2 questions....

[370Z/28]

Is there any way to open my hatch from inside the vehicle or with the Intellekey? (I have the base model)

Also...where do you guys have your radar detector mounted? I had mine in my G mounted above the rear-view mirror. (it is cordless) The Z has that blackout stuff so the suction cups won't stick. I really don't want it sitting on my dash because the dash is too pretty just like it is. Is there any kind of adhesive you can think of that I could stick those suction cups to the windshield, but be able to remove them fairly easy if I needed to?

Thanks!

[BusyBadger]

My keyfob pops the hatch lock from inside the vehicle but it will not work if the key is the ignition, I wonder why that is!?!?

I've got my V1 mounted up high just to the left of the dot pattern, it's hardwired into the Homelink mirror so that I don't have to deal with any dangling cords, or run some super-long cord up under the headliner, around the door frame and then tap into a hot wire. Pretty dash or no, you'll get better reception/performance mounting a detector higher and shield it from direct sunlight...hot detector is bad detector. Someone else asked me about where to mount a detector and I never got around to posting any pics. I'll see if I can get some posted this weekend.

You can get some heavy duty fastener (think super velcro) at a lot craft or art stores, you could probably even pick it up at Wal-Mart or Target. It's pretty sturdy stuff and grips like crazy. Plenty strong for a detector.



Don't depend on a cordless detector...they don't have nearly the power or sensitivity of a wired unit. My top recommendations are the Valentine1, Escort Redline and Beltronics STI Driver if you're looking for a window mount unit. The Escort 9500 ci and the recently re-released Beltronics STIR are the ones to look for if you're looking for a concealed unit. Every detector that I've listed, with the exception of the V1, is invisible to radar detector detectors (RDDs) on the off-chance that you're driving in Virginia, DC, or a federal installation where they are prohibited. I'd really only worry about VA though. I live 20 minutes from VA and having a V1 I'd really like a new stealthy detector I could run when I was up there, but I'm leaning towards some other countermeasures for all the laser out there now.*

*Legal disclaimer: For demonstration purposes only, please obey all traffic laws and never drive under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

[370Z/28]

Thanks!

I'll check for some of that super-duper Velcro. That might be just my ticket (pardon the pun). My r/v mirror is flat on the top and about an inch wide so if I could get the bracket to hold to the windshield, the mirror would brace the unit. Do you think those black dots would interfer with my reception on the detector?

I'm sticking with my cordless for now. It is an Escort and I always get plenty of warning with it. It is so convenient to not have a cord. If I get busted....I will check out some of the detectors you mentioned.

Another reason I want it up high like that is because I live in Memphis and we are the land of the thugs and car thiefs. I don't want anybody breaking into my baby just to get a detector. I try to keep everything out of sight.

[BusyBadger]

Do you think those black dots would interfere with my reception on the detector?

I don't think so, but you might want to check this thread out. There might be some information in there for you. I haven't read through it since the dots aren't in my V1's "LOS", but I thought it might be a good place to start.

Another reason I want it up high like that is because I live in Memphis and we are the land of the thugs and car thiefs. I don't want anybody breaking into my baby just to get a detector. I try to keep everything out of sight.

Nice another Volunteer State Z! That's also an added benefit of having it mounted high, it's not the place most would be thieves would look for some gadget. I don't often leave mine mounted, when I park I pull it down just to keep it from getting baked in the sun and away from prying eyes. But if I'm doing a quick 5 minute trip I'll usually leave it up and it's barely noticeable and only if you're really looking for it.

[370Z/28]

What part of the state do you live in?

[_b.jaye_]

Is there any way to open my hatch from inside the vehicle or with the Intellekey? (I have the base model)

there is a little pull clip that pops the hatch, right in the middle of the cross brace on the underside. prooobably not quite what you had in mind

[JDub1987]

.................................

[370Z/28]

Thanks BB for the Super Duty Velcro idea. Got me a good clean install. Tight fit, but it is totally out of view from outside the car. Don't want a busted window just to get my detector! Now I will have to see how good it stays put on one of those 100 degree Memphis summer days.

