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Topic: Radar Detectors

in Forum: General Non-Vette Discussion


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Radar Detectors (1/14)
 4/23/08 9:14am
manget1Lifetime Member
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Indianapolis, IN - USA

Vette(s):
Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


Joined: 9/3/2006
Posts: 2418

Here's my dilemma...  I think I want a radar detector, but I'm not sure how often I would use it.  I typically go just a mile or two above the speed limit, but on longer trips (to a C3VR Gathering, to Carlisle, etc), it would be nice to make good time.  Based on that, I don't know how much I want to spend - I don't want to pay too much for something that will get little use, but I don't want to go so cheap that when I do need it to work, it doesn't.
 
So, I'm looking for opinions.  Who has one?  Whether you've got one or not, why?  What brands seem to be best?
 
I've watched (and even bid on) a few on e-bay, but none have sold within my price range - since I'm not sure, I'm not willing to pay much at this point.  I've seen a brand out there called Rocky Mountain Radar that claims to be able to "scramble" radar so that you have time to slow down in case of instant-on speed traps.  I just don't know if that really works.  The feedback on them seems to be sketchy.  Lastly, the big box consumer electronics stores seem to have cheap Cobra or off brands for less than $40 brand new.
 
Help me out folks - I'm interested in what all y'all think


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Radar Detectors (2/14)
 4/23/08 9:30pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


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Escort "Passport 8500 X50".... X-K-Ka-Laser protection
The ONLY way to fly. They ain't cheap($300), but a lot cheaper than tickets...RUN AWAY from the Cobra....it's junk compared to the Escorts. I bought a new Cobra, used it for about three days, and the dam thing could barely "see" the coppers from a couple hundred feet. The Passport will see them from a mile or more...even over a hill...front OR rear.

Don't fall the scrambler scam...it don't work...and...there ain't NO protection against Laser, unless they pop ya from too far out. You have to be fairly close for Laser to lock on...the Passport will give you a couple of seconds to slow down...if you're quick enough!Adams' Apple2008-04-24 04:57:19

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Radar Detectors (3/14)
 4/23/08 9:42pm
Gunslinger
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Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

Any kind of "scrambler" that would disrupt a signal (as if it could), would be highly illegal.  It's one thing for a receiver that detects radar and laser signals and something else again to actually disrupt them. 

Sounds like bravo sierra to me.
Radar Detectors (4/14)
 4/23/08 9:45pm
greypoupon69Lifetime Member
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Irving, TX - USA

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#1 -1969 Corvette Coupe Riverside Gold, black interior,MN,A/C,350/350,PS,PB,window cranks. #2 -2000 C5, black/black, 6 sp, Bose system & lots of buttons.


Joined: 8/21/2004
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I heard from a reliable source that you got a ticket for speeding with that new detector, Joel.  I haven't invested in one because I've heard none of them work 100%.  I'll just watch my "heads up display speed" and keep my fingers crossed.LOL  Marshall, IMHO I think it's a waste of money.Ouch



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Radar Detectors (5/14)
 4/23/08 10:43pm
ranger3Lifetime Member
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North Charleston, SC - USA

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1975 L48 AT AC T-top


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Factoid: None are 100% reliable. They are merely receivers deciphering signals of a given wavelength. BTW, there are no scramblers. If there were, they would not be cheaper than a ticket.

Scott
Radar Detectors (6/14)
 4/23/08 11:20pm
NorskyLifetime Member
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West Burke, VT - USA

Vette(s):
SOLD - "The Toy" - '70 Convertible
SOLD - "The Beast" - '90 ZR-1 (#682)
SOLD - "Betty" - '28 Ford Model A Tudor
Still have - "BLKBRRD" - '78 Pontiac Trans Am


Joined: 1/23/2002
Posts: 7190

I usually run 5 over the limit and haven't been bothered (yet).  If traffic is going along at a brisker pace I try to hang in the middle of the crowd and try not to look too nervous.
 
The P.O. of "The Beast" had a unit installed in it when the car was new.  I haven't found the pickup yet but there is a real small "head unit" mounted in the lower right corner of the dash.  I've turned it on a couple of times but there isn't a manual for it so I have no idea how to work it or interpret the lights and sounds that come from it.


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Radar Detectors (7/14)
 4/23/08 11:56pm
Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
#1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20126

[QUOTE=greypoupon69]

I heard from a reliable source that you got a ticket for speeding with that new detector, Joel[/QUOTE]


To which I reply....again...
[QUOTE=Adams' Apple]...there ain't NO protection against Laser, unless they pop ya from too far out[/QUOTE]

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Radar Detectors (8/14)
 4/24/08 12:14am
longhorn294Lifetime Member
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DeBerry, TX - USA

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1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed


Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006

 Like Joel said, there's only one radar detector..Escort Passport 8500-X50. My wife has one in her Honda, I have one I move from Vette to GMC Sierra to Honda. I NEVER EVER leave home without it. I've had it alert me up to 5 miles on relatively level terrain. Stay far away from Rocky Mountain Radar, they're junk. The Escort has paid for itself many times over and,  they're upgradeable. Thumbs%20Up Oh yeah, I have a couple of nice used ones for sale with box, SmartCord, windshield mount and owners manual. Big%20smile Here's a overview from 'Radar Roy's' site:
  Product Details

The Escort Passport 8500 Just Got Better!

Introducing the all new ESCORT Passport 8500 X50 - the most advanced and sophisticated detector ever!

There's never been a detector like the Passport 8500 X50, and it's available in your choice of either a brilliant blue display or high-intensity red display.

Passport 8500 X50's patented Auto-SensitivityT mode intelligently distin-guishes real threats from other known sources of radar - virtually eliminating false alarms. Conventional Highway and City modes are also provided.

Passport 8500 X50's on-board computer can be reprogrammed to detect new radar and laser threats, making it a solid investment.

*** The blue display does cost more because of the additional expense in making the blue LED lights. There is NO DIFFERENCE in performance. ***

  • With 360 degree detection, radar signals are detected from any angle
  • Detects "Instant-On" and POP Mode signals to adjust speed as necessary
  • Programmable to show geiger style alert scale or the actual band width number
  • 50% greater range than original 8500
  • Mute a radar signal with the simple push of a button using SmartCord
  • SmartShield® VG-2 Immunity prevents law enforcement from knowing that you are using a detector
  • Built-in earphone jack for use with your motorcycle
  • Popular Mechanics called it "state of the art" and Motor Trend said it is "at the top of the pyramid for overall radar and LIDAR detection"

     

    Details

    X-treme Radar Range!
    The Passport 8500 X50's new "V-Tuned" radar receiver provides extreme range on all radar; conventional and "instant-on" including POP mode, X-Band, and up to 50% more range on the all-important K and Ka bands than the original Passport 8500.

    Digital Signal Processing (DSP) provides maximum range, with minimum false alarms.

    New High-Performance Laser!
    Passport 8500 X50's multiple high-performance laser sensors provide maximum laser warning, with superior off-axis protection. For the ultimate in laser protection, the Passport X50 may be paired with the Laser Shifter ZR3 .


    3 High-Resolution Meter Modes
    The Passport 8500 X50 provides 3 types of meter displays: standard bar graph, exclusive ExpertMeterT, and our new SpecDisplayT.

    In ExpertMeterT mode the Passport X50 can identify band and relative signal strength on up to radar 8 signals simultaneously.

    Or, choose our new SpecDisplayT and Passport X50 will show you the actual frequency of the radar signal.

    Comes Fully Equipped

    Passport 8500 X50 comes complete with a comprehensive owner's manual, quick-release windshield mount, built-in earphone jack, a coiled SmartCord, quick reference card, and an Escort travel case. A great choice for the motorcyclist that uses an intercom system.

    Programmable Features

    • Power-On Indication
    • Power-On Sequence
    • AutoMute
    • Audio Tones
    • City Mode Sensitivity
    • Display Brightness
    • Dark Mode
    • Radar / Laser Bands

    Power Requirement

    • 12VDC, Negative Ground
    • SmartCord MuteDisplay™ Included

    Technical Specs

    Operating Band

    • X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz
    • K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz
    • Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz
    • Laser: 904nm, 33MHz bandwidth

    Radar Receiver / Detector Type

    • Superheterodyne, GaAs FET VCO
    • Scanning Frequency Discriminator
    • Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

    Laser Detection

    • Quantum Limited Video Receiver
    • Multiple High-Performance Laser Sensors

    Display Type

    • AlGaAs 280 LED Matrix/Text
    • Bar Graph, ExpertMeter™, or SpecDisplay™
    • 3-Level Dimming, plus Dark Mode

    Tests

    Radar Roy's Tests

    The Escort Passport 8500 X50 has consistently been a top performing radar detector in every test Radar Roy has ever done.

    In K, Ka band, POP, and filtering testing the 8500 has led the pack.

    [ Warranty Information ]

    Click here to view the Passport 8500 X50 Product Manual

    Features: POP Radar Detection
    Type: Corded Radar Detectors
    Brand: Escort
    Dimensions (in): 5.32L x 2.85W x 1.25H
    Product Information

  • What's Included
    • Detector
    • Quick-Release Windshield Mount
    • Built-in Earphone Jack
    • Coiled SmartCord
    • Travel Case


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    Radar Detectors (9/14)
     4/24/08 7:15am
    tuxblacrayLifetime Member
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    Greensburg, IN - USA

    Vette(s):
    Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


    Joined: 9/24/2003
    Posts: 5188

    Hmmmnnn, Time spent burnin down the road most generally isn't significant enough to equate to a large enough trip savings to warrent the cost of the dector or the ticket.

    You only move as fast as the vehicle in front of you at the exit ramp or stoplight.

    Better money spent on a good GPS with accurate trip details and updates.

    If you need to get there faster..... be prepared & leave earlier.......


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    Radar Detectors (10/14)
     4/24/08 10:02am
    corvette440hpLifetime Member
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    Posts: 8205

    I have an older Escort, which has worked great and saved much $$$. I also have a Valentine 1. The Valentine 1, I consider much better. The guy (Valentine) was in a partnership with Escort. He sold his share for big $$$. He had a non-compete for many years. Afterward he come out with his new product. It's very expensive. What I like, is that it shows where the radar is emanating from. corvette440hp2008-04-24 07:03:39

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    Radar Detectors (11/14)
     4/25/08 6:45am
    manget1Lifetime Member
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    Indianapolis, IN - USA

    Vette(s):
    Silver 1974 Convertible - L82 4 speed Low miles (was only 8,900 when I bought it in March 2006) - Now 54K miles. Original owner bought it as an investment for son's college expenses. 2008 Jetstream Blue Convertible


    Joined: 9/3/2006
    Posts: 2418

    Thanks for the insight folks.  Yep Tux, a GPS is also on my "wish list" of fun toys for the car.
     
    Now if I can just find that combination GPS/Radar Detector/PDA/iPod/Cell Phone/Garage Door Opener/TV Remote Control/Key Fob/Alarm Clock I've been looking for, I'd be in great shape!!


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    Radar Detectors (12/14)
     4/25/08 7:24am
    tuxblacrayLifetime Member
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    Greensburg, IN - USA

    Vette(s):
    Previous: 1984 Silver / Charcoal Coupe, 1988 Maroon Coupe / 1989 Artic White Coupe / 2001 Speedway White Roadster / Present:1976 Stingray Black / Black, Auto, 350 slightly modified (355 hp) Luxor Wires Redline Tires. / 1989 Roadster Bright Red...


    Joined: 9/24/2003
    Posts: 5188

    [QUOTE=manget1] Thanks for the insight folks.  Yep Tux, a GPS is also on my "wish list" of fun toys for the car.
     

    Now if I can just find that combination GPS/Radar Detector/PDA/iPod/Cell Phone/Garage Door Opener/TV Remote Control/Key Fob/Alarm Clock I've been looking for, I'd be in great shape!!
    [/QUOTE]

    I want to laff at your request but for some quirky reason it would not surprise me in the least bit if Apple, Sears,GE, or one of the other big brands do not have this in the works....

    Maybe if you hold out just a bit longer Verizon or Cingular will off this on the next cell phone upgrade.....   

    Can you hear me, see me, tell how fast I'm going now?

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    Radar Detectors (13/14)
     4/25/08 7:50am
    corvette440hpLifetime Member
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    Posts: 8205

    [QUOTE=Tuxblacray] [QUOTE=manget1] Thanks for the insight folks.  Yep Tux, a GPS is also on my "wish list" of fun toys for the car.
     

    Now if I can just find that combination GPS/Radar Detector/PDA/iPod/Cell Phone/Garage Door Opener/TV Remote Control/Key Fob/Alarm Clock I've been looking for, I'd be in great shape!!
    [/QUOTE]

    I want to laff at your request but for some quirky reason it would not surprise me in the least bit if Apple, Sears,GE, or one of the other big brands do not have this in the works....

    Maybe if you hold out just a bit longer Verizon or Cingular will off this on the next cell phone upgrade.....   

    Can you hear me, see me, tell how fast I'm going now? [/QUOTE] The only way that I going for it............Is if it has a secret decoder built in. I want to be able to read "Drink Ovaltine"

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    Radar Detectors (14/14)
     4/25/08 8:13am
    Adams' AppleLifetime Member
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    Duncanville, TX - USA

    Vette(s):
    #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas


    Joined: 11/8/2003
    Posts: 20126

    [QUOTE=manget1] Now if I can just find that combination GPS/Radar Detector/PDA/iPod/Cell Phone/Garage Door Opener/TV Remote Control/Key Fob/Alarm Clock I've been looking for, I'd be in great shape!!
    [/QUOTE]

    You fergot coffee maker/color printer...

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    Joel Adams
    C3VR Lifetime Member #56    

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    "Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

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