Reddit mentions: The best radar detectors

> should I be anticipating wiring the F770 in to the fuse panel?

Installing it is easy, hiding the wires is hard. How to Install a Dash Cam – Installation Guide

• Where to Install Thinkware F770 Dash Cam
  
  
• How to Install Thinkware F770 (Cigarette Method)
  
  
• How to Hardwire a Dashcam
  
  
• How to install dash camera - 2 ways
  
  > Where would a product like the Cellink-B come into play?
  
  I believe a Cell Link B will actually de-activate the Thinkware's F770's parking mode, but it can be installed. (I actually don't own the F770 so it is hard to say.)
  
  > It seems like everyone kinda prefers the physical design of the DR650 more but it just doesn't have the same functional quality. You feel like thats pretty accurate?
  
  DR650 slightly less video quality, but has an unique feature Cellphone notification (free service), and Cloud (paid service).
  
  Cloud feature:
  
  
• This dash cam has cloud feature which includes cell phone notification of G sensor activation while in park mode. - Attempted hit and run thwarted by this feature. <- Related reddit discussion
  
  The Thinkware F770 focused on definitely getting the recording of a major accident, and slightly better video quality day/night/shadow. Dual save is a very nice way to ensure it recorded. Micro SD cards fail, and accidents send everything flying.
  
  > Also, regarding the alerts from the cam. I'm also looking to purchase a radar detector and some of those units also have alerts for red-light cameras and speed cameras, etc...
  
  People say the Valentine 1 ($495 USD) or get a ticket for radar detectors. However I heard the Escort Passport ($380 USD) is almost as good.
  
  They both focused on different things. Valentine 1 has slightly greater range Front and Rear coverage. The Escort Passport has GPS memory, so it can filter out alarm systems/automatic doors ect, and radar waves are reflective for rear coverage.
  
  > I don't need overlapping functions from the two different electronics and can you imagine all the aggravating voice/chime alerts? This is one thing that is kinda bothering me because between the dash cam, radar detector, and the navigation and music sounds from the stock truck gear it would be overwhelming. Can I disable enough of those redundant alerts to keep my sanity? (for example the vehicle I'm purchasing in a year or two has lane departure alerts built in, etc).
  
  Yes you can disable different functions of all 3 dash cameras via a wifi cellphone app. The only one you can't do via app is the humble F50. It can be enabled/disabled, but requires you to hook it up to your computer. (Minor annoyance for changing settings.) However major annoyance if you are in an accident - You would have to pull the Micro SD card, run to like Kinkos, or run home make sure you have video, then you can view it, and print ect. - Having a wifi cell phone app is very much superior for viewing accident video at the scene, and slightly nicer for changing settings.
  
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  Note that isn't my youtube channel, but I find their reviews very useful.

I have had the 9500ix for 4+ years now and it's been working pretty well. It's saved me from at least 4-5 tickets. As /u/13489194 stated below though, there are newer models out there that work better and are worth a few extra bucks. What I've noticed in the past few years is a very annoying increase in false positives with all the new cars that have side radar blind spot detection.

I mounted mine up on the top of the windshield a few inches below the headliner and to the right of the rearview mirror. It doesn't obstruct my view, and only prevents the passenger sunshade from fully opening a bit.

What you want to do is get a hardwire cable, a tap-a-fuse, and a trim tool and just gently pull on the trim and use the plastic trim tool (aka bone tool) to push the wire in behind the trim, down the A-pillar, and then into the fuse box. Not sure about the S6, but on my A5, it made it easier getting it down the A pillar to remove the "Airbag" plastic cover piece that covers up a Torx screw, and slightly unscrew the cover over the pillar so you can more easily fish it in.

Hardwire that bad boy into a fuse that is only on when the car's ignition is on, such as the Homelink Garage door opening or something. I dunno about the S6, but on my A5 there are fuse panels on both the passenger and driver's side. I put mine on the driver's side so that I can mount the little mute button assembly w/ the included velcro right below the headlight switch assembly. I can easily and quickly mute it as well as see the flashing light while driving.

