Radar behind fairing

[markgoodrich]

Called Escort just now, asked if putting my detector behind the fairing (inside, in front of the right speaker grill) would affect range sensitivity. Lady said "the only thing it can't see through is metal, you'll be fine." I was quite surprised, as I figured it would, at least a little, reduce the range.

 

The reason I called is that on my recent Oregon trip, I'd get an alert about (every) the time I saw a radar car, and figured I'd prolly have gotten a ticket if I'd been very far over the limit.

 

Aside from opinions, anyone have any DATA one way or another? I'm only using K and Ka bands, have turned X off. And of course the laser ain't going to work under the fairing.

[bobbybob]

Radar is high frequency radio waves. They go thru practically anything. Metal shields them, but the waves tend to bounce around a lot so you might get alerts even behind metal. But not as well.

[Albert]

Hmm, I thought about popping a mirror off and seeing if there was enough room behind there for the Escort. I figured it wouldn't work under there so I never took it any further. Given your information I may just take a look.

[johnlt]

I kept mine in my tank bag when I lived in VA because they don't allow them there. Worked fine, no issues. But, as you say, no laser warning.

[allikanbe]

My RD is in the top of my tank bag also. VA, of course. I get a lot of alerts front, rear, and side with plenty of time to react.

[boatzo]

I may be wrong on this, but I thought that the only time the radar unit transmitted was when the LEO pulled the trigger. Hence, if there is no other traffic around that the LEO is looking at, that only alert you get will be when he shoots you.

 

Let me know if I am wrong on this.

[johnlt]

I may be wrong on this, but I thought that the only time the radar unit transmitted was when the LEO pulled the trigger. Hence, if there is no other traffic around that the LEO is looking at, that only alert you get will be when he shoots you.

 

Let me know if I am wrong on this.

 

That is correct if he is using a hand held unit and there is no other traffic around. Fortunately, most units are mounted in the car and they leave them turned on (its easier).

[markgoodrich]

Hmm, I thought about popping a mirror off and seeing if there was enough room behind there for the Escort. I figured it wouldn't work under there so I never took it any further. Given your information I may just take a look.

 

No problem on mounting it there. I did have to take the instrument panel cover off, but that's no problem. I just used some dense foam and a couple of good-sized zip ties in an "X" pattern around a metal brace, right in front of the speaker grill. Turned the display to "off", and because I have a mute button on the handlebar, turned the automute feature off, too. Automute is not a good plan, if you can't see the display...sound goes silent, you don't know what's happened to the radar guy.... About 7,000 miles so far, hasn't budged.

 

Here's the mute button I got from ebay:

 

http://tinyurl.com/38hm3h6

 

Mounted it on the left handlebar, in the ESA nacelle...had to cut the insides of the nacelle up a little bit, but it doesn't show. Goes right where the blank is for the old-style (early R1200RT) emergency flasher button was...I think that's what was there.

 

For $200 I'll take it all apart and do a photo install instructional manual. No faxed funds.

[EffBee]

I may be wrong on this, but I thought that the only time the radar unit transmitted was when the LEO pulled the trigger. Hence, if there is no other traffic around that the LEO is looking at, that only alert you get will be when he shoots you.

 

Let me know if I am wrong on this.

 

There are "always on" and "instant on" units, the latter being the latest and most expensive. The "always on" is what we've been dealing with for years. Easy to detect more than a mile away. The "instant on" is more deadly, which is why you never speed alone. Always have a rabbit or three in front of you. Radar shoots a broad beam, up to 20-degrees wide. When he/she/they gets fired upon, the "overspray" will likely trigger your detector while you're far behind the target vehicle(s), giving you the warning you seek.

[EddyQ]

Radar is high frequency radio waves. They go thru practically anything. Metal shields them, but the waves tend to bounce around a lot so you might get alerts even behind metal. But not as well.

 

Radar will reflect off the plastic, though you are correct, most the signal will go right through. If the plastic has conductive material within it (such as carbon), the signal may be attenuated more than you think. Paint also can have an effect. But, all this is not likely going to effect the detection. Mount the detector in the glove box.

[becmat]

Nando,

You are right on with the instant on vs the always on. More and more depts. are going to the instant on. The guys using them are

not dummies they know all the tricks how to defeat the dectectors.