[kuhan]

^mount your radar up there is a very bad location.

If you read the manual, it recommends that you should place it right above the windshield wipers and between driver and passenger seat for BEST radar and laser detection.

I recently ordered a mounting bracket that hooks up to the rear mirror and ordered an Inviscord to plug into the Homelink. This is the closest to have a clean setup and still have a good detection.

Similar to this.

[BusyBadger]

^mount your radar up there is a very bad location.

If you read the manual, it recommends that you should place it right above the windshield wipers and between driver and passenger seat for BEST radar and laser detection.

I recently ordered a mounting bracket that hooks up to the rear mirror and ordered an Inviscord to plug into the Homelink. This is the closest to have a clean setup and still have a good detection.

Actually, the manual for the Valentine One says:

Detector performance is enhanced by a high mounting position. Two reasons. For radar, a longer sight line to the horizon always helps. For laser, moving away from the hood and its sun reflections helps a lot.

Mount high for better detection.

Valentine One source page

Guys of LIDAR detector mounting page

Mine is mounted as high as it can be while still getting a clear view through the rear window. If you're not running a V1 there's no reason to worry about rear radar reception since it's currently the only detector with a rear facing antenna. The largest drawback of mounting high would be potential interference from a metallic based tint strip.

I'm not a big fan of the BlendMount, it places the detector in clear sight of everyone out there, LEOs and detector leeches alike. Plus the detector could be mounted a bit higher for better radar reception. But it does look slick. Invisicord is a good choice (though I think StealthCords have a better finished product. Barring a fully concealed detector like the Escort 9500ci or the Beltronics STi-r, here's my dream stealth install.

Laser reception with a detector however is a gimmick. In almost all circumstances if you pick up a LIDAR shot you're already tagged. If LIDAR is a major threat in your area the only real countermeasure is to jam the gun.

It's pretty cool to see all the radar enthusiast & fanatics on here!

[370Z/28]

I thought as low as our cars are that that was a good mount level.

Do you think those black dots on my windshield will affect my reception any? I wish I knew a cop with a radar gun and a good sense of humor.

[kuhan]

Ok, I didn't know V1 was different. I have Escort 9500ix and 8500 X50, so I'm following their recommendations.

9500 ci will set you back a few bucks, BB.

[hitbychance]

just got my bel sti last week, should have it mounted by the weekend, ill post some pics then.

[BusyBadger]

just got my bel sti last week, should have it mounted by the weekend, ill post some pics then.

Nice! Stealth mode - activated.

[hitbychance]

Nice! Stealth mode - activated.

you know it!, i had it in the window of my winter beater friday night, i was very impressed with its sensitivity!

[BusyBadger]

I wanted to post this up because I had a few requests about where my detector was mounted.

It's up high and nearly invisible from outside (this photo is from about two feet away)...



Impossible to see if someone wearing a badge happens to be at your door...



Unless he happens to crouch down to get at eye level...



It's a standard Valentine One mount with a Stealth Cord routed in under the headliner and then down the RVM channel and plugged into the appropriate ports in the back of the HomeLink mirror. I ziptied the wire bundle (HomeLink and Stealth Cord) together to keep from accidentally pulling the Stealth Cord probes out of the mirror when I take my detector down when I'm parked for a long period of time. The Stealth Cord tips can be a pain to get seated, ask Hit By Chance, so I'm not keen on having to do it again.

Because the V1 isn't in a conspicuous location and there's no dangling cord I've only ever had someone "hitch a ride" with me after they've been behind me and seen me brake before an ambush.

[370Z/28]

Good clean install. Does it not flop up and down a lot when you hit bumps? That is why I like mine to rest on the mirror. The mirror gives it some bracing. I have a little foam sticky thing on it so it won't rattle.

[hitbychance]

i just hid the wire for mine yesterday i'll try to remember to snap a pic of the stealthy setup

[hitbychance]

I can vouch for Badger, the stealth cord is useful but a PITA to install

I have a Bel Sti Driver with a visor holder and a 24" stealth cord.

Here she is:

What you see when you look in:


Inside the visor holder:


All the wire that you can see:


View from one foot away from the window: