta say, I love it when KA goes off and I see a cop shortly after haha

[jacky4566]

For Radar it doesnt matter since the beam width is massive but for laser you need to get it low on the windshield. CPS are trained, far as i know, to target your grill and/or headlights since its the flattest and shiniest spot.

[blairtruck]

i have mine hardwired directly under the mirror.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v203/BlairTruck/F63901E6-F596-44BC-B18D-0FC4700D5347_zpsqbbcwnhs.jpg

[AllGoNoShow]

Hardwire + Mount high for best results and least pain in the ass, love my Blendmount setup put them in everything I can, no suctions FTW!

http://www.tunerworks.com/products/images/products/lg_BlendMount-Jays%20Duals_4881.jpg

http://www.guysoflidar.com/detectormounting.html

[BokCh0y]

I have the radar detector mounted under the mirror.

[AE92_TreunoSC]

I have my DVR on my mirror, I install the radar low mount only on road trips out of the city, do you guys not get annoyed with it on all the time? I

[AllGoNoShow]

Originally posted by AE92_TreunoSC
I have my DVR on my mirror, I install the radar low mount only on road trips out of the city, do you guys not get annoyed with it on all the time? I

Mine runs all the time, never shut it off, ignore all the faults but I know Ka and GPS for the speed cam sounds right away and when I'm on the highway I watch K a little closer, but no, turn on the quiet after 3 warnings feature and can barely hear it after the initial warning

[brownboi]

i keep mine low mounted also and mine is also running all the time. i personally dont find it annoying

[16hypen3sp]

Keep mine just under the rear view mirror.

I remember Valentine saying something to the tune of - the higher its mounted, the better it works.

Don't know much truth behind that.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by jacky4566
For Radar it doesnt matter since the beam width is massive but for laser you need to get it low on the windshield. CPS are trained, far as i know, to target your grill and/or headlights since its the flattest and shiniest spot.

For laser it doesn't matter, because if your radar detector warns you of a lidar hit, you are already caught. There is no way to detect laser, it's always too late, even if the detector is directly hit by the beam (what needs to happen for it to go off for lidar).

Police shoot at your headlight/front license plate if applicable. A Lidar beam is extremely narrow, even at 500m. Detectors of any kind are 100% useless against lidar, which is the vast majority of what is used in the city. Other than that, photo radar vehicles could not possibly be more obvious, so unless you're doing a lot of highway driving (which still has mostly lidar) there is little point in getting a radar detector IMO.

Laser jammers work, but you can get an obstruction of justice ticket for having one which would be a lot of effort to fight.

[16hypen3sp]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


For laser it doesn't matter, because if your radar detector warns you of a lidar hit, you are already caught. There is no way to detect laser, it's always too late, even if the detector is directly hit by the beam (what needs to happen for it to go off for lidar).

Police shoot at your headlight/front license plate if applicable. A Lidar beam is extremely narrow, even at 500m. Detectors of any kind are 100% useless against lidar, which is the vast majority of what is used in the city. Other than that, photo radar vehicles could not possibly be more obvious, so unless you're doing a lot of highway driving (which still has mostly lidar) there is little point in getting a radar detector IMO.

Laser jammers work, but you can get an obstruction of justice ticket for having one which would be a lot of effort to fight.

I agree. I use my detector very, very little when in a city. LIDAR alarm just tells you that you've been hit... prepare to pull over. Secondary/county highways are mostly "instant on" radar. So unless you can see a cruiser sitting behind dense bush, they will probably get you.

The only route that I travel frequently where a detector is very effective is QEII. Lots of RC's and Sheriffs sit just over a hill or in the median with constant Ka band.

Which brings me to my next comment... this isn't the first time I have seen a post on this forum about lots of LIDAR use on provincial highways. I never see it.... Always constant Ka. or radar gun.

[cam_wmh]

Great thread.

Anyone have suggestions for a Blendmount? Recently purchased a Passport Max, and find the BlendMount to be asking a premium.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by 16hypen3sp

Which brings me to my next comment... this isn't the first time I have seen a post on this forum about lots of LIDAR use on provincial highways. I never see it.... Always constant Ka. or radar gun.

