Where is your radar detector mounted?
08-19-2006, 12:46 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 48
Where is your radar detector mounted?
I went out to mount the radar detector and realized that the angle of the window makes it kind of hard. If I put it below the rear view mirror I have to put it so far down that the wire will have a ways to go before it tucks into the harness for the mirror wires (not such a great look to me).
Will the mesh at the TOP of the windshield screw up the reception? I would like to put it up high so I can run the wire under the headliner and down the post.
Where is yours mounted and do you have pics?
EDIT: This is a 6th gen specific question so I posted it here. If it needs to go into the electronics area let me know and I will move it.
Will the mesh at the TOP of the windshield screw up the reception? I would like to put it up high so I can run the wire under the headliner and down the post.
Where is yours mounted and do you have pics?
EDIT: This is a 6th gen specific question so I posted it here. If it needs to go into the electronics area let me know and I will move it.
08-19-2006, 01:42 PM
#3
I hard wired mine right in front of my steering wheel and the wire hides through the AC top vent on the left with my GPS tomtom. Everything is right there in front of me. You may find it difficult to hide the wire down the side post as your car has curtain airbags. There is also a sticky on hard wiring it through your rear view mirror wires.
08-19-2006, 01:53 PM
#4
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Originally Posted by coitaltie
I hard wired mine right in front of my steering wheel and the wire hides through the AC top vent on the left with my GPS tomtom. Everything is right there in front of me. You may find it difficult to hide the wire down the side post as your car has curtain airbags. There is also a sticky on hard wiring it through your rear view mirror wires.
Mounting it on the dash is a good idea. I was not considering anything other than the windshield but that would fix my problem of it falling off on really hot days (which happens to be ALL of them lately).
Any pics?
08-20-2006, 06:32 AM
#5
I routed my power wire from the drivers fuse panel and drivers side pillar. I didn't remove the pillar so I use a flat screw driver to push in the wire about a 1/2 inch. The rearview mirror seems to take most of the space in the middle, so I just mounted the radar at the top on the drivers side.
08-20-2006, 07:51 AM
#6
Originally Posted by Pneumatic
Yeah I noticed that the side post was pretty snug. I thought I might be able to sneak the wire in there somehow.
Mounting it on the dash is a good idea. I was not considering anything other than the windshield but that would fix my problem of it falling off on really hot days (which happens to be ALL of them lately).
Any pics?
Mounting it on the dash is a good idea. I was not considering anything other than the windshield but that would fix my problem of it falling off on really hot days (which happens to be ALL of them lately).
Any pics?
08-20-2006, 07:55 AM
#7
The only reason there is resdiual wire on the radar is bc I take it down everytime I park as it is hot as hell in GA. Hope this helps. Also I wired it through to the cigarette lighter on the shifter, both tomtom and whistler.
08-20-2006, 09:04 AM
#8
I always say I need to get a radar detector, but I never do. I think it's the fact that they just look clunky and mess up the interior. (I know it would be worth it, everytime I don't get a ticket!!)
No offense coitaltie but that just looks messy to me. Just my personal preference. I want to get one but I want it to look like something more like this:
No offense coitaltie but that just looks messy to me. Just my personal preference. I want to get one but I want it to look like something more like this:
08-20-2006, 09:11 AM
#9
Or something not so crazy like the Bel Pro RX75, only problem is that it's a bit pricey...
Or the Passport SR7
http://www.swooby.com/z/radar/
Or the Passport SR7
http://www.swooby.com/z/radar/
08-20-2006, 09:45 AM
#12
i ran my hard wire setup down in the dash where the stock factory alarm led is. inside that panel i drilled a hole and ran it down there along with my viper antenna wire. and i put the remote mute button in between the heated seat switches in the armrest console.
08-20-2006, 09:57 AM
#13
Originally Posted by jsmithsole
I always say I need to get a radar detector, but I never do. I think it's the fact that they just look clunky and mess up the interior. (I know it would be worth it, everytime I don't get a ticket!!)
No offense coitaltie but that just looks messy to me. Just my personal preference. I want to get one but I want it to look like something more like this:
No offense coitaltie but that just looks messy to me. Just my personal preference. I want to get one but I want it to look like something more like this:
08-20-2006, 10:07 AM
#14
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jsmithsole, what is that and where can I read up on it. That appears to be a perfect setup (other than the fact that it would remove the compass from the rear view mirror). I am not quite a 'money is no object' guy but I could spring for something like that if it isn't ridiculously priced.
A two piece setup might be the way to go. Have the detector part somewhere but the display on or above the mirror. I like it!
A two piece setup might be the way to go. Have the detector part somewhere but the display on or above the mirror. I like it!
08-20-2006, 10:58 AM
#16
Owns way too many maximas
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Old Bridge, NJ
Posts: 142
Originally Posted by jsmithsole
I always say I need to get a radar detector, but I never do. I think it's the fact that they just look clunky and mess up the interior. (I know it would be worth it, everytime I don't get a ticket!!)
