just drive safe and u don't need a radar
just drive safe and u don't need a radar
Temple of VTEC...
I drive safe and I have radar. Radar doesnt mean you can drive wrecklessly, you will still get pulled over. But if I'm in the fast lane on i20 lets say going 15 over, Im not driving dangerously, but I can still get a ticket.Originally Posted by v8killacivic
just drive safe and u don't need a radar
***Lotus Elise***
BlackWatchRacing/Sector111/Larini Exhausts/Difflow Diffusers/Classic Livery of Atlanta Paint/APR Performance
+1
I dont drive stupid, but i'll go 15 or so over on the highway
RX-8
208.6 RWHP
People still use radar detectors? I thought that fad died out.
Wow, some of you have absolutely no clue what in the world you are talking about.
I have to leave my office to take my kids to a DR's appt now, but when I get back I'm going to fix all the terrible misinformation that is being given out here. It will be a patented long winded expo about all the myths, lies, and totally false information that this thread is filled with. So subscribe now.....
Be back in a little while.
<---- Waits Patiently!!
Quality Perfomance and Fabrication!!
Wow, some of you have absolutely no clue what in the world you are talking about.
I have to leave my office to take my kids to a DR's appt now, but when I get back I'm going to fix all the terrible misinformation that is being given out here. It will be a patented long winded expo about all the myths, lies, and totally false information that this thread is filled with. So subscribe now.....
Be back in a little while.
Oh sh*t. Watch out, I was wondering when he was going to join this thread.. Hehe I have a few questions about jammers por favor. Im looking to get one.. I know I dont want the ZR3... just don't know which Blinder to get with what setup and where to get it installed properly
Jaime helped me pick out my first radar dector... Escort 8500 and I loved it. Then I sold it to a friend for 200, and bought the 9500 for 320
Ive heard really good things about the valentine one im thinking about gettin one myself!
Ok, let me start off by saying that the first step to a good result sometimes is KNOWING how things physically work.
First of all, a Radar Detector is not a magic bullet. It doesn't give you a license to speed, act a fool, and it certainly doesn't keep you from getting a ticket. You CAN get a ticket with one sure enough. It's happened to me, albeit years and years ago. It is merely a TOOL, and as such it's only as good as the person USING IT. They way it DESIGNED to work is that it picks up, using a sensitive antenna(s) much like your car radio, radar signals in a very specific spectrum. This is where you get the designations of X,Y,K,Ka (wide), and Laser. Each one designates a specific frequency in the radar spectrum. The RD only looks for those frequencies, that's it. When it finds a signal in those ranges, it beeps. The RD is NOT designed to tell you where EVERY police unit is. It only alerts you when it sees those frequencies, which of course are the ones police radar units use. The TRUE design and intention is that the unit is sensitive enough to alert you when SOMEONE ELSE is being clocked. I'm going to repeat that. ITS ONLY DESIGNED TO TELL YOU WHEN SOMEONE ELSE IS BEING CLOCKED, NOT YOU. If it was designed to tell you when YOU were being clocked it would be about as worthless as tits on a hog. Get it? I hope so.
So when your unit is in use, you can't just dart around like you got some kind of cloak over your car. YOU DON'T. You merely have a tool that let's you HOPEFULLY detect, hence it's name, with far enough anticipation for YOU to slow down before YOU get clocked.
Some frequencies and thereby radar guns require less amount of "on" time before they work. These are the ones globbed in as "instant on" radar guns. They are very popular here in GA. The ONLY defense against these is an extremely good RD and common sense. A sensitive enough RD can pick up an "instant on" radar unit when it clocks someone else ahead of you, giving you enough time to slow down before it's YOUR turn. If you are one-on-one against ANY radar gun, YOU WILL LOSE. I'll repeat that. If you are the car getting clocked, there is NO DEFENSE by then so you WILL get a ticket regardless of what unit you have. It only makes sense. This often happens very late at night on the highway where there is NO question WHO the officer is clocking and he just waits until you get in range and BAM he clocks you. There is no defense to that. This is where common sense comes into play. DO NOT speed like an idiot when you have no "blockers" in front of you where your RD can pick up when THEY are getting blocked. If noone is in front of you for a big distance, SLOW DOWN dufus. NO RD IN THE WORLD WILL SAVE YOU THEN. Get it? Follow that?
Second, just like in the audio world, there are definetly some units much better than others. In the RD world, it is only 1 of 3 units: Valentine, Passport, or Bel. PERIOD. A bunch may "work", but only one of these 3 manufacturers can be EXPECTED to work above the performance level of anyone else's. I'm not going to get into the big debate of which one is better, because there are pros and cons to all of them. I will say this: I have owned and still own more RD's than most of you. I still use both a V1 and an 8500 myself. I also have laser jammers as well, but we'll get into that in a sec. My point is that I have my favorites for a reason. If someone wants to debate one versus the other, I'll be happy to get into it with them. Until then, that's another whole subject. Point here is that you can't skimp on the unit itself. Buy a cheapo and you'll get cheapo performance. Straight up.
