Radar detector for dummies
06-17-2019, 10:35 AM
#31
Rennlist Member
06-17-2019, 10:51 AM
#32
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
06-17-2019, 10:57 AM
#33
Rennlist Member
06-17-2019, 11:14 AM
#34
Rennlist Member
You can go really deep on this stuff… but here's my 2¢:
I won't get into full-on installed systems (Escort MAX Ci 360 seems to the current leader), but if you're going to take the car apart I would go all in and get laser jammers as well. Radar detectors won't save you from a laser hit, but Waze + radar is a good combo if you don't want to install, as cops can't be moving to use a laser, so the ones using laser are more likely to be stationary.
As for the portable units, the two best (from what I gather spending way too much time on this) are the Escort MAX 360 C and the new Uniden R7. The Escort is more user friendly, and has Wi-Fi so it can update itself etc. The Uniden has the best range and can detect things like MRCD (which I don't think you need in California but is useful in say NYC). I also prefer the look of the Uniden but that's subjective. Downside of the Uniden is it's much more geeky, you have to install firmware updates using a janky Mac/PC app, and it has a million settings (Vortex Radar's guides on what to pick are super helpful). I have the R7 in my GT3T and am happy with it, it suits the look of the car and has amazing range, but I'm also fine with dealing with the configuration which might drive some crazy. Short answer: either are great.
For a "clean" install of a portable unit I'd use the BlendMount, and consider a mirror tap (as alternative to running to the fuse box). BlendMount is really well made, and the mirror tap will mean you have to remove a lot less interior bits to wire it up. Pretty sure mirror tap requires you to have the optional auto-dimming mirrors, I don't think the standard mirror has any power running to it.
PS: If wired up properly the power to the detector in a GT3 will shut off after like 10 min or so (in case you forget to turn it off) when the ignition is off. Additionally, not sure about the Escort but the R7 has a setting (off by default) that automatically turns of the detector after an hour if no movement (via GPS) is detected. If often leave my car for a week with the detector plugged in (to the passenger 12V outlet, but smoking package one also shuts off) and haven't had any battery issues.
I won't get into full-on installed systems (Escort MAX Ci 360 seems to the current leader), but if you're going to take the car apart I would go all in and get laser jammers as well. Radar detectors won't save you from a laser hit, but Waze + radar is a good combo if you don't want to install, as cops can't be moving to use a laser, so the ones using laser are more likely to be stationary.
As for the portable units, the two best (from what I gather spending way too much time on this) are the Escort MAX 360 C and the new Uniden R7. The Escort is more user friendly, and has Wi-Fi so it can update itself etc. The Uniden has the best range and can detect things like MRCD (which I don't think you need in California but is useful in say NYC). I also prefer the look of the Uniden but that's subjective. Downside of the Uniden is it's much more geeky, you have to install firmware updates using a janky Mac/PC app, and it has a million settings (Vortex Radar's guides on what to pick are super helpful). I have the R7 in my GT3T and am happy with it, it suits the look of the car and has amazing range, but I'm also fine with dealing with the configuration which might drive some crazy. Short answer: either are great.
For a "clean" install of a portable unit I'd use the BlendMount, and consider a mirror tap (as alternative to running to the fuse box). BlendMount is really well made, and the mirror tap will mean you have to remove a lot less interior bits to wire it up. Pretty sure mirror tap requires you to have the optional auto-dimming mirrors, I don't think the standard mirror has any power running to it.
PS: If wired up properly the power to the detector in a GT3 will shut off after like 10 min or so (in case you forget to turn it off) when the ignition is off. Additionally, not sure about the Escort but the R7 has a setting (off by default) that automatically turns of the detector after an hour if no movement (via GPS) is detected. If often leave my car for a week with the detector plugged in (to the passenger 12V outlet, but smoking package one also shuts off) and haven't had any battery issues.
"While radar jammers are illegal in all 50 states due to federal law, laser jammers/scramblers are regulated by states. Currently, these devices are legal in all states except California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington, D.C."
My two cents on the argument is that you shouldn't need any form of detector. While I can't speak for California, in 30 years of driving Porsches I have only received one ticket. Ten of those years and 130,000 miles are in my Guards Red GT3, and I have never been ticked in that car.
