EvanZR1

I really hate having a radar detector visible in the car, but I don't really feel like spending $1,500-$2,000 for a concealed install detector. What do you guys think about getting a dashtronix and mounting my 9500ix under the hood in a waterproof box? Since our cars are fiberglass/composite the body panels shouldn't interfere with a radar signal. I know it would give up the rear detection, but I think I could probably live with that. I'd have to get a hardwire smart cord, but that wouldn't be a big deal. Total project would only be a few hundred $$. The big questions are would it still get good signal from the front, and would I have to worry about it overheating if I put it in a waterproof box.

FAsnakes

you're making this too hard on yourself.. . IMHO - get yourself a good mount and keep it moving. .

FAsnakes

BTW, here's my mount. .. barely detectible from the outside.



- gl

vettman96

Waterproffing may not be as big a concern as the heat in the engine bay. The board and chips in the unit will have mortality problems if they operate in an environment that hot. I don't think it is a long term workable idea.

EvanZR1

Already got a good mount, pretty much mounted just like FAsnakes. I would just prefer to not even have it visible at all in the car for two reasons:
1. If you get pulled over and the cop sees it, you are DEFINITELY getting the ticket.
2. If I leave the top off, I don't like it being visible for someone to try and steal.
Mine is set up right now so I can flip the visor down to cover it, but would be really cool to not even have it in the cabin.

Homer3D

Why not make a mount so you can put it somewhere in the trunk area? Would it still pick up radar/laser in the trunk?

6893Vette

While radar does go through fiberglass, the body panels will affect the range of your detector. I'm 100 percent certain of this. It will still pick up radar but your range will suffer and I don't think you will be happy. If you do put it under the hood, put it as close to the front (in the nose) as possible, keep it level, and as high as possible. Personally, I think the Redline would do a better job in the front if you are going to hand cuff the detector. The Redline has much better range.

Once in the hood, the detector has no way to see laser. Depending on where you live, that might be OK.

I looked for places to mount a detector in the trunk but did not find a good solution. If you find a workable solution, let me know.

I used to see waterproof boxes (like what you are describing) for sale. You might be able to pick one up from the Internet. Most were for the V1 but that might work for the 9500ix.

I've also seen some other ways to conceal the unit on your visor. PM me if you want to see it. I don't think I can attach the link here...

Alex LS3

There is a company that taks your rearview mirror and your v1 or some Bells and put them together. The display is in the rearview and sensors are built in.

I cannot for the life of me find it right now but maybe something to look into.

Knob Jockey

You could maybe remove the guts from the OnStar antenna box on the windshield and hide the detector inside that.

Or come up with a mount that puts it behind the mirror.

pfic06

I have a vert and wanted a hidden detector, did not want to spend big bucks on a built in unit. I compromised and installed a WHISTLER Pro-3600 with optional GPS unit. All for around $350. The GPS for the red light and speed camera was a real bonus. The detector got good reviews from u tube. If you go this route, a couple things to look out for.
1. Firefox does not see the firmware updates and data base updates as ZIP files, use IE or some other browser.
2. The thumb drive has to be formatted FAT 32 for the detector to see it.

mcandrew67

is it this?
http://www.radar-mirror.com/V1.html

FAsnakes

I think this would be your best option..

http://www.radar-mirror.com/V1.html

6893Vette

Radar Mirror is used to view the display, you still have to mount the detector somewhere in the vehicle.

The Whistler Pro 3600 and Escort 8500 ci / 8500 ci Plus are options. They are good but not at the top of the detector food chain. They have their weaknesses, just as the 9500ix has weaknesses. One other, simple solution would be the Escort SmartRadar. I would expect it to perform like the 8500 ci but without the install issues, but you would have a box on your windshield.

I would get the best and just plan on using it for many years. New detector come out every year, if you get the best that is available now, you won't need to upgrade later.

BTW, Escort just announced the PassportMax. It has all the features of the 9500ix but is much more responsive (the 9500ix Achilles heel is its responsiveness). The first all new detector design in a long time. Most of the detectors we have seen released in the past several years have used components of existing detectors. This is truly ground breaking technology. That being said, the STi R Plus will remain at the top of the remote detector list. I don't know if the new Escort will have its sensitivity, only time will tell.

philip_g

not the case in my personal experience.

philip_g

the GPS autolearn and the escort live service make that very attractive to me. Enough to ditch my V1.

6893Vette

For the moment, the STi R Plus is the best all around unit and stays that way for me until proven otherwise.
1. M3 Antenna (same as in the Redline) is very sensitive.
2. Band segmentation to make it extremely responsive.
3. GPS Redlight camera/speed trap notification.
4. GPS lockout of known false alerts.
5. Remote unit (no wires to look at, factory feel if installed correctly).
6. Escort Live capable.

The V1 is an awesome windshield mounted unit. Very good sensitivity and very responsive. Recent custom sweep settings make it even better.

The PassportMax could turn out to be a great unit.
1. New M5 antenna (based off the M4 which is not as sensitive as the M3, it may not be as sensitive as the M3 but time will tell)
2. Digital processing that makes it fast and able to screen out false alerts (lane departure assist...)
3. GPS for lockouts
4. GPS for Redlight camera / speed trap notice
6. Escort Live capable.

Personally, I would wait for independent reviews before getting the Max but if you want a great remote unit the STiR Plus is still a great detector. If you want the Max, nothing wrong with keeping the V1 until we see real world test results.

philip_g

I'll be watching closely to see what people think as they get them. To be honest the V1 has never impressed me. YMMV.

J Christensen

My memory made be failing me but I think Escort advises to have nothing obstructing their units, other than window glass.

The 9500ci is a short breeze install on the vette.

Bat Man

Your radar detector does not have a rear facing radar sensor. It gets rear detection by radar bouncing off things/cars in front of you.

Corvettinator

Plastic and fiberglass actually do interfere with radar signals (not to mention, completely block LIDAR).

I recently moved my Bel STiR+ from behind the plastic air dam (the black thing between the grill and the radiator), or rather, the dam was ripped out in my S/C install last week. The receiver now has line of sight, and the performance is markedly improved.