Radar detectors - Yeah right [Archive]

no-coast-punk

23rd September 2008, 02:53

*got a good laugh out of the CD thing*

Seriously though. It won't work.

A drinking buddy of mine trains and certifies the pigs here for use on radar equipment.

I have a mount on the tripple tree for a pasport X50 detector. I paid ~$400USD for the thing. It could have cost 15x that much and would have still been a wise investment.

Detectors are a nice tool but not infalible. They WILL let you totally cock about with impunity if you're smart about it though.

Radar bounces around A LOT. Good detectors pick up the scatter from these bouncing beams. The trick is to position yourself in traffic so that somebody ahead of you gets hit with the primary beam and your detectors picks up the scatter. Good detectors like the X50 or Valentine 1 are sensitive enough to pick up the equivalant radar energy of a single candle burning 5-6 miles away.

If you are simply speeding through the middle of nowhere and you are the only vehicle the officer hits with radar... the detector is nothing more than a warning telling you to drop a few gears and grab handfulls of throttle.... or pull over.

One advantage of the very modern sportbikes is that the high percentage of composite/exotic metals makes a good radar return take a few seconds on the detector. This is in addition to being a very small target to begin with. I've had a few close calls where I was the only vehicle in the beam. Detector started crying and I was able to get on the brakes and shed enough speed to get legal before the gun was finally able to resolve the bike.

The jammer thing is a UN deal. Radar works on the same band as lots of other radio equipment. Jammers would play hell with all manner of things. Not to mention that they are worried about guys named Akhmed screwing with expensive military hardware.

Salival

23rd September 2008, 03:52

TimeOut

23rd September 2008, 04:40

Friends of mine have had detectors in cars for years and they do work. I also know someone with a laser jammer. It's very, very well concealed - I knew he had it and couldn't find it - and that works a treat also.

I need to get myself a radar detector or prepare to have my licence shredded. Can anyone point me at a good source for detectors for bikes? No idea how to mount one...

Radar direct have some of the better ones with mounts, covers, hards etc

I've got a Bel Sti and it works very well, had it in the ute the other day and it picked cop up 4-5 km away around 4 bends and two gullies. No false alarms either if it goes off slow down and wait.
Instant on can be a bugger but if there's traffic in front will pick up them getting zapped up to 8 km away

no-coast-punk

23rd September 2008, 05:39

http://www.radarbusters.com/

I'm using a mount from these guys. Love it.

RantyDave

23rd September 2008, 07:17

Not to mention that they are worried about guys named Akhmed screwing with expensive military hardware.
Dirka! Dirka dirka dirka!

Dave

CookMySock

23rd September 2008, 07:38

If they pick up a radar signal doesnt that mean the radar has actually got You. would love to know how these things are supposed to work.No. What radar does, is fire out a quite broad signal, like a headlight beam in nature. It illuminates everything very brightly indeed, and then the radar unit looks for reflections from moving objects in this beam. Basically, the moving object being detected has to be quite a bit stronger signal than everything else in the beam, so you need to be quite close. The by-product of all this is, this bright microwave beam is detectable for friggin miles away (think headlight full-beam) and you can "see" it for miles away reflecting off everything and refracting off hilltops.

So yes, you can see them long before they see you.

DB

Chooky

23rd September 2008, 07:48

Yep....detectors will save you from tickets..
Friend of mine got pulled up speeding in his car this side of Tauranga.
Cop looks in and sees a detector on the windscreen.....says to my mate "I give you a choice of a ticket for 20 over or you can chuck your detector into the blackberries"
Mate thinks a bit,unplugs detector and biffs it into the blackberries.
Cop leaves with a smirk on his face...

BigDave

23rd September 2008, 10:08

Friend of mine got pulled up speeding in his car this side of Tauranga.
Cop looks in and sees a detector on the windscreen.....says to my mate "I give you a choice of a ticket for 20 over or you can chuck your detector into the blackberries"
Mate thinks a bit,unplugs detector and biffs it into the blackberries.
Cop leaves with a smirk on his face...

So are radar detectors illegal in this country then? Just out of curiosity really, I don't really push it enough to warrent one :innocent:

They're very illegal in parts of Europe. My mate got pulled in France and the gendarme actually made him drive over his detector to destroy it. Then they still ticketed him for it too! They're renouned for being bar-stewards though :nono:

Jerry74

23rd September 2008, 10:12

Ummm just do 120 then you can slow to 100 quickly.