Third, LASER jammers are 100% legal in GA. There is a reason why LASER is bolded. RADAR jammers is what is NOT legal anywhere and is regulated by the FCC. They are two totally different things. One requires a big parabolic antenna, like the old school satellite dish ones, and a powerful electronic controller to work. It is very much illegal because it is something that ACTIVELY interferes with RADAR signals. Again, I used the word RADAR, not LASER. Lasers you can easily defeat by using LED diodes because Lasers are LIGHT themselves.
A laser gun, also called LIDAR, is very finicky. You have to be certified for it, it has to be held really still, you have to aim at a relatively flat surface to get an accurate reading (you'll see where this comes into play in a minute), etc. It shoots a beam that at it's widest point is about 18 inches across, or about the computer monitor you're looking into right now. That beam of LIGHT is reflected back to the source, the gun, and your speed is very accurately measured. This is the reason why they often use the HEADLIGHTS or front license plate/bumper as an aiming point because it's the flattest point in the front of the vehicle. If they shot it at the front windshield, it would go THRU and not work right. If they shot your hood, it would reflect off. Think of it in terms of LIGHT. If it can't reflect straight back, the gun won't read it right. So it is very much true that officers do in fact shoot you at or around your headlights for this very reason.
Back now to how a LASER jammer works. It works using the premise that if you shoot BACK another "LIGHT" it will confuse the radar gun and make read an error or not at all. That's how it works. When the diodes mounted in the grill of your car get shot with the laser, they shoot back using LED's and the gun chokes. It won't read. Watch this video and it will show you exactly what I'm saying:
http://www.blinderm20.com/contents/media/blinderDVD.wmv
That is the Blinder laser jammer, which I have on my car, at work. I can tell you from EXPERIENCE that it works. I love it. Best investment I've made when it comes to RD's. There are others too. Both Bel and Passport make their versions of it, but are much more expensive than the Blinder, plus according to some tests the Blinder seems to work better too. Don't know about that, but there are choices. One cool choice is Passports ability to directly tie in with the 8500 and up series where both units work as one. It's very cool and tidy.
Just FYI, Bel actually owns Passport. This is why they both offer very similar looking and performing units. Their high-end models are electronic clones with different cases. The newest Passport, the 9500i, is pimp. It uses GPS technology to remember where there are false signals so that next time you are driving by the same spot you won't false again. Very very cool. It not only does it by location but also remembers the exact frequency too. That way if a cop happens to be clocking, i.e. using a different frequency than that automatic door at Walgreens, you won't get nailed because it didn't know the difference. It does. It's a very nice unit IMO. I still love my V1, but I won't hate on good stuff either.
Finally, I'm going to say this: RD's work, but only if you KNOW it's limitations and how to use them for you instead of against you. If you're an idiot, an RD is not going to change that. If you speed blindly, eventually it will catch up to you.
I have a ton more info, but I'll reserve that for another discussion. If anyone has any more questions, feel free to ask away. I'm not an expert on this, but I have done a ton of research and more importantly used a bunch of both good and bad units. Wasted tons of money too. The only way I learned was to read and research and ask questions. Almost 10 yrs without a speeding ticket, knock on wood, means I must be doing something right. Hell, ask anyone that knows me. I don't drive like a grandma AT ALL either.
Hope this helps and sheds some light on this subject for many of you.
Glad I could help before.Oh sh*t. Watch out, I was wondering when he was going to join this thread.. Hehe I have a few questions about jammers por favor. Im looking to get one.. I know I dont want the ZR3... just don't know which Blinder to get with what setup and where to get it installed properly
Jaime helped me pick out my first radar dector... Escort 8500 and I loved it. Then I sold it to a friend for 200, and bought the 9500 for 320
I have the M20 Blinder myself. I love it. They don't make that model anymore though. Now it's called the M25 I believe. It has some "upgrades" but it's basically the same unit internally, which is where it matters. They only have 2 models if I'm not mistaken. The M25 and the M45. The only difference is that the 25 comes with 2 diodes and the 45 with 4. The 45 is designed for larger vehicles and for those concerned about getting tagged from behind. Personally, I haven't seen too many instances where they clock from behind because normally they are not positioned to do that unless they're shooting off a bridge, which technically renders the reading faulty anyway, so I didn't opt to get the bigger unit myself. I guess it wouldn't hurt if you had the cash for it. I believe the big unit is close to $700 if I'm not mistaken. Both have to be professionally installed anyway, so add that cost to it too.
