Where are you putting your radar detector?

Ieatrocks · 02-06-2009, 12:27 AM

I've always heard that the higher up on the windshield, the greater the range of the radar detector. Does anyone know if this is true?

par4bmw · 02-06-2009, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ieatrocks

I've always heard that the higher up on the windshield, the greater the range of the radar detector. Does anyone know if this is true?

Yes with radar but not with Laser. This is from Escort's site:

Can I mount my detector on my sun visor?
We generally do not recommend mounting detectors on the sun visor because the dark tint at the top of most windshields significantly reduces laser detection range, and the GPS-powered features of the Passport 9500i will not function if satellite reception is blocked. So, we do not include a visor mount as a standard accessory. While not recommended, we do offer an optional visor mount that can be seen by clicking this visor clip link.

As a rule of thumb, a lower detector mounting position is better for laser and a higher position is better for radar. But, in most vehicles, the difference in height between the top and bottom of the windshield is not enough to make any perceptible difference in radar reception. It's best to mount your detector where it has a clear field of view front and rear (plus a clear view of the sky for the Passport 9500i), and where you can see it without obstructing your own view of the road.

par4bmw · 02-06-2009, 12:40 AM

I was planning on tinting my front to 50%. Has anyone experienced problems with radar detection using light tint in the front?

Very interested in seeing installation pics. Who is going to be first?

NickBaragona · 03-14-2012, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by par4bmw

I was planning on tinting my front to 50%. Has anyone experienced problems with radar detection using light tint in the front?

Very interested in seeing installation pics. Who is going to be first?

I have 55% tint on my windshield and never considered this. Could my tint be preventing my radar detector from working at its full potential?

ImportConvert · 03-14-2012, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NickBaragona

I have 55% tint on my windshield and never considered this. Could my tint be preventing my radar detector from working at its full potential?

It depends on tint. I have Ceramic in all my cars (except my daily beater, but it still seems to do fine through the rear glass, although I can't compare detection distance.), which has no effect on a radar detector except regarding laser detection, but if you detect laser, you're done, anyway unless you are actively jamming.

I always recommend people pony up and pay for Huper Optik or Pinnacle F1. You need to use Pinnacle on curvy glass, might get away with Huper on flat glass like in the 370Z. I just use Pinnacle on everything.

Ieatrocks · 02-06-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by par4bmw

Yes with radar but not with Laser. This is from Escort's site:

Can I mount my detector on my sun visor?
We generally do not recommend mounting detectors on the sun visor because the dark tint at the top of most windshields significantly reduces laser detection range, and the GPS-powered features of the Passport 9500i will not function if satellite reception is blocked. So, we do not include a visor mount as a standard accessory. While not recommended, we do offer an optional visor mount that can be seen by clicking this visor clip link.

As a rule of thumb, a lower detector mounting position is better for laser and a higher position is better for radar. But, in most vehicles, the difference in height between the top and bottom of the windshield is not enough to make any perceptible difference in radar reception. It's best to mount your detector where it has a clear field of view front and rear (plus a clear view of the sky for the Passport 9500i), and where you can see it without obstructing your own view of the road.

Ahh okay. Thanks.

UNKNOWN_370 · 03-14-2012, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by par4bmw

Yes with radar but not with Laser. This is from Escort's site:

Can I mount my detector on my sun visor?
We generally do not recommend mounting detectors on the sun visor because the dark tint at the top of most windshields significantly reduces laser detection range, and the GPS-powered features of the Passport 9500i will not function if satellite reception is blocked. So, we do not include a visor mount as a standard accessory. While not recommended, we do offer an optional visor mount that can be seen by clicking this visor clip link.

As a rule of thumb, a lower detector mounting position is better for laser and a higher position is better for radar. But, in most vehicles, the difference in height between the top and bottom of the windshield is not enough to make any perceptible difference in radar reception. It's best to mount your detector where it has a clear field of view front and rear (plus a clear view of the sky for the Passport 9500i), and where you can see it without obstructing your own view of the road.

Yezziirrr... I have mine mount very low next to my gauge pod. I don't like it in my field of view while driving.

Drex · 03-14-2012, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UNKNOWN_370

Yezziirrr... I have mine mount very low next to my gauge pod. I don't like it in my field of view while driving.

agreed

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02-06-2009, 12:27 AM	#1 (permalink)
Ieatrocks Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 10 Drives: 08 g35 Rep Power: 18	I've always heard that the higher up on the windshield, the greater the range of the radar detector. Does anyone know if this is true?

02-06-2009, 12:40 AM	#3 (permalink)
par4bmw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 267 Drives: 09 370 M6 Touring/Sp Rep Power: 447	I was planning on tinting my front to 50%. Has anyone experienced problems with radar detection using light tint in the front? Very interested in seeing installation pics. Who is going to be first?