RADAR Detectors
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It sure is. Radar is detected from hitting an object and bouncing back to it's previous location, hence the reason when your detector goes off, you are already on radar.
Radar is detected when it bounces from one object to another, hence from the police radar unit to your vehicle back to the radar unit.
Originally Posted By: Kuato
My brother swears by his Valentine 1. I am or was partial to Escort and it's ancestors. But:
Originally Posted By: lawman1909
They are a waste of money, and no one can debate this fact ---> Once the detector "goes off", starts ringing, you have already been captured on radar. Every officer I know cites people for speed no matter what if they have a radar detector since they are trying to "beat" the system. Also, most dept's now use LIDAR, or LASER. This cannot be captured by any detector units. Save the excess speed for the tracks. Not saying 45 in a 35 is a big deal, but 60 in a 35 is. IMO, I don't see a problem with up to 30% over the speed limit.
^ This.
Back when radar first came out, I got a detector. At that time the police vehicle had to be stationary, and the radar had to be on constantly to work. I had the advantage for a couple years.
Then the tech war changed, as the radar was upgraded to be mobile. This still had to be on constantly, so although you got a lot less warning you could still pick them up in time to slow down.
Then the cops came out with instant-on, but it had to be stationary. Still advantage driver, but with less notice and if you were alone on the highway, you would lose.
After the police got instant-on mobile radar, I sold my radar detector. Through each of these stages I progressively got more tickets as the technological advantage changed from the driver to the police. During this time I was driving the same 250 mile route a couple times a month and I knew where the stationary radar hiding spots were.
Now it's 8 over for me. Knock on wood I have not received a speeding ticket doing this, in my home state or any other, even though I've driven right by several officers who looked up quickly at their dash as I passed.
Edit: one definite advantage in ditching the detector is stress. "Fighting the battle" for 4 hours in order to go more than 10 over was and is quite tiring. Simply setting the cruise at 8 over and not worrying one bit allows a relaxed trip. At 250 miles the difference between 60 and 75 mph is less than 40 minutes...
Yep. The stress. I had a similar situation with the 55 mph speed limit on a very rural 280 mile course back in the bad old days. Limiting bathroom breaks is the best way to make time on a long trip. Its pretty hard to make up for an extra ten minutes at zero mph. My worst time was when I made the trip in a Crown Vic while wearing aviator sunglasses.
Anyway, Waze app (fellow drivers rat out stationary cops) is probably a better bet. If they nail you while driving along, that's a legit bust for your inattentiveness.
My brother swears by his Valentine 1. I am or was partial to Escort and it's ancestors. But:
Originally Posted By: lawman1909
They are a waste of money, and no one can debate this fact ---> Once the detector "goes off", starts ringing, you have already been captured on radar. Every officer I know cites people for speed no matter what if they have a radar detector since they are trying to "beat" the system. Also, most dept's now use LIDAR, or LASER. This cannot be captured by any detector units. Save the excess speed for the tracks. Not saying 45 in a 35 is a big deal, but 60 in a 35 is. IMO, I don't see a problem with up to 30% over the speed limit.
^ This.
Back when radar first came out, I got a detector. At that time the police vehicle had to be stationary, and the radar had to be on constantly to work. I had the advantage for a couple years.
Then the tech war changed, as the radar was upgraded to be mobile. This still had to be on constantly, so although you got a lot less warning you could still pick them up in time to slow down.
Then the cops came out with instant-on, but it had to be stationary. Still advantage driver, but with less notice and if you were alone on the highway, you would lose.
After the police got instant-on mobile radar, I sold my radar detector. Through each of these stages I progressively got more tickets as the technological advantage changed from the driver to the police. During this time I was driving the same 250 mile route a couple times a month and I knew where the stationary radar hiding spots were.
Now it's 8 over for me. Knock on wood I have not received a speeding ticket doing this, in my home state or any other, even though I've driven right by several officers who looked up quickly at their dash as I passed.
