Radar Modification

**Stroker Girl** · 30th August 2004, 17:43

Just wondering if anyone knows where I can get my Whistler radar modified for an earpiece attachment. I've got it mounted on the bike, but am having trouble hearing it at higher speeds. I have tried Radar Direct in Auckland but they do not work on these type of radars. Any suggestions most welcome. :spudwhat:

**nicko** · 30th August 2004, 18:17

I wired a 3.5mm headphone jack into my old Uniden Stalker myself, worked a treat.

Don't mind giving it a go but can't make any promises.

**dangerous** · 30th August 2004, 18:47

Radar Direct arnt the most helpfull at the best of times, but the main reason they wouldent want to touch it (apart from the fact that they dont sell that brand) is if it was stuffed up then they'd have to replace it.
It's not to hard to do but i'd reconmend a puter tecky if you know any, I'm not sure were Franklin is so cant help out there, I do now of a place here in Chch that was going to modify my Escort ear piece but I went for the wireless LED light instead (cos with ear plugs in I still couldent here with the ear piece in the hat) but thats proberly not much help to you.

**Lou Girardin** · 30th August 2004, 19:34

Open it up to get access to the speaker, then connect a feed from the speakers wires to an earphone jack. There may even be enough room to fit the jack inside the case.
Or, buy a Valentine/Escort.
Does the Whistler actually work on Ka band?

**aff-man** · 30th August 2004, 19:43

yip CK also did it himself. Well wiring the speaker into his helmet. You can do the whole wiring a jack onto the speaker bit they you might want to put a mosfet switch on it and work out what the resistance will need to be otherwise (i don't think it'll be an issue but you gotta be carefull) if the load draws to much current you could damage your detector.

**Coldkiwi** · 31st August 2004, 12:29

so how can we create a louder signal in an earpiece if the volume control is wound all the way up? I struggled with that on mine because I always have ear plugs in but couldn't see where to fit a mini-amp into the system to boost the output signal, Any ideas? how big an amp would I need (rough physical size?). I'm looking at better ways to mount another detector (don't rely on those suction cups- especially if you're trying to learn wheelstands!) and incorporating a mini-amp in the system could possibly be done if I knew I needed it

**Stroker Girl** · 31st August 2004, 18:48

Thanks for the advice everyone. I might get my electronic whizz mate to have a look at doing the mod. In reply to LG, yes the Whistler does have KA band and works really well in the car (excellent warning time). Far better than the Uniden I had before. Haven't had much chance to try it out on the bike yet. Also, for CK, try Radar Direct website. I saw a few radar mounts there (for a price mind!). I got a mate to mod an old roof rack clamp for my bike mounted off my clip on. Looks just like a bought one.

**dangerous** · 31st August 2004, 19:08

Originally Posted by Coldkiwi

so how can we create a louder signal in an earpiece if the volume control is wound all the way up?

Well that is the problem that I was having cos of ear plugs, I found a place in town that would fit a mini-amp into the wire that runs from the unit to ear piece its about the size of a in line fuse. By memory the price was bout $110 and would boost the volume heaps.
But I hated the wire flapping about so I brought the H.A.R.D wireless LED light system for the hat

Originally Posted by Coldkiwi

I'm looking at better ways to mount another detector (don't rely on those suction cups)

What I do is make a mount up out of sheet metal and have it comming out from between the fairing and frame were the mirrors bolt on. I did this on the Guzzi and the Storm, but with the Storm I couldent help but lose a bit ov vision of the Speedo (from 160kph up, but thats why I have the detector aye

**k14** · 31st August 2004, 19:20

My ear bud is sweet as with ear plugs in. I can hear it doing 100 with the volume turned on about 60% with my bel 985. I wired in the jack myself, although I have had a few problems with it. Good luck.

**geoffm** · 31st August 2004, 22:19

For the BMW, I made a plate that screws onto the top of the master cyl. The RD velcros to that with a velcro strap around it to make sure it stays there. I can take photos if you want. Mounting it on the screen was difficult because the clocks on the BM are on the bars (so get in the way) and there is no screen brace to modify and fit onto.
I use a HARD display, but it has given me some problems, eats batteries, and I would say try an earphone first.
Geoff

**aff-man** · 1st September 2004, 00:03

CK i'll build you a mini power amp for like $15 including jacks. The problem is power and i can probably sort something out as well. All really cheap.

**AMPS** · 1st September 2004, 09:27

A piezo buzzer from JayCar has all the volume you need and doesn't require an amp. It's tiny too.
Lou

**denill** · 3rd February 2005, 08:12

Originally Posted by AMPS

A piezo buzzer from JayCar has all the volume you need and doesn't require an amp. It's tiny too.
Lou

Hey Lou

Looking for an ear pice to suit an Escort X50 - 3.5mm socket plug (My Bel 855 decided to go off every time I went over a bump on my last ride??)

Do you reckon a piezo buzzer would do the job?
If so - where are JayCar?

Maybe some one has other recommendations?

Cheers
Bill

**Biff** · 3rd February 2005, 08:47

Just run a lead from the speaker to a 2.5mm jack socket. But be warned, make sure that is you're going to get someone to do this for you they you get the impedence to your ear piece right. This can be sorted using an inline resister if need be. If you get the impedece wrong it will still work for a while, but the imbalance may eventually blow the line out circuit in your radar.

But your techie mate should know this. If he doesn't feel free to send it to me, I'll sort it for ya. I'll charge for bits n postage. I guess no more than $15.