Every speed trap I've seen that I can remember on the highways, and everything I've ever been caught with on the highways, has been Lidar to the best of my knowledge. This includes QE II, Calgary - Banff, and also Calgary - Lethbridge. I used to have a radar detector, and sold it after receiving multiple tickets. Interestingly enough, every speeding ticket I've ever received except one has been when I had my radar detector :rofl:. They are useless with so much lidar around IMHO. From what I am told by my CPS/RCMP friends, there are very few officers using traditional radar anymore.

[toor]

Higher is better, your only chance of evading laser is scatter off the guy in front of you anyway. I use my Passport pretty much exclusively for cruiser-mounted Ka on the highway.

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


Every speed trap I've seen that I can remember on the highways, and everything I've ever been caught with on the highways, has been Lidar to the best of my knowledge. This includes QE II, Calgary - Banff, and also Calgary - Lethbridge. I used to have a radar detector, and sold it after receiving multiple tickets. Interestingly enough, every speeding ticket I've ever received except one has been when I had my radar detector :rofl:. They are useless with so much lidar around IMHO. From what I am told by my CPS/RCMP friends, there are very few officers using traditional radar anymore.

Which detector did you have?

[Skrilla]

Originally posted by cam_wmh
Great thread.

Anyone have suggestions for a Blendmount? Recently purchased a Passport Max, and find the BlendMount to be asking a premium.

I have the same detector, if you come back with anything I would like to pick one up as well

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by cam_wmh


Which detector did you have?

Escort Passport 8500

[DontBannMe]

Get laser jammers.....with radar detector...your unstoppable. even if the officer stops you can say countermeasures are not prohibited..get a better laser gun/radar gun



Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


Every speed trap I've seen that I can remember on the highways, and everything I've ever been caught with on the highways, has been Lidar to the best of my knowledge. This includes QE II, Calgary - Banff, and also Calgary - Lethbridge. I used to have a radar detector, and sold it after receiving multiple tickets. Interestingly enough, every speeding ticket I've ever received except one has been when I had my radar detector :rofl:. They are useless with so much lidar around IMHO. From what I am told by my CPS/RCMP friends, there are very few officers using traditional radar anymore.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by DontBannMe
Get laser jammers.....with radar detector...your unstoppable. even if the officer stops you can say countermeasures are not prohibited..get a better laser gun/radar gun




According to some of the police on this forum, laser jammers can get you an obstruction of justice ticket and an immediate car seizure. You may win in court at the end of the day, but at enormous hassle and cost.

But yes, laser jammers do work, however the officer can often tell when they're being jammed.

[16hypen3sp]

I dunno Mitsu. QEII is still a good highway to use a detector on. I find it very effective. Everything else though, I agree, not much use.

[AllGoNoShow]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


According to some of the police on this forum, laser jammers can get you an obstruction of justice ticket and an immediate car seizure. You may win in court at the end of the day, but at enormous hassle and cost.

But yes, laser jammers do work, however the officer can often tell when they're being jammed.

I'm still waiting for loud mouth to show up

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by 16hypen3sp
I dunno Mitsu. QEII is still a good highway to use a detector on. I find it very effective. Everything else though, I agree, not much use.

I'm not saying you're wrong, I'm just going off of what I have personally seen and what my friend in the RCMP tells me. I'm sure they use more radar there than in the city, but every trap I've seen looked like a laser (and my tickets all have the Lidar box checked haha). From what I am told, some of the older officers still prefer to use the radar because they are used to it. Also the in-car mounted system is radar, not lidar, but the Crown Vic behind you will be more obvious than anything else. I'm sure it can't hurt to have one on that highway, but it's not going to do a damn thing against laser no matter where you drive, which is by far the most common. A lot of people buy radar detectors with laser "detection" thinking they will be warned of upcoming speed traps (myself included in my younger days), and they are in for a disappointment haha. The instant-on radar is also very difficult to prepare for.

[AllGoNoShow]

LIDAR and Radar are both used PLENTY. Any traffic officer who is telling you otherwise is likely just trying to catch you one day, like they are PAID to do, motto should be harass and collect not protect and serve.

