Radar & Laser does it !

[warren]

Logan, Asked Craig Pittman of radardirect.comn (1-800-617-4929) in Dallas to visit with you, he is very interrested in our 03MM's. His Shadow 360, Snooper radar detector works great and keeps one out of trouble. Installs (small 3x1x4 sensor) behind plastic in front grill and the controller installs ( comes with removable cover to cover led's and thumb switch) next to left side of clock where there is room in back. Very sensitive front and back from far away. Also they have a Laser blinder can be installed as well. Both work superb.

Warren B.

[TAF]

Great topic which was next on my list of mods. How 'bout some opinions from everyone. Has anyone installed a remote system yet? I was wondering about a remote system with the display in the existing upper panel where the existing electronic compass is...already wired, etc.

What does everyone else think or what have you already done?

[Logan]

I'll get in touch with him. Maybe I can work a demo or something so I can provide a review for the site.

[03 Merc]

Todd, you might as well ask about politics or religion instead of firing up the"Best Radar Detector" fight...

I use a Valentine V1 ( www.valentine1.com )with the remote display option to keep flashing alert lights out of my windshield. Personally, I do not think that "hidden" detectors are the way to go as your sheet metal will block reception from some angles, both front and rear... Radar Detectors are a Line of Sight (LOS) device that works best when those sight lines are unimpeded by sheet metal. The less impeded the view the better the range.... Try putting your cellular or CB antenna hidden behind the grill and check out the results...BTW with thirty years experience in both microwave radio and radar repair and installation I feel quite comfortable being very opinionated

Since you are from Atlanta are you familar with the Tifton, Georgia speed trap on I-75?? (They should never allow local cops the right to patrol the interstates, this is a shakedown IMNSHO) My V1 alerts a 1/4 to 1/3 mile sooner going thru Tifton then my old Radio Shack or my friends Belden....

Let the flames begin...but you can not beat Valentine for range and tracking multiple sources by direction!!!

[VaderSS]

I'm another fan of the V1. The extreme sensitivity, directional arrows and bogey counter are all things that are hard to reconcile with the price, but once you drive with one, you'll probably be a convert.

The way to get one a bit cheaper, is to call and ask for a returned detector. They only resell the ones that still look new and they come in new packaging. You end up getting the V1 and remote display, for the same price as a new V1 alone. These detectors still have the 1 year warranty and the 30 day moneyback satisfaction warrantee, so if you feel it's not worth it, just send it back.

Another problem with remote detectors, even those that have front and rear sensors, is that they are mounted low on the car, so they tend to give less notice because the antenna is not mounted as high as possible.

[warren]

All note.
The built in Shadow 360 is not easily noticed if someone looks into your car and it sees through plastic behind front grill up to 4 MILES and some distance in back. It's saved my bacon many times.

Warren B.

[03 Merc]

I just looked at the radardirect website and the Shadow looks pretty good. I would note however, in the article they quote, the chart shows the Shadow in third place behind the V1 and another maker. I suspect that if the unit wasn't "hidden" it would give the V1 a closer run. Rear coverage wasn't really discussed.. Anyone looking for a detector might also want to check out Valentines link to the February 2002 Car and Driver Radar Detector test. Guess who won that test as well!

The "dangling cord" issue doesn't bother me as the V1 is easy to hardwire in to get rid of the cords. This while saving the temporary cords so I can change vehicles or take it with me for use in rental cars.

The rear view mirror mount and autodimmer mirror wiring can be used to conceal the wires to the detector. This weekend I am going to see how useful the overhead console would be a a mounting point. If it works well that will solve the mounting issue and I'll power it off the compass circuit....

[b4z]

In 1987 my beloved Escort was stolen out of my IROC. I chose not to replace it because a few months later the speed limit in SC was raised to 65 mph and then to 70 mph in the '90s.
Never had a ticket on the interstate or 2 lane highway.
I drive 10 mph over everywhere I go.
I use my eyes.
If a cop pulls you over they treat you differently if there is a detector present.
Wear your seatbelt, stay out of the left lane and no quick lane changes.

[Dennis Reinhart]

This is the best unit I have ever used, it is a good as the Valentine one, it has front and rear Laser shifters, as well as a front radar reciever, all hidden I will take some pictures next week I am SRX dealer.


http://www.escortradar.com/sr1.htm