My few cents here...

Radar is not so much the issue anymore. The V1 is the best and top-of-line escort and bel detectors closely behind, do a great job of detecting and warning early. As long as you are not out in the open with no traffic in front of you while a cop is using triggered radar, you are fine.

But laser is popping up every where. First off, it is called LIDAR, not laser, because it's not really a laser, just similar. It is a highly focused infrared light beam, that is about 3-5 feet wide by the time it hits your car. These detectors detect lidar as they do radar, but because of the properties of lidar, there is very little chance that they will go off if the planets align correctly and it reflects off someone else exactly in your direction. THey aim it directly at you, your detector goes off, they already have your speed. The detectors become they-just-got-you beacons.

But unlike radar, which is radio and regulated by the FCC, lidar is simply infrared light (like used in the remote control of your TV). You can freely and legally also produce it, and thats why active laser jammers can exist. And they truly are your only hope. Unfortunately laser jamming systems are around $400 per set (and really, you would want one pair front, and one in the back), and in addition to your $400 radar detector, well you can see how they now have the upper hand except for the few that can afford to spend a grand on this stuff simply to circumvent tickets.

What I would really like to see is lists and experiences with active laser jammers. I know of the Blinder and Escort ZR3. One of my MINI friends has the blinder system and speaks highly of it, has seen cops hit him then scratch their heads.

Here's a link to the controversial radartest.com's results, but at least you get a listing of available models:
http://www.radartest.com/chart.asp?articleid=8503

 

As it has been mentioned elsewhere before, the detector (laser/radar) is a tool. It is not a shield.

A few years back (way before my MINI), I was zapped by instant on whilst on a empty back country road. My Escort Passort did a very nice job of letting me know I was tagged.

Drive smart. If it's a familiar route, learn where they sit in ambush. Watch the behaviour of lead cars/trucks.

With that said, there are no guarantees.

For long trips, especially unfamiliar highways, I tend to use a CB over anything else. If you can stand the jawing, the truckers really keep an eye on things speed trap related. You may be surprised at what else they're looking at. Or talking about. It's certainly not politically correct banter. Most of them are friendly enough, though.

Many, many moons ago, I was zipping through Ohio to Kentucky. The staties just got laser and were using up the highway. The word was being passed via CB. I got the warning over a mile away. Can't beat that with a detector.

So, the detector, laser jammers, and CB's are just part of one's tool kit. The most important signal processor is the nut between the steering wheel and the seat!

hey,(Just another nut.)

"My advice is worth what you paid for it."

 

Thanks to this thread I have been researching this stuff. It seems the Bel, Escort, and the new Blinder M20 are all almost 100% effective. The Blinder is $400 for dual-front. The Escort is $350 for dual front + 1 rear. And the Bel 905 can be had for only $250 for the same 3-sensor setup! That's more like it, I may end up getting one soon.

 

I'm glad my thread has gotten so much response. I think I have decided to go with the ZR3 combo.

 

FYI after some research, the Bel units, which were equally as high rated and have front and rear sensors, sell for $250. Except I found one place that had the 904 model for only $150! I took the chance and ordered it...123digital.com and it arrived the next day! You just can't beat that deal.

 

does it diffuse laser also?

 

Yes it's the 904 reviewed that I linked to above

 

I bought the SR7 Passport system. So far so good. I have not been hit by anything but stray radar freqs,....I guess that is good.

 

Laser will not replace radar. It requires the LEO to actually work and aim the gun. Radar allows them to sit back and wait for the alert to go off. Laser also is degraded by weather. Night makes it tougher.

LAser can be had. http://k40.com/Products/Radar/LaserDefuserPlus.html

It works on a light wavelength, fire a brighter light back, confuses it. I guy I know talked about going by a lidar spot and watched the cop shake his head and check his gun. Of course it doesn't disconnect their brain but it does allow you to have time to slow.


Paul

 

I have a question of you, who have a detector installed already.

A very long time ago when these detectors first came out, they were always going off, apparently for no reason. It was so annoying, one would simply turn the blasted thing off. A unit that comes to mind was, I believe, called the "Fuzz Buster". My question is this, do these things still make such a constant rackett, that you don't know the difference between a real radar signal and some extraneous pulse coming from space?

I would love to purchase a radar detector if I knew that they actually worked as advertised.

 

First off...great thread guys...lots of amazing information. And perfect timing too...i was just about to order a detector.

About the CB radio....i have heard of a lot of people using this on long trips or in caravans. What type of prep do you need to start using a CB radio? Is it simply just wiring it in to your car? Do you need a liscence to use it? What price are you looking at for a simple one?

 

Does anyone know what wavelength the LIDAR infrared beam operates on? I could construct a device to "blanket" the area ahead of the car with the same wavelength light.....

 

For caravaning, the FRS (Family Radio System) handhelds are very popular. Especially for Mini meets. They've displaced CBs in this regard.

