San Diego and radar detectors...

[blueguydotcom]

Yes, there are plenty of threads on radar detectors but I'd like to hear from San Diego residents and if they do get frequent early warnings from their radar detectors. I drive 90 miles a day through SD county and I'm always worried about johnny law.

From the people I've talked to in law enforcement most SD cops/CHP ticket based on pacing and just visuals, not much radar.

Can anyone with a radar detector confirm that they don't get much advance notice of the presence of cops?


Thanks.

[pcmike]

Somehow I doubt they write most of their tickets by just using "visuals and pacing." First off, I don't even believe a ticket written by just using "visuals" holds much water in court. I mean, one cop can claim to know how fast someone was travelling just by looking, but unless he has proven such a skill in the field to the judge hearing the case I don't see how that holds any legal ground. Secondly, pacing is hard enough to do down here in Florida.. or so I'd imagine, considering all the randomness that goes on on Florida roads. SD county has to be much worst. Next time you're out driving try pacing a car that is 3-6 cars in front of you. See how many miles you can go without the mph varing drastictly... I'd imagine it'll be pretty hard to do.

Just my $.02 =\

[blueguydotcom]

Somehow I doubt they write most of their tickets by just using "visuals and pacing." First off, I don't even believe a ticket written by just using "visuals" holds much water in court. I mean, one cop can claim to know how fast someone was travelling just by looking, but unless he has proven such a skill in the field to the judge hearing the case I don't see how that holds any legal ground. Secondly, pacing is hard enough to do down here in Florida.. or so I'd imagine, considering all the randomness that goes on on Florida roads. SD county has to be much worst. Next time you're out driving try pacing a car that is 3-6 cars in front of you. See how many miles you can go without the mph varing drastictly... I'd imagine it'll be pretty hard to do.

Just my $.02 =\

Well, if radar detector users come forward and say their systems are always going nuts in SD - I see about 10 cops per day - then I'll buy a Valentine.

The guy I know in the CHP claims over 50% of his tickets come from driver tips. They get a cell call that X car is speeding on the freeway and sure enough he'll find the described car.

It's bad enough they're out there. Worse we have tattle-tales on the road with us... sigh.

[Raffi]

Get the V1 regardless. If it saves you from just one ticket, it's paid for itself.

[SAZMan]

Get the V1 regardless. If it saves you from just one ticket, it's paid for itself.
Yes, but how would you ever know? :p

[rwg]

Yes, but how would you ever know? :p

Trust me, you will know.

As for San Diego, I think it depends on where you drive. The police don't seem to use radar on either the 15 or the 5 (or the 163). I had the V1 hard wired in the e46 and used it every day (without much activity - one false alarm spot on my commute), but I haven't gotten around to doing that in the e36 yet, so I have lived without one day to day for over a year. If anything my speed has increased, but I haven't noticed a police presence.

I have been "saved" on some of the state highways heading east through the mountains. I don't know if they try and patrol the 8 more than the other two. Regardless, if you drive a lot, the V1 WILL eventually pay for itself.

[blueguydotcom]

Trust me, you will know.

As for San Diego, I think it depends on where you drive. The police don't seem to use radar on either the 15 or the 5 (or the 163). I had the V1 hard wired in the e46 and used it every day (without much activity - one false alarm spot on my commute), but I haven't gotten around to doing that in the e36 yet, so I have lived without one day to day for over a year. If anything my speed has increased, but I haven't noticed a police presence.

I have been "saved" on some of the state highways heading east through the mountains. I don't know if they try and patrol the 8 more than the other two. Regardless, if you drive a lot, the V1 WILL eventually pay for itself.

Thanks! I take the 5 and/or the 15 every day on my drive up to San Marcos/Vista, so this pretty much confirmed what I suspected about radar use on those freeways.

I'm still considering the V1 but I've got a feeling 14 years of legal driving and only one speeding ticket (in Nevada on a roadtrip while arguing with a girlfriend) confirms as long as I use my head and pay attention I'm pretty well protected.