My wife will tell you I am an aggressive driver, and she is right, but I also know where I can get away with things (I'm no saint) and where I can't and what constitutes red flags for law enforcement. At least for me this strategy has paid off very well and not only saved me the cost of tickets, but the cost of a detector.
Lastly, detectors only provide a limited warning. Instant on radar and laser speed guns will get you. Detectors, in this case, may only give you a warning that you should be getting your license, registration, and insurance card out. For the cost of a hard-wired system you could be buying some track time and enjoying the potential of your car without the specter of law enforcement.
06-17-2019, 11:21 AM
#35
Race Director
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t exceptions, as you pointed out.
06-17-2019, 11:34 AM
#36
If you don't want to hardwire, then you can also use a long non coiled cord and plug into the outlet in the passenger footwell. This is what I did as my V1 came with a 10 ft cable. From there:
-i tucked it under the cover below the glove box
- ran the wire underneath the rubber casket along the body up to the A pillar
- ran it up the A pillar and into the head liner and eventually down to a product similar to the blendmount
I used the wedge tool that comes in the owners manual leather package (as mine is a PDK) that is to be use to jam the level into neutral if it is ever stuck - this was perfect to push the wire underneath the gasket etc. It's like Porsche knew I would need this.
This worked for me because:
1. I dont use the footwell socket - most people can't tell its even in there
2. It was quick - i didnt need to pull any panels off etc. i was in a hurry to get this mounted before a road trip from SF to SoCal
3. That socket seems to turn off after some time when the car is off - so no big deal if i forget the unit on and haven't plugged in the trickle charger
4. I plug the trickle charger into the armrest socket
-i tucked it under the cover below the glove box
- ran the wire underneath the rubber casket along the body up to the A pillar
- ran it up the A pillar and into the head liner and eventually down to a product similar to the blendmount
I used the wedge tool that comes in the owners manual leather package (as mine is a PDK) that is to be use to jam the level into neutral if it is ever stuck - this was perfect to push the wire underneath the gasket etc. It's like Porsche knew I would need this.
This worked for me because:
1. I dont use the footwell socket - most people can't tell its even in there
2. It was quick - i didnt need to pull any panels off etc. i was in a hurry to get this mounted before a road trip from SF to SoCal
3. That socket seems to turn off after some time when the car is off - so no big deal if i forget the unit on and haven't plugged in the trickle charger
4. I plug the trickle charger into the armrest socket
06-17-2019, 11:45 AM
#37
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
06-17-2019, 11:51 AM
#38
Rennlist Member
Just so the original poster is advised, California is one state where jamming laser devices is illegal. From a quick search on the web:
"While radar jammers are illegal in all 50 states due to federal law, laser jammers/scramblers are regulated by states. Currently, these devices are legal in all states except California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington, D.C."
My two cents on the argument is that you shouldn't need any form of detector. While I can't speak for California, in 30 years of driving Porsches I have only received one ticket. Ten of those years and 130,000 miles are in my Guards Red GT3, and I have never been ticked in that car.
My wife will tell you I am an aggressive driver, and she is right, but I also know where I can get away with things (I'm no saint) and where I can't and what constitutes red flags for law enforcement. At least for me this strategy has paid off very well and not only saved me the cost of tickets, but the cost of a detector.
Lastly, detectors only provide a limited warning. Instant on radar and laser speed guns will get you. Detectors, in this case, may only give you a warning that you should be getting your license, registration, and insurance card out. For the cost of a hard-wired system you could be buying some track time and enjoying the potential of your car without the specter of law enforcement.
"While radar jammers are illegal in all 50 states due to federal law, laser jammers/scramblers are regulated by states. Currently, these devices are legal in all states except California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington, D.C."
My two cents on the argument is that you shouldn't need any form of detector. While I can't speak for California, in 30 years of driving Porsches I have only received one ticket. Ten of those years and 130,000 miles are in my Guards Red GT3, and I have never been ticked in that car.
My wife will tell you I am an aggressive driver, and she is right, but I also know where I can get away with things (I'm no saint) and where I can't and what constitutes red flags for law enforcement. At least for me this strategy has paid off very well and not only saved me the cost of tickets, but the cost of a detector.
