Just to throw my .02 in, I bought mine a radio shack about 6 months ago, don't remember what model but it has worked pretty good for me. I paid about $120 for it...

 

Where did you hardwire your connection, Daniel?

Terry

 

I've got an 8500, and since I'm currently in VA, they don't take kindly to seeing your detector out in the open. Is there anyone who sells a plastic enclosure that we could mount where ThePawn has his set?? Better question, how hard would this to be to make.

Once it's covered, just hardwire the thing in and then 'Viola!, what radar??'

 

V1 all the way!

 

 

i just got the v and want to hard wire it it-- where are you guys running the wire? any pics?

 

I wired my V1 to a 12v wire behind the rt. side kick panel. Ran the wire from the unit above the headliner and down the side post. Seemed easier to me than going into the upper 'console'(?). Sorry, no pics.

Btw, I use to run an Escort 8500 but now prefer/like the V1 better. Both are sensitive enough but the locator arrows on the V1 do serve a useful purpose. I connected it at the same point.

Dan

 

I love these post, nothing is more fun than being at a stop light behind a person with a detector.

I just keep activating the radar making the darn thing go off, most people are to scared to reach up and turn off the audible alarm. Drive behind them and they are to scared to go the speed limit.

No flames, just having fun.

Yeah I own an L, and play at the Drag Strip just ask Chickenears...LOL...

Remember though if the gun is off and I'm aming at you there is nothing you can do about it. and

 

Just my .02: I'm not in law enforcement or anything, but have studied up on radar detectors, and radar and laser speed detection devices. The law enforcement community on here can correct me if I'm wrong, but to the best of my knowledge, if your detector picks up laser, you are already screwed because in order for the laser to work, the cop has to be stationary, and has to have it pointed directly at your car. To me, if this is the case, if your radar/laser detector ever shows "laser", which mine never has, then they got you. Secondly, just something I've noticed from living and driving in FL...the local cops/sherriffs always seem to use K while all the state troopers use Ka....that's just what I've seen anyway.

 

any challenge in the courts on the validity of state laws making radar detectors illegal?? since most radars are only receiving, the FCC has no problems "listening", only transmitting. therefore, since FCC is federal, don't their laws overrule state mandated?

 

I bought the BEL 980 over the Val1, and I love it. The speed tests show the BEL 980 to be damn near identical performance wise to the Val. It doesn't have the arrows, but it does have Laser, which is used here in IL.

For your question, radar spreads out its signal, making advance detection easier. Laser is a direct hit, which can be calculated much faster, and often detection useless, but it is still a light-based signal. As light, it can be defracted and scattered (off of other cars, off particles in the air, etc), keeping the hope for detection alive.

The only time I've been pulled over using my BEL since I bought it was when I was hit with a laser. I don't know whether he was slow in tracking me, or just being nice, or whatever, but when the state trooper came up to me, he told me I had been going 15mph less than I had been when the detector went off. I got a warning and would replace my BEL with another if it ever broke or got stolen.

 

I don't know about any challenges, but I can comment on your other question. Most likely, the state (VA, DC) that barred them has done so for police purposes. Blah blah blah they encourage people to speed, create a danger to the public, and in the name of the public good are banned. The FCC only regulates whether a device interferes with communications. The FCC saying they don't interfere doesn't preclude a state from banning them for a different reason, as that duty has not been assumed by the Feds. The Fed gov't has left the general police duty (including traffic enforcement) to the states, so they can make their own rules.

P.S., just FYI, radar detectors DO transmit a radio signal, which enhances their ability to detect radar.

 

I read that insurance companies regularly provide radar/laser guns to police departments "free of charge".

The theory being the more tickets they write -the more our insurance premiums go up.

WHAT A SCAM!!!

 

That's GEICO!
I wouldn't use them if they were the lowest price insurance I could find. Althought they won't insure me because I have a radar detector. That's right, they refuse to accept customer who have radar detectors.

David

 

When I moved from GA to FL in '01, I was with Geico. They TRIPLED my rates for moving to FL. That's right, my premium went from $118/month to $365/month. They did this without informing me. What a crock....anyways...that's another .02 from me.