TPX radar detector v2.0. Initial impressions

**slofox** · 2nd September 2012, 18:11

Originally Posted by BigAl

So that's 2 Tpx's you've gone through SF?

How old was the v2.0?

My mate and I both got one in Feb although you'd do a hell of a lot more k's, I hope the supplier has a look as to why it failed and then fixes or replaces for you.

The v1 was fine apart from a couple of build issues. The bond holding the base on came unstuck and I had to restuck it. And there was a problem with the connection to power being intermittant as well - apparently as a result of the base coming undone.

This is the first technical failure I have had and would seem to be terminal if it's anything like the viper I once had. It did pretty much what this one has done and never chirped again.

The v2 is less than a year old - about 10 months I think. Thing is, Adaptiv Tech gave me v2 for free to compensate for me having the v1 fall apart. So they have been more than generous already. See what happens I guess.

**ckai** · 3rd September 2012, 15:19

Originally Posted by slofox

The v1 was fine apart from a couple of build issues. The bond holding the base on came unstuck and I had to restuck it. And there was a problem with the connection to power being intermittant as well - apparently as a result of the base coming undone.

This is the first technical failure I have had and would seem to be terminal if it's anything like the viper I once had. It did pretty much what this one has done and never chirped again.

The v2 is less than a year old - about 10 months I think. Thing is, Adaptiv Tech gave me v2 for free to compensate for me having the v1 fall apart. So they have been more than generous already. See what happens I guess.

Will be definitely interesting to see what happens. Look on the bright side though, imagine the increased power and less weight you'll have by having one less gadget on the bike? You'll get massive speed gains, although you'll be too scared to use it without the chirper

**slofox** · 3rd September 2012, 16:02

Originally Posted by ckai

you'll be too scared to use it without the chirper

Didn't seem to make any difference these last two days...

er...I mean...

I sent off an email to Adaptiv today. Had asked Radar Direct (local reps) what they thought. Suggested a reboot but that didn't help. Suggested I talk to AT and see what they say. So I have.

**slofox** · 5th September 2012, 07:29

I have had a reply from Adaptiv Technologies re the deaded TPX v2.

They have immediately insisted on replacing the unit, even though I didn't pay for it. I quote the email:

"The unit is not supposed to "die" like that, and we do stand behind our products. So much so that we wouldn't feel right if you didn't get the product that you are supposed to get.

Please take the defective detector to Radar Direct and get it replaced with a new one or if it's easier, let us know and we will ship you a new one. We insist on doing so because we believe that you should be getting products that work from us."

So there ya go. Seems there is still a degree of integrity in some businesses after all.

**BigAl** · 5th September 2012, 13:03

Brilliant, you don't get service like that everyday.

**G4L4XY** · 19th September 2012, 14:33

Are there any other recommended brands of radar.
What do the rest of you use?

**jim.cox** · 19th September 2012, 14:35

Originally Posted by AE4ME

What do the rest of you use?

Escort Solo S2

great on a bike bcause

- built in battery
- built in earpiece socket

**Damantis** · 19th September 2012, 16:35

Originally Posted by AE4ME

Are there any other recommended brands of radar.
What do the rest of you use?

I use a Belltronics RX65. Without it, I'd be both walking and unemployed ( I need a license for my job ). Good Ka band detection range and reasonably priced with a headphone socket. There are good things said about Escort Passport models along with the TPX in this thread. Valentine V1 ( tells you the direction of the signal ) and the new Beltronoics STI supposedly offer the best detection range but at hell of a price, especially once you need to pay for audio adapter kits etc.

Google "Radar Roy" on youtube. He does testing and reccomendations of various detectors in different price brackets. I went with the RX65 because it is probably the best in terms of perfomance to price, just likew the TPX. I will probably go for the STI next when this one has had it.

