Where are you putting your radar detector?

LiquidZ · 02-05-2009, 04:11 PM

Has anybody done a clean install of one yet? If not, where do you put it?

Pics would be appreciated!

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?

ssqpolo · 02-06-2009, 12:29 AM

i have my valentine wayyyy up...right behind the rear view...that way i dont have to look at it...other advantages: buttons are closer to you and it has a better "vision" of whats ahead/behind u. no pics yet. but i will post when i get it hard wired.

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?

ssqpolo · 02-06-2009, 01:19 AM

i wouldnt recommend tinting your windshield. if you (god forbid) get into an accident then insurance wont cover it because tint "affects your vision/driving ability...they're even picky about a lil tint strip at the top (if it doesnt come from the factory)

Minicobra1 · 02-06-2009, 03:31 AM

My Valentine is mounted just above the 3 pods, I have it attached to the window, but I'm looking into making a custom bracket that mounts on top of the pods. In Ca. you can use a radar detector, but it's against the law to have anything mounted to your windshield via suction cups, including Navs, phone holders, etc. This is why I need to fabricate a bracket.

LiquidZ · 02-06-2009, 06:55 AM

Where are you all running the power cord?

ssqpolo · 02-06-2009, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LiquidZ

Where are you all running the power cord?

for right now...in front of my face. Soon, it will either go up and around the passenger side or straight down behind the dash.

semtex · 02-06-2009, 09:59 AM

Right underneath the mirror. That's the optimal place to mount it, according to the manual. ssqpolo, putting it behind the mirror obstructs the rear-facing sensors. I'm getting my V1 hardwired tomorrow, but here are some pics from my 350.

smurfblu13 · 02-06-2009, 12:47 PM

If you have a V1 those want to be as high up on the windshield as possible while still having a clear view out of the rear window. Best would be to hard wire the V1 in that position so the cord isn't in the way. Haven't seen a good hard wire in a 370 yet though. As for the others Par4BMW is right Escorts want to be in a lower position but again have a clear shot out of the rear for laser and other forms of radar.

sensi09 · 02-06-2009, 03:15 PM

If you don't switch the V1 to different vehicles, have it integrated into the rear-view mirror.

zero · 02-06-2009, 03:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sensi09

If you don't switch the V1 to different vehicles, have it integrated into the rear-view mirror.

Cool I want one.

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.

semtex · 02-08-2009, 02:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smurfblu13

If you have a V1 those want to be as high up on the windshield as possible while still having a clear view out of the rear window. Best would be to hard wire the V1 in that position so the cord isn't in the way. Haven't seen a good hard wire in a 370 yet though.

Here are pics of the hardwire in my 370.

02-05-2009, 04:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
LiquidZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,940 Drives: Mag. Black 2009 370Z Rep Power: 704	Where are you putting your radar detector? Has anybody done a clean install of one yet? If not, where do you put it? Pics would be appreciated!

02-06-2009, 03:31 AM	#7 (permalink)
Minicobra1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County, CA. Posts: 1,205 Drives: 370Z Tour, Spt, 6mt Rep Power: 644	My Valentine is mounted just above the 3 pods, I have it attached to the window, but I'm looking into making a custom bracket that mounts on top of the pods. In Ca. you can use a radar detector, but it's against the law to have anything mounted to your windshield via suction cups, including Navs, phone holders, etc. This is why I need to fabricate a bracket. __________________ 370z Tour\| Spt Pack\|Navi\|BERK CBE\|Berk HFC's\| Eibach Springs\| Hotchkis Sway Bars\|SPC Camber Arms\|15mm Ichiba Wheel Spacers\| 19"Factory Nismo Wheels-Matt Black\|Stop Tech Rotors\|TWM Shifter\|3M Tint\|Black Fangs\|Black Rear Valance\|JDM Fog Light\| MY BAND-www.myspace.com/petroleum

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02-06-2009, 12:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ieatrocks Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Alabama Posts: 10 Drives: 08 g35 Rep Power: 16	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, 12:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
ssqpolo Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 882 Drives: '12 Black Nismo Rep Power: 267	i have my valentine wayyyy up...right behind the rear view...that way i dont have to look at it...other advantages: buttons are closer to you and it has a better "vision" of whats ahead/behind u. no pics yet. but i will post when i get it hard wired.

02-06-2009, 12:40 AM	#5 (permalink)
par4bmw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 267 Drives: 09 370 M6 Touring/Sp Rep Power: 445	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?

02-06-2009, 01:19 AM	#6 (permalink)
ssqpolo Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 882 Drives: '12 Black Nismo Rep Power: 267	i wouldnt recommend tinting your windshield. if you (god forbid) get into an accident then insurance wont cover it because tint "affects your vision/driving ability...they're even picky about a lil tint strip at the top (if it doesnt come from the factory)

02-06-2009, 06:55 AM	#8 (permalink)
LiquidZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,940 Drives: Mag. Black 2009 370Z Rep Power: 704	Where are you all running the power cord?

02-06-2009, 12:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
smurfblu13 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: PA Posts: 2,584 Drives: cars Rep Power: 380	If you have a V1 those want to be as high up on the windshield as possible while still having a clear view out of the rear window. Best would be to hard wire the V1 in that position so the cord isn't in the way. Haven't seen a good hard wire in a 370 yet though. As for the others Par4BMW is right Escorts want to be in a lower position but again have a clear shot out of the rear for laser and other forms of radar.

02-06-2009, 03:15 PM	#12 (permalink)
sensi09 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: so cal Posts: 449 Drives: _ Rep Power: 16	If you don't switch the V1 to different vehicles, have it integrated into the rear-view mirror.