aries
Enthusiast
Here's another site to check out Radar Roy's Blog. He's a retired police officer that tests all the newest radar and laser equipment.
Radar detectors worth it?
- Thread starter Lundqvist
- Start date
CitySnake
Enthusiast
As I read through this detector thread, it occurred to me that there is another variable to be considered when choosing a defense against speed violations; that being your particular use and need.
The majority of Viper owners (that post on this fourm) seem to use a Valentine 1. There are a few that use alternative detectors that are somewhat less expensive (or similarly priced) and then there is another group that spend (what I would consider to be) a small fortune in detectors matched with scramblers and additional "stealthing" accessories and equipment. No doubt there are additional "use groups" that I've overlooked.
I'm guessing that the system chosen by each Viper owner is based predominantly of their driving tendencies, i.e. each system type works best for different driving styles. Generally speaking, if you don't spend a great deal of time at speeds more than, say, 20 MPH over the posted limits (of course that number could be 15 or 25), there's no significant need to use anything more than a standard radar/lazar detector. If you do spend a great deal of your highway time at speeds in excess of 20 MPH over the limit, then it makes great sense to invest in the more comprehensive (and expensive) ticket avoidance systems.
I think it helpful for those making inquiry to understand that all Viper owners don't drive the highways in the same manner and your "driving style" should be a major determine factor in your research.
One other point I'd like to make is that if possible, you should mount your detector as high in the car as possible. I've been able to mount my V1 just to the right of and hot wired into the rear view mirror (about as high as possible in an SRT). Most of the studies have shown significant increases in detection sensitivity based on mounting height.
The majority of Viper owners (that post on this fourm) seem to use a Valentine 1. There are a few that use alternative detectors that are somewhat less expensive (or similarly priced) and then there is another group that spend (what I would consider to be) a small fortune in detectors matched with scramblers and additional "stealthing" accessories and equipment. No doubt there are additional "use groups" that I've overlooked.
I'm guessing that the system chosen by each Viper owner is based predominantly of their driving tendencies, i.e. each system type works best for different driving styles. Generally speaking, if you don't spend a great deal of time at speeds more than, say, 20 MPH over the posted limits (of course that number could be 15 or 25), there's no significant need to use anything more than a standard radar/lazar detector. If you do spend a great deal of your highway time at speeds in excess of 20 MPH over the limit, then it makes great sense to invest in the more comprehensive (and expensive) ticket avoidance systems.
I think it helpful for those making inquiry to understand that all Viper owners don't drive the highways in the same manner and your "driving style" should be a major determine factor in your research.
One other point I'd like to make is that if possible, you should mount your detector as high in the car as possible. I've been able to mount my V1 just to the right of and hot wired into the rear view mirror (about as high as possible in an SRT). Most of the studies have shown significant increases in detection sensitivity based on mounting height.
ZDigital1
Viper Owner
Valentine 1, has saved me more times then i can mention. I never turn it off, i have it hard wired to the mirror. Only way to go
Ditto on this one! PatentLaw
Enthusiast
Been almost a year since I last busted on you V1 guys with your new technology....
Hello? V1....I hear you have great technology.......
And this guy is a year older. His technology is not any newer either.
Hello? V1....I hear you have great technology.......
And this guy is a year older. His technology is not any newer either.
V10SpeedLuvr
Enthusiast
I have a V1 as well and unlike most,I'm only luke warm on it. I get a lot of false alarms and have passed several cops and it never made a beep (I know they may have been shooting "instant on" and never turned it on..). I sent it in under warranty and they said it was working fine, but went ahead and reprogrammed it for me. It seemed to be a little better, but still not as good as I expected. I look at it as a Carfax report, its nice to have, but far from being a 100% guarantee to save you.
While driving on Sunset blvd. today in a group of about 4 cars as we came around a corner a
cop with a radar gun pointed at us and my V1 was silent. The gun look different it was square with
3 glass squares, I think were are screwed unless he didn't pull the trigger.
cop with a radar gun pointed at us and my V1 was silent. The gun look different it was square with
3 glass squares, I think were are screwed unless he didn't pull the trigger.
RedEnuf93
Enthusiast
I dont know.... How much is your drivers licence worth?
Or a good lawyer?
I have a Valentine 1. My drivers licence is worth more than the 400 bucks for Valentine.
Or a good lawyer?