If you are doing Hayabusa speed ummmm prepare to walk lol

CookMySock

23rd September 2008, 10:36

So are radar detectors illegal in this country then?No. That cop just let him off a ticket if he threw he detector away. Cops can let you off if they like you - its nothing to do with the law.

Steve

Swoop

23rd September 2008, 11:18

Tie a old CD from your mirrors.

The CD reflects the 'ray' back to the radar gun and they get a zero km reading.

Thats true that is. Honest.
Correct!
Also, do not forget to put some scrunched-up tinfoil into the lining of your helmet, as this confuses the radar signal.

Naki Rat

23rd September 2008, 11:28

I have a mount on the tripple tree for a pasport X50 detector. I paid ~$400USD for the thing. It could have cost 15x that much and would have still been a wise investment.

Detectors are a nice tool but not infalible. They WILL let you totally cock about with impunity if you're smart about it though.

The mount for my Bel RX65 as per the attached photos cost me the princely sum of $32 for a set of needle files (to make the little slot that the detector mounting mechanism clips into), and a couple of hours dicking around with a scrap of stainless sheet. Looking out through the tinted fairing visor doesn't seem to cause any problems and the position protects the unit from weather and insect strike without the need for one of the commercially available covers, which have the look and quality of a Chinese takeaway tray at a ridiculous price.

Still working on a wireless link to helmet audio, combined with indicator linked LEDs, to complete the set-up.

5,500 kms over two trips by car in Jan & Feb from the Bay of Islands to Balclutha (doing the tour guide thing and delivering kids to varsity) saw the detector pay for itself at least twice over.

From experience with this and previous detectors they are NOT a ticket to go like a lunatic but rather will give you warning enough to scrub 15-25 kmh off your speed dependant on your reaction time (i.e. brake NOW), your experience in interpretting various warnings, the quality of the detector (false alarms) and the particular situation (long straight, instant-on radar traps, etc.).

Also a forward facing detector will successfully 'see' radar sources from your rear (i.e. following car or rear facing radar unit in car going the opposite direction) from reflections off of objects / vehicles ahead of you.

There has been warnings that radar detectors are going to be outlawed here in NZ and have heard that some detectors transmit their own detect signal which is itself detectable. In theory the Belltronics units are one of the least detectable detectors, or here's hoping. Feel welcome to correct me on this last bit if you know better.

Naki Rat

23rd September 2008, 11:30

Correct!
Also, do not forget to put some scrunched-up tinfoil into the lining of your helmet, as this confuses the radar signal.

This also stops the aliens from monitoring your thought patterns :weird:

Swoop

23rd September 2008, 11:59

In theory the Belltronics units are one of the least detectable detectors, or hear's hoping. Feel welcome to correct me on this last bit if you know better.
The STi is completely undetectable. Reviewers have sat the unit on the dash alongside a detector-detector unit... nothing detected!:banana:
(Nice mounting system BTW!)

This also stops the aliens from monitoring your thought patterns :weird:
I think you are confusing this with the Tinfoil Hat.
Thought patterns and radar signals are different...:rolleyes:

CookMySock

23rd September 2008, 16:16

have heard that some detectors transmit their own detect signal which is itself detectable.Most, if not all recievers mix the incoming radio signal with a local signal, called the "local oscillator". Some of this local oscillator energy escapes back OUT the detectors antenna and this can easily be sensed by the "detector detector."

The STi is completely undetectable.Not quite. The STi has the local oscillator moved to an unusual frequency, where the detector-detector does not expect it. Thats all.

To make detectors undetectable, they need a much much more expensive antenna/mixer/local oscillator combination (called the front end) with filters and circulators - outside the scope of simple consumer device, unless you build it yourself from surplus bits. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circulator
Steve

Swoop

23rd September 2008, 16:24

The STi has the local oscillator moved to an unusual frequency, where the detector-detector does not expect it.
So, at the moment it is undetectable.
We enter into another race of countermeasures and counter-countermeasures...

It keeps the companies in business I guess.

CookMySock

23rd September 2008, 16:25

The mount for my Bel RX65 as per the attached photos cost me the princely sum of $32 for a set of needle files (to make the little slot that the detector mounting mechanism clips into), and a couple of hours dicking around with a scrap of stainless sheet.THAT is awesome. Much simpler than all the other commercial ones. I'm a gunna make one!