Don't bother with Cobra or Whistler. They are both pretty shitty, tho, I used a Cobra for a while and it saved me a couple of tickets, just not with much warning ( which is no help if you are cornering at 130kph and feel compelled to grab the brakes ) You need a decent one to have time to adjust your speed sensibly rather than immediately.

You get what you pay for, but do some research because a lot is written about these things and you have to read a lot to sift out the sales spiel and crap before making an informed decision.

Nothing picks up speed cameras in time. They have an operating range of about 150m because they shoot a narrow beam at low power. They'll only ping you if you are travelling away from one anyway as there's no plate on the front of your bike. The LTSA must have thousands of photos of motorcyclists lifting a middle finger or the front wheel or both.

**G4L4XY** · 19th September 2012, 18:05

Originally Posted by Damantis

They'll only ping you if you are travelling away from one anyway as there's no plate on the front of your bike. The LTSA must have thousands of photos of motorcyclists lifting a middle finger or the front wheel or both.

Hahaha I often get the urge to do this however I'm too much of a pussy. They have a cop or someone that sits in them anyway and they can probably radio ahead to a piggy sitting up the road.

**steve_t** · 19th September 2012, 19:01

The Bel STi Magnum does pick up lower powered van radar a bit earlier - still not early enough but earlier. The Ka band the police use is very powerful. You can generally pick it up several km down the road and you sit there wondering if you'll ever come across the car.
If the STi shits itself, I'd actually consider getting one of those cheap as $70 Early Warning detectors that Firstin.co.nz have from time to time and shut off every band except Ka. Having K-band on is just annoying and really doesn't pick up cameras early enough. Even the cheapo units seem to pick up Ka band with plenty of distance

**Gremlin** · 19th September 2012, 23:20

Originally Posted by AE4ME

Hahaha I often get the urge to do this however I'm too much of a pussy. They have a cop or someone that sits in them anyway and they can probably radio ahead to a piggy sitting up the road.

I don't. Last thing we need is giving ammo to the argument we should have front mounted licence plates again...

I'm on my 2nd STI, good detector. I put it inside a pelican case which solves weather issues.

**slofox** · 20th September 2012, 08:24

Originally Posted by Damantis

. Don't bother with Cobra or Whistler.

Agreed. The first unit I ever had was an el cheapo TradeMe Cobra. "Average" range and only worked for about six months before it shit itself.

The new v2 TPX is behaving itself so far...seems to be good for about 1km warning of Ka although we did get a signal about 2km out recently. Coming off a hill onto a long straight seems to help. Maybe we should station all LEO's in such positions...

Corners don't seem to affect detection either. I've had a couple of warnings from way off straight ahead. Lots of cars to bounce the signal round also helps.

Having said all that, there's no substitute for sharp eyes and discretion. I'd never rely on the RD alone. A modicum of common sense is your friend.

**roogazza** · 21st September 2012, 08:26

Originally Posted by slofox

Having said all that, there's no substitute for sharp eyes and discretion. I'd never rely on the RD alone. A modicum of common sense is your friend.

Cheers slofox, been running a Valentine for years now, great unit, but still use the experience of old age to reduce risk and of course just to keep an eye on where they are in relation to me.

ps Still using a young mans bike I see , lol ??

**slofox** · 21st September 2012, 08:40

Originally Posted by roogazza

Cheers slofox, been running a Valentine for years now, great unit, but still use the experience of old age to reduce risk and of course just to keep an eye on where they are in relation to me.

ps Still using a young mans bike I see , lol ??

Young men's bikes keep old men young too - at heart at least. When they bloody go of course...

**BigAl** · 21st October 2012, 12:22

Still think it is a good detector but I noticed after last ride something loose inside unit, sounds like a screw rattling around.
Then yesterday started getting lots of alerts, which was fine in traffic as could have been a plain clothes lurking until I was on back roads w/o any vehicles around and I kept getting a frequent low K band alert.

Anyway only 7 months old so I'll send it back to Radar Direct and see what happens.
Geez I feel naked w/o it