Some stuff I'd recommend:

Escort Max 360 Detector

Hardwire adapter unit (no need for the bluetooth one as the Max has bluetooth built into it now)

Tape a fuse

Trim tools to fish the wire in

Other common tools you'll need would be a screwdriver, Wire Crimper/Stripper, and a socket to punch down the ground connection in the fuse panel.

Also, you'll want to be running the Waze application when driving as it will notify you of police locations reported by users. That's saved me a lot, especially when they aren't using radar or are using laser.

What exactly do these do? I've heard of the Laser and Radar Detectors but I've never looked into them, though I would kind of like to buy one now.

edit:
I'm looking at this one in particular. http://www.amazon.com/Whistler-XTR-140-Radar-Exclusive-Periscopes/dp/B000OHYIDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1370813006&sr=8-1&keywords=police+radar+scanner#productDetails

Product Features:
-Complete band coverage of all Laser, Radar, VG-2, and Safety Radar bands

-Exclusive Twin Alert Periscope provides an added attention-getting visual alert

-Easy-to-read icon display indicates power, city mode, band identification, and signal strength

-Three unique city modes and highway mode to reduce false alarms

-Patented VG-2 cloaking technology for undetectability

So what exactly do these features mean? Sorry if this is a lot, it just seems like a lot of information that Reddit might be able to clear up for me. Thanks in advance.

The cheaper ones (in the $40 - $150 range) work okay, but they do throw a lot of false positives from my experience. I personally recommend the Escorts, but they can be very pricey ($300+).

I currently have an Escort Solo S3 which is arguably the best cordless radar detector available on the market today. Picks up radar pretty damn well, but due to it's design, it has decreased sensitivity to conserve battery life, less than the infamous Escort Passport 8500 series. Escort also has the Passport 9500ix model that can automatically detect and lock out false positives, and remembers them through the magical trickery of GPS. But, it will run you out about 600 bucks.

Just take note that while most good radar detectors will give you a pretty good advanced warning on regular radar, they will NOT protect you on laser or LIDAR. If you are hit with LIDAR, you're fucked. Although it's not impossible, it is just simply very difficult to pick up LIDAR, being a single beam of light that doesn't bounce off of objects compared to radar.

EDIT: grammar

Whats your budget like? I don't ahve one personally but I am pretty sure taht my brother has the Escort IX. It's always entertaining driving with him because of how well it picks up cops nearby. If it's in your budget, it's probably a safe bet.

>It's not mine yet!

Haha well it sounds like it's a done deal from your other comments in the post! Get excited, it's your Corvette :)

>Yeah I'll definitely be getting one. Any recommendations?

I run this Escort Passport model, though I bought it a year or two ago when it was on Amazon Prime. I picked it because it uses the same sensor from the Escort Redline (this model) which used to be the top of the Escort product line, so my detector has essentially the same range and detection capabilities and just misses out on some features like adaptive false-alarm avoidance. Didn't seem like the extra features were worth an extra $300 (though my detector has probably paid for itself many times over by now!) I would stick with Escort or Valentine personally but I hear Uniden is getting better. You can check this forum out for lots of info on the current market and what the best deals are.

I'm looking at a Escort Passport 8500x50 black It has a lot of good reviews and supports a lot of bands, should I save up for the escort max or consider this one? From what I can tell it's a reputable company, pretty updated in terms of technology and has good range. Would this be considered a cheap radar?

Oh and I currently have a Whistler CR90. Got it several years ago based on recommendations, and haven't regretted it. I dream of a Valentine 1, but that's a bit rich for my taste. The CR90 can be configured to tone down some (but not all) of the K Band noise. Not sure what's the best out there now, in each price range. I'm also curious. https://www.amazon.com/Whistler-CR90-Performance-Detector-Internal/dp/B00DNJU61S

Agree with everything here. Just wanted to add my personal experience.