Still working on a wireless link to helmet audio, combined with indicator linked LEDs, to complete the set-up.I'm gunna mount some super-bright LEDs around my dash area, instead of the helmet stuff. It's as bright as a high-level brake light (actually it IS a high-level brake light - broken plastic case, remounted, from the wreckers, zero bux), so if that cant get my attention then something is wrong elsewhere. :blip::weird:

Steve

notme

23rd September 2008, 16:52

The mount for my Bel RX65.........

On my last 4 bikes I have just used the $1 velcro solution - i.e. velcro on the bottom of the detector and on a flat surface behind the fairing on one side (might not work so well on nakeds or cruisiers).

It's simple and quick - your solution looks good if you want to see the detector screen though!

Still working on a wireless link to helmet audio, combined with indicator linked LEDs, to complete the set-up.

Trust me, don't do it. Just get a pair of headphone extension cables - one to go from the detector to near your seat, and one to go in the lining of your jacket. Then with a pair of speakers in your helmet, when you get on you just need to plug in 2 plugs, takes an extra say 7 seconds.

I have experimented with wireless solutions and personally, I'd rather spend the extra few secs plugging in and KNOW that the detector will make noise that I can hear rather than worry bout interference, batteries etc.

There has been warnings that radar detectors are going to be outlawed here in NZ and have heard that some detectors transmit their own detect signal which is itself detectable. In theory the Belltronics units are one of the least detectable detectors, or here's hoping. Feel welcome to correct me on this last bit if you know better.

I came across a copper sitting on the side of the road 5 mins from my place on Scenic Drive up in Auckland earlier this year. He was radar checking people on a particular section of that lovely road, so I went past a few times to check the range and so on that I could detect him at (was in the cage) then went home and got the bike and mrs pillion, and went out again to see what the difference was in detection.

Well, I learned several interesting things that day - because I stopped to have a chat with the dude.

I learned that the bike mounting detected better than the car (i.e. from further away), the cop had no idea what he could ticket me for in terms of using him as a test bed by going past as many times as I felt like, he knew of the use of radar detector detectors by the police in other countries but had never even seen one in NZ, and finally neither him nor his partner had heard anything at all about detectors being made illegal.

Salival

23rd September 2008, 17:15

Cool mount Naki Rat.

I phoned a few places today asking about detectors - apparently the mounts are $180-$200 which seems a little steep. Also they seem a little dangerous to me - having a piece of metal at about chest height wouldn't be good if you hit something front on.

Allun: Where have you velcroed your detector? On top of the tank? Any chance of some pictures?

Ixion

23rd September 2008, 17:25

I velcro'd mine on the SV on the flat bit of the nose fairing , the bit just under your forearm when riding. Bit of velcro on the radar bottom, another bit on the fairing (it'll all peel off without marks when I sell), and then I wrap another long velcro strap right round the fairing and detector.

Thing to watch is you want the detector to have a view ahead without any metal (eg fairing mounting brackets) in the way .

23rd September 2008, 17:29

and finally neither him nor his [COP] partner had heard anything at all about detectors being made illegal.

According to The Minister of Police and Min. of Transport it is coming.
Proposals were announced 21/12/07 to be implemented over 2008-2010

Yr one $50 + 25 demerit
Yr two $100 +50 demerits
Yr three ...figured out the plot yet?

See the pdf below. Or open 'Dec 2007' from link if the attached doesn't work

http://www.safeas.govt.nz/safeas-about.html

http://www.safeas.govt.nz/Road%20Safety%20announcement%20Dec%202007.pdf

edit- You have to tie a rap music CD to the front of your bike - that will repel EVERTHING for miles

notme

23rd September 2008, 17:29

........about $180-$200 which seems a little steep.

absolutely!

Also they seem a little dangerous to me - having a piece of metal at about chest height wouldn't be good if you hit something front on.

yup....another good point

Allun: Where have you velcroed your detector? On top of the tank? Any chance of some pictures?

I might just happen to have some somewhere.... :-)

The detector has been in a similar place for my CBR600RR, SV1000S and VFR800.

more_fasterer

23rd September 2008, 17:32

On my last 4 bikes I have just used the $1 velcro solution - i.e. velcro on the bottom of the detector and on a flat surface behind the fairing on one side (might not work so well on nakeds or cruisiers).