[JonInSanDiego]

I commute from Mission Hills to Rancho Bernardo every day. There's so much traffic on the 15 that if you got nailed, it would be because they picked you at random. I have seen them hiding on the side of the road on the 163 right near Miramar and my radar detector has saved my butt there a couple of times. Overall though, I don't see them much on the north/south arteries, more on the east/west stuff. People I work with who live out in Santee say that there are always cops on the 52 and I've seen tons of them on the 8 when I head out that direction.

Between the cost of the ticket and the inevitable rise in insurance, I think that even if a radar detector saves you from one ticket, it's worth the money.

[blueguydotcom]

I commute from Mission Hills to Rancho Bernardo every day. There's so much traffic on the 15 that if you got nailed, it would be because they picked you at random. I have seen them hiding on the side of the road on the 163 right near Miramar and my radar detector has saved my butt there a couple of times. Overall though, I don't see them much on the north/south arteries, more on the east/west stuff. People I work with who live out in Santee say that there are always cops on the 52 and I've seen tons of them on the 8 when I head out that direction.

Between the cost of the ticket and the inevitable rise in insurance, I think that even if a radar detector saves you from one ticket, it's worth the money.

The more I read and the more people I talk to at work, the more I'm beginning to think of dropping a line to Valentine - $500 now v. more down the road. I've got to set it up to work in both my cars, which will be a pain but at the I drive my Protege to work 4 out of 5 days a week so it's at least got to be in that car.

Thanks for your feedback.

[LeucX3]

No radar detector here, so i cant' help out. I only go about 80-85 on the freeways and have never had a problem.

[pcmike]

$500 for a V1? I only paid $399 :dunno: ;)

[blueguydotcom]

$500 for a V1? I only paid $399 :dunno: ;)

Figure shipping, the extra parts I'll need to wire it for two cars, the concealed display, etc.

[Magna]

I commute from Mission Hills to Rancho Bernardo every day. There's so much traffic on the 15 that if you got nailed, it would be because they picked you at random. I have seen them hiding on the side of the road on the 163 right near Miramar and my radar detector has saved my butt there a couple of times. Overall though, I don't see them much on the north/south arteries, more on the east/west stuff. People I work with who live out in Santee say that there are always cops on the 52 and I've seen tons of them on the 8 when I head out that direction.

Between the cost of the ticket and the inevitable rise in insurance, I think that even if a radar detector saves you from one ticket, it's worth the money.

I also hear that some employers are now using driving records in addition to credit reports on their background checks!

Can't decide between the V1 (with the arrows but no POP recognition) or the Escort 8500 X50 (no arrows but recognizes POP) or the BEL RX65 (no arrows, but has POP and voice warning). I find with the V1 it's hard to know at night which band has been picked up. Some have installed different color LEDs and others say they have memorized and can distinguish among the different tones. Supposedly, BEL invented POP recognition and Escort bought BEL's tech, maybe V1 will do the same. If they do I would get the V1 and memorize the different tones for each band. I had a BEL before and it was great when the voice came on telling you it's Ka band or whatever. It's helpful because if it's X band that's been picked up, it's probably a false especially in the city.

[pcmike]

I also hear that some employers are now using driving records in addition to credit reports on their background checks!

Can't decide between the V1 (with the arrows but no POP recognition) or the Escort 8500 X50 (no arrows but recognizes POP) or the BEL RX65 (no arrows, but has POP and voice warning). I find with the V1 it's hard to know at night which band has been picked up. Some have installed different color LEDs and others say they have memorized and can distinguish among the different tones. Supposedly, BEL invented POP recognition and Escort bought BEL's tech, maybe V1 will do the same. If they do I would get the V1 and memorize the different tones for each band. I had a BEL before and it was great when the voice came on telling you it's Ka band or whatever. It's helpful because if it's X band that's been picked up, it's probably a false especially in the city.
The tones are extremely easy to distinguish, don't let that hold you back. Also POP is completely bogus, read the page Mike (Valentine) wrote regarding POP on his site. :)

[TechnoAg]

The tones are extremely easy to distinguish, don't let that hold you back. Also POP is completely bogus, read the page Mike (Valentine) wrote regarding POP on his site. :)

I'm going to stroke the radar detector fires here, and point to a field test done with a POP radar gun and various detectors at http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=9080. I'd pass on the Valentine, seems like Mike's got his head in the sand.