I drove across country and back this summer. I left my California bought handgun behind just to avoid a legal headache. But, I got one of the best radar detectors on the market for the drive. If i remember correctly only Washington DC and Virginia have laws against radar detectors. Other than that, I never got pulled over in my 3 weeks of driving.

http://www.amazon.com/valentine-one-V1-Valentine-Detector/dp/B000U89KGW

Great radar detector. Very accurate, gives the signal strength of the device as well as the direction (front, back, left/right) so you know exactly where the source is coming from. Over 3000 miles and I never felt worried about a speeding violation. Seriously, that radar detector gave me the impression I had complete control of whether or not I would get a speeding ticket or not.

I went through the same questions as you before I started on my road trip. I left with the attitude that any state I could have been stopped in is a stop and identify state (outside of operating a motor vehicle) and to rely mostly on my constitutional rights. Then again, I was crunched for time and couldn't do the required research to potentially assert my rights to their fullest potential (thus the lack of a firearm). Thank god that wasn't necessary.

Have fun and stay safe.

edit: word

Sure. You're going to be running a power wire from the radar, across the top of your windshield, under the top part of your A-pillar, into the rubber trim, down to the side access, and into the fuse box. You're going to put an add-a-circuit in to put two fuses in one slot and share a fuse that turns on when the car is in accessory mode so the radar is only on when the car is on. These are the steps I took:



Step 1:
Mount the radar where you want it to be. I have mine above my mirror so it doesn't obstruct my windshield view at all and isn't visible from outside the car.



Step 2:
Plug the power wire into the radar.



Step 3:
Feel the top of the windshield where the headliner meets it. There's a roughly 1/4" gap there. Tuck the power wire into this gap, working your way towards the driver's side door. The red line is the path your wire will be taking.



Step 4:
When you get to the edge of the windshield, use one of the trim tools to gently pry the A-pillar cover just enough to allow you to tuck the wire into it. Get the wire flat and then push the cover back into place.



Step 5:
Tuck the wire in between the rubber trim on the door, working towards the dash.



Step 6:
Use the trim tool to pry off the side cover. It has 3 clips and should come out fairly easily.



Step 7:
Remove dash drawer by opening it and then squeezing the sides towards the back.



Step 8:
Pull out a fuse, put it in your add-a-circuit, then put the add-a-circuit plug where you pulled the fuse from. The red arrow points to the fuse I chose.



Step 9:
Turn on the car and verify that the radar powers up and down with the car.



Step 10:
Velcro strap the excess power wire and tuck it out of the way.



Step 11:
Replace the drawer and side panel



Stuff to buy:

Power wire:
https://www.amazon.com/Escort-Direct-Power-Radar-Detectors/dp/B0003NN83U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1497974491&sr=8-2&keywords=9500ix+hardwire



Add a circuit:
https://www.amazon.com/Radar-Mount-Detector-Fusebox-Circuit/dp/B00UB9W92C/ref=pd_sim_107_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B00UB9W92C&pd_rd_r=0K76S4T52SJB4ACR9V8M&pd_rd_w=AupqD&pd_rd_wg=ZwoBH&psc=1&refRID=0K76S4T52SJB4ACR9V8M



Fuse puller:
https://www.amazon.com/RoadPro-RPFP2-Fuse-Puller-Pack/dp/B00CSBUFOU/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1497975152&sr=8-5&keywords=fuse+puller



Trim tools:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HNMLQAG/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have this in my 2015 Ram 1500 and it works great. Very clean, doesn't move or vibrate and keep the detector in perfect position. https://www.amazon.com/AccessoryBasics-Rearview-Detector-PASSPORT-Beltronics/dp/B01M1KJ0GB

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-R3-Extreme-Detector-Degree/dp/B0743H6CSN

One of the best out for now I believe. My dad has 2 and I plan to get one soon. Great kit.

I got an "Escort Passport 8500X50" and honestly, it's pretty useless in south FL. 90%+ of the time it's a false alarm. On top of that, FLHP uses laser guns.

I get much better results with Waze.

If you really want to be "immune" to laser guns, you need a jammer like this. Just make sure it's legal in your state, here's a map.