I have a Valentine 1. My drivers licence is worth more than the 400 bucks for Valentine.
dipapa
Enthusiast
I have a Valentine 1 as well, its great for Ka band.. what most highway patrol use and its saved me several times.
Valentine also detects Laser, however, being laser is a very focused source, a beam, and highway patrol has more control, when they hit us signal return is precise high strength instantly.
I was using my Valentine and got hit 2 times with laser. 1st time i knew the patrol threat on that section of freeway and wasnt going fast.
2nd time I was only doing 85 mph and when Valentine 1 went screaming in Laser mode, i didnt even have time to slow down.
I got busted.
I believe Laser devices are more costly for law enforcement departments and they are slow to adopt new changes... they are getting more popular though... at least in So Cal.
Valentine also detects Laser, however, being laser is a very focused source, a beam, and highway patrol has more control, when they hit us signal return is precise high strength instantly.
I was using my Valentine and got hit 2 times with laser. 1st time i knew the patrol threat on that section of freeway and wasnt going fast.
2nd time I was only doing 85 mph and when Valentine 1 went screaming in Laser mode, i didnt even have time to slow down.
I got busted.
I believe Laser devices are more costly for law enforcement departments and they are slow to adopt new changes... they are getting more popular though... at least in So Cal.
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shooter_t1
Has Left the Room!
Been almost a year since I last busted on you V1 guys with your new technology....
Hello? V1....I hear you have great technology.......
And this guy is a year older. His technology is not any newer either.
^^^^^this^^^^
The only thing a V1 has going for it is the directional arrows. Had one...now I use a Passport 9500xi.
Tom F&L GoR
Enthusiast
I commute daily on the Taconic Parkway, a windy two-lane each way north of NYC with a generous 55 MPH limit and lots of minivans with space saver spares and no shocks. Those optimists reach 80 on the straights but down to 55 in the turns.
The state police have unmarked Chargers - I see them with subtle lights in the rear window and grill, but never pulling anyone over. Maybe they are just going to work, too. I see the marked trooper Tahoes that pull out, mingle in traffic (of course everyone slows from 75 to 55) and then they seem to find someone to pull over. Meanwhile I almost never get either of my V1s to signal anything.
What are they doing? Seems odd they nail someone at 65 when the whole pack was going 75 and the "speeders" are the ones going 80+. I wish I knew what the "rules of the road" were. Anybody know?
The state police have unmarked Chargers - I see them with subtle lights in the rear window and grill, but never pulling anyone over. Maybe they are just going to work, too. I see the marked trooper Tahoes that pull out, mingle in traffic (of course everyone slows from 75 to 55) and then they seem to find someone to pull over. Meanwhile I almost never get either of my V1s to signal anything.
What are they doing? Seems odd they nail someone at 65 when the whole pack was going 75 and the "speeders" are the ones going 80+. I wish I knew what the "rules of the road" were. Anybody know?
johniew398
Enthusiast
Valentine One in both my ACR and ZR1. Wouldn't drive either car without one.
RobZilla
Enthusiast
This topic always comes up from time to time.
In the end whether you have a radar detector or not eventually you will get popped.
Once again I offer my experience as tips for how to avoid a dent in the wallet.
PM's only.
In the end whether you have a radar detector or not eventually you will get popped.
Once again I offer my experience as tips for how to avoid a dent in the wallet.
PM's only.
Bird325
Enthusiast
If/WHEN you get hit with laser, it's all over. They are almost instantaneous and don't scatter much to pick up the cars in front of you when the signal goes out. When my LASER alert goes off, I start looking for a good place to pull over... so far, I've been lucky and haven't had to do it. Some of the guys on the board adjust their driving to ALWAYS be looking way ahead to look for tail lights as OTHERS come up on the radar/laser trap. That's a GREAT approach, especially when teamed up with a decent detector.
I've noticed over the last couple of years that the cops in our area are doing more X band which has been obsolete for years. I think they are relying on the low price and buying more units for their cars/trucks/suvs.
catching more people.
I've been running Escorts on my vehicles (including a liter bike that I regularly ran at over a buck and a half in the country) and have been blessed with only one ticket that I ignored the alert on. I know that on bikes, you can take a defensive driving class on the track or in a parking lot to dismiss the ticket ... a loophole that we all enjoy in Texas!
We need to see if the same 'defensive driving' course is available for Vipers.