In any event, in the last year, I have been hit by K band from RCMP in the Calgary area, 3 times, K band in the Red Deer/Edmonton area 4 times. Not CPS. This does NOT include over 8 hits from narrow K band on photo radar vehicles which I usually have to turn around to confirm it is their van that is the source of the K signal. I used to be a firm believer that they did not use K band any more, I now take that back (in the last year) as they are for sure using it in full force.

I've been hit more with K band in the last year than laser to give you an idea of on vehicle hits.

If you want the best protection, Radar + Laser + VEIL + your eye's is your best bet.

For the instant-on radar, if you are the lead of the pack and you are knowingly speeding, you should already be prepared for the instant-on radar in your mind. I have been hit with instant-on, on coming Crown Vic on an open highway, I am the ONLY thing on my side of road doing 150km/h and I slowed down upon initial hit and did not get my ticket, there was a small small crest but I could see his headlights so I doubt it affected his performance, likely he was on his phone or watching porn on his laptop than paying attention to his radar so I consider myself lucky on that one but it isn't a guaranteed ticket

[max_boost]

I should turn on my K band again after read your post.

I drive with the flow of traffic but at night I tend to speed in the 30+range. Can't help it. The 9500 has definitely saved me several times. :burnout: :burnout:

[AllGoNoShow]

Originally posted by max_boost
I should turn on my K band again after read your post.

I drive with the flow of traffic but at night I tend to speed in the 30+range. Can't help it. The 9500 has definitely saved me several times. :burnout: :burnout:

100%, downtown maybe not, probably annoying with the buildings, but Crowchild, Deerfoot, Highway 8, anything you see RCMP on, you need K back on for. You go a Ci or iX or just an I? At least Ci or iX you can enable K and just be annoyed until it learns all the false locations for your route.

[16hypen3sp]

Originally posted by AllGoNoShow
LIDAR and Radar are both used PLENTY. Any traffic officer who is telling you otherwise is likely just trying to catch you one day, like they are PAID to do, motto should be harass and collect not protect and serve.

In any event, in the last year, I have been hit by K band from RCMP in the Calgary area, 3 times, K band in the Red Deer/Edmonton area 4 times. Not CPS. This does NOT include over 8 hits from narrow K band on photo radar vehicles which I usually have to turn around to confirm it is their van that is the source of the K signal. I used to be a firm believer that they did not use K band any more, I now take that back (in the last year) as they are for sure using it in full force.

I've been hit more with K band in the last year than laser to give you an idea of on vehicle hits.

If you want the best protection, Radar + Laser + VEIL + your eye's is your best bet.

For the instant-on radar, if you are the lead of the pack and you are knowingly speeding, you should already be prepared for the instant-on radar in your mind. I have been hit with instant-on, on coming Crown Vic on an open highway, I am the ONLY thing on my side of road doing 150km/h and I slowed down upon initial hit and did not get my ticket, there was a small small crest but I could see his headlights so I doubt it affected his performance, likely he was on his phone or watching porn on his laptop than paying attention to his radar so I consider myself lucky on that one but it isn't a guaranteed ticket

There are many scenarios that have played out in my case. Your K band stats aren't surprising. I too have noticed an increase in K band hits from cruisers in the Red Deer area. The only instant on defence is a car up ahead that gets hit first, thus alerting you to slow down. Once close enough, sure as shit, officer flips the switch and my detector goes crazy again. Saved me more than a few times but they got me once. I was the only vehicle on the highway and a truck was oncoming. Detector was silent then bam, maximum alert and I'm on the brakes. She got me as I dropped my speed from 130 to 110. Told me that she got a good reading at 121 and gave me the ticket. (County mountie.)

That's why in my earlier post I said that detectors are not very effective on secondary highways. Instant-on radar sucks.

Anyways, at least have some kind of countermeasure deployed while on the highway. It's better than nothing. At least you can say you tried! And if it fails, there's always court. And if that fails, well then too bad.