[pcmike]

You really are stroking the radar detector fires... but, not with any kind of creditable sources. Radartest is known to be bias against Valentine for one reason or another.. search the net, you'll figure out why. You claim Mike has his head in the sand.. and I'd tell you take anything radartest.com says and take it with a grain of sand(salt). They're bogus. The fact is Mike Valentine made the first successful detectors way back when and still does. Pony up the $100 and be happy like the rest of us.

[pcmike]

I really have no clue why this question is still posed. The only question that should be asked is this: are you cheap or are you not? If you're cheap, you'll save $100 and go for a Passport, if you're not cheap you'll pay the extra $100 and go with a V1 for a number of reasons. In the long run the V1 has better support post-purchase than the 8500 as well as the reputation to go with it, yada yada yada. When everything is said and done, what does anyone who is NOT CHEAP buy? Valentine1. Ever hear of someone complain about a V1 (an actually user not some bogus website!)? Most certainly not, that's because they work and they work well. Forget the dumb specs, factor of the matter is just about no one with a V1 goes on the various messageboards complaining that they got a ticket or that its not working. Either the 8500 or the V1 will work, the V1 just works that much better. Do what you want..

[BahnBaum]

I really have no clue why this question is still posed. The only question that should be asked is this: are you cheap or are you not? If you're cheap, you'll save $100 and go for a Passport, if you're not cheap you'll pay the extra $100 and go with a V1 for a number of reasons.

:dunno:

I don't consider myself cheap and I am VERY happy with my 8500. Especially if I decide to ante up for the ZR3 laser jammer that interfaces with the 8500. What jammer interfaces with the V1?

Hmmm. Because you chose a less expensive Mini, rather than a more expensive M3, should we just chalk that up to you being cheap? Or could there possibly be ANY other reasons that the Mini is a better choice for you?

Alex

[pcmike]

Well maybe that came out a bit wrong, but essentially what I'm trying to point out is that the people who continually ask the same stupid question: Passport or V1, are really just trying to justify the price difference. Somehow I doubt you went around asking the age old question before getting the 8500. You probably just decided that they both perform pretty much equally and you'd get the 8500. My point is just that, they both perform well, but the V1 has better post-purchase upgrade options so I chose the V1. Having to go through the dumb radar detector thread monthly is getting old. :tsk:

I forgot, the V1 also has the arrows which would be hard to give up now that I've been living with them. Also, while we're on the topic of POP, be sure to read: http://valentine1.com/pop/ Also another good read would be this: http://valentine1.com/moments/mom1103.asp :angel:

This is too funny, I'm reading through the "Moment of the Month" archive on valentine1.com and I just found this other "moment:" http://valentine1.com/moments/mom0203.asp Too funny! :bustingup

[BahnBaum]

Somehow I doubt you went around asking the age old question before getting the 8500. You probably just decided that they both perform pretty much equally and you'd get the 8500.
No, I have the 8500 because I've owned Escorts for over 20 years now, and I think they're a quality product, regardless of price.

To boil down the choice of owning a 8500 or a V1 to simply whether or not you want to spend the extra money for the V1 is silly.

Alex

[pcmike]

Alex, did Mike Valentine use to work for Escort or something he made was sold to Escort or something along those lines? I forget how the story goes, but I remember something like that. If that truly was the case why wouldn't you just stick with the man who started it all? :dunno:

[BahnBaum]

Alex, did Mike Valentine use to work for Escort or something he made was sold to Escort or something along those lines? I forget how the story goes, but I remember something like that. If that truly was the case why wouldn't you just stick with the man who started it all? :dunno:Mike Valentine created Cincinnati Microwave and invented the original Escort back in the 1970s.

