Radar Install - Passport 8500 X50
 

Reading the radar thread in the DIY section gave me loads of ideas and provided a great base for me to decide what I did and didn't want for my radar install.

1. I wanted the install to be as "clean" as possible. This clearly meant not using a lighter power cord. It had to be direct wired using the supplied "smartcord" with the remote indicator cleverly mounted (ala Speed Racer)

2. It also meant nothing sitting on the dash, or suction cups stuck to the window, or the detector hanging off the rear view mirror.

3. This drove me to a visor based solution, but I didn’t want to be nose to nose with unit and I wanted to keep my visor functional. Good news for me, bad news for my passenger. The Passport’s front display is angled so that an install on the passenger visor kept the display in my view. The passenger visor install also makes the unit “less noticeable” from someone standing outside the driver door, like say … Johnny Law Enforcement.

4. Finally, I wanted to be able to simply remove the unit and make the visor functional and move the power cord out of sight.

Here’s what I came up with.

Enjoy,
Orange

I had the installer use the bank of four switches on the lower left dash to place the remote indicator. He moved the two active switches to the right and used the remaining space to custom a plate using the same "piano black" material which is on the door or center console.

A slighty higher view

Finally a drivers eye view. Note how the remote is still visible, and very easily gotten to with the left hand.

We used the suction cup hanger supplied by Escort to make use of the quick release button on the unit and position the hanger on the front edge of the visor.

A view from the all important drivers side

A view from outside the passenger side door

Finally, a view from ... inside the cupholder

excellent workmanship, the remote looks almost factory.

I wonder how effective it is, it looks mounted good and high. Maybe you can post a pic from the outside, front of the car.

congratulations

sharp

Thanks Unser. I'm not quite clear on your concern, but here's another pic from the inside the rear window.

The mount is about as high in the car as physically possible, isn't obscured by the black sunshield in the center of the winshield, and the rear facing "window" of the 8500X50 has a clear view of the back window.

oOOo i like what you did with the button part, im not doing that with mine as i need my buttons for future parts such as the radar shifter controls for the escort ;)

Oranje:
Great idea for placement of the control switch. Mine is velcroed to the driver side carpet. Works out OK, but not as neat as your setup.

I wonder if the main unit be camouflaged even more since it has the remote dsiplay? DO you really need to see the main unit's display as well? I was thinking about covering in the same fabric as the headliner- or plastic from the visor- even incorporate it into something that looks like those visor CD holders.

I was thinking of getting a remote install unit- but they are so $$, and the escort remote unit does not do pop technology yet.- though I have seen great deals on ebay for the remote unit incuding laser blocking for about $650- a great deal indeed since the bel remote unit with all that is like $1100- though the bel is newer and does POP.

Dang Oranje, that is one nice, clean install! I am impressed! But one thing bugs me... on the remote mount, is it crooked a bit or is it just me? Looks like it's down just a bit on the right...

Regardless, NICE! :D

Thanks again all.

emaillists - I think you're on to something. Give it your best shot and post some pics. One word of caution, you do need to consider not masking anything that makes the little box work its magic. I too got a quote for the full escort remote install. That's just not in my radar budget.

Omicron - the remote mount is insert perfectly level into the faceplate/switchbank. What you're observing is the camera angle effect on the pic.

Cheers,
Oranje

I dont own any detector right now. Still thinking how to get something stealthy.

For those that live in states where detectors are illegal (like me in VA), beware of savvy constables.

My buddy installed a laser transceiver type jammer by BEL (looks like a dark plastic strip over the license plate) and a cop pulled him over and gave him a hefty fine.

These type of jammers are so readily visible. Are there any other types of radar/laser jammers that don't have that type of visibility?

Buy the blinder and hide receivers in the bumper.I drive in va alot and have had no problems.

The blinder still has those black modules exposed, even though the company has said that it will "blend aesthetically into the car's front."

Someone on this forum had the M-20-X system installed and it was extremely obvious.

That being said, I'm looking at options this coming Saturday...hehe...

NOT that I would ever USE it mind you...

Oranje great job but I have a question.

I read that, at least for laser, mounting high is bad. One could also debate that laser detection functions are pointless for the most part because from what I have read once your laser warning goes off you are as good as busted.

So what is everyone's take on this?

http://www.radarbusters.com/support/...detector/2.asp

Also the corvette forum had an interesting thread here about why it is too late when the laser alert goes off or is it?:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=747374

As a side note, this looked interesting:


http://www.radarbusters.com/products/coatings/veil.asp

Anyone tried it?

My research has found that the detectors are legal in every state except VA and DC. Is that still true?

Jammers on the other hand are not legal in all states but I was told they are legal if permanently installed.

Anyone have any up to date info on this?

Radar jammers are a violation FCC regulation and as such make them a federal offense.

Laser on the other hand is AFAIK is controlled by the Food and Drug Admin and there are no federal laws on it but Utah, Va (I think) and one other outlaw laser jammers mounted or not AFAIK.

As for the detectors I know VA and DC are two but I think there is one maybe two others.

That is not correct. It doesn't matter how permanent the install is.

One thing you have to remember about 'Vettes is that they have fiberglass bodies, so the biggest radar reflective surface is the radiator, which is angled on the 'Vette. They actually have very low radar signatures, so what works for them might not work for us.

Like Krusty said, radar jammers are illegal everywhere due to an FCC regulation. In fact, it's a felony with a fine of up to $100k. The stiff fine is because it falls under the same law that covers radio piracy. Police organizations actually have to get a license to operate their radar guns.

Laser jammers are also illegal in some states (like VA). And it doesn't matter if you live there, or are driving through. In fact, in VA, the rule is that it cannot be reachable from the driver's seat. So, if you are driving through VA, and your radar detector is in the trunk, you're okay. But if it's in the seat next to you (even if you haven't used it), it's illegal. And obviously, a permanent mount is going to be illegal in VA.

As far as detecting laser, unlike radar, the laser beam is very narrow (about 1 1/2 feet in diameter or less at normal targeting distances). So, if someone targets your license plate or headlight, your laser detector mounted in your windshield may not even detect the laser when you do get tagged. And because of the narrow beam, detecting laser as it is aimed at cars ahead of you is a crap shoot.

---jps

my install is clean and easy.. i have the solo2 cordless.. hehehe ;)