Here's a random thought, and I am not familiar with the rulebook so it may not fly, but why couldn't you install some proximity sensors on your car? I was thinking something like the add-on back-up sensors and instead of a beep maybe some LED indicators? This actually has both the LED and beep. I think the range might be the limiting factor with a cheap kit like that though.

https://www.amazon.com/Escort-S75g-Bundle-Mirror-Mount/dp/B07597T51H?crid=33YB95UZ6HM3Q&keywords=escort+passport+9500ix&qid=1536247416&sprefix=escort+passport&sr=8-1-spons&ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa&psc=1
Wish this bundle was available when I got mine. I had to buy the mirror mount separate. I’d recommend picking up the smart cord too, that way you can hardwire it directly into your fuse box. I tapped mine into the radio fuse, that way the detector always turns on with the car instead of being powered by the cigarette lighter.

Yeah the escort passport 9500xi. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F0RPGG Does K, X, KA bands as well as laser. Also has GPS so it can tell you about known speed traps as well as red light cameras. This thing has saved my ass more times than I can count but also remember to not rely on it entirely. Sometimes cops don't leave their radar guns on all the time and only turn it on once you're in view and at that point you're screwed. But yeah, it's a must for any Camaro owner as I'm sure you're aware that this car does not want to go slow. Well worth the price as insurance rates only go up with points and tickets can be expensive, too

Radar detectors are still useful if you get one new enough to tell the difference between blind spot monitors and radar cruise control. This Uniden is at least a year old and has great reviews on Amazon for its sensitivity and limiting of false alerts.

You are correct, though, for older detectors...there's so many false alerts from other cars that an older detector may be pretty difficult to use.

I'd probably get a properly rated adapter for it, plug it in for a couple hours inside a house, and see if it continues to happen. If it does, time for a replacement.

According to http://www.amazon.com/Whistler-CR85-Performance-Laser-Radar-Detector/dp/B00CM06VIQ - It might actually be new traffic flow sensors that it's detecting. Keep an eye out on the lines that lights are on. I know that area has had a lot of new "smart light" stuff installed lately that detects the flow of traffic in order to change lights at times that will save drivers from stopping completely, etc. It could very well be those new sensors that are triggering it.

Thoughts on this?

I bought it a year ago and have used it non-stop. It's saved me countless times and detects from extremely far out on highways, yet every time I tell some one I paid $200, they completely dismiss it as crap.

The false positives are there, but usually go away if you change from the highway setting to AutoScan. The range is definitely not near the V1's but honestly, I don't drive like a tool, and the warning this gives me is always sufficient.

Radar Mount Mirror Wire Power Cord for Escort Radar Detectors With Inline Fuse RJ11 (3005201) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RA38X4K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_9foDCbDH2XQ24

This is what I have, except I have a cobra radar with a different plug. This one should fit your escort detector.

AccessoryBasics Car Rear View Mirror Radar Detector Mount for Escort Passport Max / Max2 / Max 2 / Max II / Max360 (NOT Compatible with MAX360C Magnetic Cradle Radar) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072JCVGYT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_KhoDCbSHAT15H

I also use something similar to this to mount it to my rearview mirror. It is wonderful to not have a cord hanging or suction cup in my windshield that falls off when the weather changes.

The Whistler CR90 is a good choice in the sub $200 category. Likewise the BEL Vector V995 is good for under $250.

Thank you, dang I bet the Borla sounds good, I wish I would have went with the Borla Ataks. The radar detector is called the Cobra ESR 800. I got it at Walmart for around $60. Here is a link for the same one, but cheaper on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Cobra-ESR800-12-Band-Radar-Detector/dp/B01702XKGQ

That's a good Cam, so you're good there.

Only other suggestions I can make: car cover, sun shade, Radar Detector which, not that I condone speeding but I can recognize people like to know when the popo is out in force, phone mount.

Otherwise, you have mostly every car accessory you probably need for her.

V1, highly recommended. It's saved me a lot of money.