But in this case, it's the brand I'm devoted to, not management. If I followed your logic, I would have ditched BMW for Volkswagen when Pischetsrieder left BMW. :p

Alex

[pcmike]

I don't know anything about Pischetsrieder, but in the case of radar detectors I'd rather own the one that's made by the man who started it all. That's just me though. I'm sure if I would have gotten a 8500 I'd of been content with it, but atlas I didn't and I really believe in my V1 and its effectiveness. =\

No hard feelings I hope.... I didn't mean to call certain people (like yourself) cheap, but I still believe some people are! ;)

[BahnBaum]

I don't know anything about Pischetsrieder, but in the case of radar detectors I'd rather own the one that's made by the man who started it all. That's just me though. I'm sure if I would have gotten a 8500 I'd of been content with it, but atlas I didn't and I really believe in my V1 and its effectiveness. =\

No hard feelings I hope.... I didn't mean to call certain people (like yourself) cheap, but I still believe some people are! ;)


:beerchug:

Alex

[TechnoAg]

You really are stroking the radar detector fires... but, not with any kind of creditable sources. Radartest is known to be bias against Valentine for one reason or another.. search the net, you'll figure out why. You claim Mike has his head in the sand.. and I'd tell you take anything radartest.com says and take it with a grain of sand(salt). They're bogus. The fact is Mike Valentine made the first successful detectors way back when and still does. Pony up the $100 and be happy like the rest of us.

First, I don't have any radar detector...yet.....

But, I'm honestly a little confused. The V1 CAN NOT dectect POP, they even mention it in the links you posted. According to RadarTest, he tests several, including the Passport, which CAN detect POP. Despite the agrument of whether POP is accurate or not, I'm not sure if I how much I can trust Valentine if Mike says you can't detect it, but there are several detectors out there that can? That really is the core of my issue. I certainly respect the opinions of the community here, I'm just looking for the best dectector.

[joema]

For independent user evaluations of the V1 and 8500, see:

V1: http://www.epinions.com/elec-Car_Stereo-Radar_Detectors-All-Valentine_One_Valentine_1/display_~reviews

8500: http://www.epinions.com/elec-Car_Stereo-Radar_Detectors-All-Escort_Passport_8500/display_~reviews

For professional tests of these detectors, see:
www.speedzones.com

The price difference can be more than $100. The V1 is sold through mail only, and isn't discounted. The 8500 is sometimes available at retail outlets for about $279.

Also the 8500 has user-adjustable display brightness. You usually don't need a concealed display for this reason. However the 8500 comes with a concealed display for free, whereas the V1's concealed display is $39, so the actual real-world price difference might be $159.

The V1 has a dedicated rear radar antenna, so it's generally much better at detecting rear attacks. Despite this in the latest www.speedzones.com test, the 8500 did OK on rear detection.

The latest 8500 X50 has POP mode detection, which officially the V1 lacks. Yet on the speedzones test, the V1 detected POP mode in one test.

The V1 obviously has arrows which is a nice feature. However while lacking arrows, the 8500 can simultaneously display multiple radar signals and their relative strength.

The V1 can be upgraded, and the 8500 cannot. This is especially relevant with all the talk about the new 8500 X50. Any current 8500 owner must simply buy a whole new unit.

[pcmike]

Great summary joema. ;)

[Magna]

yes, excellent summary joema, just to add a couple of things . . .

on the V1 the windshield setup is easier to remove the whole detector plus mounting while with the escort the easy way to remove the 8500 is to slide it out of the mounting, but the suction cups remain on the windshield, thus a sign the car has a detector inside. the v1 has a thin bar to remove the whole dectector off the windshield in one easy swoop, which i like. . . . not sure if i am being clear here.

while valentine says POP is unreliable/bogus and shouldn't be used the fact remains that POP is being sold and used.



I like the arrows, the better windshield mount of the v1

I like that POP is dectected by the 8500

The BEL RX65 has voice alert which i think is good, no need to even look at your detector, but it has the same mounting system as escort.

[blueguydotcom]

Thanks for the input from SD radar detector users. I ordered today and it should be here by Friday. And yes, I went Valentine but I was doing that regardless of anything anybody here wrote about the Escort. I want the arrows and $100 is pretty meaningless over the course of 4-5-XX number of years.