[94boosted]

Blendmount is totally worth the $100 it's a really nice mount and if you get the mirror tap cord to go with it, it provides a clean mount.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j174/94boosted/IMG_0865_zps67af87a0.jpg




I've never seen instant on radar in Alberta (once in BC), that sucks to hear they have it here too :(




Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


so unless you're doing a lot of highway driving (which still has mostly lidar) there is little point in getting a radar detector IMO.



Not if you have an Escort Passport 9500 or a Max, the built in GPS with locations of all fixed red light & speed on green cameras plus false alarm lockouts makes them awesome even in the city. I think mine has paid for itself about 5 times over (both highway and city).

[cyra1ax]

I've seen instant-on radar once and that was on the Rockyview portion of Centre Street headed back to Airdrie. Luckily I had a pilot car and brake lights to help me determine there was a trap there. Only ticket so far has come from laser, at which point the radar detector turns into a ticket detector.

I used to have K band and X band turned off, then for whatever reason both of them got turned on after about a year of having the device and I noticed that it was going off at times when RCMP/CPS were around so I've left it on. Gets annoying though since I get more false alarms than anything.

As for where I have mine mounted? It sits on the top of my dashboard, I have sticky tack on the bottom of it for grip. It's also wireless/battery operated so I guess it could go pretty much anywhere.

[cam_wmh]

Originally posted by 94boosted
Blendmount is totally worth the $100 it's a really nice mount and if you get the mirror tap cord to go with it, it provides a clean mount.


I'd gladly pay $100 for a Blendmount. Where did you get yours from for that? Which model?

I've been quoted $200, which is why I haven't committed...

[AllGoNoShow]

Price depends on vehicle mirror style, so many styles for some models! Tunerworks has some in stock and can order them in. If you have a powered mirror the mirrortap from them is a nice little braided easy to install piece.

[94boosted]

Originally posted by cam_wmh


I'd gladly pay $100 for a Blendmount. Where did you get yours from for that? Which model?

I've been quoted $200, which is why I haven't committed...

I bought mine online a few years ago and if memory serves me correctly it was about $100 plus shipping. But yes it does depend a bit on the style of your rear view mirror

[EM2FTL]

Speaking from experience, the comments about LIDAR being impossible to avoid are BS when referring to the highway - maybe you just need faster RT? I've had multiple saves with my aging 9500i on the QE2 and Coquiholla due to the range involved, but in the city range doesn't come into play (i have a handful of city laser tickets as a result). Instant-on is a definite threat, but IMO if you're speeding at any significant rate you should be constantly scanning for threats and reacting accordingly. GPS trap alerts help immensely also.

Re: mounting locations, don't most detector manuals suggest mounting high on the windshield?

[AllGoNoShow]

K band hit again today, on a photo radar F150 in town.... the same photo radar truck driving around WITHOUT stickers, lying piece of shit cops. I even busted a (legal) U-turn to double check, took a picture and have video of the "above the law" attitude of no signal lane change and turns 3 times in a row including cutting someone off. Hope the video is still on the dash cam...

[AllGoNoShow]

Originally posted by EM2FTL
Speaking from experience, the comments about LIDAR being impossible to avoid are BS when referring to the highway - maybe you just need faster RT? I've had multiple saves with my aging 9500i on the QE2 and Coquiholla due to the range involved, but in the city range doesn't come into play (i have a handful of city laser tickets as a result). Instant-on is a definite threat, but IMO if you're speeding at any significant rate you should be constantly scanning for threats and reacting accordingly. GPS trap alerts help immensely also.

Re: mounting locations, don't most detector manuals suggest mounting high on the windshield?

Agree'd with your first point, RT may be it on the highway but I've only come into radar on the highway, last laser trap I went through they were too busy with the guy on my left since I knew they were liking hiding by Banff.

For your mounting location, correct, higher better for radar they are saying it will have a better chance of catching any waves bouncing off the road, not being blocked by the hood/front of your car. If your down low on the dash you kill that lower angle off. I haven't really tried high vs low mounting as I always had a Blendmount, but I have tried vertical vs horizontal and for photo radar is makes a huge difference with the older detectors.