Radar Detector - Wired or Battery
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Radar Detector - Wired or Battery
I know the wired Escort Passport 8500-X50 is more powerful than the Cordless Solo S2... but I just don't think the cord hanging down is something that enhances the Vette cockpit. I'm not really interested in hard-wiring it either.
Will the battery operated Cordless Solo S2 do the job? Or will I just be trading the wire for a ticket?
If you have "experience" with the Solo S2 please let me know what you think.
Also, I intend to mount it with the Vettequest mounting bracket.
Thanks!
Will the battery operated Cordless Solo S2 do the job? Or will I just be trading the wire for a ticket?
If you have "experience" with the Solo S2 please let me know what you think.
Also, I intend to mount it with the Vettequest mounting bracket.
Thanks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 5,040
Likes: 939
From: Bonney Lake Washington
I have an S2 and it has saved my butt at least once.....easy to move to my wife's car on a long trip..........can't say how much it really lacks compared to wired units, but it seems to work just fine.......spendy for cordless but glad I have it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Originally Posted by Perry Mason
I just two hours ago bought an s2. It will replace a BEL 945i.
What is the Vettequest mounting bracket?
Were is the "best" place to park it?
What is the Vettequest mounting bracket?
Were is the "best" place to park it?
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Personal opinion based on some technical reports - radar components require a stable power source and battery power cannot reliably provide that without sacrificing performance or range.
I go with a wired V1, and run the cable from the passenger connection point inside the A-pillar trim and have the RJ-11 connector come our near the mirror. I can connect and disconnect the V1, and the cable is hardly noticeable.
I go with a wired V1, and run the cable from the passenger connection point inside the A-pillar trim and have the RJ-11 connector come our near the mirror. I can connect and disconnect the V1, and the cable is hardly noticeable.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
I would just buy the wire that allows you to plug it into your rearview mirror. It takes about 5 mins to figure out where to plug it in and no wires to run. Works great with the V1 and the V1 rearview bracket.
Look Mom - no Wires!
Look Mom - no Wires!
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 16,270
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From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-‘18-'19
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Originally Posted by JC in XTC5
Personal opinion based on some technical reports - radar components require a stable power source and battery power cannot reliably provide that without sacrificing performance or range.
I go with a wired V1, and run the cable from the passenger connection point inside the A-pillar trim and have the RJ-11 connector come our near the mirror. I can connect and disconnect the V1, and the cable is hardly noticeable.
I go with a wired V1, and run the cable from the passenger connection point inside the A-pillar trim and have the RJ-11 connector come our near the mirror. I can connect and disconnect the V1, and the cable is hardly noticeable.
That's what I have. I still have the previous generation Solo, and it works okay....but it's not as sensitive as the wired units. And please - let's not start another V1 vs. Escort 8500 thread. Thanks!
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 0
From: Introducing teh Offical Car of your dreams
Glued Mirror Braket For V1 ????
Going Wired V1 here...ordered the mirror wire and the mirroe bracket...someone replied to my other post about the mounting bracket and said it had to be glued to the windshield ?????
How was this install...the gluing process...for those that have the V1 mirroe bracket ? and can you easily take the V1 out of the bracket to transfer to another car ???
How was this install...the gluing process...for those that have the V1 mirroe bracket ? and can you easily take the V1 out of the bracket to transfer to another car ???
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
I have the previous generation Solo and I have always gotten good results with it. It's also very easy to switch between cars. I have mine mounted high up on the windsheild just under the mirror.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,515
Likes: 17
From: Keller, TX
St. Jude Donor '07
I got a Solo II for my birthday after having a Solo for years. It's a big improvement, but I was concerned about the lack of range compared to wired units and was considering returning it for the wired Escort.
I did some research on the radar detector sites and found it was not that far behind the wired Escort. I was willing to give up a few feet in range for the ability to easily move from car to car. Also, I often park my vert for short periods with the top down and it's great to just grab the detector and go. If I were a big time speeder, I'd go the wired route, but I've been quite happy with my S2. It just suits my needs better.
BTW, there's supposed to be a kit to wire the Solo which extends its range somewhat (or so says Escort).
