Detector in Glove Box?

[bang-n-gearz]

I have Escort(s) 8500 x 50 in all three of my cars and my bike.

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT h34r:

Buck

Dls.TX

 

[flyingz06]

Anyone tried using their Escort 8500 X50 wired to work inside their glovebox? I tried mine tonight and it fits just great with just enough room for my H.A.R.D. transmitter as well. Pretty well shoots the glove box for anything else, but if it worked in there, I'd gladly trade off that space to keep my RD somewhat more secure and dry. I've read of others mounting their RD behind fairings and such so I'd think it would work ok in there. Anybody tried this yet and if so, was the sensitivity affected? I'm going to have to find one of those roadside radar signs to test both handlebar and glovebox mounting for comparison, but if someone has already done this homework, please share.Thanks much.

this has got to be the most stupid question ever. sorry dude.

 

[exskibum]

Anyone tried using their Escort 8500 X50 wired to work inside their glovebox? I tried mine tonight and it fits just great with just enough room for my H.A.R.D. transmitter as well. Pretty well shoots the glove box for anything else, but if it worked in there, I'd gladly trade off that space to keep my RD somewhat more secure and dry. I've read of others mounting their RD behind fairings and such so I'd think it would work ok in there. Anybody tried this yet and if so, was the sensitivity affected? I'm going to have to find one of those roadside radar signs to test both handlebar and glovebox mounting for comparison, but if someone has already done this homework, please share.Thanks much.

this has got to be the most stupid question ever. sorry dude.

Good thing you've joined our little forum here to tell us when we ask "stupid" questions (instead of not asking for input and just doing it -- the smarter, flyingz approved alternative).

Way to add valuable, ego free, substantive commentary, dude.

 

[Fred W]

Anyone tried using their Escort 8500 X50 wired to work inside their glovebox? I tried mine tonight and it fits just great with just enough room for my H.A.R.D. transmitter as well. Pretty well shoots the glove box for anything else, but if it worked in there, I'd gladly trade off that space to keep my RD somewhat more secure and dry. I've read of others mounting their RD behind fairings and such so I'd think it would work ok in there. Anybody tried this yet and if so, was the sensitivity affected? I'm going to have to find one of those roadside radar signs to test both handlebar and glovebox mounting for comparison, but if someone has already done this homework, please share.Thanks much.

this has got to be the most stupid question ever. sorry dude.

No, it's not stupid at all. I'm guessing you think it's stupid because you don't understand how radar waves travel.

You see, radar waves (microwave electromagnetic signals) travel through plastic pretty well. Take glass or lexan, you do put your RD behind the windshield don't you? What makes you think a plastic windshield would block microwaves less than a (thinner) body panel? The panels are opaque to light waves, but not RF.

 

[CAJW]

Topic update: I tested the 8500 in the glovebox vs. mounted above the front brake lever on a power plate against a fixed "K" band radar speed sign, difference: None. (might be some variance in the state of Indiana though..) I tested both front and rear detection with multiple passes and the detector caught the K band from the same distance with both mounting locations. I'm now looking for a LEO with a Ka gun and a sense of humor to test out the two mounting locations with that band, but from what I've read there is no difference in the two bands only a different freqs. https://www.copradar.com/preview/xappA/xappA.html If anyone has any details on the difference in penetration capabilities between K vs. Ka bands, post up please. Will report back with the Ka band testing, but I'm guessing it won't have much of a difference. Now... if I can find a LIDAR gun to borrow.

8500 X50 w/ H.A.R.D. transmitter in Gen I glovebox.

 

[Fred W]

That is pretty cool. If there really is no loss of sensitivity by putting it in the glove-box then that sure would be a nice place to keep it out of the weather, and out of sight from prying eyes.

The loss of Lidar (which is optical) is almost a sure thing. But so what? The RD telling you that you just got shot by lidar is only an early announcement that you're getting pulled over. The other thing about the Laser detection that is annoying is that it often goes off when going through toll booths as whatever frequency of light they use for the license plate cameras around here sets the laser alarm off. Scares the bajeebers out of you when/if you aren't expecting it. So putting the RD in the glovebox would eliminate that.