No license is needed for a CB radio. It's quite unregulated, and there are yahoo's who abuse it by jamming it, stomping, etc. Be prepared for some really "interesting" language and behavior and world views! Rated R for ridiculous. Though, most truckers are friendly enough. It's the few who ruin it for everyone else. If you have young'uns, this may not be an option.

That being said, when it does work, you can be alerted to speed traps, troopers on the move, and even vascar.

In addition to the CB radio, you will need a decent antenna and mount. There lies the rub. Do you want to drill into your MINI? Ouch! Magnetic mounts can scratch! Glass mounts seem to be a decent compromise, but can lack in reception compared to the other two. Mounting location is a concern. Another caveat is proximity to the radio antenna. It's not a good idea to have the CB antenna next to the radio antenna for the car. Then you may need the CB antenna tuned for optimal reception and transmission.

You can find CB equipment at Radio Shack, Walmart, local truck stop, etc. Radio Shack will stock the glass mount antenna as well. A transceiver can start as low as $40 and goes up from there. Did I mention you will have to mount the transceiver as well? Cobra makes an unit that can go under a car seat. The controls are on the mike. You can use a handheld unit, but you will still need an external antenna to get any range.

In large metro areas, I do not find CBs useful. Nor do I find it good for local use. It's on the long haul where CB radios can be effective. YMMV!

Good luck!

hey,P.S. Remember, my advice is worth what you paid for it.

 

As far as lidar I believe it is 840nm, off the top of my head.

CBs are a dying breed and are mostly used by truckers to hold disturbing conversations. They will still warn of trouble, etc so they still have their use. I carry one in my glove compt. Once in a long while I will get stuck in traffic and plug it in to see what the cause is ahead, and if not at least be entertained by their conversations. No license or training is required, and as you will quickly learn there is no language enforcement. The radio I have is handheld but can plug in to the cig lighter, and use its built in antenna or plug into a wired magmount antenna. If you just plan to use it to listen in to what's happening close to you, you don't have to worry so much about the antenna, the built-in one is fine.

 

Is the range of the built in antenna enough to get some warnings of cops hiding?

 

Car shape and color makes a big difference. A few years ago, I had a MR2 Turbo (black) that was quite fast. One day I was coming down the mountain at 85-90 and the detector lit the laser light. Figuring I was busted, I slowed down but the cop ignored me. Had several other laser "incidents" but was never pulled over. I think the combination of a low, flat shape and PA's lack of a front tag were the difference.

Today in the Mini, I was going 60 in a 45 (not paying attention to speed as this road is heavily patroled) on a rural highway. Passed a cop and he immediately turned on his lights. I watched in my rear view as he looked for an area to turn around and disapeared around a corner. Seeing my chance, I turned down the first left and disappeared on a side road. Waited 10 minutes and got back on the highway......What radar detector is everyone recommending as I need one right now!

 

Nothing beats a speeding ticket like a good lawyer.
Not that a good lawyer is easy to find.

 

so im getting my V1 soon... hope they got all the bells and whistles now
to be as good as the 8500 (?)... any comments?

 

Bringing up old threads?

I have been researching and reading the opinions of the porschephiles who are REALLY into this stuff...

The two camps (8500 X50 & V1) are just as divided as the carnauba vs synthetic detailing camps.

V1 zealots like the arrows
X50 zealots claim the V1 gets more false signals.

The fact is that both will do the job. However, its Popup RADAR where X50 excels.

More important is LASER. With both units you need another laser shifter. The K40 Calibre is totally stealth, uses laser shifters and BT. However some claim not the best and ppl are just enamored by the technology (BT).

Passport SR7 might be the ultimate. Large RADAR receivers, stealth, active Laser shifting. Seems popular.

 

yah, it was under a lot of piles of chow fur.

thanks for the tip. i should be getting mine tomorrow. i don't
speed much so it's more of just a bling accessory for me but
glad i got something that is better than my current 7500.

 

The V1 is still helping us out lots. Had it updated pretty recently (which is great, they send you a new unit) and even with all the added noise from LED lights/signs and the traffic reporting speed trackers on the highways we still keep it on the big L setting to catch a lot of it all. We are both so used to the sounds that it is easy to mentally block out the extra beeps while determining the source via the arrows as needed - I find that it keeps you on your toes and is good to be aware just in case. The concealled display is really nice to have, by the way, keeps the main unit dark and stealth, and allows you to put the arrows and controls in an optimal location

Anyways, hope you like it

 

Thanks for the info, eVal!

i read through their instructions today (available online) and it looks like
it will be picking up some J's when going through some hick towns in my
neighboring areas. lol

 

valentine research doesn't have an automated ship-out confirmation system?

i still haven't received my notice yet... and i asked for overnight shipping
as it's only $20 days ago... even sent out an email. hummm...

 

Just be glad you don't live in DC or VA, I believe they are the only two places in the country where radar detectors are illegal...

 

Doesn't sound right, I don't recall if there were emails but I did get the units quickly. I'd call them - "Questions? 1-800-331-3030 toll-free "