[16hr Day]

Thanks for the input from SD radar detector users. I ordered today and it should be here by Friday. And yes, I went Valentine but I was doing that regardless of anything anybody here wrote about the Escort. I want the arrows and $100 is pretty meaningless over the course of 4-5-XX number of years.


wow, this is a heated thread. I still have the original escort with the needle meter that I bought in the early 80's (it sits in a closet in it's original case) I also have a V1 aside from the fact that it is still the best radar detector BAR NONE (read Car & Driver, ANY radar detector test and the V1 wins every time). But every couple of years I send it in for an upgrade. Mike has stood by this purchase I made 10 years ago. Ask escort to update a detector from ten years ago. Better yet, try to get someone on the phone to even ask!!! Unfortunatly, like my friends to the south in SD, The California CHP uses very little Radar. LAPD uses even less. They pace you. That's it, they get behind you and just pace your speed then pull you over. And yes, this holds up in the California Courts. The officers are trained to estimate speed within 5 mph visually. I hate California :mad:

[blueguydotcom]

wow, this is a heated thread. I still have the original escort with the needle meter that I bought in the early 80's (it sits in a closet in it's original case) I also have a V1 aside from the fact that it is still the best radar detector BAR NONE (read Car & Driver, ANY radar detector test and the V1 wins every time). But every couple of years I send it in for an upgrade. Mike has stood by this purchase I made 10 years ago. Ask escort to update a detector from ten years ago. Better yet, try to get someone on the phone to even ask!!! Unfortunatly, like my friends to the south in SD, The California CHP uses very little Radar. LAPD uses even less. They pace you. That's it, they get behind you and just pace your speed then pull you over. And yes, this holds up in the California Courts. The officers are trained to estimate speed within 5 mph visually. I hate California :mad:

This may sound weird, I usually fly but this time I'm driving up to Vegas (I have a weird desire to see stern's show) and my only ticket in years came in Nevada. I'm not sure if the highway patrol there use radar but I'll take every thing possible to avoid a repeat of that. I couldn't fight the ticket and those scum at AAA raised my rates $400 for that one ticket in 98. I'm not sure wawanesa would do that too but I'd like to think I can prevent a repeat.

[rwg]

They pace you. That's it, they get behind you and just pace your speed then pull you over. And yes, this holds up in the California Courts. The officers are trained to estimate speed within 5 mph visually. I hate California :mad:

Iirc, California resisted using radar at all for a long time - they claimed that their officers were so well trained at estimating speed visually they didn't need it. :rolleyes: Still, why shouldn't pacing be an accepted measure of speed? Sure, cops might lie, but you can't base a system on the fact that you don't intend to believe your own law enforcement. Frankly, I am more likely to believe a paced speed record than a radar record anyway. Have you ever seen how far off some of those "HOW FAST ARE YOU GOING" radar/sign/traffic obstacles can be?

If you hate living in SoCal, go visit some place else. In winter. For two weeks at least, without the benefit of recreation areas like snow skiing. It might give you a new perspective.

[16hr Day]

Iirc, California resisted using radar at all for a long time - they claimed that their officers were so well trained at estimating speed visually they didn't need it. :rolleyes: Still, why shouldn't pacing be an accepted measure of speed? Sure, cops might lie, but you can't base a system on the fact that you don't intend to believe your own law enforcement. Frankly, I am more likely to believe a paced speed record than a radar record anyway. Have you ever seen how far off some of those "HOW FAST ARE YOU GOING" radar/sign/traffic obstacles can be?

If you hate living in SoCal, go visit some place else. In winter. For two weeks at least, without the benefit of recreation areas like snow skiing. It might give you a new perspective.

believe me, I long to be back in NY driving up and down the highways in the east where you can go 120mph for hours with out traffic!! Or twist up and down the parkways where slow cars actually move to the right when you flash to pass. Ok, the snow sucks, but it's only a few months a year. I live here becuse my job is here. You are in SD. That's a great town, nice and laid back. Let me recant my statement, I don't hate California, I hate Los Angeles!! :thumbdwn:

[BahnBaum]

believe me, I long to be back in NY driving up and down the highways in the east where you can go 120mph for hours with out traffic!! Or twist up and down the parkways where slow cars actually move to the right when you flash to pass.