The one thing I would miss is seeing the display, but I know what the K and Ka tones sound like, and have a Datel meter to show me my running voltage, so it's not that big of a deal.

Thanks for reporting your findings. It definitely gives people another option.

 

[FJRless]

I keep my 8500 velcro'd to the top of my right fahring (behind plastic) and utilize HARD. I believe it works as well as it would strapped to the top of my helmet with X, K, and Ka bands based on my experience with how I had it mounted on another bike and what I've been able to determine from research. I've experienced all three bands in PA by law enforcement. (Hard to believe they still use X). Of course, lazer is a different story, but lazer equipment has to be stationary in the cruiser, which can be a disadvantage for LE if you have the right tactical response when getting a hit....hence, why I want to be able to see the display post-hit.

 

[FJR-Pilot]

...1. No laser - Yeah, but generally speaking, you are toast anyway if you are lit by laser anyway.

True/Not true. My Beltronics RX65 has saved my butt many times when hit with Laser. Know why? They always reset and pull the trigger again because they don't believe what they are reading. Every time. I have been targeted with laser so many times I can't remember and in every instance they let go - reset - and pull the trigger again. Guess what I was doing during that time? Dropping the 10 or 15 over I was so gleefully doing (grabbing brakes). He pulls the laser trigger and is looking at me at 80, hits reset, pulls the trigger again, and now I'm clocked at 68 and I pass by him doing the speed limit. I have not had one cop pull out after me in that situation ... (knock on wood)

 

[Rogue]

Escort claims that their detectors are undetectable by detector detectors,but since I don't have a detector detector I don't actually know if my detector is undetectable.

I just got a smoking deal on a V1 from my brother-in-law so I decided to put all 3 of my radar detectors (Cobra, Escort 8500 & V1) in my work truck to compare them. With all three next to each other the Cobra set off the 8500 & the V1, the 8500 & V1 do not set each other off so I would say they don't leak much if any.

 

[Fred W]

With all three next to each other the Cobra set off the 8500 & the V1, the 8500 & V1 do not set each other off so I would say they don't leak much if any.

I'd bet that they all leak enough to be picked up by a sensitive RDD. It's just the Cobra leaks a lot.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Topic update: I tested the 8500 in the glovebox vs. mounted above the front brake lever on a power plate against a fixed "K" band radar speed sign, difference: None. (might be some variance in the state of Indiana though..) I tested both front and rear detection with multiple passes and the detector caught the K band from the same distance with both mounting locations. I'm now looking for a LEO with a Ka gun and a sense of humor to test out the two mounting locations with that band, but from what I've read there is no difference in the two bands only a different freqs. https://www.copradar.com/preview/xappA/xappA.html If anyone has any details on the difference in penetration capabilities between K vs. Ka bands, post up please. Will report back with the Ka band testing, but I'm guessing it won't have much of a difference. Now... if I can find a LIDAR gun to borrow.
8500 X50 w/ H.A.R.D. transmitter in Gen I glovebox.

CAJW

I really thought the metal in the fairing and wiring harness would degrade your reception, but what you found is really cool.

Rather than "Sorry, Dude," I'll offer "Nice work, Dude!"

Here's a frequency chart copied form a website about the stuff:

Band Frequency Wavelength Notes

S 2.455 GHz 4.8 in 12 cm obsolete

X* 9.41 GHz 1.25 in 3.2 cm some European countries

X* 9.90 GHz 1.2 in 3.0 cm some European countries

X 10.525 GHz± 1.1 in 2.8 cm one 50 MHz channel

Ku* 13.450 GHz 0.88 in 2.2 cm some European countries

K 24.125 GHz ±100 MHz 0.49 in 1.2 cm one 200 MHz channel Europe and some US systems

K 24.150 GHz ±100 MHz 0.49 in 1.2 cm one 200 MHz channel

Ka 33.4 - 36.0 GHz 0.35 - 0.33 in 9 - 8.3 mm 13 channels; 200 MHz/ch

IR -- Infrared 332 THz 904 nm Laser Radar

If you "see" the K, the Ka ought to be about the same, unless you try to get really exact in measuring things.

