Radar detector for "not so open road driving"

tonythetiger

got a effin ticket this past week!!! first mod for my ride is radar detector for sure!!!!

Kirkster

Been using the V1 for years. Had it permanently mounted in my 350 but not doing that with my 370 roadster

The V1 actually has two volume adjustments. The big knob and a ring outside the big knob that you adjust for the mute volume. So you just hit the big knob once and it is in mute. Very easy to mute and with any new hit you get two loud chirps and then the rest is at the mute level you set on the outside knob.

Never had a false positive from a cell phone tower, not in 8 years...

Oh and if anyone cares the V1 display is red also as well as the indicator arrows which I consider invaluable for detecting where the popo are and when you pass them on the other side of the road.

And yes I have run into a few layered speed traps where one cop was just sitting out there in plain sight running his radar full blast, and then 1/4 mile away the real trap was hidden behind a large sign with 3 cops working it. Nice to have the radar signal counter and arrows in that case...

All that being said the radar detector is just a tool, use the tool that works best for you...

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spearfish25

I don't have any experience with the Bel. My feeling is red is just as out of place in the Z as blue. I personally really dislike the red/orange color combo in general.

One power solution that is fantastic is Invisicord. If you have the touring center rear-view mirror (powered), you can plug the detector into the back of it. No more cords!

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DrEvil

I had a permanent power cord installed for my Escort 9500.Runs between the windshield and trim. Hardly seen and when seen I get asked , why do I have a phone plug in the car.

SPOHN

This is a great mod. Had it in my G37. To bad I have a base model now. I'll just have to route threw the roof and down the pillar.

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VTZ

I have to completely agree and back up what Kirkster said about the Valentine 1. I've also been using a V1 for about 5+ years (still works like new). I haven't used many radar detectors but everything I've read puts it up top with the best. A little pricey but well worth it (as it has saved me from getting possible tickets numerous times. More than I can remember). You really have to consider the affects of even just one speeding ticket over time. Not only do you have to pay the upfront speeding ticket cost, but there is the potential for the ticket to raise your car's insurance rate over the next 3 to 5 years before it drops off your record (depending on your insurance company). So one ticket can easily cost you more than $400 over the course of 3 years or so.

In terms of the features of the V1, the unique dual volume knobs are very handy to prevent having to hear the false alarms of automatic door openers and such (with Logic mode on), though you can still see the visual cues when it lights up. The mute function is very easy to use (just push the big knob button once and it mutes the volume down to whatever you have the secondary volume set at. Very nice and customizable). The Logic mode (which I have mine always set to) which cuts down on the false alarm x bands from blaring at your primary volume. It automatically starts them out at the lower secondary volume. (is x band even used by law enforcement anymore?).

A couple other things that I didn't see pointed out here is that the V1 comes with both a curly cord cigarette lighter power cord and also with the hard wire kit so you don't have to use up one of your 12V power sources and you can conceal the wires if you want a clean looks. You also get both a windshield mount and (my personal favorite) the sun visor mount. Makes it real easy to slip on and off and the mute button is very close by. I think they also make a Z specific mount for it that mounts it to your rear view mirror and it hangs just below the mirror.

Oh and yes... the directional arrows are VERY helpful and if I'm not mistaken, a patented V1 feature only. Many times its allowed me to see that there are radar sources in front of me and behind me. It also helps you know when you have passed the radar source, so if you see the arrows go from front, to sides, to back while you are driving, and you didn't see a cop car, than he was either hiding really good or it may have been a false alarm, but at least you know that it is behind you now. Also, when you are cruising down the highway and it starts beeping, you immediately know if the cop is in front of you or if he is coming up behind you (which most people may not realize with other detectors).

Again... you are not invincible with this thing so keep that in mind. It is a tool to aid you that can sometimes give you early warning but you can still get caught so drive responsibly.

One last thing that I like about my V1... its not distracting and annoying while driving. When its on there are not big bright annoying lights. In fact when I have it set in logic mode it just displays a small "L" and that's it! No annoying lights on while just cruising along... but when radar is detected, she will light up like a Christmas tree, which I like.

Get a V1. You won't be sorry.

houkouonchi

As others are I am also using the Beltronics RX65. My dad got it for me for my b-day. It has saved my *** quite a few times. I don't get a TON of false laser positives but it does happen now and then. I have been lasered by actual cops a few times though.

I was pretty sure that laws (atleast in CA) that the cops had to actually track you doing that speed for 2 seconds or something so if you slow down fast enough you wont get a ticket but I dunno. Most of the cops around here ise Ka band and not laser and that can be detected from quite a ways away.

Osiris

Whichever way you go, the Invisicord and the bracket are definitely worth the money. Here is the Invisicord thread.

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onzedge

I went with a Stealth cord for my 9500ix. It is the same idea as the Invisicord, but, if memory serves, has a fuse built in. Installation was all of 2 minutes.

BTW: Do not be fooled into thinking that radar detectors are in any way guarantee you to be ticket free. I have been using radar detectors for more around 26 years (Escorts and Passports) and they do make you aware when you are getting painted. However, i got a speeding ticket (my first in 12 years) in 2008, even with radar detection on.

I was heading up Hwy 99 north of Sacramento in my 240z where the road is two lanes in each direction and is without a barrier. It is a rural area and early in the AM. I saw the CHP coming toward me in the opposite direction and my detector (a Solo S2) emitted a single beep. When he passed me I saw his brake lights come on in my rear view.

After we exchanged pleasantries and he wrote me up (he knocked off 10 mph), I asked how he got me. He stated that they tend to keep their radars in passive mode until they want to nail someone and it just takes a push of a button for them to get an instant read.

Food for thought.

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VTZ

Yes, the above poster mentioned some good points. Damn instant on Radar! It really makes our detectors less affective. Also, if they are using Laser (which seems less common) the detector will let you know you've been hit with Laser, but once you hear that sound you are pretty much screwed. Once it goes off they know how fast you are going. You can get some false alarms there as they may be hitting a car next to you if you are in traffic (so they may go after him). Although with Laser they need direct line of sight and I believe you have to be coming at them or driving away from them (doesn't work around corners or over hills). These days radar detectors are basically for detecting those cops sitting on the side of the road with their radar constantly on. With my V1 I can "see" these guys from a mile away.

gpolak

That's why you always speed with a "rabbit" in front of you, i.e., some poor sap speeding as well. When the revenue squad paints him with I/O radar you'll get a warning and can slow down.

Nismoracer

I have been using a passport. It's cordless. Batteries last a long time in it. Best detector that I have ever gotten. Had a whistler, bel, etc. They make a lot of sounds and are pretty to look at with all the lights but they don't work as good as the Passport. The V1 I have not tried, haven't had the need to buy another. It sounds like you need a radar laser jammer. Go to the Radar Roy site.

VTZ

Osiris... where did you buy your rear view mirror bracket from? Can you send a link to the company you bought it from? I'm looking for one that I know will fit the 370Z's mirror (I'm assuming you have the powered rear view mirror correct?)

Also... I plan to buy the Stealth Cord for my V1. If anyone is looking for this you can find it here (for other detector models as well) and this YouTube video shows you just how simple it is to wire this Stealth Cord in to your powered rear view mirror.

This is sweet... I am definitely buying one of these.

Nismoracer

Blendmount.

Osiris

Go back to that link i referenced...and right above the 3rd pic, you'll see another link for the bracket. If you decide to get it, the homelink mirror in the 370z has a 23mm stem. You will need that info in order to pick out the appropriate bracket.

Here's a couple pics of my install:

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