Edit: one definite advantage in ditching the detector is stress. "Fighting the battle" for 4 hours in order to go more than 10 over was and is quite tiring. Simply setting the cruise at 8 over and not worrying one bit allows a relaxed trip. At 250 miles the difference between 60 and 75 mph is less than 40 minutes...
Yep. The stress. I had a similar situation with the 55 mph speed limit on a very rural 280 mile course back in the bad old days. Limiting bathroom breaks is the best way to make time on a long trip. Its pretty hard to make up for an extra ten minutes at zero mph. My worst time was when I made the trip in a Crown Vic while wearing aviator sunglasses.
Anyway, Waze app (fellow drivers rat out stationary cops) is probably a better bet. If they nail you while driving along, that's a legit bust for your inattentiveness.
Originally Posted By: lawman1909
It sure is. Radar is detected from hitting an object and bouncing back to it's previous location, hence the reason when your detector goes off, you are already on radar.
It's far from that simple; unlike LIDAR the radio frequencies used in any radar unit are subject to a significant amount of scatter. Think of someone walking through a a foggy night using a flashlight. The person with the flashlight can only see a few feet ahead, but the glow of the flashlight can be seen yards away. A quality radar detector will pick up that "scatter." With instant-on low powered radar units you have to have a "rabbit" running ahead of you in order for your detector to be effective in such an encounter. That's why I stress that a quality radar detector is only a tool.
You have to use your head and hone your powers of observation. When I ride my S3 I'm looking for any and all situations where a car/truck can pull out or turn in front of me. Assume someone is going to see you and stop will eventually get you killed or injured. The same principle applies when you are driving with a detector. Ask yourself questions like: Where would be a good place to hide a patrol unit? Why is that Charger stopped on the overpass? Why is everyone tapping their brakes? How far can I see down the road?
I rarely drive more than 10 mph over the limit these days- and only on interstates or similar(I do usually take curves at up to twice the "Advisory Speed," but that's not a violation
). I did 80-85 on limited access highways when the ridiculous NMSL was in effect and that is the speed range I drive today, so a detector is really unnecessary for me.
I think the future will see more Escort Live and Waze types of apps, and if they are used by enough people the playing field will be tilted a bit more towards the "taxpayer."
It sure is. Radar is detected from hitting an object and bouncing back to it's previous location, hence the reason when your detector goes off, you are already on radar.
It's far from that simple; unlike LIDAR the radio frequencies used in any radar unit are subject to a significant amount of scatter. Think of someone walking through a a foggy night using a flashlight. The person with the flashlight can only see a few feet ahead, but the glow of the flashlight can be seen yards away. A quality radar detector will pick up that "scatter." With instant-on low powered radar units you have to have a "rabbit" running ahead of you in order for your detector to be effective in such an encounter. That's why I stress that a quality radar detector is only a tool.
You have to use your head and hone your powers of observation. When I ride my S3 I'm looking for any and all situations where a car/truck can pull out or turn in front of me. Assume someone is going to see you and stop will eventually get you killed or injured. The same principle applies when you are driving with a detector. Ask yourself questions like: Where would be a good place to hide a patrol unit? Why is that Charger stopped on the overpass? Why is everyone tapping their brakes? How far can I see down the road?
I rarely drive more than 10 mph over the limit these days- and only on interstates or similar(I do usually take curves at up to twice the "Advisory Speed," but that's not a violation
I think the future will see more Escort Live and Waze types of apps, and if they are used by enough people the playing field will be tilted a bit more towards the "taxpayer."
Originally Posted By: MCompact
It's far from that simple; unlike LIDAR the radio frequencies used in any radar unit are subject to a significant amount of scatter.
Actually, even LIDAR is subject to scatter depending upon where it's aimed. I just read this entire thread and was amazed how many Americans are so ignorant of the facts surrounding speed measuring devices and their counter-measures. Astounding.
Let's stick to the facts, not hearsay and old wives tales like "once your detector alerts, it's all over".
I am generally a hypermiler when driving so when my detector alerts I often speed up a little so I don't look suspicious. Please note, I only drive under the posted limit if conditions warrant that or I want to and I am not impeding traffic. On the other hand, if I'm riding one of my motorcycles, I almost always slow down when my detector identifies a speed measuring device.