Obviously, you're not going to see the light-based guns, but they will see you. Some jurisdictions need a second reading for court reasons, hence pulling the trigger twice in Georgia. In the general area of DC, few police now use radar and once the laser hits you, stick a fork in it, they gotcha. Fortunately, it must be a total coincidence that there are just enough folks driving a little faster than me that they are the ones feeding the bears. B)

 

[HotRodZilla]

...1. No laser - Yeah, but generally speaking, you are toast anyway if you are lit by laser anyway.

True/Not true. My Beltronics RX65 has saved my butt many times when hit with Laser. Know why? They always reset and pull the trigger again because they don't believe what they are reading. Every time. I have been targeted with laser so many times I can't remember and in every instance they let go - reset - and pull the trigger again. Guess what I was doing during that time? Dropping the 10 or 15 over I was so gleefully doing (grabbing brakes). He pulls the laser trigger and is looking at me at 80, hits reset, pulls the trigger again, and now I'm clocked at 68 and I pass by him doing the speed limit. I have not had one cop pull out after me in that situation ... (knock on wood)

Just so you are aware; that's not true. Laser is detectable if your not being targeted, it's just harder to pick up. All a detector gets is the stray portions of the laser that bounce off and around. Unlike radar that floods an area. Also...Motorcycles are harder to hit because of their size and angles. The LASER sends out 4000 pulses a second, and takes measurements between each pulse. If it detects movement, or an excessive speed it can't verify, it shows an error; forcing the officer to re-try the speed measurement. That's why we sometimes have to retarget something. It's definately not an "every time" occurrence.

There are a couple of types of LASER devices out there. Some are specifically for speed detection. Those are very fast and have fewer problems getting bikes. The problem is that those LASERs can't be used for taking measurements; as done in crash reconstruction. Other LASERs can be used for both speed detection and taking measurements for crashes, angles, and a slew of other things. Because of the wider range of jobs they can do, they are slower to respond and are harder to hit small, fast moving targets with; forcing some of the "2 trigger pulls" you have seen. Most departments have the more multifunction device, because they are expensive and spending $5k on a LASER that can do 2 things is better than spending $10k on two different units.

Congratulations on getting slowed down in time so far, but don't be surprised when your luck runs out. I have popped plenty of bikes that are both faster and smaller than the FJR. 5 or 6 of them have beenr running detectors. And keep in mind that if you get too sly for LASER, we always have a stopwatch mode that is not detectable by anything. I love using that. People get mad and crush their detectors on the side of the road.

 

[FJR-Pilot]

... Congratulations on getting slowed down in time so far, but don't be surprised when your luck runs out ...

Therein lies the "knock on wood" comment I made. I know I am riding on borrowed time. I average a ticket about every 4 or 5 years for speeding. I hate it when it happens cause it's embarrassing and costly. Sometimes y'all are nice and sometimes y'all throw the book at us. I try to avoid the latter by being respectful and nice and because I know why y'all are out there (to save lives). I just hope and pray when I get caught popping a wheelie you don't put the hand cuffs on too tight

 

[JSUCHLAND]

I have used the Beltronic clone of the Escort in my glove box since I bought my 05 new. I have it wired to my J&B intercom system so I get the audio alert in my earphones . Here are my thoughts:
1. No laser - Yeah, but generally speaking, you are toast anyway if you are lit by laser anyway.

2. No heat problems - The detector has worked fine (at least it hasn't melted!)

3. Attenuation Loss - Can't really speak to it, since where I live (Virginia) outlaws radar detectors. I have to hide the damned thing!!!

4. Real world results - No tickets! However, I can only remember 2 instances where the unit saved me. I must either have a guardian angel, simply ride where the cops aren't, or I'm not speeding fast enough...

Since you are aware of that, I'm sure that you also know that the VA cops aren't just looking at you to determine if you have an illegal RD. They are also listening to their radar detector detector (no I didn't stutter). In areas that radar detectors are illegal, law enforcement use a device called the Spectre that is able to detect the use of radar detector in your car, truck or motorcycle's glovebox. For more information on the Spectre, click here.

