Radar detector SV1000S installation

[sinned]

I have had an enquiry as to how I installed the detector. So here are the details:

Installation of Beltronics STI Radar Detector on SV1000S

The STI detector is secured by Velcro onto a Techmount handlebar mount (part# 30996). The Techmount comes with stick on Velcro and I added a Velcro strap for extra security. I then use that strap to secure the cables when the detector is not on the bike. See Photos.

Here is information on the mount: http://www.techmounts.com/. I bought it from Radar Direct in Lower Hutt.

Power is provided from the tail light wiring cable via a direct wire cable purchased from Radar Direct in Lower Hutt. The direct wire cable is a twin cable in a neat black outer sheath and has an inline fuse. See Photo of wiring. Note I used crimp joiners to ensure a sound connection and then taped over.

An audio cable (shielded with single inner) with a 3.5mm right angle plug and a straight socket provides an outlet in front of the seat. An earpiece inside the helmet provides the sound. The earpiece is from Dick Smith and it has a plastic loop that goes over the ear. I tried this a few times and ended up with a sore ear. So to cure the problem I removed the loop with a hacksaw blade and file and stuck a Velcro dot on the back of the earpiece speaker. The other side of the velcro dot is stuck inside the helmet. The earpiece is up against the shell of the helmet and doesn't touch the ear. This is almost perfect.

I run the earpiece lead inside my jacket and put a loop around my belt, connect the earpiece inside the helmet just before I put it on and when on the bike plug in. If I get off the bike and forget to unplug; no problem as it unplugs itself.

Power and audio cable is wired along the left side of the frame. You need to remove the seat and lift the tank. Use a few black zip ties to secure the cable.

Notes:
The Techmount is expensive $199.00 Someone on kiwibiker is the agent for Ram mounts and they are cheaper and may be better? I couldn't find a supplier for Ram mount when I did this installation.
Earpiece is from Dick Smith here: http://www.dse.co.nz/cgi-bin/dse.storefront/45dd3891011e1dc8273fc0a87f3306aa/Product/View/C4536 Digitor Secure Earpiece $19.00.
Cable and plugs all from Dick Smith
Velcro dots and strap from most sewing shops. Spotlight has a good range.
Direct wire cable from Radar Direct. They wanted $50 for it but someone on Trademe sells them for $25. Radar Direct should throw a cable in for free if you pay $1100+ for a detector. I paid $25 for my cable from Radar Direct.
I changed the programming of the detector to keep the volume at max all the time it is on alert.

I thought about a Hard System and a Screamer but have tried the low cost approach and it works fine.

Update in post #14: 9 June 2007

[sinned]

Here is how the earpiece fits into the helmet

[Pumba]

Thanks Dennisr great post with some good information. Looks like you have set up a simular system to what I was considering.

Couple of questions, what made you go for the handlebar mount rather than the stearing head mount, and have had any problems with it getting wet

[sinned]

Thanks Dennisr great post with some good information. Looks like you have set up a simular system to what I was considering.

Couple of questions, what made you go for the handlebar mount rather than the stearing head mount, and have had any problems with it getting wet

If the detector is mounted on the steering head it obscures the view of the instruments and if low enough to provide a view it is in the way of the key. The STI has laser detection (front and rear) so I wanted it with in line of sight to the measuring device.

Also I have a steering head mount to hold a Navman GPS. The GPS is swung back over the tank and is just below the line of sight to the instruments.

If it is raining heavily I will remove it and ride carefully. Or not ride at all. I have been out in rain and where it is just behind the screen it doesn't get wet while underway. I guess a plastic bag and a tie will keep it dry.

I like toys.:innocent:

[geoffm]

I found the best earpieces are the D shaped ones from Dick Smith that fit over your ear. Thin enough not to get squashed by the helmet, and the D bit stops it falling out or moving when you put your helmet on. About $20.

