Electrical For discussions regarding wiring up electrical modifications such as radar detectors, brake light mods, power sockets, and driving lights in Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.

Electrical Radar Detector recommendations

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  #1  
Old 01-27-2007, 02:04 PM
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Radar Detector recommendations

What detector would you recommend?
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 02:15 PM
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There are many many threads reccomending the V1 and the upper level Escorts
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 02:42 PM
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Moved from Off Topic to Electrical Modifications.
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 02:50 PM
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v1 and passport are what i use
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:01 PM
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v1 for its all around protection. plus the arrows are awesome.
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:09 PM
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+1 for V1
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:21 PM
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V1. "Once you use the arrows, you'll never go back"
Also see this thread.
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:21 PM
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I wouldn't use anything but a V1
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:25 PM
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I think I'll buy a V1!
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:33 PM
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Thanks all.

I tried a search, but as usual wasn't able to get a decent result.........lol
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:39 PM
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I've been using the Escort Solo II for some time now. Battery powered, no wires to fool with. After sticking some small rubber feet on it a small piece of velcro holds it nicely to the dash.

I realize its not as sensitive as others, but it's worked well for me so far and I firmly believe it has saved me a ticket or two.
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:39 PM
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New Escort?

I grew up in Montana the 4th largest state, when there were only 86 Highway patrol and (speed limits)? So, to say the least, travel was usually "done quickly." My mom once made about 45 miles in 23 minutes..Do the math... At anyrate, Escorts for 20 years...no tickets and I like to go FAST!

PS: I've attended 3 major driving schools, have some track time in my 99 M3. My 03 MCS is more fun ! I teach "high performance driving/survival to beginning students for a national company. Who shall remain unnamed. So I'm very careful about where and how "motor" or I loose my job.
So to make a long story shorter... I think there was a new Escort shown at the lastest Consumer Electronics Show, but I haven't done any further research. Anyone know more about it?
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:42 PM
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How about a passport 8500?
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:49 PM
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the passports are in second place compared to the V1, but are still an awesome detector. What sets the V1 apart from the rest is the rear detection and the arrows. Of course, you pay for these luxeries, but the differance between price points is minimal when compared to the price of a ticket or hikes in insurance premiums.
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by Pendergast
I've been using the Escort Solo II for some time now. Battery powered, no wires to fool with. After sticking some small rubber feet on it a small piece of velcro holds it nicely to the dash.

I realize its not as sensitive as others, but it's worked well for me so far and I firmly believe it has saved me a ticket or two.
We also have been using this one for years, and as a matter of fact, it saved my butt in the mini today , we also love the fact that it has no wires and can be used on the sport bike also.
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 06:23 PM
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Passport SR7

Stealth, the only way to go.
 
  #17  
Old 01-27-2007, 08:28 PM
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Escort Passport 9500

Just came back from the Portland Auto Show. Tne new Mini was there along with lots of aftermarket vendors. I spoke with the Escort rep and he showed me the new 9500 which goes on sale in April here. Their web site says they are taking orders now for a Late Feb delivery date. At $449 its not cheap but looks pretty impressive.
 
  #18  
Old 01-27-2007, 08:56 PM
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Looks like I'll have to save up a bit for one....!
 
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Old 01-27-2007, 09:50 PM
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+1 for the V1.
Has saved my rear in the MINI as well as in previous cars I had it in. I have it mounted(hardwired) above my windshield tint strip with the hideaway remote face.
 
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Old 01-28-2007, 03:38 AM
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V1 for me
 
  #21  
Old 01-28-2007, 06:56 AM
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I use the Pass8500 X50. Love that little beast. It was one of the first things i purchased for my MCS. A lot of folkds like the valentine, but after reading some magazine reviews, I opted for the Passport. The customization I could do to the Passport makes it very attractive.

I am not sure, just cuz I don't know, is the V1 customizable? Such as with the Passport I have turned off X-band (not in use here in CA), and made some otehr adjustments, so that it falls in line with what I want it to do.
 
  #22  
Old 01-28-2007, 08:52 AM
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I have a V1 and hubby has an X50. He loves his and hates mine. I love mine and hate his. They both work effectively. I just prefer my arrows. I wanna know where Smokey is!

And yes, the V1 is customizable and you can send it off for upgrades.
 
  #23  
Old 01-28-2007, 09:55 AM
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does anyone have any information on this fabled passport 9500???
 
  #24  
Old 01-28-2007, 10:04 AM
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Here are some points that may be helpful:

1. Most law enforcement agencies, at least in Southern California, now use ladar (laser) instead of radar.

2. Most law enforcement officers do not have the radar running all of the time, so your detector wouldn't pick up the signal until they already had your speed locked. The cops have to visually estimate your speed and then confirm the speed with the radar or laser detector.

Personally, I do not believe in the detectors. Just some advice from someone that has some extra knowledge in that area...
 
  #25  
Old 01-28-2007, 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by Methman
Here are some points that may be helpful:

1. Most law enforcement agencies, at least in Southern California, now use ladar (laser) instead of radar.

2. Most law enforcement officers do not have the radar running all of the time, so your detector wouldn't pick up the signal until they already had your speed locked. The cops have to visually estimate your speed and then confirm the speed with the radar or laser detector.

Personally, I do not believe in the detectors. Just some advice from someone that has some extra knowledge in that area...
although officers dont have it running all the time (turning it on quickly called "POP radar," a good detector will detect these pop's far before they are able to target your speed. most detectors are also able to pick up laser/lidar from reflections on other cars. also, it is important to note, that most states dont use laser yet, because it requires special training, frequent calibrations, and ideal operating conditions to use.

i personally could put alot of trust in a radar/laser detector.
 


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