What they would (legally) be able to do after they pull you over, to find a hidden but operating RD I am unsure.

I use a radar detector (SOLO S2) when traveling outside VA. I do enough traveling out to middle US that I wanted the added help as speeds tend to creep up in those states like NE, KS, SD, etc where the roads go on forever. That being said, I was aware the VA and DC say 'no,no' to the RD. I always thought that they were ok to own just not use. That is the case, but state law says that they are illegal to have in the vehicle. They can be confiscated on the spot. The police have to have sufficient cause to search your vehicle. I would bet that a positive alert on their RDD would be it.

On a side note, because I am a noob to RD usage and do not trust them, I leave all alerts on. To me it is assuring when I hear the thing go off and then see the "You are speeding sign in a work zone" sign. I tend not to use it when I go through a town anyway, so I am unaffected by automatic doors. Thus because I still do not trust it, I would put it just as high and unobstructed as possible.......just not in VA.

The Solo S2 has a VG2 built in. It's a (are you ready for this?) radar detector detector detector. It can sense the Spectre. But by then your truly screwed anyway unless you can hide it in time!

 

[jekirby]

I have used the Beltronic clone of the Escort in my glove box since I bought my 05 new. I have it wired to my J&B intercom system so I get the audio alert in my earphones . Here are my thoughts:
1. No laser - Yeah, but generally speaking, you are toast anyway if you are lit by laser anyway.

2. No heat problems - The detector has worked fine (at least it hasn't melted!)

3. Attenuation Loss - Can't really speak to it, since where I live (Virginia) outlaws radar detectors. I have to hide the damned thing!!!

4. Real world results - No tickets! However, I can only remember 2 instances where the unit saved me. I must either have a guardian angel, simply ride where the cops aren't, or I'm not speeding fast enough...

Since you are aware of that, I'm sure that you also know that the VA cops aren't just looking at you to determine if you have an illegal RD. They are also listening to their radar detector detector (no I didn't stutter). In areas that radar detectors are illegal, law enforcement use a device called the Spectre that is able to detect the use of radar detector in your car, truck or motorcycle's glovebox. For more information on the Spectre, click here.

What they would (legally) be able to do after they pull you over, to find a hidden but operating RD I am unsure.

I use a radar detector (SOLO S2) when traveling outside VA. I do enough traveling out to middle US that I wanted the added help as speeds tend to creep up in those states like NE, KS, SD, etc where the roads go on forever. That being said, I was aware the VA and DC say 'no,no' to the RD. I always thought that they were ok to own just not use. That is the case, but state law says that they are illegal to have in the vehicle. They can be confiscated on the spot. The police have to have sufficient cause to search your vehicle. I would bet that a positive alert on their RDD would be it.

On a side note, because I am a noob to RD usage and do not trust them, I leave all alerts on. To me it is assuring when I hear the thing go off and then see the "You are speeding sign in a work zone" sign. I tend not to use it when I go through a town anyway, so I am unaffected by automatic doors. Thus because I still do not trust it, I would put it just as high and unobstructed as possible.......just not in VA.

The Solo S2 has a VG2 built in. It's a (are you ready for this?) radar detector detector detector. It can sense the Spectre. But by then your truly screwed anyway unless you can hide it in time!

I knew that, but like I said, am not to the point that I trust it. Still, I will abide by the laws here, but I understand that our legislature is talking about doing away with the ban.

 

[Bounce]

That is pretty cool. If there really is no loss of sensitivity by putting it in the glove-box

but we know that's not the case. a "cresting hill" situation puts the top of the bike within reflectivity range well before the glove box, so there's less sensitivity in at least that one situation. detectors should be mounted as high as possible for just these cases. high and unobstructed are the ideal mounting situations. in rain or states where they are illegal, simply disconnect them, stow them, and find a rabbit.

 

[jekirby]

Hijack, sorry OP. I thought VG2 was a type of detector detector as well as Spectre (sp?). VG2 is detectable and Spectre is not to most RD's? The way the RD defenses work is to physically shut down the RD thus supposedly making it invisible? Is this correct? But.........still do not trust it here in VA.