Lastly, detectors only provide a limited warning. Instant on radar and laser speed guns will get you. Detectors, in this case, may only give you a warning that you should be getting your license, registration, and insurance card out. For the cost of a hard-wired system you could be buying some track time and enjoying the potential of your car without the specter of law enforcement.
Disagree, as my R3 saves me at least once a month. I think where you live heavily effects the efficacy of a radar detector, depending on primary technology utilized. Here in Phoenix it's almost exclusively Ka.
06-17-2019, 12:00 PM
#39
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
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06-17-2019, 02:57 PM
#41
Advanced
Faced a similar question a few months ago, and also a CA resident. Unfortunately for us, Laser shifters/jammers are illegal to use in the state, so I wasn't willing to take the risk on those. That also made me feel like a full concealed install really wasn't going to be worth the money.
In the end, I went with a hardwired Valentine1 plus the LE bluetooth module and V1driver running on my iphone. The v1 is still a great detector (although it has been beaten in some tests now) and the app on the phone manages lockouts, low speed muting, and muting of junk like blind spot monitors and radar guided cruise control. It was a lot more to setup, but I like that I can customize what gets through and what gets alerts on my phone, plus the app will announce KA threats over the audio system in the car and mirror the detector display so I can run the detector with all lights off if I want to.
There are a number of other detectors that have similar features (arrows, GPS, etc) in a more user friendly but less customizable package, from what I read if that's what you want then the Uniden R7 and Escort Max360c are good units to consider.
Good luck!
In the end, I went with a hardwired Valentine1 plus the LE bluetooth module and V1driver running on my iphone. The v1 is still a great detector (although it has been beaten in some tests now) and the app on the phone manages lockouts, low speed muting, and muting of junk like blind spot monitors and radar guided cruise control. It was a lot more to setup, but I like that I can customize what gets through and what gets alerts on my phone, plus the app will announce KA threats over the audio system in the car and mirror the detector display so I can run the detector with all lights off if I want to.
There are a number of other detectors that have similar features (arrows, GPS, etc) in a more user friendly but less customizable package, from what I read if that's what you want then the Uniden R7 and Escort Max360c are good units to consider.
Good luck!
06-18-2019, 11:39 AM
#42
Rennlist Member
However, it also depends on how you drive.
I've never driven with you and only have visited Phoenix half a dozen times, so I can't tell if it's the environment or your driving that warrants so many possible tickets. But the potential of at least one ticket a month seems pretty horrible.
I do know the rocks and stones on the roads of Phoenix are really nasty!
Stay safe.
06-18-2019, 01:09 PM
#43
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Faced a similar question a few months ago, and also a CA resident. Unfortunately for us, Laser shifters/jammers are illegal to use in the state, so I wasn't willing to take the risk on those. That also made me feel like a full concealed install really wasn't going to be worth the money.
In the end, I went with a hardwired Valentine1 plus the LE bluetooth module and V1driver running on my iphone. The v1 is still a great detector (although it has been beaten in some tests now) and the app on the phone manages lockouts, low speed muting, and muting of junk like blind spot monitors and radar guided cruise control. It was a lot more to setup, but I like that I can customize what gets through and what gets alerts on my phone, plus the app will announce KA threats over the audio system in the car and mirror the detector display so I can run the detector with all lights off if I want to.
There are a number of other detectors that have similar features (arrows, GPS, etc) in a more user friendly but less customizable package, from what I read if that's what you want then the Uniden R7 and Escort Max360c are good units to consider.
Good luck!
In the end, I went with a hardwired Valentine1 plus the LE bluetooth module and V1driver running on my iphone. The v1 is still a great detector (although it has been beaten in some tests now) and the app on the phone manages lockouts, low speed muting, and muting of junk like blind spot monitors and radar guided cruise control. It was a lot more to setup, but I like that I can customize what gets through and what gets alerts on my phone, plus the app will announce KA threats over the audio system in the car and mirror the detector display so I can run the detector with all lights off if I want to.
There are a number of other detectors that have similar features (arrows, GPS, etc) in a more user friendly but less customizable package, from what I read if that's what you want then the Uniden R7 and Escort Max360c are good units to consider.
Good luck!
06-18-2019, 04:14 PM
#44
Rennlist Member
] to watch the screen. What I like about the detectors is they alert you without your watching them.