First off, radar and laser detectors are 100% legal in all states except for Virginia. Since I use my detector to avoid run-ins with the law and fines, not increase them, I would never use a detector in Virginia. In every other state they are useful and fully legal tools. There is absolutely NO reason to hide your detector. Most cops couldn't care any more whether or not you have a detector than they care if you have a t-shirt on or a dress shirt and, if you happen to be pulled over by a red-neck cop who thinks having a detector is somehow incriminating or reflects poorly, well, you're probably going to get a ticket regardless. Either he has enough evidence to write the ticket or he doesn't. Having a detector displayed is rarely going to matter at all. Most cops won't even let on that they see it. They see them all the time and it just doesn't matter. If I were a cop I'd have one in my personal vehicles too.
I've been using three different Escort 8500's since they came out years ago and I often ride on rural roads in the American West that are wide-open but posted at often insanely slow speeds that might only make sense if you're driving a 1955 International loaded with potatoes. My motorcycle friends tell me the Valentine 1 detectors die a quick death from a little rain. My three Escorts have never failed me although they get wet with some regularity.
Many will tell you a detector is useless against laser. Not true. Aiming a laser from the side of the road is not much different than aiming a rifle. Some cops are good at it, others are all over the place. The laser detector can pick up a reflection off the road, another vehicle or even just scatter from a cloud of insects, a dragonfly or rain/fog. A detector does not guarantee anything but I've been alerted to laser threats many times when I otherwise would have been a sitting duck.
And the same holds true with instant-on radar. Of course a motorcycle is a much smaller target that a car so I have a big advantage there. Most cops using instant-on, moving radar will turn it on too soon to get an immediate lock. Saved again.
So, it's not always necessary to have other motorists in front to get an alert in time to take action. It can work on a deserted county road too.
It's far from that simple; unlike LIDAR the radio frequencies used in any radar unit are subject to a significant amount of scatter.
Actually, even LIDAR is subject to scatter depending upon where it's aimed. I just read this entire thread and was amazed how many Americans are so ignorant of the facts surrounding speed measuring devices and their counter-measures. Astounding.
Let's stick to the facts, not hearsay and old wives tales like "once your detector alerts, it's all over".
I am generally a hypermiler when driving so when my detector alerts I often speed up a little so I don't look suspicious. Please note, I only drive under the posted limit if conditions warrant that or I want to and I am not impeding traffic. On the other hand, if I'm riding one of my motorcycles, I almost always slow down when my detector identifies a speed measuring device.
First off, radar and laser detectors are 100% legal in all states except for Virginia. Since I use my detector to avoid run-ins with the law and fines, not increase them, I would never use a detector in Virginia. In every other state they are useful and fully legal tools. There is absolutely NO reason to hide your detector. Most cops couldn't care any more whether or not you have a detector than they care if you have a t-shirt on or a dress shirt and, if you happen to be pulled over by a red-neck cop who thinks having a detector is somehow incriminating or reflects poorly, well, you're probably going to get a ticket regardless. Either he has enough evidence to write the ticket or he doesn't. Having a detector displayed is rarely going to matter at all. Most cops won't even let on that they see it. They see them all the time and it just doesn't matter. If I were a cop I'd have one in my personal vehicles too.
I've been using three different Escort 8500's since they came out years ago and I often ride on rural roads in the American West that are wide-open but posted at often insanely slow speeds that might only make sense if you're driving a 1955 International loaded with potatoes. My motorcycle friends tell me the Valentine 1 detectors die a quick death from a little rain. My three Escorts have never failed me although they get wet with some regularity.
Many will tell you a detector is useless against laser. Not true. Aiming a laser from the side of the road is not much different than aiming a rifle. Some cops are good at it, others are all over the place. The laser detector can pick up a reflection off the road, another vehicle or even just scatter from a cloud of insects, a dragonfly or rain/fog. A detector does not guarantee anything but I've been alerted to laser threats many times when I otherwise would have been a sitting duck.