 

[flyingz06]

Anyone tried using their Escort 8500 X50 wired to work inside their glovebox? I tried mine tonight and it fits just great with just enough room for my H.A.R.D. transmitter as well. Pretty well shoots the glove box for anything else, but if it worked in there, I'd gladly trade off that space to keep my RD somewhat more secure and dry. I've read of others mounting their RD behind fairings and such so I'd think it would work ok in there. Anybody tried this yet and if so, was the sensitivity affected? I'm going to have to find one of those roadside radar signs to test both handlebar and glovebox mounting for comparison, but if someone has already done this homework, please share.Thanks much.

this has got to be the most stupid question ever. sorry dude.

No, it's not stupid at all. I'm guessing you think it's stupid because you don't understand how radar waves travel.

You see, radar waves (microwave electromagnetic signals) travel through plastic pretty well. Take glass or lexan, you do put your RD behind the windshield don't you? What makes you think a plastic windshield would block microwaves less than a (thinner) body panel? The panels are opaque to light waves, but not RF.

you want it to be as much in the open as possible. Why does Escort make a front grill model? why do they tell you not to put the detector in the tinted area? Your quote was pretty well. not as well as in the open. The test prove it. The detector in the box will not work as well. you body, tank, etc blocking the signal from reaching in the rear.

 

[exskibum]

Anyone tried using their Escort 8500 X50 wired to work inside their glovebox? I tried mine tonight and it fits just great with just enough room for my H.A.R.D. transmitter as well. Pretty well shoots the glove box for anything else, but if it worked in there, I'd gladly trade off that space to keep my RD somewhat more secure and dry. I've read of others mounting their RD behind fairings and such so I'd think it would work ok in there. Anybody tried this yet and if so, was the sensitivity affected? I'm going to have to find one of those roadside radar signs to test both handlebar and glovebox mounting for comparison, but if someone has already done this homework, please share.Thanks much.

this has got to be the most stupid question ever. sorry dude.

No, it's not stupid at all. I'm guessing you think it's stupid because you don't understand how radar waves travel.

You see, radar waves (microwave electromagnetic signals) travel through plastic pretty well. Take glass or lexan, you do put your RD behind the windshield don't you? What makes you think a plastic windshield would block microwaves less than a (thinner) body panel? The panels are opaque to light waves, but not RF.

you want it to be as much in the open as possible. Why does Escort make a front grill model? why do they tell you not to put the detector in the tinted area? Your quote was pretty well. not as well as in the open. The test prove it. The detector in the box will not work as well. you body, tank, etc blocking the signal from reaching in the rear.

Maybe not, but you also stand a better chance of not getting ticketed if pulled over with the detector hidden. There was an article a couple years ago about some kind of European "Cannonball Run" on a then new ZX14. IIRC, the story related that the radar detector was mounted inside the fairing with some sort of antennae, and LIDAR was addressed with a jammer. Not apparently legal, but the point was the stealth.

I'd love to have a stealth configuration with my Escort, though it's out in the open for performance reasons until I find a way to make it as sensitive while hidden in the fairing. But I applaud someone trying, asking and being a test mule in that endeavor. You, sir (FlyingTrollz) don't seem to have much to offer but a superior and condescending attitude with neither facts cited nor any contribution to the analysis.

 

[JimNtexas]

Back around 1990 I was driving through Virgina in a minivan, about 3am. There was no other traffic in sight. I had my family with me, we were returning from Disney World. I was going about 5mph over the speed limit.

My Escort alarmed and by reflex I stepped on the brakes. Immediately a patrol car lite up behind me.

I swept the detector into the center console. Trooper Pippen ran up to my window and started yelling for me to give him my radar detector, I just offered him my drivers license. I didn't answer him at all, so he started pounding on the roof of my car and yelling louder, and put his non-pounding hand on his pistol.

Had my wife and kids not been in the car I might have remained silent, but I figured it wasn't worth it. As soon as I gave him my detector he stopped the animal act.

I've often wondered what the law says about his right to search my car for a detector.

In any case there was no safety issue. It was clear he was just shining radar on every passing car and stopping anyone who reacted with brake lights.