Radar Detector

[Picinisco]

OK it finally happened. I got pulled over. 53 in a 35 area, by a motocop no less. No sympathy from him, 112F temps, but he had to ride in it too, albeit hiding mostly under a tree with radar gun in hand, that is when he was not in the coffee shop. I'm not bitter, I'm not bitter, I'm not bitter. So here's the question. Who out there is using a radar detector. What kind are you using. And how are you mounting it.

[RINTY]

Picinisco:

I have an Escort 8500 X50, on a Ram mount. I have the 1 inch ball with diamond base screwed onto the left side of the handlebar yoke, parallel to the left edge so it's not too ugly. Then about a 4 inch extension to the base, which is nicely clear to the left of my instrument cluster. Sorry I can't do pics.

I have tried helmet speakers and Etymotics to receive the audio signal, but they don't work, and I am now ordering a H.A.R.D. wireless system to a helmet mounted diode. http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=...G=Search&meta= You can also order it directly from the manufacturer.

After you do all the research on the various radar detector sites, you will find that your choice comes down to a Valentine, an Escort, or the Beltronics, which is the same as the Escort. If you like directional warnings i.e. where is the radar unit, you'll pick the Valentine.

Rinty

[1fastjunebug]

Originally Posted by RINTY

Picinisco:

I have an Escort 8500 X50, on a Ram mount. I have the 1 inch ball with diamond base screwed onto the left side of the handlebar yoke, parallel to the left edge so it's not too ugly. Then about a 4 inch extension to the base, which is nicely clear to the left of my instrument cluster. Sorry I can't do pics.

I have tried helmet speakers and Etymotics to receive the audio signal, but they don't work, and I am now ordering a H.A.R.D. wireless system to a helmet mounted diode. http://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=...G=Search&meta= You can also order it directly from the manufacturer.

After you do all the research on the various radar detector sites, you will find that your choice comes down to a Valentine, an Escort, or the Beltronics, which is the same as the Escort. If you like directional warnings i.e. where is the radar unit, you'll pick the Valentine.

Rinty

Rinty, prior to pulling the trigger on the H.A.R.D. item that has very short battery life and no audible signal - you might look into Marc Parnes LED alert unit that is absolutely wonderful! Plugs into audio output of Escort and gives you BLINDING warning. www.marcparnes.com

Unit can come with any length of cord that you tell Marc to build for you so it can be fitted squarely in your line of sign.

I second the opinion of the ESCORT. Saved me mega dollars and mega points.

[RINTY]

Bugly:

Thanks for the tip. I was going to phone in the order tomorrow. The Jack Sh*t Invitational Pro - Am Ride (Alberta's version of the Slimey Crud Run) is just a few weeks away, so I have to get prepared.

Rinty

[Rick Stout]

For what it's worth, I use the Escort Solo S2. I know it doesn't have quite the same ability as the others, but I really preferred the ease of a cordless model and this is by the far the best of those. I do not use it all the time, but it has definitely saved me a few tickets, so for me it is fine.

I put it on a Saeng TA fork tube mount and have been pretty happy with that. But on a recent trip on my K12S, I simply put it inside the top of my tank bag and couldn't tell any real loss of range - maybe a little less warning than when it is out in the open. Also, I think that the tank bag position compromises the laser detection - but laser detection is probably only going to tell you that you are about to get a ticket anyway.

Either way, I use Chatterbox helmet speakers that I just velcro into the helmet and leave there. It's easy to just plug the wire into the helmet and go. I wear earplugs and still easily hear the beeps while riding. Probably not the most effective radar set-up but works okay enough for me.

[RINTY]

Rick:

I had my tech install a power supply wire to the left side of the dash. It's zip tied in and is unobtrusive. It takes a few seconds to plug the wire to the detector.

I tried the helmet speakers (mini blasters), but the wind noise on the RS is so high that they were not audible above 110 km / hour. Then I tried Etymotic ER-6's but they hurt like hell. I know you can get smaller buds, but I've decided I want to go wireless.

I've ordered the Marc Parnes unit from Rider Wearhouse, and hopefully this will do the job.

Rinty

[1fastjunebug]

Originally Posted by RINTY

Rick:

I've ordered the Marc Parnes unit from Rider Wearhouse, and hopefully this will do the job.

Rinty

Have you used the Marc Parnes unit yet and if so, how do you like it?

[RINTY]

Bugly:

I just got it the other day, from Rider Wearhouse, and I'll be using it during the Jack this weekend. I'll report back next week. I'm putting a velcro strip on the top of my Escort, for the receiver to sit on, so it can be removed for car use.

Rinty

[Picinisco]

Originally Posted by 1fastjunebug

Parnes LED alert unit that is absolutely wonderful! Plugs into audio output of Escort and gives you BLINDING warning. www.marcparnes.com

I am using a Cobra that has no audio output socket. Anybody know how to add one?

[RINTY]

Can't answer your question, but I would think there are specialty electronic service shops in your state that could easily tap in to your Cobra's circuitry and install a standard external jack. I used to use a local shop in Calgary here to do little jobbies for me with my old detector. It was quite inexpensive, and the tech enjoyed working with it; it was a nice break from their usual audio video stuff.

Rinty