I just got a BEL Vector 985 as a gift and it seems like an awesome detector, however, its only 4-5 days old, but will randomly pick up a mid strength (4-5) K band signal. I figure this is fine, however, I will mute it and it will keep the signal even after I am way away from where it picked it up. Then if i try to turn the detector off and then back on, it will not find the signal again. So 2 questions:

First off, is it safe for me to turn off K band? Most police in my area use Ka band but it would suck to be caught with a K gun. I live in Bay Area, CA if that matters...

Secondly, could vibrations from my sound system damage the detector? When idling the detector will vibrate and even bounce up and down.

Thanks!

Derek

 

K is almost always police, so thats usually a band you'd definately want to keep on even if they mostly use Ka. Sometimes people turn off X band because that is also a band used with electronic doors etc and will go nuts around shopping centers. You may just have to fool around with settings, I have a valentine 1 and you can set it to local, highway etc. If all else fails, you can try exchanging it for a new one.

 

Do NOT turn off K band. Even though many cops are switching to newer equipment (KA/Laser) some still have K. I have even seen a couple of brand new cop cars shooting X band down here. As for the detector question I would say something is wrong with it. I would return it and buy a Valentine One, or at least get a new one.

 

exchange it for another one and you'll be fine. My Bel doesn't have the problem your experiencing.

 

i got pulled over on hwy5 by a CHP when it hit "2X". i usually didn't bother to slow down when it hit X, but sadly the ticket cost me $213 for going 85mph in a 65mph.

btw i have Cobra ESD9115 Radar Detector. usually when it hits Ka it detects some sort of cops. so far it works fine.

 

Looks like I should turn both X and K back on....well, I have had an Escort Solo before and it had the same problem with seemingly random signals but perhaps its my area. Vibrations could not cause this?

Derek

 

where did you mount your radar? sometimes the location of the radar affects its dection. here's where i mount mine:



it's located on top of the driver's window behind the tinted windows. the 12V power goes through the a-pillar, under driver's carpet, connected to my 4-way 12V spilter which also supply my rice neons.

 

Thats a good place, mines located a little bit above the clock but to the left....

Derek

 

Here in South Jersey, all the local cops still use X band! When I get a K alert it is always from another person's radar detector passing me in the other lane.

 

It should be mounted towards the center of your windshield for best detection.

 

I have the 98**. Not the newest one but only cost $90 a year ago. I have never been caught speeding. Buy 1 and you should be safe.

 

You picked up a CHP with X band ?...wtf !