I've also done this with my detector. Velcro'd it on top of the speedo and put a bit of rubber matting on the fairing where it rubs. Works a treat and grabs my attention when it flashes - handy having it so close to the speedo too!

sAsLEX

23rd September 2008, 17:36

THAT is awesome. Much simpler than all the other commercial ones. I'm a gunna make one!

I'm gunna mount some super-bright LEDs around my dash area, instead of the helmet stuff. It's as bright as a high-level brake light (actually it IS a high-level brake light - broken plastic case, remounted, from the wreckers, zero bux), so if that cant get my attention then something is wrong elsewhere. :blip::weird:

Steve

I had one similar to this initial model http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8787&d=1112077013

Moved it to the right so I could actually see the speedo, was on my CBR250rr so if you see it run it over as it was stolen!

And this one on another bike http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=8788&d=1112077125

Naki Rat

23rd September 2008, 17:37

THAT is awesome. Much simpler than all the other commercial ones. I'm a gunna make one!

I used 1 or 1.2 mm thick (can't remember for sure) SS sheet which is solid enough but still fits in the mounting slot. Make a cardboard pattern, or 2, until you get it right then jigsaw, drill and file to your heart's content. Use the windscreen mounting bracket's 'tongue' to get the locking slot position right. Fine tune for forward facing by bending a bit. Easy :niceone:

CookMySock

23rd September 2008, 18:48

gak. I tried it, but my screen/dash/bars is a totally different layout to yours. My bracket is too long and flexible and its gunna flop around big time.

Plan B time.

Steve

Salival

23rd September 2008, 19:04

This mount looks pretty good and is actually a reasonable price:
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=177370333&permanent=0

Remains to be seen what size the plate is. And it won't move around like the one on the steering column probably does?

Having said that, it would render a tank bag all but useless!

Slyer

23rd September 2008, 19:37

c-nMK66ukMQ
Looks like good fun!

alanzs

23rd September 2008, 21:35

My Valentine 1 detector is mounted in the fairing/cowling near the headlight of my Bandit with velcro. I have a "screamer" that is super loud, letting me know if radar is in the area. The detector and velcro mounting has worked for years and saved me many, many, many times.

racefactory

23rd September 2008, 22:40

What options do we have since they all appear to be power cord operated and not battery?

Big Dave

23rd September 2008, 22:50

>>Not The Original Big Dave!! :Oops:<<

off topic.

Ha - That receives an 'All good' from me.

You should now just say - the better looking one, the smarter one etc etc.

captain_andrey

23rd September 2008, 23:55

What options do we have since they all appear to be power cord operated and not battery?
You can wire them into your bike electrics. There are some self install kits on the market.

MaxB

24th September 2008, 00:24

According to The Minister of Police and Min. of Transport it is coming.
Proposals were announced 21/12/07 to be implemented over 2008-2010

Yr one $50 + 25 demerit
Yr two $100 +50 demerits
Yr three ...figured out the plot yet?

See the pdf below. Or open 'Dec 2007' from link if the attached doesn't work

http://www.safeas.govt.nz/safeas-about.html

http://www.safeas.govt.nz/Road%20Safety%20announcement%20Dec%202007.pdf

edit- You have to tie a rap music CD to the front of your bike - that will repel EVERTHING for miles

Old news now. That proposal is a long way from becoming law and the National party have said they are not going to support it if/when they get in.

notme

24th September 2008, 06:55

What options do we have since they all appear to be power cord operated and not battery?

Buy a permanent power cord install kit or make your own. A lot of the popular models use a small RJ11 (telephone) type plug which are easy to come by.

I generally use stranded telephone line cable and cable tie it along under fairings and whatnot up to the front of the bike. Leave some excess so that when the plug fails from overuse if you are continually swapping the deector between cage and bike like me, you can just cut the plug off and pull a bit of excess cable out to fit a new one.

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Radar-detectors/auction-177625791.htm

racefactory

24th September 2008, 07:13

where abouts does the phone line go on the bike then? Sorry all a bit confusing for me. Is it easy to wire the thing to the bike?

DMNTD

24th September 2008, 07:24

Reviewers have sat the unit on the dash alongside a detector-detector unit... nothing detected!

