Radar Detector questions
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26
From: Austin, TX
Car Info: 2004 WRX
Radar Detector questions
I've got the passport 8500 and have a couple questions about it.
The back of it is kind of scratched up.
Will this affect the radar detector's at all????
Also I want to put the radar detector above my mirror, but I have a eye lash tint (I think it's the right name, it’s a strip that is on the very top of the window). The tint is a metallic tint and I've heard that this affects the radar detector. Is this true??
The back of it is kind of scratched up.
Will this affect the radar detector's at all????
Also I want to put the radar detector above my mirror, but I have a eye lash tint (I think it's the right name, it’s a strip that is on the very top of the window). The tint is a metallic tint and I've heard that this affects the radar detector. Is this true??
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 499
From: North NJ
Car Info: Black WRX, stock
Yes, the metallic tint affects performance.
When you say "the back" I assume you mean the smooth plastic that faces out the window? I don't think it will hurt it much, plus I think the sensor is only in that little square recessed area anyway.
When you say "the back" I assume you mean the smooth plastic that faces out the window? I don't think it will hurt it much, plus I think the sensor is only in that little square recessed area anyway.
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Posts: n/a
Why (is a detector more effective mounted low)?
Higher up, it'll see over little rises quicker.
Radar signals are broadcast in such a wide pattern that a couple of feet won't make any difference at all.
Even lasers (which are usually aimed at your license plate) scatter; if your car is zapped the detector will only warn you of an impending ticket and stray, scattered signals will be received better above the level of the other cars. Higher up. HPH
Higher up, it'll see over little rises quicker.
Radar signals are broadcast in such a wide pattern that a couple of feet won't make any difference at all.
Even lasers (which are usually aimed at your license plate) scatter; if your car is zapped the detector will only warn you of an impending ticket and stray, scattered signals will be received better above the level of the other cars. Higher up. HPH
Registered User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 499
From: North NJ
Car Info: Black WRX, stock
I can't really comment on the position scientifically but I did notice that when I put the detector at the bottom of the windshield it seemed more sensitive. Maybe its because it's farther from the roof? I dunno.
But anyway, I like it down low because it's easier for me to see the signal strength bar, so I know if the cop is getting closer.
But anyway, I like it down low because it's easier for me to see the signal strength bar, so I know if the cop is getting closer.
detectors are more effective mounted low because of the reason you suggested, the beam is usually aimed at license plates.
but you are right about the scattering of the beam.
as long as you dont block the detector with anything i.e. hoodscoop you should be good.
there is a really good radar website, but i forget what it is, just do a google search, it tells you what kind is the best and where to mount it and a bunch of other neat stuff
but you are right about the scattering of the beam.
as long as you dont block the detector with anything i.e. hoodscoop you should be good.
there is a really good radar website, but i forget what it is, just do a google search, it tells you what kind is the best and where to mount it and a bunch of other neat stuff
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26
From: Austin, TX
Car Info: 2004 WRX
hmmm I've heard that cops aim at the roof of the car not the plates.
Also i was reading on the www.caranddriver.com forum that mounting it above the mirror is the best place because the cops aim your the roof.
Also i was reading on the www.caranddriver.com forum that mounting it above the mirror is the best place because the cops aim your the roof.
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 26
From: Austin, TX
Car Info: 2004 WRX
this site http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=1024 doesnt like the V1.
The passport 8500 got a 97 and a V1 only got a 77
The passport 8500 got a 97 and a V1 only got a 77
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(1) Lidar systems (i.e., lasers) seem to be aimed at license plates (although since we don't have front ones here in New Mexico, I don't know what they do). But they scatter enough to be picked up by a V1 high on the windshield (as I know from experience); further, putting it up there catches more scattered laser light that bounces off other cars ahead of you, giving you warning.
(2) Radar systems broadcast such a wide beam that it really doesn't matter.
(3) I'm puzzled by that RadarTest web site, too. I originally bought an 8500, based on their scores; more recently I got myself a V1 (the wife has the 8500 now), and I can say that it's more sensitive (and something of a PITA in town because of door openers, etc.) and that the directionality is a true butt-saver.
I have my V1 above the mirror, with the suction cups on that stippled shading there and the unit peaking out under it. I dinked around with the adjustment (positioning the cups and that click mechanism) so that it's level and sitting on the mirror's top edge. It's hard to tell it's there from outside the car. HPH
(2) Radar systems broadcast such a wide beam that it really doesn't matter.
(3) I'm puzzled by that RadarTest web site, too. I originally bought an 8500, based on their scores; more recently I got myself a V1 (the wife has the 8500 now), and I can say that it's more sensitive (and something of a PITA in town because of door openers, etc.) and that the directionality is a true butt-saver.
I have my V1 above the mirror, with the suction cups on that stippled shading there and the unit peaking out under it. I dinked around with the adjustment (positioning the cups and that click mechanism) so that it's level and sitting on the mirror's top edge. It's hard to tell it's there from outside the car. HPH
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