They will usually sit at the top of a grade and when someone comes over the crest they turn on the unit, which is nothing more than hitting a rocker switch, by the time the unit goes off, it is too late. Just ask some of the riders on this site that have had dectecters. Performance awards are aplenty.

 

Mat

[Polo]

If we think about it for a moment, radar waves are detected thru glass, which is a solid material and bounces the wave. It has nothing to do with its being translucent, so the waves should go thru plastic as well if not better being a softer material. It stands to reason that metal will deflect more waves being a denser material.

[bobbybob]

Radar is high frequency radio waves. They go thru practically anything. Metal shields them, but the waves tend to bounce around a lot so you might get alerts even behind metal. But not as well.

 

Radar will reflect off the plastic, though you are correct, most the signal will go right through. If the plastic has conductive material within it (such as carbon), the signal may be attenuated more than you think. Paint also can have an effect. But, all this is not likely going to effect the detection. Mount the detector in the glove box.

 

 

I probably wasn't specific enough in my statement. I should have said "radar waves are scattered" by plastic and other non-metal materials, meaning the plastic will reflect part of them back to the source while letting some travel thru the plastic allowing the detector alert. Metal pretty much reflects all the waves that hit it.

[markgoodrich]

I meant to add, in my original comments, that in the more than 6,000 miles I traveled in a short period, I was, as usual, surprised at how few radar alerts I got...not that the unit wasn't working but that there really aren't that many people out there running radar guns, especially on the Interstates. There was an occasional small town cop or a deputy running a trap at the edge of towns, and every now and then a state trooper out on the highways, but none so much as looked over at me so long as I was under ten over.

 

I did see, in Oregon, a concerted effort by a large group of deputies, small town cops, and state troopers on a long stretch of highway, I think it was U. S. 20. I was in a rented car, not using radar, again, running 6-8 mph over the limit...none of the guys even gave me a glance. They were using stationary radar, moving radar, and some lasers.

[Albert]

. . . I was, as usual, surprised at how few radar alerts I got...not that the unit wasn't working but that there really aren't that many people out there running radar guns, especially on the Interstates. . . .

 

They're all up in Ohio pitching in to try for full coverage.

[hANNAbONE]

i hAVE mY V-1 in the tank bag..actually in the attached "map plastic cover". Wired thru the top of the lid.

 

I also use a visual alert by MarcParnes (10 LED version)

V E R Y Bright....I see it everytime.

 

I use in-ear buds about 20% of the time - only foam usually the other 80%.

 

The Parnes visual is the nuts when used in conjunction with the V1.!

 

 

[Jazzy]

Having attended a traffic school held by two CA CHP officers, the guy said "His tolerance level was ZERO over PSL, but he was supposed to say that too." He actually confessed to 10% over the PSL. He found it amusing where people in the "captive crowd" thought 10 MPH over was a norm of sort, but he told us that they don't give you that in a school zone. On a bad day, or a bad stop, his tolerance level was at zero. Pass him, or run up behind him, at PSL and he has his sites set on you. His cohort also mentioned he favored pacing rather than using radar - old school. He said he only flipped it on when a stop was in session to slow and alert upcoming traffic to be alert and slow down. He said trucker's weren't allowed to have detectors, but seemed they all do anyway.

 

Also, your $100 fine in CA can run upwards to close to $500 now with all the local county court fees imposed (mine was a mere $800). Big money maker for the broke state and traffic courts, of which ours is newly built. They make a haul now off cell phone and seat belt violators in some counties in the state where they get federal overtime aid and grant monies to enforce those. It's pretty much county by county as to the actual cost of your citation.

 

Jazzy

[tobyzusa]

Mark, when you travel at the posted limit or below, you just don't have to worry about this nonsense!

 

[markgoodrich]

Mark, when you travel at the posted limit or below, you just don't have to worry about this nonsense!

 

 

Careful, now, Brad, I've seen the way you ride. You're definitely in the "nonsense" department, as I recall.

[Paul Mihalka]

On most Interstates if I'd travel at the limit or below, I would wory who is going to run me over...

[tallman]

Wouldn't be me.

 

I've slowed down because I can.

Gives me (us) more time to enjoy the ride.