My advice? Can't go wrong with either one. The ZR3 is very expensive, but it does tie in with an 8500 which is nice. I love mine, so I definetly would recommend that one. The install really does need a professional hand because the diodes need to be as level as possible and can only be certain distance away from the headlights to ensure working right. Plus installing the rest of the unit is not really difficult, but its nice if it's done properly. Mine is awesome because the LED light is mounted in a way where it reflects off my speedo, so just glancing I can see it. The rest is tucked away and done right.
Let me know and I'll hook you up with my installer.
lol thats why you hide the jamer deep into your dash
You know better; next time will be a ban.
You mean the brain box, right?
BTW, I will have one more disclaimer. Although the video(s) are very very cheesy and ricey, they do show HOW it does work. Please ignore the cheesy crap and just look at how it works.
Here is another one I found:
http://www.1stradardetectors.com/ass...st1Sm_Prog.flv
Thanks for the info Jaime. Good stuff.
RX-8
208.6 RWHP
Thanks for the Info Jamie!!!
my escort 8500 has done me fine...i'd say 15 for 15 never let me down (knocks on wood) but minus the jammers, i'd go with the escort 9500i...the gps technology is sick and u can also program it to remember known speed traps...jammers are too baller for me....
RESONATORS ARE FOR THE DEVIL!
Glad I could help before.
I have the M20 Blinder myself. I love it. They don't make that model anymore though. Now it's called the M25 I believe. It has some "upgrades" but it's basically the same unit internally, which is where it matters. They only have 2 models if I'm not mistaken. The M25 and the M45. The only difference is that the 25 comes with 2 diodes and the 45 with 4. The 45 is designed for larger vehicles and for those concerned about getting tagged from behind. Personally, I haven't seen too many instances where they clock from behind because normally they are not positioned to do that unless they're shooting off a bridge, which technically renders the reading faulty anyway, so I didn't opt to get the bigger unit myself. I guess it wouldn't hurt if you had the cash for it. I believe the big unit is close to $700 if I'm not mistaken. Both have to be professionally installed anyway, so add that cost to it too.
My advice? Can't go wrong with either one. The ZR3 is very expensive, but it does tie in with an 8500 which is nice. I love mine, so I definetly would recommend that one. The install really does need a professional hand because the diodes need to be as level as possible and can only be certain distance away from the headlights to ensure working right. Plus installing the rest of the unit is not really difficult, but its nice if it's done properly. Mine is awesome because the LED light is mounted in a way where it reflects off my speedo, so just glancing I can see it. The rest is tucked away and done right.
Let me know and I'll hook you up with my installer.
From what I saw on youtube videos it seems like the Blinder does give the best protection.. but how well does it work with the Escort 9500? And yeah I was just curious if other than diodes if there might have been any other technological differences like the 8500 and 9500.
Evo with Blinder M20...
http://youtube.com/watch?v=R_hAAfsM8ao
Now from reading the comments and my own research I see that your suppose to have the diodes within 18 inchs of your license plate, and headlights and its best not to keep it behind anything (the Evo kept it behind his grill). However, I LOVE his radio setup. Is that what you have? Every time a laser hits your radio tunes right into the jammer/RD? And one more thing..I heard you can set up the blinder to shut itself down after 5-8 seconds? Is that worth it? Im thinking I would like that so a cop can get a read on me after X amts of seconds that I have to slow down...
Im actually tryin really hard to save up some money right now because my daily commute these days is a lot further (Lawrenceville to Kennesaw) and the last thing I need is another ticket lols. BTW thanks for all your help!! REPS for YOU!!
good write up jamie
This is a two part question. First, so far all of the independent tests that I've seen have all been unanimous about the Blinder being the best. Mostly because of the combination of cost and more importantly close to 100% reliability against any laser gun so far.
Second, the Blinder (or any jammer for that matter) is designed to work as a stand alone unit, with the exception of the ZR3. BTW, the ZR3 is called a shifter, not a "jammer".
The Blinder goes thru a self-check sequence everytime you start the car, so you hear it quite often. Red light cameras also set it off.
And yeah I was just curious if other than diodes if there might have been any other technological differences like the 8500 and 9500.
I haven't read about the diode difference, but I'm assuming that it will probably be as sensitive if not better than the 8500. There hasn't really been any independent tests done on that unit yet.
This is the only complaint I have about the V1. Ergonomically, it's the exact same unit since the beginning of time. The guts are updated, but the case and functions are exactly the same. On one hand it's bland, but on the other it follows their "performance first, everything else last" kind of attitude. While I agree that performance is the reason for the whole thing, it would be kinda nice to spruce up the unit a little too. I kinda wish they'd come out with a laser jammer themselves too.
