Time for a new radar detector?

[mfcentex]

LIDAR doesn't seemed to be widely used. I see mostly Ka. A quick search shows that standard RADAR is 65-75%. What areas do you see using LIDAR?

I agree that passive detection is needed now. Highway radar (app) has been quicker than Waze and includes aircraft alerts.

 

[KatyTxCT5V]

@FLYARMY, my radar detectors have more than paid for themselves and more times than I can count. Waste of money, not IMO, for me. I could care less what others believe and I’ll keep using them as I’m still ticket free and have been for decades. I guess I could just be lucky

In my area, RADAR (ka band) is used the most. Yes, on occasion I see LASER, thus why I keep my head on a swivel (my learnings from my long history of motorcycle riding) and pay attention to my surroundings if I plan to speed. You should not rely on a detector alone.

It’s good to understand what technology is used and how to be prepared. Of course, if you don’t ever speed, I guess you have nothing to worry about…

 

[leres]

I have only owned Uniden products, so can't comment on other brands but my current R8 works well here in Oklahoma. Like others suggested, I used the settings recommend by Vortex Radar. I have had one issue since trading in my C8 for a BW. The Adaptive Cruise system on the BW false alerts KA band 35.100. I can not segment this band because it is often used by OHP, but with the current firmware update, the R8 mutes the band at low detection (typically 1 bar) and with a stronger signal (more than 1 bar) , I will get a notification.

It's actually the google built-in display not adaptive cruise leaking 35.100 GHz (I have a M6 so I do not have KSG). Check this thread from last year. Many detector models have work arounds for the issue.

 

[rubberduck]

@FLYARMY, my radar detectors have more than paid for themselves and more times than I can count. Waste of money, not IMO, for me. I could care less what others believe and I’ll keep using them as I’m still ticket free and have been for decades. I guess I could just be lucky

In my area, RADAR (ka band) is used the most. Yes, on occasion I see LASER, thus why I keep my head on a swivel (my learnings from my long history of motorcycle riding) and pay attention to my surroundings if I plan to speed. You should not rely on a detector alone.

It’s good to understand what technology is used and how to be prepared. Of course, if you don’t ever speed, I guess you have nothing to worry about…

Add to that, I’ve never seen LIDAR used on highways/freeways in the west. Only in the city and I’ve been using jammers since around 2013. Jammers do work.

I agree radar detectors and jammers are a tool, not a substitute for situational awareness and good solid thinking skills. They will not save you from getting busted at double the speed limit.

 

[blackeneth]

Add to that, I’ve never seen LIDAR used on highways/freeways in the west. Only in the city and I’ve been using jammers since around 2013. Jammers do work.

I agree radar detectors and jammers are a tool, not a substitute for situational awareness and good solid thinking skills. They will not save you from getting busted at double the speed limit.

Last year I was hit by LIDAR on the I-10 in California. Interestingly, Ka band was used on the approach, but once close, I was hit with LIDAR.

Since I was running Highway Radar and using a Valentine One, I of course was traveling at the speed limit when this happened. It was in a rental car, not my Blackwing. I run a Uniden R9 in the Blackwing, but I don’t drive much anymore, so I haven’t had any good saves with it.

Previously I used V1 for ~40 years. Great detector. Funny story, when I got my first V1, I used it for *an entire year* before I picked up police radar. That year was productive, though, as I learned where all of the false alarms were on my regular route. Now I use the latest V1 as my “travel detector”.

 

[FLYARMY]

I can only say that here in NY area is nearly all LIDAR. It is 100% accurate and requires far less testing and set up than to use RADAR, not to mention that RADAR has caused some lawsuits relating to alleged cancer of Officers. Just before I retired, my department bought some LIDAR units that looked like small binoculars. The LIDAR i used (Pro Laser 3) was accurate to 6 inches ! The funniest excuse used in court by a female speeding in a Mustang was that she said she was coming down a hill and gravity made her go faster ! She also stated that she believed I was "anti- Mustang" owner. Might have been some truth to that one ! LOL !