KeninBlaine

Are there any Targa owners here that have a V1 radar detector? I have found that my Passport won't fit up next to the rear view mirror like it did on my Cab. This is because the sun visors on Targas are mounted closer to the windshield, leaving insufficient space to mount the Passport. (These sunvisors are also on a fixed hinge, so the can't be swung to the side windows either).
The V1 isn't as long as the Passport, so I am wondering if it will fit in this limited space.

richc

I've got a '08 Targa and a V1. I have mine just below the rear view mirror. Seems to work fine.

KeninBlaine

I'd prefer to mount it higher so wondered if it would fit there.

purrybonker

I've been using the V1 for years and always, always mount it waaaay up as close to the roof liner as I can. I hate those windshield mounts, never use 'em. I used the visor clip with a low mounted remote display on my cab.

On my Ford Focus wagon (supercharged grocery getter) I mount it right on the roof liner so it hangs just at the very top of the windshield well within that dark tint band. This is a wagon, so I very much doubt that there's a clear line of sight from the V1 to the rear window, but I find that the V1 picks up signals pretty much the same, front or back. Approaching, passing and driving away from a fixed radar unit produces the expected rolling directional arrows on the V1 and the rear signal lasts about the same as the front.

The V1 is so good at picking up signals that I use it "logic" mode, but still have to use the mute button a lot.

Do not worry about trying to mount the unit mindful of lines-of-sight. Radar signals are sloppy and the V1 will find them so long as you have it mounted pretty much anywhere other than the inside of your glove box.

I hadn't had a ticket in years, since I started using the V1 but picked up two tickets in one day a couple of years ago (one going, one coming back - almost the same location). Both times the V1 screamed, I hammered the brakes but got nailed anyway. Had me baffled, I thought the V1 was starting to let me down.

It wasn't till I checked the second ticket and noticed the "laser" box ticked. I checked the previous day's ticket - same thing. No detector, including the V1 will save you from a laser ticket. When the detector screams - too late - you're toast no matter what you do.

Now I have Blinders mounted on everything I drive and I'm back to smiling again. Of course, I haven't encountered laser since - figures.

KeninBlaine

Thanks for the input. My question is unique to the Targas, which have different sun visors that leave less room at the top of the windshield to mount the V1 where most P-car owners like to mount theirs. Not having a V1 (yet) to check, I was looking to see if there was anyone out there with a Targa and a V1 mounted up high.

I agree with you about the lasers. My passport went off 10 days ago, and sure enough there was a cop sitting well off the road with his laser gun. Luckily I wasn't speeding for a change, or I would have been toast. These devices are just another way to lower, but not eliminate, the threat. Common sense and constant vigilance are most important.

cole328

Purry - What is this "blinder" that you mentioned? Here in S FL, the lasers are prevalent all over the place, so something that can help mitigate this threat sounds cool Any advice appreciated

kennygoodboy

Hi Ken, I have a V1 in my Targa. Unfortunately, it doesnt fit up top for the reasons you mentioned. I put it in the middle of the windsheild just a few inches above the wart. it sticks out but really dont have any other choice. you can see it (barely) in this pic.

purrybonker

http://www.blinder.net/

These are laser "jammers" that emit a laser beam when they sense an incoming laser signal. The output beam "confuses" the laser gun and produces a garbage speed read out for the cop. Unlike radar detectors, these are legal everywhere in Canada - I expect you'd find the same in most US states.

I was in a friend's Blinder equipped BWM and we went through a laser trap at at least 20 over. The drill is that you're supposed to slow down and then hit a shut-off button the Blinder when you detect a signal. He didn't bother to slow down or turn off the Blinder as we went through the speed trap. Cop never flinched.

Escort "Shifter" is another brand.

I've used both but prefer the Blinder. The Shifter comes with front and rear transmitters while the Blinder (at least the ones I own) come only with front transmitters. Cops don't usually (ever?) use laser from the rear and laser can't be used in a moving vehicle very well because it has to be specifically aimed at a target, so you don't have to worry so much about the back door.

I've driven around Fla a bit, I've never seen a jurisdiction with so many cops. Good luck.

Oh, the possible downside- Rarely, LED brake or headlights in oncoming traffic will give a false laser signal with the blinder but I've never had this happen with the V1.

Ken (this seems to be the "ken" thread)

KeninBlaine

Thanks Kenny, this was the confirmation I was seeking. I have my Passport mounted generally where your V1 is, as low as possible to allow it peek over the wipers. It works fine there, but would have preferred to have it up where it was in my cab, on right side of rear view mirror at very top of windshield. I have not yet figured out why they mounted the visors differently on the Targas, thereby precluding the ability to mount our detectors at top of the windshield.
Ken