Does A Radar Detector Help Anymore?

[XjonesX]

The Escort Redline 360c is a good one, assume that’s what you’re referring to. The Uniden R8 is as good or better. Really comes down to user interface and features.

Yup..., I like my R8 because I can use the R8 companion app on my phone. It lets you fine tune and change setting on the R8, much like you can do in PTM in the BW. I think they may have one for the V1 as well. But it has made my R8 much more useful for $10

R8 Companion App

And this guy does a comprehensive review of all the radar detectors....., he knows his stuff.

Vortex Radar

 

[1Evil55]

So I bought my BW4 used as some may know. Forgive my sin. I just realized today a small cord exiting next to my rearview mirror. I never paid attention enough and assumed it was part of all the electronics. Today I realized the cord isn't plugged into anything. It looks like an RJ12 style plug but haven't looked close enough to see a wire count. For you radar aficionado's, would a plug like that be used to run a detector? Am I missing something else here?

 

[Sully]

So I bought my BW4 used as some may know. Forgive my sin. I just realized today a small cord exiting next to my rearview mirror. I never paid attention enough and assumed it was part of all the electronics. Today I realized the cord isn't plugged into anything. It looks like an RJ12 style plug but haven't looked close enough to see a wire count. For you radar aficionado's, would a plug like that be used to run a detector? Am I missing something else here?

Pretty standard power connector for most detectors... I'd say your chances are good. Or, the other option is to plug a phone and make some calls.

 

[1Evil55]

Pretty standard power connector for most detectors... I'd say your chances are good. Or, the other option is to plug a phone and make some calls.

Great. Now I need to go shop for a detector. The hard part of the install is probably done.

 

[rubberduck]

Great. Now I need to go shop for a detector. The hard part of the install is probably done.

I don’t know if I’d just stick my plug in anything without knowing what it was in before.

 

[1Evil55]

I don’t know if I’d just stick my plug in anything without knowing what it was in before.

Sounds like college life all over again.

 

[Sully]

Sounds like college life all over again.

You should be familiar then with popping the cover, tracing the leads, maybe probing it with a multimeter before sending it... but skipping to full send it just more fun.

 

[XjonesX]

I don’t know if I’d just stick my plug in anything without knowing what it was in before.

Hmmmm, seems like we are heading into Bush Barbi territory.
Bush Barbi

 

[FLYARMY]

Or it was maybe for a dash camera ?

 

[so 650]

does anyone with a manual actually run a detector withOUT a mirror tap or other hardwired power source? It seems like running the standard plug to the console power supplies would be problematic with a manual, making the cost/effort of entry substantially higher than just, eg, deciding between R8 and V1G2.

 

[ngoni]

does anyone with a manual actually run a detector withOUT a mirror tap or other hardwired power source? It seems like running the standard plug to the console power supplies would be problematic with a manual, making the cost/effort of entry substantially higher than just, eg, deciding between R8 and V1G2.

A mirror tap hardwire kit is maybe $15 and it works on either BW. Mount it high up in the tinted region of the windscreen and you can almost forget it is there until it shrieks at you and you jump a foot out of the seat.

 

[sonny200]

And instead of just relying on the suction cups on the OEM mount, I got round 3M double-sided tape ($5 for a whole sheet from Amazon) & taped the suction cups to the winshield. Not as elegant as the fancy mirror mount that costs an arm & a leg but does just as good of a job. Moreover, it hides the detector better as it can be mounted as high up on the windshield as possible & can barely be seen from the outside bc of the tint at the top of the windshield.

 

[sonny200]

Or it was maybe for a dash camera ?

If the PDR is present, then no need for a dashcam.

 

[rubberduck]

Sounds like college life all over again.

 

[Roadhawk]

Always nice to see a Zappa reference...even in a car forum...

 

[rubberduck]

Always nice to see a Zappa reference...even in a car forum...

Love Joe’s Garage. The man was a genius. That’s car related (garage)?

 

[Roadhawk]

Love Joe’s Garage. The man was a genius. That’s car related (garage)?

I'm a huge fan. I still hold Zappa fests with videos and music every few years and have many friends into Frank (we grew up listening to Zappa in High School).

I went to over 100 Zappa concerts back in the day and got backstage with Frank several times. He knew me by name and I visited the house once. He also offered me a job in 1986 to be an investigative reported on a variety show he was pitching to Showtime. Daniel Shore (look him up if you don't know) was to be my boss. Unfortunately the deal fell through and it never happened....but if you are familiar with the sitcom "Normal Life" with Frank's children Moon and Dweezil - it was a spin off originally to be part of Frank's show.

Anyway I very much agree WRT Zappa's genius and there are many of us who still listen to his music even now. Glad to know that there are others...