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?

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

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.

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.

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: 705	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	#12 (permalink)
Minicobra1 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Orange County, CA. Posts: 1,205 Drives: 370Z Tour, Spt, 6mt Rep Power: 645	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: 17	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	#4 (permalink)
par4bmw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 267 Drives: 09 370 M6 Touring/Sp Rep Power: 446	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, 12:29 AM	#10 (permalink)
ssqpolo Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 882 Drives: '12 Black Nismo Rep Power: 268	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, 01:19 AM	#11 (permalink)
ssqpolo Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Florida Posts: 882 Drives: '12 Black Nismo Rep Power: 268	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	#13 (permalink)
LiquidZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 1,940 Drives: Mag. Black 2009 370Z Rep Power: 705	Where are you all running the power cord?