[ShovelStrokeEd]

Me too. It just ain't worth it anymore. So I cover 100 or so less miles in the course of what would have been an 800 mile day. I arrive at the same time, a bit less fatigued from having to worry about slamming on the brakes.

 

I've been running 5-8 mph over and barefoot now for about 1.5 years. I do mount one in the rental cars I use but, I have slowed down quite a bit on the bike. My pillion is now calling me a slow old man.

[OoPEZoO]

On most Interstates if I'd travel at the limit or below, I would wory who is going to me over...

 

Ain't that the truth. I was traveling at an indicated 80mph (65mph limit) this morning and had a tan Suburban blow past me like I was sitting still. It was one of those "check the mirrors, all is well.......la la la.......WHOOAAAA, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!!!" kind of moments. He had to have been doing well over 100mph. I watch my mirrors like a hawk and never saw him coming.

 

Things like that make me want to drive the Jeep to work........but wow, what a nice afternoon ride home today. It could stay this temperature all year round and you would never hear me complain

[boatzo]

Me too. It just ain't worth it anymore. So I cover 100 or so less miles in the course of what would have been an 800 mile day. I arrive at the same time, a bit less fatigued from having to worry about slamming on the brakes.

 

I've been running 5-8 mph over and barefoot now for about 1.5 years. I do mount one in the rental cars I use but, I have slowed down quite a bit on the bike. My pillion is now calling me a slow old man.

 

Same here Ed. Ever since I got nailed 2 years ago for 80 in a 60 I have slowed down considerably. Cost me $700, $500 for the lawyer and $200 for the "defective equipment" fine.

 

Tell your pillion what the old Dutchman said "VE GIT TOO SOON OLDT UND TOO LATE SCHMART". Ah, but we can keep on truckin longer.

[FLrider]

Mark, am I correct is assuming that you are trying to stealth your RD? Is that why you are trying to mount it behind the grill? RD's aren't illegal in TX. Why hide it?

 

Am I missing something? Weather protection?

 

I have my radar detector (V1)on my dash and it works great. If It's raining, I just remove it and store it. I don't speed in the rain.

 

I used to wrap it in a ziplock but I found that unit gets VERY, VERY hot. Can't be good for the circuitry.

 

 

[markgoodrich]

I have a couple of ex-cop and still-cop friends. They love to talk about how anyone with a detector gets no break at all. I got stopped three times last year, twice in Texas, once in CO, speeding, without a detector, and all three times the officers took a careful look at the dash to see if I had a detector. In the two Texas cases I was barely speeding...11 over and 6 over, but in the CO case I was WAYYYYY over. Got warnings all three times, but figured I'd at least try to minimize the events.

 

And, it's protected from the weather; one less thing to unplug and stow away in the rain, or remove at the end of the day.

 

 

[Albert]

My plan is to copy Mark's installation too but also not for stealth. I have a radar mount that fits the mirror hole on the RT and I really don't care for the location visa vis the mirror. Secondly, I can't stand fiddling with all the wires to take the thing off everytime I stop for the night at a motel. I figure, out of sight, out of mind as far as a thief goes.

[FLrider]

I have a couple of ex-cop and still-cop friends. They love to talk about how anyone with a detector gets no break at all. .....figured I'd at least try to minimize the events.

 

 

 

Ahh. I get it. Having an RD and knowing it's limitations and how to interpret what it sounds and displays has helped me avoid even getting pulled over. So, I don't give them the opportunity to decide if they want to cut me a break or not. I cut my own breaks.

 

In any event, I understand now. I think you are are the right track. Just make sure you have way to NOT MISS the alerts when they come on. If you do too good a job of hiding it, you may not see/hear the alerts in time.

 

I personally prefer the visual alert in my helmet for laser and audible for radar. Hard to miss.

[markgoodrich]

Connected to the Autocom; I hear the alerts just fine.

 

 

[Paul Mihalka]

On my short ended trip to the Un, as noted, I was stopped by Wisconsin's finest. I had my RD, but as I was alone on the road at 6.30am on July 4, all it told me that he got me. I got a warning (79 in 65) but my glove was nicely covering my RD. Thank you Jamie for the tip!

[boatzo]

Great luck for you Paul. The LEO probly just took pity on an "Old Fart"