remote mount or hidden display radar detectors
12-26-2005, 02:01 AM
#4
they easily outperform windshield mount, Look up lidar.com . Remote mount systems allow for the best possible angle and the clearest view. I would post pics of what I have done so far, but I dont have a camera currently
12-27-2005, 07:35 AM
#6
There's also the K40 and the Passport SR7. I have the K40 currently mounted but will be installing the SR7 next weekend because my K40 is several years old and doesn't have as many features.
It's great having a totally stealth detector (the small head unit is mounted in the gap between the console and the dash) but they are quite expensive. Retail for the base model SR7 is $1100 and goes up to $1600 with options such as laser jamming. Those prices include installation because installing it yourself voids the warranty. However, you can find them for half price if you're willing to install yourself.
It's great having a totally stealth detector (the small head unit is mounted in the gap between the console and the dash) but they are quite expensive. Retail for the base model SR7 is $1100 and goes up to $1600 with options such as laser jamming. Those prices include installation because installing it yourself voids the warranty. However, you can find them for half price if you're willing to install yourself.
Trending Topics
12-28-2005, 10:09 PM
#8
Staging Lane
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Brighton, Michigan
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually, there are a lot of drawbacks to remote mounted detectors that mount behind the grille etc, and they don't generally perform as well as the regular dash/windshield mount units. Radar propegation is mostly line-of-sight, and with the received mounted low in the grille you won't have as much line-of-sight with targeting radar, therefore less range. With lower mounting, the unit is also more prone to be blocked by vehicles (metal) in front of you, possibly reducing range even more.
A "regular" unit mounted high on the windshield has more line-of-sight, and is less prone to being blocked, as it can "see" through windows in the vehicles ahead etc.
The Whistler remote mount might be OK for a budget unit, but performance will still lag quite a ways behind most of the top brands. The K40 uses a radar receiver menufactured by Beltronics, and used in the lower end Beltronics Express models, so expect performance to be similar too.
Also, just about all of the current remote mount units available do not detect POP radar at all.
I recommend against a remote mount unit, a V1 w/remote display is the best option IMHO. But if you absolutely must go with a remote-mount unit, the Escort SRX/SR7 are your best options IMHO.
If laser is a concern, get a laser jammer. These ARE remote mount, there has never been a working laser jammer that wasn't. Don't worry about whether or not a jammer can "integrate" with the radar detector, as in the end this does little for you in regards to performance.
Jim
A "regular" unit mounted high on the windshield has more line-of-sight, and is less prone to being blocked, as it can "see" through windows in the vehicles ahead etc.
The Whistler remote mount might be OK for a budget unit, but performance will still lag quite a ways behind most of the top brands. The K40 uses a radar receiver menufactured by Beltronics, and used in the lower end Beltronics Express models, so expect performance to be similar too.
Also, just about all of the current remote mount units available do not detect POP radar at all.
I recommend against a remote mount unit, a V1 w/remote display is the best option IMHO. But if you absolutely must go with a remote-mount unit, the Escort SRX/SR7 are your best options IMHO.
If laser is a concern, get a laser jammer. These ARE remote mount, there has never been a working laser jammer that wasn't. Don't worry about whether or not a jammer can "integrate" with the radar detector, as in the end this does little for you in regards to performance.
Jim
12-29-2005, 07:59 AM
#9
You make some important and interesting points. However, normal usage of radar detectors is not for when you are in heavy traffic but rather when you are alone or at the front of traffic - when you are most likely to get "picked off". So, the potential blockage of signal by other vehicles is not much of a concern.
Radar signals also bounce off many different materials so the lower mounting is less of a problem than you might think at first. Signals even bounce off of the pavement to some extent. Granted, higher mounting is better but the difference is not so significant as to eliminate remote mounts from consideration. Again, without traffic in front of you any radar signal will cover your entire car because of the spread. This is actually an advantage for laser detection because the detector is mounted right near where they target the laser (LIDAR) guns - the headlights or front license tag - and laser has far less spread.
I would much rather have my K40 or SR7 than one of those $150 windshield mounts - you get what you pay for. The V1 or 8500 might be somewhat better at early warning but for someone like me who doesn't go significantly over the limit, the remote mounts are more than adequate. Plus, I don't have to remove it to prevent theft and I don't get "hangers-on" following me because they can see I have a detector in the windshield.
It all comes down to what you want to get out of your detector and personal preference. Just don't buy cheap junk and rely on it to keep you from getting a ticket - you'll be sorry.
Radar signals also bounce off many different materials so the lower mounting is less of a problem than you might think at first. Signals even bounce off of the pavement to some extent. Granted, higher mounting is better but the difference is not so significant as to eliminate remote mounts from consideration. Again, without traffic in front of you any radar signal will cover your entire car because of the spread. This is actually an advantage for laser detection because the detector is mounted right near where they target the laser (LIDAR) guns - the headlights or front license tag - and laser has far less spread.
I would much rather have my K40 or SR7 than one of those $150 windshield mounts - you get what you pay for. The V1 or 8500 might be somewhat better at early warning but for someone like me who doesn't go significantly over the limit, the remote mounts are more than adequate. Plus, I don't have to remove it to prevent theft and I don't get "hangers-on" following me because they can see I have a detector in the windshield.
It all comes down to what you want to get out of your detector and personal preference. Just don't buy cheap junk and rely on it to keep you from getting a ticket - you'll be sorry.
Last edited by WhiteBird00; 12-29-2005 at 09:37 AM.
12-29-2005, 06:50 PM
#10
TECH Resident
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: dallas,tx.
Posts: 828
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've been checking into the Escort SRX/SR7 and am leaning towards it as the next upgrade to my car, and was wondering if anyone had some pics of it installed in the C6 corvette.
also, any recommendations in the DFW area for a reputable installer ?
also, any recommendations in the DFW area for a reputable installer ?