Must be a different east than the east I live in. That's some dreamworld you've imagined exists out here.

Alex

[16hr Day]

Must be a different east than the east I live in. That's some dreamworld you've imagined exists out here.

Alex


sawmill? Sprainbrook Parkway? Taconic? 684? 95? 87? I got stopped in my 78 280Z in college for doing 125 in a 55 on Rte17!!! Ah the good old days.....

[blueguydotcom]

Well I wanted to thank everyone again. I got my Valentine One on Friday. I wasn't that impressed until today. Prior to today I'd only heard the beeps from alarms and auto doors. I'd come up on cops and slow down but no warning. Well, today I heard a new sound. Bwappp!

I glanced at the alarm and it showed the Ka band. I slowed instantly and traffic rushed by me. A mille- mile and a half down the road there was a motorcycle cop sitting on the side of the road. As I got closer and closer the detector went nuts. After passing I slowly eased back up.

A few miles or so later the detector went off again and showed the approaching signal was coming from behind. I slowed once more and the moto cop shot by me and got off the freeway.

Another 5 or so miles up, it went nuts once more. Another motorcycle cop.

I'm hardwiring it this weekend for both cars...

[rruiter]

Well I wanted to thank everyone again. I got my Valentine One on Friday. I wasn't that impressed until today. Prior to today I'd only heard the beeps from alarms and auto doors. I'd come up on cops and slow down but no warning. Well, today I heard a new sound. Bwappp!

I glanced at the alarm and it showed the Ka band. I slowed instantly and traffic rushed by me. A mille- mile and a half down the road there was a motorcycle cop sitting on the side of the road. As I got closer and closer the detector went nuts. After passing I slowly eased back up.

A few miles or so later the detector went off again and showed the approaching signal was coming from behind. I slowed once more and the moto cop shot by me and got off the freeway.

Another 5 or so miles up, it went nuts once more. Another motorcycle cop.

I'm hardwiring it this weekend for both cars...

Can a motorcycle cop while driving use the radar on anyone ?

[samlee4444]

i just took a weekend trip to SD this past weekend and can confirm SD CHP definitely use radar after driving all over SD. I was on the 5, 16 and 8 and sure enough every time it went off, there was a cop around and every time there was a cop around, it went off. Valentine 1 is the way to go. Worth the investment...

[blueguydotcom]

i just took a weekend trip to SD this past weekend and can confirm SD CHP definitely use radar after driving all over SD. I was on the 5, 16 and 8 and sure enough every time it went off, there was a cop around and every time there was a cop around, it went off. Valentine 1 is the way to go. Worth the investment...

You musta missed some cops then. I'm still at about 20:1 for no detection v. detection. This city has more cops per capita than surf bums. I saw 3 cops tonight on the drive home - nobody with radar on. :(

[samlee4444]

You musta missed some cops then. I'm still at about 20:1 for no detection v. detection. This city has more cops per capita than surf bums. I saw 3 cops tonight on the drive home - nobody with radar on. :(


But are talkin about city cops on the street or CHP? City cops will only have radar on when they'rea specifically trying to catch speeders, while catching speeders are CHP's bread & butter, so higher hit rate with CHP.

[blueguydotcom]

But are talkin about city cops on the street or CHP? City cops will only have radar on when they'rea specifically trying to catch speeders, while catching speeders are CHP's bread & butter, so higher hit rate with CHP.

i drive 90 miles a day on the freeway. Most of my Valentine Ka alerts have come from city street cops in north county near work. I've pegged 5 CHP vehicles so far on the freeway.

The local CHP i know on a personal basis say they use visual and pacing to do most tickets. About half the tickets come from driver tips too. Yep, people snitch on speeders. Lame but true.