I'd echo everyone's suggestion about saving for a good one. The cheap ones just aren't worth it. Look for one that has K-band filtering, otherwise you'll have false hits all over the place from other cars' blind spot monitoring/radar-guided cruise control systems. I have the S75g which is a re-packaged 9500ix--known to be one of the best out there. It's $200 but worth every penny. I consistently get alerted before cops are visible.

I just bought this one off of amazon and I would highly recommend it. It's on discount for $41 and has 4 settings (highway, and 3 city settings), so you can choose what range of signals it detects. Most people recommend using city 2 as it blocks most automatic doors.

Already helped me detect a cop before I even rounded the bend to see him. Get it.

This is what I have: http://amzn.com/B001F0RPGG

It's got GPS built in as well as TSR. It learns the signals you pass regularly and will "lock" out a signal if it goes off 3 times in the same spot with the same frequency (think sliding doors in stores)

It's a bit expensive, but it's saved my bacon a few times. It's given me 1 mile away warnings for radar detection in the past, which the one I had before was never able to do.

I suggest the passport if you don't wanna annoy the stream

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005IQGNCU/ref=psdcmw_172529_t1_B014M8JXT4

https://www.amazon.com/valentine-one-V1-Valentine-Detector/dp/B000U89KGW

This infographic (not that it's necessarily a reliable source) says they're legal in all states except Virginia and in D.C. though.

Edit: Forgot to attach it https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01669UNR8/ref=psdc_2230642011_t1_B000U89KGW

escort max 360

escort passport

backup sensor, it beeps to tell you how close you are to things behind you

Is there anything different from the 9500ix? This article isn't very informative at all.

http://www.amazon.com/Whistler-XTR-140-Radar-Exclusive-Periscopes/dp/B000OHYIDE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1331772798&sr=8-1

The other radio is a regular VHF radio for Amateur radio purposes. Police around me happen to use frequencies my radio can pick up :p

This one

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005IQGNCU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_r0mIzbBXG80FK

I paid $130 for mine, I've seen them go for $200 brand new.

https://www.amazon.com/Uniden-R3-Extreme-Detector-Degree/dp/B0743H6CSN

The 9500ix is $260 on Amazon. Is this not what OP wanted?

Edit: Aside from it not technically being in the $300-350 price range?

Just a general radar detector.

http://amazon.com/Escort-Passport-9500ix-Detector-Display/dp/B001F0RPGG?sa-no-redirect=1

Echoing others comments, I rarely excessively speed. My detector gives me piece of mind. It gives you another "sense" being able to know a cop is up ahead. Many road-side disruptions (accident, construction) will have a cop car idled there, alerting me that I should be on alert.

I would personally recommend Escort Passport 9500ix Radar/Laser Detector (Blue Display) by Escort http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F0RPGG/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_r3s7tb0T5K5GT

I've gone though a few models and retrospectively I should have gone for the GPS equipped ones right away. It will learn all of the local "false alarms" (automatic doors, speed signs, etc.) and never bother you about them again. It's quite annoying to have to mute every time you drive by the same spot around town/on daily commute.

I haven't had too many encounters since that incident, except for one. A vindictive ex accused me of hitting her when we broke up, just so she could see me get arrested and give me one last "fuck you". I was basically silent, there was no evidence whatsoever, no marks, nothing.

It went a lot smoother and faster (the arrest and the time I was detained before I bailed out), but I still got arrested and it took 2 continuances to get it dismissed because I had a shitty lawyer. I talked to another lawyer afterward and he said it should have never gotten that far. Plus, I still have that on my record, despite zero evidence and it being dismissed. I need to get that expunged once I get the money, I have no idea what kind of report is pulled when I go for, say, a job interview, which is kinda scary not knowing also.

The legal system is pretty fucked, if it's dismissed IMHO you're not guilty, at least that's what I was led to believe. The fact it (I'm guessing) still shows a "domestic assault" on my record until I get it expunged is disheartening.

These days I'm a pretty law abiding citizen, I can't remember the last time I got pulled over. I think because I don't travel out of state often, adhere (somewhat) to the speed limit, always use my blinkers and overall am a pretty cautious/courteous driver. It also helps to have a kick ass radar detector, lol.