Future proofing...

<a href="http://imageshack.us"><img src="http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/2355/p1060215qk4.jpg" border="0" alt="Image Hosted by ImageShack.us"/></a>

notme

24th September 2008, 07:39

where abouts does the phone line go on the bike then? Sorry all a bit confusing for me. Is it easy to wire the thing to the bike?

one end is the phone type plug, this goes in the detector. The other end is 2 wires which go to power. :niceone:

CookMySock

24th September 2008, 07:58

where abouts does the phone line go on the bike then? Sorry all a bit confusing for me. Is it easy to wire the thing to the bike?Just wire it to the ignition somewhere. Yeah its quite easy to do - you need a simple lamp-tester to find the live 12V circuit. You should buy a 12V tester anyway - its an essential bit of kit. Dick smith Q1545

Steve

sinfull

24th September 2008, 08:14

Tester aint much good if he dont know how to use it !
Easiest way is to wire it into say your taillight wireing (if your bike is lights on permanently) as its usually the easiest to find, red to red black to black green to earth somewhere (a bolt)
Make sure the fuse aint bouncing round too much !
You can get whats called a hard setup which is a wireless flashing light in yr helmet , I have one and works a treat but it does use batteries and fucks out when ya least want it to (i carry batteries and small screw driver to replace em)

more_fasterer

24th September 2008, 08:26

I wired mine in to the main power feed to the headlight switch, that way it's always on when the ignition's on and it's fuse-protected too. I can't remember which wire exactly, it was just before where the LH switchblock plugs in beside the front coil pack.

Naki Rat

24th September 2008, 08:45

where abouts does the phone line go on the bike then? Sorry all a bit confusing for me. Is it easy to wire the thing to the bike?

If you can't find a mate who wants to earn a dozen check out the Yellow Pages under Auto Electricians

mokomoa112

24th September 2008, 08:45

SCREAMER dude

MarkH

24th September 2008, 10:55

red to red black to black green to earth somewhere (a bolt)

earth? You know that automotive electrics are just 12V DC right? Black = neg which would often be black wire or bolt or whatever, red = positive. Do ANY bike/car electrics really use a green earth wire? I know when you use 240V AC current - earth is often used for safety, but the need to earth a 12V system?

sinfull

24th September 2008, 11:00

Yeah thats what i meant lol sorry, i have more to do with ac and thinking back i don't remember seeing no green now (bin a while since i wired the detector in)

CookMySock

24th September 2008, 16:44

Has anyone tried mounting their detector in the rear (boot) compartment?

TIA,
Steve

snowman

24th September 2008, 23:21

What's your excuse?

no-coast-punk

25th September 2008, 03:13

Oh
my
god.

That is the funniest godamn vandalism I have ever seen.

yomikey

25th September 2008, 17:47

I would be really keen on the wireless speaker, I have the H.A.R.D system but I still prefer the audio as well.

firefighter

25th September 2008, 17:50

... If they pick up a radar signal doesnt that mean the radar has actually got You.

Maybe, but you have to be in sight of the police vehicle so that they can prove it was you who was speeding.Otherwise it could have been anyone.

MarkH

25th September 2008, 18:20

Maybe, but you have to be in sight of the police vehicle so that they can prove it was you who was speeding.Otherwise it could have been anyone.

Actually the radar detector can pick up the signal well before the police can get your speed.

An analogy:
You are in a dark building with no torch, a security guard is in the building using a torch - if you see the beam of his torch, does that mean that he has seen you?

The answer is no - you can see the light reflected off the walls and know he is close before he even has line of sight on you.

Naki Rat

25th September 2008, 21:38

I would be really keen on the wireless speaker, I have the H.A.R.D system but I still prefer the audio as well.

So from that I assume the HARD system gives a visual warning (LEDs) ?

TimeOut

26th September 2008, 06:35

Actually the radar detector can pick up the signal well before the police can get your speed.

An analogy:
You are in a dark building with no torch, a security guard is in the building using a torch - if you see the beam of his torch, does that mean that he has seen you?

The answer is no - you can see the light reflected off the walls and know he is close before he even has line of sight on you.

Great description:niceone:

So from that I assume the HARD system gives a visual warning (LEDs) ?

