Which one Valentine 1, Bel RX 65, and Escort X50?

**Setec Astronomy** · 02-04-2006, 10:27 PM

I used the visor clip for many years. You are referring to the dark band at the top of the windshield? I don`t think that has any effect on radar, although it may on laser. The problem for radar is the heated windshields or "solar barrier windshields of the type used on GM Venture-Montana-Silhouette-Trans Sport minivans and on some imported luxury sedans (look for a reddish or copper tint)" as quoted from the V1 manual. These windshields have a thin metallic coating on them that will partially reflect the radar.

**accordmaniac** · 02-04-2006, 10:56 PM

Where can you find the best price for the Bel and the Passport?

**twopu** · 02-05-2006, 06:03 AM

I`ve read on another forum that if you can find someone at Best Buy to purchase it with their employee discount you can get the X50 for around $180. When I worked at Best Buy many years ago some things were marked up so high I couldn`t believe it. I got my stereo reciever for $400 while regular price was $784. However, computers have very little mark up. Anyway I would be very interested in getting the X50 @ that price. I would also consider paying the employee a couple extra bucks for their trouble. If anyone can, let me know.

**Accumulator** · 02-05-2006, 10:34 AM

setec Astonomy- I don`t worry much about it marking the windshield, but I do avoid using the suction cups on borrowed vehicles for that reason. Some day I plan on trying to splice a V1 into the Caprices electro-rearview, well see how that goes. And yeah, theres a broad gamut of radar/laser operators out there to say the least.

twopu- The visor clip works fine. IMO all the talk about this and that affecting sensitivity is pretty meaningless in the real world. IMO the only thing that really matters is having a weird windshield like Setec mentioned. Those will *REALLY* mess with a detector, as in, replace that windshield with a normal one or get a remote-mount detector.

Now if I could just find an electronics whiz to whittle up a remote set up using the innards of a V1! I`d pay some decent money for that. Somebody used to make them out of the older Escorts and it`s certainly doable.

**Setec Astronomy** · 02-05-2006, 11:03 AM

Accumulator, here`s the link for that mirror cord: http://www.invisicord.com/index.html . I have no experience with it.

**Accumulator** · 02-05-2006, 11:26 AM

Thanks for that link! Sounds much easier than coming up with something from scratch to hook onto the pink (IIRC) wire. I had my V1 plug into the Mallett`s rearview, but Chuck`s electronics guy only works on Mallett vehicles. It was a very sanitary set up.

**twopu** · 02-05-2006, 12:58 PM

Right now I`m going with the V1. What do I need to hardwire the radar with the concealed display? I was looking on the site and am a little confused as far what I already get with the radar/concealed display and what additional accessories I need to buy.

**Accumulator** · 02-05-2006, 03:10 PM

twopu- You need the "hardwire" kit and the hidden display kit. IMO the hidden display is of questionable value since you still have the V1 hanging up there anyhow. And IMO the V1 is typically positioned much more in the driver`s line of sight than the hidden display. I`d rather be able to view the display in my peripheral vision than have to look down/around to see what it`s telling me. I don`t see any real point in hiding the arrows/display as LEOs know you have a detector up there anyhow and I don`t care if other motorists see the display. Just my $0.02; my hidden display just sits in its box being a waste of money.

I`d just order the V1, the hardwire kit, and a bunch of extra suction cups. The phone operators are helpful and knowledgeable.

**MH996TT** · 02-05-2006, 08:44 PM

Here is an expensive but very cool setup for you V1 guys:

http://www.beastpower.com/Merchant2/...-BE39M-V1LM-AD

Matt

**Accumulator** · 02-06-2006, 10:08 AM

Good spotting, but nah, that didn`t do it for me. Besides only being for the e39 Bimmers, that`s just a display unit; you still have to mount the V1 so it`s looking out the windshield so I don`t see the point.

The mirror isn`t any more in your line of sight than the V1 would be and when I see something move in my rearview I automatically interpret it as meaning something`s moving behind, and outside of, my vehicle. Seeing lights in my rearview is different from seeing lights that intuitively mean "radar detector going off" and I process it differently. That`s just me though...

**WSUcommuter** · 02-09-2006, 08:56 AM

I didn`t take the time to read all these posts about radar detectors, but I will give my LEO experience.

Three of the six tickets my best bud wrote on an 8-hour shift ride-along had radar detectors on and armed.

I`m "in process" of trying to get on at our city department (I complete my undergraduate in June so I`m in no hurry) and everyone I`ve talked to thus far has had similar results.

**Setec Astronomy** · 02-09-2006, 09:10 AM

Well, instant on is deadly. Most people who have radar detectors, I think, believe it gives them some sort of invincibility, or infallibility in detecting the radar before they are nailed. As in many measure/countermeasure games, the skill of the participants in using their weapons and interpreting their sensors plays a key role. Did any of three hapless souls have any idea of the physics involved, the tactics, the signal qualities of an instant-on bounce from a car down the road? Doubtful. Just like many people can go to Pep Boys and get a bottle of wax might call themselves a "detailer", but not be an Autopian, anybody can buy a radar detector and still not be a "successful speeder". Sorry for the rant.

**White95Max** · 02-09-2006, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by WSUcommuter

I didn`t take the time to read all these posts about radar detectors, but I will give my LEO experience.

Three of the six tickets my best bud wrote on an 8-hour shift ride-along had radar detectors on and armed.

I`m "in process" of trying to get on at our city department (I complete my undergraduate in June so I`m in no hurry) and everyone I`ve talked to thus far has had similar results.

A radar/LIDAR detector is merely a tool. Most people that own them do not understand that.

**stilez** · 02-09-2006, 11:50 AM

V1 user since 2002. I receieved the piece at the closing of an amazing barter deal. I have never had any false signals or problems with this piece. I have it hardwired and have the concealed display mounted where my original clock was. Police have no idea its there when it`s off.

I`m with Accumulator. The few times I`ve been nailed, it either wasn`t for speeding or something that no detector could have prevented. I usually pick up signals over hills, around bends, and through trees.

The one thing I have learned a lot is to blend with the flow of traffic. You can drive fast, but be smooth about it. It`s the "lane-changers" who always get nabbed.