Yes, you can have it attenuate your HU if need be. Honestly though, it's pretty damn loud already. Unless you are constantly jamming ultra loud, it's plenty loud to scare the crap out of you.Now from reading the comments and my own research I see that your suppose to have the diodes within 18 inchs of your license plate, and headlights and its best not to keep it behind anything (the Evo kept it behind his grill). However, I LOVE his radio setup. Is that what you have? Every time a laser hits your radio tunes right into the jammer/RD?
Yes, you have to mount it with an unobstructed view. This is why I suggested a pro install. They also have to be mounted level and parallel to the ground, not too far away, etc. Although in one of the videos I posted it shows that even when shot way high, i.e. hood and windshield, it still did it's job.
Mine can't be "programmed" to shut down, but it does come with an on/off kill switch you can mount anywhere accessible. Maybe the new one comes with it built in somehow, but I doubt it. The switch is designed for exactly that, shut off AFTER you've slowed down to LET them clock you. While the jammers are legal in the majority of the states, much like politics, some states are still wayyy behind the times and outlaw them. Remember, there are still two states that outlaw RD's too. Anyway, if traveling thru those states that outlaw jammers, you can use the on/off switch if clocked. When the jammer goes off, slam on the brakes to get down to the right speed, hit the switch, he clocks you, you smile, and keep going.And one more thing..I heard you can set up the blinder to shut itself down after 5-8 seconds? Is that worth it? Im thinking I would like that so a cop can get a read on me after X amts of seconds that I have to slow down...
I have mine mounted under the dash where I can still reach it if need be. I use some times when I'm the first car at an intersection with red light cameras. SHEESH, that thing goes nuts and it keeps on and on and on, so I have shut it down until the light goes green again.
^oh WOW! I never knew the red light cameras set off the laser alert on my unit...!!
Okay ill just have to figure out a good place to mount the kill switch and I should be able to work with it. Hehe probably because I like the sound of shutting it off...smiling, and waving to say whaat up!! and then ride on by LOL!
Scare the crap out of you...Hrmm. So the only question that stands is how loud is loud? My music is usually loud enough for me to barely be able to hear my RD go off... Usually, if I'm speeding a bit I just try to keep my music down. Generally I'm just constantly glancing at my RD to make sure its clear and cause I have it set to show me my speed at all times--pretty useful feature btw. So, does that mean my music is really loud and I need to wire it up to my HU? Lol I guess the easiest way to know is by finding out whats the price difference, lol. Ill keep it turned down a few notches for a 500 dollar difference
Im really sick of my radar being set off by those things on the highway that show you your speed. I lose a lot of time slowing down for those.
***Lotus Elise***
BlackWatchRacing/Sector111/Larini Exhausts/Difflow Diffusers/Classic Livery of Atlanta Paint/APR Performance
interesting info
EBTEC
EMMINO BUILT
Allmotor K EK Hatch Coming Soon.....
They do within the window of about 5 secs before the light turns red. It shoots laser from that pod up on the pole to get the cars speed as it crosses the intersection. So if you're approaching an intersection where you know there are cameras and your RD goes nuts, get ready to hit the brakes or speed up.
It's just a simple small toggle switch. You have to mount it somewhere that you can reach it quickly but that is also out of the way so you don't accidentally turn it off.Okay ill just have to figure out a good place to mount the kill switch and I should be able to work with it. Hehe probably because I like the sound of shutting it off...smiling, and waving to say whaat up!! and then ride on by LOL!
If you can hear your RD, you can hear the buzzer from the Blinder. Like I said, it's annoying as hell. But that's good because it definetly gets your attention. Besides, since it goes off very rarely....when it does go off....it scares the crap out of you because A: it's a new sound or, B: It goes off at the exact same time as your RD on the dash which also uses a unique sound for Laser to get your attention too. So you may very well have it in freaking "stereo". I know mine does that. Trust me, you won't mistake it for anything else. The V1 is not as loud as the 8500, and I can still hear mine over my music. You'll be fine I'm sure.Scare the crap out of you...Hrmm. So the only question that stands is how loud is loud? My music is usually loud enough for me to barely be able to hear my RD go off...
I hate them if I don't know they're there, but I love them if I have to drive back past it again....
^awesome!! thanks for all the info! any recommendations where to buy the blinder from? Im HOPING to make the purchase and have it installed by the January of 08..but if I do Ill probably be having it done on 2-3 cars
You must spread some Reputation around before giving it to Jaimecbr900 again.
Directly from Blinder. I haven't seen any type of real price difference anywhere else.
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