And the same holds true with instant-on radar. Of course a motorcycle is a much smaller target that a car so I have a big advantage there. Most cops using instant-on, moving radar will turn it on too soon to get an immediate lock. Saved again.
So, it's not always necessary to have other motorists in front to get an alert in time to take action. It can work on a deserted county road too.
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Originally Posted By: DBMaster
It's a money grab. Municipalities collect fines and court costs. Insurance companies get to increase premiums. Attorneys make money. Driving schools make money. A whole segment of our economy exists due to speeding tickets.
How could I have forgotten about another industry that relies on speeding tickets?
RADAR detector manufacturers
RADAR/Laser gun manufacturers
Speed camera manufacturers
Think of all those people who earn their livelihoods as a result of your horrible, antisocial behavior.
It's a money grab. Municipalities collect fines and court costs. Insurance companies get to increase premiums. Attorneys make money. Driving schools make money. A whole segment of our economy exists due to speeding tickets.
How could I have forgotten about another industry that relies on speeding tickets?
RADAR detector manufacturers
RADAR/Laser gun manufacturers
Speed camera manufacturers
Think of all those people who earn their livelihoods as a result of your horrible, antisocial behavior.
Originally Posted By: Errtt
Those saying once the detector goes your toast - not always so.
Several times I've had the V1 go off, I slow, vehicles around me maintain speed. Seen to many get nabbed for not slowing.
Also depending what the LEO uses, when you get a bogey (signal) does not always mean they are reading your vehicle. Scatter can cause a bogey alert.
I have not had a single speeding ticket before or since running a detector - not saying I depend on the detector, far from it. As some mentioned, it's just another tool. Pay attention to the rabbit's (vehicles ahead). I go with the flow up to a point (only a little over) so I won't stand out as the faster vehicle.
I recently loaned my 9500IX to a co-worker. She been driving the same back road route for years going to work. Couple weeks after she got it, it went off in an open area as she was approaching a curve. She slowed way down and the other vehicle passed to get up front before getting to the curve. Around the curve the LEO got the vehicle that kept going instead of slowing. If it wasn't for the other vehicle, she would have been the only one and she was speeding like all the years in that area. Never saw a LEO there ever before. I loaned it to her because she got a couple tickets within a year for speeding. I did let her know not to depend on it. (wonder if I'll ever get it back - I wasn't using it anyway.
Anyway I like my toys and the V1 is just one. If I travel any distance (out of town), GPS, detector, HAM radio's, AM/FM etc.
Forgot to add that radar detectors are usually not allowed (in-use) on military installations. They ask me to turn it off when gating in in case I didn't already have it off which I always have.... so far.
At least to the few bases/posts I enter onto.
Those saying once the detector goes your toast - not always so.
Several times I've had the V1 go off, I slow, vehicles around me maintain speed. Seen to many get nabbed for not slowing.
Also depending what the LEO uses, when you get a bogey (signal) does not always mean they are reading your vehicle. Scatter can cause a bogey alert.
I have not had a single speeding ticket before or since running a detector - not saying I depend on the detector, far from it. As some mentioned, it's just another tool. Pay attention to the rabbit's (vehicles ahead). I go with the flow up to a point (only a little over) so I won't stand out as the faster vehicle.
I recently loaned my 9500IX to a co-worker. She been driving the same back road route for years going to work. Couple weeks after she got it, it went off in an open area as she was approaching a curve. She slowed way down and the other vehicle passed to get up front before getting to the curve. Around the curve the LEO got the vehicle that kept going instead of slowing. If it wasn't for the other vehicle, she would have been the only one and she was speeding like all the years in that area. Never saw a LEO there ever before. I loaned it to her because she got a couple tickets within a year for speeding. I did let her know not to depend on it. (wonder if I'll ever get it back - I wasn't using it anyway.
Anyway I like my toys and the V1 is just one. If I travel any distance (out of town), GPS, detector, HAM radio's, AM/FM etc.
Forgot to add that radar detectors are usually not allowed (in-use) on military installations. They ask me to turn it off when gating in in case I didn't already have it off which I always have.... so far.
At least to the few bases/posts I enter onto.
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