I won't drive agressively without SOME protection, but nothing is foolproof, not even the $2,000 systems ... they can still sneak up behind you and clock your speed (if they can keep up). Would have purchased one of the 'killer' systems, but couldn't quite justify it with the other things I wanted to do with the car. Maybe on my NEXT Viper?
All of the sites mentioned above are great sources for info, whether you are just thinking about it or about to buy. The V1 is a great detector, just have had good luck over the years with my ****** and stayed with it.
I've noticed over the last couple of years that the cops in our area are doing more X band which has been obsolete for years. I think they are relying on the low price and buying more units for their cars/trucks/suvs.
catching more people.I've been running Escorts on my vehicles (including a liter bike that I regularly ran at over a buck and a half in the country) and have been blessed with only one ticket that I ignored the alert on. I know that on bikes, you can take a defensive driving class on the track or in a parking lot to dismiss the ticket ... a loophole that we all enjoy in Texas!
We need to see if the same 'defensive driving' course is available for Vipers.
I won't drive agressively without SOME protection, but nothing is foolproof, not even the $2,000 systems ... they can still sneak up behind you and clock your speed (if they can keep up). Would have purchased one of the 'killer' systems, but couldn't quite justify it with the other things I wanted to do with the car. Maybe on my NEXT Viper?
All of the sites mentioned above are great sources for info, whether you are just thinking about it or about to buy. The V1 is a great detector, just have had good luck over the years with my ****** and stayed with it.
I have the K40 1000 undetectable radar detector with an K40 Lasar EX detector/jammer mounted under the front bumper (top horizontal section). The lasar unit can also be mounted directly above the tag. It came in the Viper when I purchased the car, the red alert LED is mounted in the center top of the tach and the dual color power/mode LED is mounted where the lower left center console screw used to be. The on/off, mode/volume control is located under the dash, left of the steering wheel. The system can also be purchased with dual (front/back) detection/jammers. This system seems to work well and has saved me multiple times, once when the car was north of 90mph....hey I was passing a car
TrackAire
Enthusiast
I often wonder why one car gets pulled over and the rest of us didn't...especially when flowing along at above the speed limit. Maybe they track cars for quite a distance with planes and pull people over with expired tags, sort of a two for one profit margin. Or you're speeding and your tags are expired...add no insurance and the State just hit the trifecta of highstakes motoring revenue with just one stop and using only a single little piece of paper to write the ticket on....might as well save trees while handing out tickets
Nah, State agencies could never be that efficient
Cheers,
George
PatentLaw
Enthusiast
Do I really have to answer this?
I need to get one ASAP. Sunday on the way home from a show I was running 80-105 with a couple other Vipers.
With admissions like this, you need a really really good lawyer. That is going to cost you.
ddasilva99
Viper Owner
I live in Ontario where the Cops use LIDAR (aka laser speed measurement device). LIDAR/RADAR detection devices are illegal in my province.
I am seriously considering a laser detector and a laser jammer combo. The laser detector will indicate when I am tagged by the Cop's LIDAR gun and the laser jammer will prevent my actual speed from displaying on the LIDAR screen.
In order to pass through a speed trap I need both laser detector and laser jammer devices. When the Cop is tagging me I will be alerted by the laser detector. I have up to 5 seconds to bring down my speed and turn off my laser jammer/detector. If I do not turn off my system then the Cop will become suspicious when their LIDAR cannot get a reading from me and I will be pulled over. If the cop notices I have a jammer or detector I will be fined and the equipment will be removed. Is it true they could impound my vehicle?
If you live in Ontario and you have a Laser jammer/detection system please PM me. I would like to know which system you decided to buy and where you mounted your devices
Cheers,
D
I am seriously considering a laser detector and a laser jammer combo. The laser detector will indicate when I am tagged by the Cop's LIDAR gun and the laser jammer will prevent my actual speed from displaying on the LIDAR screen.
In order to pass through a speed trap I need both laser detector and laser jammer devices. When the Cop is tagging me I will be alerted by the laser detector. I have up to 5 seconds to bring down my speed and turn off my laser jammer/detector. If I do not turn off my system then the Cop will become suspicious when their LIDAR cannot get a reading from me and I will be pulled over. If the cop notices I have a jammer or detector I will be fined and the equipment will be removed. Is it true they could impound my vehicle?
If you live in Ontario and you have a Laser jammer/detection system please PM me. I would like to know which system you decided to buy and where you mounted your devices
Cheers,
D
BlkViper
Enthusiast
Ah, the infamous radar detector thread.
