Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

I've got my Passport 8500 hardwired so it's always connected. Do you think it's safe to leave it mounted on the windshield baking in the sun all day? Will the heat screw up the circuits?

Thanks.

Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

not sure but just be safe and put a cloth over it or something.

Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

I would like to think that they design them to hold up to the heat experienced in a car....who knows tho. I've had the same Bell detector since '95 and she still works. I have mine just above the clock on the max, so it gets plenty o sunshine...the only thing I've noticed is that the alert sounds change pitch when its really hot.

Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

Aside from voltage spikes heat is the worst thing possible for semi-conductors. Sitting in the sun on the dash temp's can easily exceed 150F, well above consumer electronic standards but, interestingly, still well within environmental spec's for automotive under-hood (which are much more stringent than most military requirements).

Properly designed a radar detector probably has a 20 year design life, if not designed it keeping it in the sun may knock 25-50% off that. Are you comfortable pitching it in 10 years?

If not properly designed, it may fail in less than one year. But if that's the case it could fail even if it's at room temp all the time. MTBF ratings are a statistics game, just like going to Vegas, keeping it cool is a simple way of stacking the odds in your favor.

BuddyW

Re: Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

My detector is hardwired to and has been baking in my car for the past couple weeks now. I just noticed my voice and sounds are starting to break up due to the heat yesterday, and today i got no sounds at all

Re: Re: Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

If you can, relocate it above your rear view mirror, like me. I have great range front and back with no loss. My windshield tint does not affect range at all so my Bel 980 is out of the sun.
http://images.cardomain.com/installs...07_38_full.jpg

Re: Re: Re: Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

good idea :idea:

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

Why don't you have an auto dim mirror?? Isn't that standard on your trim level?

Good question about the autodim... Also, Dave how did you wire it up? I love that location idea.

I had my installers wire it into a 12V switch where the map lights are, so when I turn my car on the radar turns on:D

That was an old pic of my 2K. I have it mounted the same way on my 2K2

Where you live no prob. If you lived in Phoenix???

Also good for theft reasons. You can't see my detector from the outside.

Re: Re: Re: Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

good idea too bad the 8500 doesn't fit there :( well it does but barely without mirror adjustments and cuts off the top buttons

Re: Re: Re: Re: Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

I sold an 8500 to bernie200SE and had it mounted there with no problems. It fit fine.

Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

If its hot out...take your 8500 down!!! The 8500 doesnt like direct sunlight. Everytime I would leave it in direct sunlight over the summer, when I started my car I would get a "Service" message.

actually my friend has a passport 8500 and the heat has deformed the suction cups and causes it to fall off after a while. He does have a convertible, but still...

Have him use velcro on his detector as well as the rear view mirror to hold into place. works great for me.

Dave

Well my 8500 hant shown any weird messages and works good so far! but yes the suction cups have become deformed, im on my second set and ive had it seince christmas!

Mount it like I did above your rear view mirror. No more suction cups!

Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by steelymatt
[B]I've got my Passport 8500 hardwired so it's always connected. Do you think it's safe to leave it mounted on the windshield baking in the sun all day? Will the heat screw up the circuits?

Thanks.

Adding heat to a radar detector will cause a severe loss in range on your unit. Once it cools down you will get your range back. After time of adding heat to the unit it will cause permanant damage to the unit and you will have to get a new one.

no suction cups?!?!?! wow im going to play now:hmmph:

Re: Re: Can we keep our Radar Detectors out in the sun?
 

I usually take the 8500 down when I am not using it, I just put it in the armrest compartment. I also put up a sunshade to protect the interior; its pretty hard to put that up with the radar detector on as well.

Also, where do you usually mount your radar detectors? Are they right above the clock or much higher? Mine is about half way up the windshield so that the 360 coverage has enough visible area. If you have it above the rearview, do you get the 360 coverage to work as well?

ok that wont work with the 8500. even if it did, it cuts off alot of the range you get when its lower because the tint takes out some plus the 360 is defeated, well the picture shows it cant be done...

http://members.cox.net/adas/radar.jpg

I'm planning to hard-wire my detector on my max soon. Where can I buy a cord for it? I don't want to slice the coiled cord that I have now, in case I need to switch vehicles with it. Where can I just buy a power cord?

actually i did a wanna-be hardwire. I pulled the cable throught the ceiling down the corner thingy lol throght the stwering column under my shifter into the cigareette lighter since that was the most convenient place to put the button, as so:

http://members.cox.net/adas/switch.JPG