6mil928

I need to get a remote for my V1.

Marine Blue

Somewhat OT but not really....

Why can't these radar detector companies utlize some of the battery technology available so we don't need to have the wires! Seriously, they are so far behind the times its not even funny. I've held off buying a detector until they put some serious effort into modernizing the technology.

SharkSkin

Afshin, you might be interested to read what Mike Valentine has to say about that.

SharkSkin

You can mod the remote to improve readability -- makes a huge difference IMHO. Just a matter of disassembling and soldering new LEDs, plus scraping the red coating off the inside of the cover.

linderpat

I've never had a problem with the stock suction cups on my Beltronic - I just wet them slightly before applying, and they stay on until I pull them off. I have been very happy with the unit too - I'm on my second one. Saved me countless $$$.

Alan

My remote display is set up the same way as Dave's (my color mapping is slightly different). It makes threat detection slightly easier.

I also have the remote audio with custom *****, next to the handbrake cover - the remote cancel is also operated by the digi-display control stalk cancel function - this is the best convenience feature for in town driving where there are lots of false warnings (the one thing Valentine still needs to improve on...)

Alan

linderpat

Hey Jason - just looked at your Registry - nice car - it appears it was purchased either by you or the prior owner from Howard Sams in Bridgeville PA. Howard was a 928 guy, who had a numer of issues, and is no longer with us. I always thought he had nice cars though.

SharkSkin

Yeah, that's actually not a pic of mine... I can't find the pic of mine. That's a pic from someone else who did the mod, they drilled windows for the differently colored LEDs -- not as clean looking as the careful scraping method I employed. I figured dust would collect in the holes in the faceplate so I chose another approach.

Marine Blue

I agree that the typical store bought battery isn't the best solution. I have owned and used a Bel Cordless detector with success but it wasn't as good as other dectors and batteries didn't last long.

I guess my point is that lithium battery technology has come pretty far and I do not see any reason why a detector can't have two batteries which can be removed and recharged. One charges while the other is in use, similar to a camera battery. As far as cost goes, I also don't agree with this, if you can buy a laptop for $300 there is no reason a $500 detector can't have a high end battery in it. I'm curious just how much power a detector draws.

Sorry for the OT.

Alan

I have no interest whatsoever in a battery powered detector - I never want to deal with the batteries running down... I don't see what's so hard about a hardwired ignition switched connection - this way you never have to worry about remembering to turning it on or off....

Alan

6mil928

Cool. I bought it off ebay in poor condition. I wish Howard was around to give me the full story.

AO

Don't know how I missed this thread. I have a laser jammer on my 928 and it has saved me at least 5 or 6 times.

I really need to do this. I know there is an audible difference between alerts, but I'can't seem to keep them straight except for laser and Ka. Can you guys tell me the spec on the LED's for this mod? I am an electronic neophite - but I can solder okay.

SharkSkin

I don't have the spec on the LEDs, I paid to have it done. At the time, $40 vs my time trying to source the LEDs, trial and error getting the right brightness, minimum order size, etc. seemed like a good deal. This guy had sourced LEDs that matched the brightness of the existing red ones, he's the one that was drilling hole in the faceplate. I asked that he not drill mine, and he accommodated. This guy seems to be the one doing it currently, price is $20 more and he doesn't drill the faceplate. I think Alan sourced his own LEDs, maybe he can give you the specifics.

Alan

Though I did source some LED's and implemented one colored remote myself (for just the radar/laser type LED's) It was actually awkward to do with regular soldering gear (plus my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be). I wouldn't recommend it if you don't really know what you are doing...these are sub-miniature SMT LED's, orientation is important both electrically and for mechanical alignment.

So I also purchased one with a complete color change (this is the one I am using now). Neither mine nor the purchased one have the faceplate drilled - its actually pretty easy with a dremmel to just gently burnish away all the red in the transparent face plate above each LED - however thats one more thing to get right for it to look really good.

Alan

AO

Thanks guys. Sounds like I jsut need to buy it from the guy. Not the worst thing in the world.