But officer I was only going 75???

[drpaulmarsh]

Ok... I got pulled over for the first time in years... I was going 75mph in a 65mph "Fastrak" carpool lane... Nothing compared to how I would like to be driving my car. Long story short I got out of the ticket, but this made me think? Hmmm I sure coulda used a fancy radar detector?

I read on the Renntech forums that the Valentine 1 is the top of the line...

1. Can you give me some personal feedback?

2. I read that most also chose to hard wire it... If you have a similar car to mine,(99' 911 coupe) can you tell me the pros/cons to various mounting locations?

3. Where is the best place to purchase one other than factory? Ebay has them for cheap but rumor is that that the software might be old? Any thoughts to this?

4. Is it true that California CHP officr keep their radar on at all times and that the police only turn it on for speed traps or when following someone to establish their avg speed?

Paul :drive:

[Poursha]

Valentine 1 is the way to go. This thread has pix and description of my hardwire install:

http://www.renntech.org/forums/index.php?showtopic=2282&hl=

[plima]

I am sure the Valentine is great, but tests show that the newer Escorts are close second, and they integrate very nicely. I've mounted mine to the right of the rear view mirror at the very top of the windshield (as Poursha shows in his pix). I made a short power cord (about 8") using a standard black telephone cord (RJ-11 on one end, red and black wire exposed on the other). I wired mine into the light module above the mirror. I removed the module (it snaps into the roof), removed the passenger side light, and soldered the pigtail above to the printed circuit board where the light connects. Be sure to check the polarity of the existing power cord, your new one, and then which wire solders where in order to get the polarity of your new cord correct. This is a very simple installation, no dangling cords, very little car disassembly, and virtually invisible when done.

[Itzkirb]

even with a Radar detector you still have to be alert and it won't always save you. Cops usually do an instant ON which you cannot avoid...Once the radar beeps he's got you.

With that said...I have a V1 and love it!

[Guest]

I have V1 also w/remote hard wired sitting on steering column. Receiver is to left of RV mirror up high and remains dark and pretty well hidden. I don't think you can beat that setup...and I agree that V1 is the best IMHO.

[mdillian3690]

Hey guys, does it really make a difference where you mount your radar detector? I was told the lower the position of the radar the better signal for laser, for example.

[Poursha]

The V1 owners manual says to mount it high in the windshield, toward the center between the pillars.

"Detector performance is enhanced by a high mounting position. For radar, a longer sight line to the horizon always helps. For laser, moving away from the hood and its sun reflection helps a lot."

[drpaulmarsh]

You guys are the best! Thanks for all your input...

Paul

PS

I should have some new pictures of my newest mods up before the weekend is up... Next the the V1 !!!

[perry]

Mmmmm Lot's of input here. . . I have a couple more. First off it does make a difference where you mount it. If you mount it low it will not pick up signals coming from behind, and yes they detect from above, behind and front. Next when you get the alarm hit the breaks, all new detectors have an automatic spoof mode. While you are slowing down the detector is spoofing so the CHPer will not be able to obtain a good signal right away by then you're at speed. When you get pinged, they are looking. The RADAR unit can't remain on at all times, it would get too hot, even newer ones including lasers. BTW air patrol utilize lasers, if your detector picks up a laser signal - look up. And hey don't think you can drive I5 now like we could a couple of years ago. I travel that route twice a month and average more than 6 good hits each time....... :rolleyes: