Ok, so I believe that the best place for a radar detector is above the rear-view mirror. On the 05, that space is filled with a dot matrix pattern.

Will that pattern detract from the effectiveness of the radar?

I'm attaching a pic for those of you who haven't seen what I'm talking about.

 

With the shade being plastic, I cannot see that it will affect the effectiveness of a detector. If it was metallic, it sure would!

 

can you explain why you believe that is the best place for it?

 

The Higher up in the car you put it, the further down the road it will see.

 

Yeah, it would be a shame for the cops to break up any 05 celebrations on the highway.

 

In a 'vert placing the detector above the rearview mirror is not desirable. How well do the concealed (remote) detectors work comapred to the standard ones?

 

Absolutely correct. Also, as you move a radar detector closer to hood level, you effectively turn on blinders as you crest a hill... your hood is pointed slightly skyward, and all the radar dectors sees is sky. If it's up, it can see "down" meaning back down the road.

Radar detection works well off reflections, so you will pick up radar bouncing off buildings, signs, other cars. If you put your detector lower, it effectively sees less objects and more hood, giving you less of a chance to pick up a signal (mostly in the situation described above)

 

I agree as for placement as this is where my Radar Detector is in my 97 T-Bird, Above the Mirror. However I believe the Pony and Dot Matrix will Interfere, So to me the next best Logical place to mount it would be right below the Mirror Mount Behind the mirror, but low enough to be able to see the readout. I like to keep my Mirror up as Close to the headliner as possible anyway, to keep my View unobstructed, but this isn't a problem for me being 6'4", so this is where I'll be mounting mine.

 

Well since we are talking about it, what kind of radar detectors do ya'll have or are planning or puchasing?

 

Best detector out on the market is the Escort Passport 8500 X50. I have had the non-X50 version for 3 years now and it has paid for itself over and over. The Valentine One is another highly rated detector, in the same category as the 8500, but it is BUTT UGLY.

The Passport 8500 X50 costs around $320 and the Valentine One around $400. Don't kid yourself thinking a $100 detector will suffice.

The big bonus of putting the detector up by the rearview mirror is that you can hard wire it nicer and the biggest bonus is that a cop isn't going to see it when they pull you over. If a cop sees you have one when you get pulled over you're screwed! Thieves won't see it either, so no smash and grab

Wireless ones don't work as good. You have to constantly change batteries and corded one turns off automatically with the car. If the batteries are low the unit doesn't perform optimally either.

 

How well do the concealed detectors work?

 

probably a cobra radar detector.......they r really good u can get good deals on them on EBAY......i checked one out at my job

 

I'm almost sure it's called a Phazer II or III. My friend has one and he's never been pulled over and he's done a lot of stupid poo, trust me on this one. It recognizes all 3 types of radars and jams them for 3-4 sec., enough time for you to slow down!!! He's told me that he's done 90 through a 40 area and had time to slow down without being ticketed. So that sounds like a good deal to me B)

 

If it is not V1 it isnt worth the money. If theres one thing you should go all out on its a radar detector . If not dont buy one. Also someone needs to do a test on if the dot matrix some how blocks, I hope not thats such a perfect spot.

 

Ceramic Frit is essentially baked-on glass (Same as what's used on Corona Bottles)... I don't think it would affect r a d a r but I am not sure about Laser...

 

I have sent an email to sales@valentine1.com [the only email I could really find]. I expect to hopefully hear back from this Tuesday.

 

i just wanna know whats the best

 

hrmmmm I like my method of detection....pay attention and slow down when you see a cop

It's worked for me for 22 years

 

well cops also tend to leave 2 cars with no officers back to back on the garden state parkway and as soon as u see the troopers from far everyone hits the breaks then when no ones in the car IM LIKE OMG THOSE BASTARDS........but i usually stay a moderate speed afterward

 

I just place an EMP device in the trunk and hit it anytime the fuzz gets close...knocks out all electronic devices in a 15 mile radius!

j/k


I'm interested in a remote radar jammer ...a laser jammer is pretty worthless, just put some plastic or spray matte spray paint on the license plates...

But still, the best bet is to just keep an eye out, and drive responsibly