I did some research on the radar detector sites and found it was not that far behind the wired Escort. I was willing to give up a few feet in range for the ability to easily move from car to car. Also, I often park my vert for short periods with the top down and it's great to just grab the detector and go. If I were a big time speeder, I'd go the wired route, but I've been quite happy with my S2. It just suits my needs better.
BTW, there's supposed to be a kit to wire the Solo which extends its range somewhat (or so says Escort).
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 35,617
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Tech Contributor
Cruise-In 11 Veteran
NCM Ambassador
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'10
Originally Posted by JC in XTC5
Personal opinion based on some technical reports - radar components require a stable power source and battery power cannot reliably provide that without sacrificing performance or range.
I go with a wired V1, and run the cable from the passenger connection point inside the A-pillar trim and have the RJ-11 connector come our near the mirror. I can connect and disconnect the V1, and the cable is hardly noticeable.
I go with a wired V1, and run the cable from the passenger connection point inside the A-pillar trim and have the RJ-11 connector come our near the mirror. I can connect and disconnect the V1, and the cable is hardly noticeable.
with almost everything he said. I went with the rearview mirror quick connect cable with my V1. I have always heard that you are giving up sensitivity with a battery powered unit. They work, I just don't think they work as well.Paul
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 49
From: Southern Maryland
Originally Posted by CRWDDYZ
Going Wired V1 here...ordered the mirror wire and the mirroe bracket...someone replied to my other post about the mounting bracket and said it had to be glued to the windshield ?????
How was this install...the gluing process...for those that have the V1 mirroe bracket ? and can you easily take the V1 out of the bracket to transfer to another car ???
How was this install...the gluing process...for those that have the V1 mirroe bracket ? and can you easily take the V1 out of the bracket to transfer to another car ???
Lepus-temperamentalus
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 5,827
Likes: 5
From: Roswell Ga
Originally Posted by Wicked Weasel
I would just buy the wire that allows you to plug it into your rearview mirror. It takes about 5 mins to figure out where to plug it in and no wires to run. Works great with the V1 and the V1 rearview bracket.
Look Mom - no Wires!
Look Mom - no Wires!
What wire? What are you talking about? That sounds great.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 792
Likes: 19
From: ME
I run the Solo S2 and have no complaints. Where some may say that the range is not as good as wired detectors, Escort says the Solo S2 isn't that far behind. Besides I can't tell anyway, it goes off soon enough to warn me. That's all I need! A great thing about it is that it is programmable and you can adjust sensitivity to the different bands so it doesn't go off all of the time (for X alerts for example)- thats what most people can't stand.
Great radar detector. Don't worry about configuration too too much. Simply, if you have one you're 90% safer than before.
Great radar detector. Don't worry about configuration too too much. Simply, if you have one you're 90% safer than before.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 2
From: MCO
Originally Posted by TripleBlackxTwo
I got a Solo II for my birthday after having a Solo for years. It's a big improvement, but I was concerned about the lack of range compared to wired units and was considering returning it for the wired Escort.
I did some research on the radar detector sites and found it was not that far behind the wired Escort. I was willing to give up a few feet in range for the ability to easily move from car to car. Also, I often park my vert for short periods with the top down and it's great to just grab the detector and go. If I were a big time speeder, I'd go the wired route, but I've been quite happy with my S2. It just suits my needs better.
BTW, there's supposed to be a kit to wire the Solo which extends its range somewhat (or so says Escort).
I did some research on the radar detector sites and found it was not that far behind the wired Escort. I was willing to give up a few feet in range for the ability to easily move from car to car. Also, I often park my vert for short periods with the top down and it's great to just grab the detector and go. If I were a big time speeder, I'd go the wired route, but I've been quite happy with my S2. It just suits my needs better.
BTW, there's supposed to be a kit to wire the Solo which extends its range somewhat (or so says Escort).
I have two of the original Solos (put them in other vehicles). I use the S2 in the Vette, and it works fine. Battery management is extremely improved, mostly due to the LCD screen, instead of LEDs on the older units. Unfortunately, this is also my major complaint. At mirror level (hanging just under the window tint), it is very difficult to "read" the LCD, no matter how much I try to adjust brightness and contrast. I usually only go by sound alerts.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 49
From: Southern Maryland
Originally Posted by JACKAL0PE
What wire? What are you talking about? That sounds great.