No offense coitaltie but that just looks messy to me. Just my personal preference. I want to get one but I want it to look like something more like this:
[im g]http://www.sportrex.com/dev/valentine1.jpg[/img]
[im g]http://www.sportrex.com/dev/valentine3.jpg[/img]
No offense coitaltie but that just looks messy to me. Just my personal preference. I want to get one but I want it to look like something more like this:
[im g]http://www.sportrex.com/dev/valentine1.jpg[/img]
[im g]http://www.sportrex.com/dev/valentine3.jpg[/img]
08-20-2006, 11:31 AM
#19
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Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 108
i just got my V1 and i have my conseal unit comming. I love the V1 i had a bel 8500 and i hate it. Sold it right after i got a ticket. The new V1 are awesome. They can even tell the difference between a cheap radar detector and a radar gun. Awesome.
08-20-2006, 04:53 PM
#20
I concealed my wire under the dash, so it not be so "messy". Also I would recommend keeping your radar close to the bottom of the windshield as the popo aim for your license plate and sometimes your windshield, however not usually high where I see most detectors. Even though when your laser goes off, you have minimal if any time to slow down, thats where you want your detector. your Ka, and K should be fine unless behind a huge car. For $400 the V1 better not get me a ticket, however when your laser goes off, the display should just say, "damn, just got a F#$%in ticket".
08-20-2006, 05:42 PM
#22
When I receive my Blue X50, its going in the middle of the windsheild(wanted the Wireless, but uses a lot of battery), so that it can be put in glovebox everytime car is parked to prevent theft/ticket for it being illegal here(like I care lol). TomTom is going to go right in front of it on the dash. How do you like your X50 Ascendant?
How do you like your X50 Ascendant?
08-20-2006, 05:45 PM
#24
Originally Posted by Defiant_Max04
When I receive my Blue X50, its going in the middle of the windsheild(wanted the Wireless, but uses a lot of battery), so that it can be put in glovebox everytime car is parked to prevent theft/ticket for it being illegal here(like I care lol). TomTom is going to go right in front of it on the dash. How do you like your X50 Ascendant?
How do you like your X50 Ascendant?i had a x50 blue, payed extra $50 for the blue cuz it looked cool, hopefully yours is alot better then mine, got pulled over the first day of having the damn thing, got 2 tickets total while i had it, had it for a total of 2 months, for me at least it was a piece of junk...got a valentine 1 and had no tickets for over 1 yr, best of luck to you....
08-20-2006, 05:57 PM
#26
Owns way too many maximas
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Old Bridge, NJ
Posts: 142
Originally Posted by Defiant_Max04
Blaxima..could we use that detector with our existing mirrors? I kind of like my autodimming/homelink/digital compass mirror. Then I'd have two detectors lol.
08-20-2006, 07:26 PM
#29
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Posts: 48
This is the best site I have found about radar detectors:
http://www.radarbusters.com/
This guy seems to test them ALL and it seems that he is objective. Of course, he may be taking a kickback from Bel but he has the data to back up his tests.
Here is a comprehensive test that he did between 27 different radar detectors complete with graphs and charts showing how far away they detected each band. It's a really good and complete test and it was done this year so it's current models.
http://www.radarbusters.com/support/...ts/Default.asp
For those of you that don't care to read it all, here is the bottom line:
He did tests on several "concealed" units but my lips are tired from reading tonight. I will go through them tomorrow and see if they are worth the extra money and effort to install them.
http://www.radarbusters.com/
This guy seems to test them ALL and it seems that he is objective. Of course, he may be taking a kickback from Bel but he has the data to back up his tests.
Here is a comprehensive test that he did between 27 different radar detectors complete with graphs and charts showing how far away they detected each band. It's a really good and complete test and it was done this year so it's current models.
http://www.radarbusters.com/support/...ts/Default.asp
For those of you that don't care to read it all, here is the bottom line:
As the Radar Roy's Radar Detector Rumble tests show, the new Beltronics RX65 performed as well as the Escort 8500 X50 and both have been awarded Radar Roy's Five Badge Rating!
Could it be that both are virtually the same detector, as Escort had bought out Beltronics two years ago and now both companies are under the same ownership? We think so!
The testing also showed that the Bel RX65 and the Escort 8500 X50 performed as well, and in some cases better then the more expensive Valentine 1 radar detector.
Could it be that both are virtually the same detector, as Escort had bought out Beltronics two years ago and now both companies are under the same ownership? We think so!
The testing also showed that the Bel RX65 and the Escort 8500 X50 performed as well, and in some cases better then the more expensive Valentine 1 radar detector.
He did tests on several "concealed" units but my lips are tired from reading tonight. I will go through them tomorrow and see if they are worth the extra money and effort to install them.
