[timn]

Hey all,

I'm having a dispute with someone regarding the psychic abilities of radar detectors to detect a cops radar. Can a radar detector sense a cops radar before it's visible to the speeder? Some would say that if your detector has gone off and if you're speeding, youre pretty mich caught.

TIA,
-Tim

[BKV122]

unless the radar is constantly being shot. but if its a cop sitting around a corner waiting for someone and he shoots you and your detector goes off then youre caught.

[ES_TRADER]

I have a question along the lines of this: is there a way to know for sure if a cop is behind u on the highway like 10-15 cars back?? So I know to roll down my tinted windows before they pull up alongside of me. I don't really speed but Im afraid to get a window tint ticket...

[Seminole]

Originally Posted by richpuer

I have a question along the lines of this: is there a way to know for sure if a cop is behind u on the highway like 10-15 cars back?? So I know to roll down my tinted windows before they pull up alongside of me. I don't really speed but Im afraid to get a window tint ticket...

Only the V1 gives directional signals to where the radar is coming from.

And yes, you can pick up the cop before they see you. If they are running with their radar always on, you can pick up a signal from some pretty crazy distances. With my V1 I've picked up a State Trooper's Ka band from a mile away. He was ahead on the left side of the road, but the road curved and had one of those 15 feet high concrete walls between the opposite lanes of traffic. The curve of the highway, combined with the wall means I was unable to see him, but the V1 picked him up and pointed ahead. I've also picked up those construction signs that tell you how fast you are going from the other side of a hill. So the detector goes off, but you can't see anything until you crest the hill. If the cop is using an instant on radar, you might pick up a small burst as he shoots people in front of you, but the chances of that happening without being in visual range is slim.

Keep in mind radar detectors only let you know if the cop has radar on. He could have radar in his car, but have it turned off, or not have radar at all and still sneak up behind you and get you for tint.

[Falcon Keeper]

Originally Posted by richpuer

I have a question along the lines of this: is there a way to know for sure if a cop is behind u on the highway like 10-15 cars back?? So I know to roll down my tinted windows before they pull up alongside of me. I don't really speed but Im afraid to get a window tint ticket...

Being pulled over for tint alone is usually uncommon and rare although it has happened to me just because it was 3am in the morning and I was at CVS as he pulled in, he quickly turned around and blue lighted me. I wouldn't sweat it though unless you are actually speeding. Getting busted for tint is usually a secondary offense which warrants being pulled over for something a little more serious.

[JayKay335i]

Special ed.

[ES_TRADER]

Originally Posted by JayKay335i

Special ed.

Seems like radar v1 is good but aren't all the cops nowadays using more modern laser type of equipment? Which would make the radar detector useless? Like old age technology getting phased out?

I dint know never used one but the last speeding ticket I got it said laser somethin on it. How do u even combat this?

[Seminole]

Originally Posted by richpuer

Seems like radar v1 is good but aren't all the cops nowadays using more modern laser type of equipment? Which would make the radar detector useless? Like old age technology getting phased out?

I dint know never used one but the last speeding ticket I got it said laser somethin on it. How do u even combat this?

Laser guns are out there, but it really depends on each jurisdiction how prevalent they are. I know that Florida Highway Patrol has them, but for the most part the FHP troopers run their Ka band on always on and park off the side of the road and catch people coming over hills or overpasses. Very rarely have I seen them shoot the laser out of their car.

But you can combat laser with a laser jamming system, but those get expensive and you'll have to do wiring and installation with them.

[E90SLAM]

Normally officers will use Laser when they have a good hiding spot and get you once they acquire your speed read.
If they just patrolling the highway and driving around, they will normally have the Ka band on.
Unless they are on a special operation with one officer using Laser to tag vehicles and tell many colleagues on standby to catch the speeder on freeway. Seen it on "Dangerous Drives" from Nevada Highway Patrol.

[JayKay335i]

Originally Posted by richpuer

Seems like radar v1 is good but aren't all the cops nowadays using more modern laser type of equipment? Which would make the radar detector useless? Like old age technology getting phased out?

I dint know never used one but the last speeding ticket I got it said laser somethin on it. How do u even combat this?

Most places still use lidar or some other form of radar. Some do use laser, but it hasn't been fully adopted. The technology they use generally is instant on, instant off so you dont get a non stop signal like you used to. But a radar detector is an instrument. You need to learn to read it and make your own educated decisions. They still will save your butt. I have a V1 and it has saved me countless times. A radar mixed with careful driving will help you avoid tickets. A completely empty road with cops hiding, using instant on, and you're still screwed. Even with a $500 detector like the V1, being saved from one ticket will have paid for it.

[Spoolin335]

Here you go, all the info you could even need on radar.
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=802688

To answer your question:
My V1 will alert me to oncoming cops on the other side of a hill when i cant even see them.
So yes, it will detect radar even if you cant physically see it yet.

[bosstones]

Time for some broadband barrage noise! That won't help w/ laser, though.