[shafty]

Thanks for this info Dennis - I am looking for a mount solution for my Pan Euro at the mo - this was helpful! :Punk:

[Jabez]

Hi
I have just received a RAM mount solution that I had won off their Web site.

http://www.ramsolutions.co.nz/

Seems to be very solidly made. When I get a chance to test it on the road, I will post a review (guess I am obliged to anyway, since I got it for nothing!).

[Morepower]

Hi is the earpiece loud enough if you are wearing ear plugs ? The one I used on my old escort is not loud enough on the Bel Sti .

Thanks dave

[Pumba]

Its pretty loud however I dont were ear plugs so im probally not a lot of help. I found one of the biggest issues when trying to find a good ear piece is that most of them on the market are stereo, where most if not all radar detectors are only mono.

[nigelp]

Was just wondering something about the mounting of the radars. Can you mount them behind a heavily tinted screen and if so will this impact of their efficiency/operation?

[sinned]

Was just wondering something about the mounting of the radars. Can you mount them behind a heavily tinted screen and if so will this impact of their efficiency/operation?
A tinted screen should not make any difference with radar but it might with laser. Radar works on line of sight and will pass through non conducting materials. I work on the basis that the detector is not likely to give me early enough warning for laser but it there for Ka band radar.

[sinned]

I am giving up on the earpiece. It has finally broken but there are a number of issues with an earpiece:

Uncomfortable - hard to get in right place
Barely loud enough with earplugs in
Takes too long to hook up and put the helmet on
Got to remember to plug in

The time it takes to hook up is a big issue for me on KB rides. Some of our rides are like a Le Mans start; suddenly bikes are starting up and heading off while I am putting on a helmet, gloves etc. Then I am at the back of the field.

Answer: I have ordered a screamer for the Bel STI. It is a new model that is designed to work with the lower audio output of the Bel STI. However, I ordered it 15 May and was notified 2 days ago that it hasn't been dispatched yet. This is the device: http://www.motorcycleradar.com/products_pg2_4.htm#Radar%20Screamer

In a weeks time it might be here?

[NinjaBoy]

I'm using a H.A.R.D but have on ocassion had to resort to using an ear piece with my Escort X50. I wear earplugs whenever I'm using the detector and haven't any problems with being able to hear a warning. I do have the volume control at maximum though.

I do agree with you about the hassles of wires etc... the wireless nature of the HARD is great. But recently I have been doing some research on bluetooth earpieces/transmitters. There are various things on eBay but this is the most promising one : www.itechdynamic.com - the S38 earpiece and Bluecon50 transmitter seem to be the go.

Also Sony have a transmitter if you google "TMRBT10".

I find that I do react faster to audio alerts vs visual, and from another KB member there is some indication that the HARD has a second (1) delay before the light flashes and the detector going off.

[sinned]

It finally arrived. I ordered the screamer from http://www.motorcycleradar.com/ on 15 May and on 31 May after two emails asking where my order was they informed me there was a delay and it would be dispatched in a day or two. On 5 June an email from motorcycleradar informed me it was dispatched and on the 8th it arrived.

So it wasn't a good start and I expected better customer service. However, the product looked great, well packaged, excellent presentation and good instructions. It took me most of Saturday morning to fit screamer. The majority of the time was spent finding where to place the modules and cables so it would be a neat installation. There are few places on an SV for any extras.

The screamer emits a loud (very loud) chirp with each sound output from the detector. It is not a scream but a chirp and not a noise you can miss hearing. The installation includes a three position switch which controls the chirp: loud-off-not so loud. The switch is on a bracket for mounting under a clutch clamp bolt. You can see this in the photo. I mounted the piezo sound device on the triple clamp with the velcro provided. The electronic module is zipped under the left fairing.

The screamer cost $139.95US including airmail delivery. It is a new model designed to work with the lower sound output of the Belronics STI Driver.

Road test and at highway speeds the chirp is loud. I have yet to have it triggered by a HP radar source and will need to use the mute switch. The device is so loud use of the mute is necessary when starting the bike.

[sinned]

Yes it is loud. Tested today on SH2 at the Ngauranga interchange. The van on the side of the highway triggered the chirp and the passengers in the cage next to me heard it too.