Yes, at the top of the visor

CB ARGH

26th September 2008, 08:23

Some VERY good information given here guys! (thanks :clap: )

I am inetested in buying one of the radar detectors, and I do believe that I'd go the full price and pay for an STi. Bit hardcore for a 250 but nevertheless it would still be interchangable between bikes if I decide to upgrade.

I'll just have to remember to take it off for the restricted licence test! :rolleyes:

EDIT: Oh dear god... $899? That's expensive man.

TimeOut

26th September 2008, 10:19

Worth every cent, I paid $1200:gob:

mokomoa112

26th September 2008, 10:29

x50 escort, smaller cheaper, just as good

Naki Rat

26th September 2008, 12:49

Some VERY good information given here guys! (thanks :clap: ).......

EDIT: Oh dear god... $899? That's expensive man.

There's a few Bel RX65s to pick from on Trade Me for under $500 new. Just make sure you get one that is tuned to NZ radar frequencies

Winston001

26th September 2008, 12:57

The earlier thread on radar detectors had a few posts from frustrated Beltronics STi owners. Seems that they have a high failure rate recently. I'd google a bit before laying out your cash. Love one myself but a bit hesitant because of the reliability question.

firefighter

26th September 2008, 13:02

There's a few Bel RX65s to pick from on Trade Me for under $500 new. Just make sure you get one that is tuned to NZ radar frequencies

I brought one brand new and sold in after a month of it failing to impress, ie, EVERTIME I passed a cop on the m-way, it didn't go off until It was veryvery close to me, say- 30m, it can't be coincidence that this happened everytime, and yes it was tuned for N.Z. And yes I did think to start with that the cops were just flicking their radars on and off, but it happened too many times and at the same distance it would pick them up, totally dis-satisfied with my RX65, I owned a cheaper one that was more reliable.
Not to mention these go off every 5 seconds when passing shops, worst detector iv'e used, I never had this problem with my cheap detectors and they picked up oplice radar far earlier than the RX65, maybe it was a dud one I dunno, but I'd stick with a valentine or STI

more_fasterer

26th September 2008, 15:14

firefighter

26th September 2008, 15:38

That's completely at odds with the RX65 I bought from Puddytat recently. Compared to my old Vector LR, it has better range (which was already good, i.e. 2+km in open rolling country) and FAR less falsing. Compared to my mate's 995 it's also better in terms of range & falsing.

Maybe you did have a dud one?

Im starting to think that, it was an absolute piece, and I guess it would have to be ok otherwise none would have sold huh? It is hard to give something expensive like that a second chance though.

Gizzit

5th December 2008, 12:02

There's a few Bel RX65s to pick from on Trade Me for under $500 new. Just make sure you get one that is tuned to NZ radar frequencies

I may be wrong ... and I'm sure someone will tell me if I am, but the local retailers feed us bullshit about having to have a detector "tuned to NZ radar frequencies".
The detectors are all the same. All we have to do in NZ, is turn off the X band and the K band. Apparently we don't have either of those bands used in NZ now. I think it is quite easy to do that with most detectors sold here, .... and that is all there is too it! ....

Jantar

5th December 2008, 12:21

I may be wrong ... and I'm sure someone will tell me if I am, but the local retailers feed us bullshit about having to have a detector "tuned to NZ radar frequencies".
The detectors are all the same. All we have to do in NZ, is turn off the X band and the K band. Apparently we don't have either of those bands used in NZ now. I think it is quite easy to do that with most detectors sold here, .... and that is all there is too it! ....

That is correct. I imported my Bel from the states and simply turned off the K and X bands. No special tuning required.

MarkH

5th December 2008, 13:32

"tuned to NZ radar frequencies"

Could you imagine how much more it would cost the NZ police to have custom made radar units just for them? Obviously they just buy overseas units and have them fitted to their cars so radar detectors that work overseas also work here. Most likely local merchants are spouting BS to prevent you parallel importing from overseas and doing them out of a sale.

Gizzit

5th December 2008, 16:04

Could you imagine how much more it would cost the NZ police to have custom made radar units just for them? Obviously they just buy overseas units and have them fitted to their cars so radar detectors that work overseas also work here. Most likely local merchants are spouting BS to prevent you parallel importing from overseas and doing them out of a sale.

