Caught using Radar Detector??
02-05-08, 06:10 AM
#18
Out of Warranty
I used radar detectors for years - several passports, and finally a V1. All were state of the art when purchased, but the V1 was without doubt the most useful simply because it pointed to the location of the signal. This is critical in knowing how to respond to the warning.
Old X-band radars used a relatively low frequency and thanks to their high output were often detectable miles away. More recent K-band units operate at higher frequencies and are less powerful, but still provide adequate warning of their presence. Instant-on radars, using K-band technology, can be a problem, but if you don't insist on leading the pack, someone else will usually cause the officer to trigger the unit and that burst of radiation is easily detectable (that's where the direction of the source is important).
Laser or "lidar" is another matter. So tight is its beam it does not often scatter to provide a warning to following traffic. While the V1 and other current detectors do a great job of sniffing out the laser beam, it does so only when the laser is focused on YOU. That squawk is telling you to reach for your wallet.
For that reason I never installed my V1 on my new RX back in 03 - it was too much trouble for the few good warnings I got. I learned to drive "under the radar", or inconspicuously so as not to draw attention to myself.
Does it work? I haven't had a ticket in ten years, so I must be doing something right.
Old X-band radars used a relatively low frequency and thanks to their high output were often detectable miles away. More recent K-band units operate at higher frequencies and are less powerful, but still provide adequate warning of their presence. Instant-on radars, using K-band technology, can be a problem, but if you don't insist on leading the pack, someone else will usually cause the officer to trigger the unit and that burst of radiation is easily detectable (that's where the direction of the source is important).
Laser or "lidar" is another matter. So tight is its beam it does not often scatter to provide a warning to following traffic. While the V1 and other current detectors do a great job of sniffing out the laser beam, it does so only when the laser is focused on YOU. That squawk is telling you to reach for your wallet.
For that reason I never installed my V1 on my new RX back in 03 - it was too much trouble for the few good warnings I got. I learned to drive "under the radar", or inconspicuously so as not to draw attention to myself.
- Choose your times and places to speed. Rocketing down a deserted freeway at 2am is guaranteed to earn you a ticket.
- Stay out of the left lane as much as possible.
- Pass cars doing the speed limit slowly so as not to stand out to a casual observer. There's a difference between "quick" and "fast" - quick drivers are smooth, never making it obvious that they are exceeding the limit.
- Don't weave in and out of traffic or follow closely.
- Watch the road ahead for obvious blind spots that could conceal a radar car.
- There is safety in numbers, but don't lead the pack - find someone just 2% crazier than you and let him lead the way - and collect all the tickets.
- Don't exceed the posted limit by more than 10-12 mph unless you are willing to shut off the stereo and focus intently on your driving. This helps with all of the above techniques and it limits the financial damages if you are caught.
Does it work? I haven't had a ticket in ten years, so I must be doing something right.
02-05-08, 06:33 AM
#19
Lexus Fanatic
02-05-08, 07:48 AM
#20
Lead Lap
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: California
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I'd be worried about any detector that makes the claim they'd pay the tickets. No detector company worth a salt would need to do that kind of marketing.
02-05-08, 01:10 PM
#22
Lexus Champion
Don't think any radar co should be expected to reimburse you for breaking the law.
Last edited by tex2670; 02-05-08 at 01:29 PM.
02-05-08, 01:17 PM
#23
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I used radar detectors for years - several passports, and finally a V1. All were state of the art when purchased, but the V1 was without doubt the most useful simply because it pointed to the location of the signal. This is critical in knowing how to respond to the warning.
Old X-band radars used a relatively low frequency and thanks to their high output were often detectable miles away. More recent K-band units operate at higher frequencies and are less powerful, but still provide adequate warning of their presence. Instant-on radars, using K-band technology, can be a problem, but if you don't insist on leading the pack, someone else will usually cause the officer to trigger the unit and that burst of radiation is easily detectable (that's where the direction of the source is important).
Laser or "lidar" is another matter. So tight is its beam it does not often scatter to provide a warning to following traffic. While the V1 and other current detectors do a great job of sniffing out the laser beam, it does so only when the laser is focused on YOU. That squawk is telling you to reach for your wallet.
For that reason I never installed my V1 on my new RX back in 03 - it was too much trouble for the few good warnings I got. I learned to drive "under the radar", or inconspicuously so as not to draw attention to myself.
Does it work? I haven't had a ticket in ten years, so I must be doing something right.
Old X-band radars used a relatively low frequency and thanks to their high output were often detectable miles away. More recent K-band units operate at higher frequencies and are less powerful, but still provide adequate warning of their presence. Instant-on radars, using K-band technology, can be a problem, but if you don't insist on leading the pack, someone else will usually cause the officer to trigger the unit and that burst of radiation is easily detectable (that's where the direction of the source is important).
Laser or "lidar" is another matter. So tight is its beam it does not often scatter to provide a warning to following traffic. While the V1 and other current detectors do a great job of sniffing out the laser beam, it does so only when the laser is focused on YOU. That squawk is telling you to reach for your wallet.
For that reason I never installed my V1 on my new RX back in 03 - it was too much trouble for the few good warnings I got. I learned to drive "under the radar", or inconspicuously so as not to draw attention to myself.
- Choose your times and places to speed. Rocketing down a deserted freeway at 2am is guaranteed to earn you a ticket.
- Stay out of the left lane as much as possible.
- Pass cars doing the speed limit slowly so as not to stand out to a casual observer. There's a difference between "quick" and "fast" - quick drivers are smooth, never making it obvious that they are exceeding the limit.
- Don't weave in and out of traffic or follow closely.
- Watch the road ahead for obvious blind spots that could conceal a radar car.
- There is safety in numbers, but don't lead the pack - find someone just 2% crazier than you and let him lead the way - and collect all the tickets.
- Don't exceed the posted limit by more than 10-12 mph unless you are willing to shut off the stereo and focus intently on your driving. This helps with all of the above techniques and it limits the financial damages if you are caught.
Does it work? I haven't had a ticket in ten years, so I must be doing something right.
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