08-21-2006, 04:47 AM
#30
I actually talked to this guy in Arizona. He does recommend the bel, however he said for the money the whistler pro 73, which is what I bought is legit. Ive had it for about a year and it has saved me many of times. For those who dont want to spend in excess of $300, this is the one for you. He also says stay away from the wireless ones, always go for a corded. Ive actually been saved from the laser detection, as I slammed the brakes right when it went on...the police pulled right behind me, I started to pull over (saying SOB in my head) and he went right around me and got the girl in front of me. Thank god. Anywho, take what you will from this. I bought mine from buy.com as I buy everything from there.
08-21-2006, 11:09 AM
#31
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 157
Originally Posted by Defiant_Max04
Thank you all. I thought the X50 was supposed to be "the best". Any other detector's you'd recommend? I'll check out Valentine. Thanks so much. 
08-21-2006, 12:40 PM
#32
Newbie just Registered
Join Date: May 2005
Location: LA/OC, CA
Posts: 2,795
I have Bel RX65 Pro in one car and Escort 8500 X50 in another now. I also used to have an older V1 (among many others), retired a couple of years ago when it responded a ticket too slow after 5 years of being on the ball. So far I like Bel the best, with less false and better Ka than the X50; although I have no direct comparison with the old or experience with the newer V1. All 3 are rated to be the best stand alone detectors you can get, each gets highest rating points depending on who rate them.
If I plan to keep a car longer than a few years, I may consider an intergrated system. But the sensors get desensitize from heat and normal operation, so they may not last that much longer than a stand alone systems.
If I plan to keep a car longer than a few years, I may consider an intergrated system. But the sensors get desensitize from heat and normal operation, so they may not last that much longer than a stand alone systems.
08-21-2006, 01:40 PM
#33
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 2
I know this is a little off topic, but i haven't been able to get answer anywhere online. I have a Pioneer AVIC-N2 (i got a really good deal on it, thats why i got it instead of the N3. from what i understand they're basically the same unit with newer software for the N3) anyway i have an 04 maxima and want to know if it's a custom install or if i can get the single Din adapter and put it in myself? Every place I've called wants to charge anywhere from $250 or more.
08-21-2006, 02:07 PM
#34
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by RHMax
I have Bel RX65 Pro in one car and Escort 8500 X50 in another now. I also used to have an older V1 (among many others), retired a couple of years ago when it responded a ticket too slow after 5 years of being on the ball. So far I like Bel the best, with less false and better Ka than the X50; although I have no direct comparison with the old or experience with the newer V1. All 3 are rated to be the best stand alone detectors you can get, each gets highest rating points depending on who rate them.
If I plan to keep a car longer than a few years, I may consider an intergrated system. But the sensors get desensitize from heat and normal operation, so they may not last that much longer than a stand alone systems.
If I plan to keep a car longer than a few years, I may consider an intergrated system. But the sensors get desensitize from heat and normal operation, so they may not last that much longer than a stand alone systems.
The only downside to the V1 to me is that it's fugly. At least in the pictures it looks like something made in the 1970's. I know it's shallow of me but I don't know that I could stand it hanging on the window.
08-22-2006, 09:32 AM
#36
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Join Date: May 2005
Location: LA/OC, CA
Posts: 2,795
Originally Posted by Pneumatic
The most appealing thing about the V1 from what I can see is that they will upgrade it forever. It looks like it performs well in the tests so couldn't you send it in and have them touch it up? I know it cost but I have no idea how much.
The only downside to the V1 to me is that it's fugly. At least in the pictures it looks like something made in the 1970's. I know it's shallow of me but I don't know that I could stand it hanging on the window.
The only downside to the V1 to me is that it's fugly. At least in the pictures it looks like something made in the 1970's. I know it's shallow of me but I don't know that I could stand it hanging on the window.
08-22-2006, 10:40 AM
#37
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Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 48
man i like the look of the mirror that is such a good idea. I have had a V1 for about 5 years. I love it, you can get a good used one on ebay for around $225-300. I have the V1 in the middle, and i am using a clear straight phone cord, (instead if the black one they give you), running to the outlet on the side by the passenger.
08-22-2006, 10:46 AM
#38
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 48
Originally Posted by ofgortens
That V1 in the mirror looks so smooth... what are they running for?
Originally Posted by RHMax
lol It was like having a microwave on my dashboard. That was another reason I ditched it. The others look much sleeker. Both RX65 and X50 are mounter just above the rearview mirrors, out of the way with nothing blocking them.
08-22-2006, 11:37 AM
#39
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 69
Originally Posted by Pneumatic
...but it has a mesh material at the top of the windshield behind the rear view mirror. Is that metal and does it interfere with the signal?
08-22-2006, 11:47 AM
#40
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 157
Originally Posted by MPScan
I was wondering the same thing. I did however put my EZ Pass there and my RFID tag for the garage at my work there (on either side) and haven't had any issues yet. Not sure if a radar detector would be effected though. Actually, I kind of like my two things there because you can't see them from outside the car.