EXACTLY !!!!! :niceone:

Delerium

5th December 2008, 22:21

Jantar

5th December 2008, 23:11

Can somebody tell me how a detector can be detected. is not a passive device that alerts the user when incoming RF is detected, in which case it CANNOT be picked up. IF it can be detected that would suggest it is somehow active.
It has a local oscillator as part of the hetrodyne circuitry. All oscillators will emit a small signal, and a detector tuned to this frequency can detect it. The real way of preventing this small leaked signal is to have totall shielding like the Bel Sti.

Reckless

6th December 2008, 00:27

So does turning it on its side help??

Seems like a bit of bull to me but those who are in the know give us the heads up on this!!

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Car-parts-accessories/Radar-detectors/auction-191519168.htm

Bel & Escort - Verticle Mounting Bracket extends range against multanovas.

The Beltronics and Escort vertical mounting bracket extends the range of a variety of radar detector models manufactured by these two companies against the Multanova 6F camera used in New Zealand & Australia and in any other country where the 6F version of the Multanova is used. Why? If you don't match the polarization of the emitting RF signal of a speed trap, it can reduce range significantly. For most police radar it doesn't matter - most police radar antennas have "circular polarization" so you'll get the same range whether the detector is mounted vertically or horizontally. But the multanova is different: it is horizontally polarized, while the radar detectors are normally vertically polarized, hence you'll get the most range by turning the detector on it's side to match the multanova's polarization! Some tests have shown performance increases ranging from 20-40%.

It is suitable for use in radar detector models:

Bel STi XR
Escort X50
Bel RX65, RX55
Bel XR70
Bel Vector 965

*This is not suitable for use with the Escort 9500i.

BTW: my X50 works well, not to many false alerts and detects good. One on one, I still think your gone unless your really really quick but generally a damn good investment!
$300-00 on tard me near new still in its box with all the manuals etc!

Winston001

6th December 2008, 23:52

That is correct. I imported my Bel from the states and simply turned off the K and X bands. No special tuning required.

Even importing from the USA I'm assuming it cost NZ$600 with shipping at least. Electronics are tricky beasts so what are your options in terms of warranty? Repair?

I'm keen on a Bel STi but maybe I could just slow down.......:D

Racey Rider

7th December 2008, 07:09

Always surprises me that people don't hide their detectors a in less obvious place on their bike. Surly if cop does pull you over for whatever reason, they're going to ticket you for everything they can if they see a detector on your bike.
Also about the screamer option. Do screamers stay on 'screaming' until you hit an off button? Can you get one that does a 2 second scream then stops so its not screaming as you drive past the cop?

Anyone run into problems with insurance by having a detector on-board?
Undisclosed 'accessory' on your bike that may influence insurance company to decline your claim??? Do they ask come claim time?

sinned

7th December 2008, 07:15

Always surprises me that people don't hide their detectors a in less obvious place on their bike. Surly if cop does pull you over for whatever reason, they're going to ticket you for everything they can if they see a detector on your bike.

I had a cop stop me for 115kph. The radar detector was in full view and he couldn't help but noticed me quickly slow down. No ticket. The cop just advised me to watch my speed - 'on these big bikes'.

notme

7th December 2008, 08:29

So does turning it on its side help??
.......

Yes and no.

You can't argue with the science behind it, but it's debatable whether it helps you at all.

It seems that the range at which you can detect the camera is increased slightly, but even so, the numbers I have seen from a quick search show that even with the detector mounted parallel to the roadway you get warning before you enter the capture (photo) zone.

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXMCBXQNSWE&feature=related

And some interesting info:

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=5000

Pixie

7th December 2008, 08:58

The jammer thing is a UN deal. Radar works on the same band as lots of other radio equipment. Jammers would play hell with all manner of things. Not to mention that they are worried about guys named Akhmed screwing with expensive military hardware.

By this logic the cop's radar would also play havoc with the same equipment.

One does read a lot of bollocks on the internet

Jammers are available and have been tested by various publications and their usefulness verified

pritch

7th December 2008, 09:47

Jammers are available and have been tested by various publications and their usefulness verified

I understand (on the basis of nothing whatsoever) that the jammer operates by sending a confusing signal back to the source of the radar signal, thus causing an "error" reading.

For sending this confusing signal you could presumably be prosecuted for operating an unlicenced radio transmitter.

I'm not aware of the exact terminology but I think that's how it goes...