Like several have said, radar detectors CAN be a tool when used properly. It seems like more and more law enforcement agencies are deploying the "instant on" practice which really can hinder any chance of a radar detector picking them up. Especially with the use of Ka band being more or less a "common" radar band (Since Ka has such a significant band length) in law enforcement, radar detectors are facing an even more daunting task to picking it up at an effective range.
As far as seeing a patrol vehicle and your radar detector does not go off simply means two things. One is the patrol car is not equppied with radar. Two is the radar was not turned on.
It all boils down to how risky you want to drive. Weaving in and out of traffic travelling at 20+ over the speed limit, no matter how you cut it; you WILL get caught eventually. If you drive cautiously and aware of your surroundings coupled with a radar detector, the odds are significantly reduced.
To me, a radar detector is useless. More agencies are deploying laser. Once your detector picks up laser, you're caught. My advice is to have fun but be safe. If you get caught, you cant say I didnt warn you!
Like several have said, radar detectors CAN be a tool when used properly. It seems like more and more law enforcement agencies are deploying the "instant on" practice which really can hinder any chance of a radar detector picking them up. Especially with the use of Ka band being more or less a "common" radar band (Since Ka has such a significant band length) in law enforcement, radar detectors are facing an even more daunting task to picking it up at an effective range.
As far as seeing a patrol vehicle and your radar detector does not go off simply means two things. One is the patrol car is not equppied with radar. Two is the radar was not turned on.
It all boils down to how risky you want to drive. Weaving in and out of traffic travelling at 20+ over the speed limit, no matter how you cut it; you WILL get caught eventually. If you drive cautiously and aware of your surroundings coupled with a radar detector, the odds are significantly reduced.
To me, a radar detector is useless. More agencies are deploying laser. Once your detector picks up laser, you're caught. My advice is to have fun but be safe. If you get caught, you cant say I didnt warn you!
propsail
Enthusiast
I have a V1, hardly ever use it because the CHP in the SF Bay Area uses Lidar. they wait at thet bottom of the hill and zap you. Tag you're it! Find a place to pull over. They can also write down on the ticket that you had a radar detector which will almost guarantee the judge will not let you off.
v10enomous
Enthusiast
BTW... Anybody ever get false Laser alerts ? I've gotten them with at least 3 different detectors in different cars. It almost seems like certain sunny conditions or maybe something on a nearby vehicle can cause it... Strange...
TowDawg
Enthusiast
I had something strange with my old E500. With my Passport in there, it would false laser if I blew the horn or floored the gas pedal. That was if I used the hardwire installed in the car. If I used a regular plug, it wouldn't do it for a week or so, but then it would come back. Never did it in my other cars.
Darbgnik
Enthusiast
If a lot of the time you're "making time" is inside the city, I would recommend the ****** 9500i or Bell GX65 equivalent, because they are GPS based and can lock out false alarms.
I know a lot of guys that have detectors mounted on the window, but unplug them in town, because of all the false alarms.
A lot of people are creatures of habit, and drive the same roads a lot. In a couple of days there are no more false alarms, as it's learned all the false alarms along the way.
My detector hasn't falsed yet this year. I have a 9500i.
I know a lot of guys that have detectors mounted on the window, but unplug them in town, because of all the false alarms.
A lot of people are creatures of habit, and drive the same roads a lot. In a couple of days there are no more false alarms, as it's learned all the false alarms along the way.
My detector hasn't falsed yet this year. I have a 9500i.
witz323
Viper Owner
If you purchase one I would only spend the money on a V1. I've had mine since 2004, and have received 2 speeding tickets from the Laser. I would have 20 tickets by now if it weren't for the V1 detecting the other more common bands like KA.
There is no magic bullet, but i can almost promise you that a V1 will save you a lot of trouble.
There is no magic bullet, but i can almost promise you that a V1 will save you a lot of trouble.
As far as radar detectors, get a V1, Bel St or Sti-R, or the ****** 9500xi or 9500ci. All work great and some have features that the others do not. As for LIDAR, stay away from the K40, even the caliber, it does not work, I have tested 2 different units now. They are Junk for LIDAR jammer. The best unit is the laser-interceptor, follow by the ****** 9500ci with laser shifters, then the ZR4. Here are some videos.
http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-s...626388-laser-jammer-installation-houston.html
http://forums.viperclub.org/srt10-s...626388-laser-jammer-installation-houston.html
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