[TGray5]

I really have no clue why this question is still posed. The only question that should be asked is this: are you cheap or are you not? If you're cheap, you'll save $100 and go for a Passport, if you're not cheap you'll pay the extra $100 and go with a V1 for a number of reasons. In the long run the V1 has better support post-purchase than the 8500 as well as the reputation to go with it, yada yada yada. When everything is said and done, what does anyone who is NOT CHEAP buy? Valentine1. Ever hear of someone complain about a V1 (an actually user not some bogus website!)? Most certainly not, that's because they work and they work well. Forget the dumb specs, factor of the matter is just about no one with a V1 goes on the various messageboards complaining that they got a ticket or that its not working. Either the 8500 or the V1 will work, the V1 just works that much better. Do what you want..

IMO, the V1 has way too many false alerts. I have two friends that have them and whenever I'm on the phone with them and they are driving, the V1 is going off constantly. I have an 8500 that I bought for $249 new and it makes only a fraction of the false alerts that the V1 does.

[BahnBaum]

About half the tickets come from driver tips too. Yep, people snitch on speeders. Lame but true.

Does this mean that they get a tip from a caller, then find the car, pace it or radar it, and catch 'em speeding? Cause you can't be saying that they're ticketing based on other people saying they're speeding.

I dunno, this sounds like it works with catching drunk drivers, but 50% of their speeders?

Alex

[blueguydotcom]

Does this mean that they get a tip from a caller, then find the car, pace it or radar it, and catch 'em speeding? Cause you can't be saying that they're ticketing based on other people saying they're speeding.

I dunno, this sounds like it works with catching drunk drivers, but 50% of their speeders?

Alex

They're ticketing based on what they see - they go out looking for specific cars in specific areas, sometimes with license numbers, based on driver tips. The CHP receives cell calls from drivers stating things like "I just saw a black BMW going north on the 5. He was cutting through traffic and going really fast."

I've seen chippies hit a freeway when a car is zooming by and the cop will just hit the lights and chase that guy down - no pacing and no radar In California a CHP officer can give you a ticket because his eyes perceived you to be be going faster than the speed limit. He doesn't need to pace or use radar. Often those tickets are written up like, "Exceeding 70." They don't state an exact speed.

Drunk drivers get called in too - heck I've called them in.

[LmtdSlip]

The guy I know in the CHP claims over 50% of his tickets come from driver tips. They get a cell call that X car is speeding on the freeway and sure enough he'll find the described car.



:bs:

There is no way the any highway patrol has that kind of resources to respond to a speeding call.

[blueguydotcom]

:bs:

There is no way the any highway patrol has that kind of resources to respond to a speeding call.

a. My friend's fiance is a liar then.

b. Motor Trend's article on the same topic was a lie: http://www.motortrend.com/features/112_0210_chp/index.html

"We do act on cell****** tips," says Gennuso. "If someone phones in a complaint about a drunk driver or a really blatant speeder, it's easy for dispatch to alert us so we can take the appropriate action."

c. the CHP is simply cruising around all day doing nothing for 90% of a shift - lack of time and resources is not an issue for guys who do something called "trolling for stupid people." What's that? Bored cops and CHP will cruise looking for slight problems with a car - taillamp out, license tags, etc. They pull those people over with one goal: looking to find a real crime - warrant, dui, drugs, etc. Shockingly on ride alongs this tactic works very well. I was with a cop one night who busted people for drug possession, carrying a concealed/loaded weapon in a car, outstanding warrants, etc. It's amazing how people will just spill the beans when Johnny Law walks up to the window.


They're out there to hand out tickets and harass people, so why wouldn't they respond to a surefire ticket and possibly a bigger bust? Too busy? Yeah, as if...

[TGray5]

a. My friend's fiance is a liar then.

b. Motor Trend's article on the same topic was a lie: http://www.motortrend.com/features/112_0210_chp/index.html



c. the CHP is simply cruising around all day doing nothing for 90% of a shift - lack of time and resources is not an issue for guys who do something called "trolling for stupid people." What's that? Bored cops and CHP will cruise looking for slight problems with a car - taillamp out, license tags, etc. They pull those people over with one goal: looking to find a real crime - warrant, dui, drugs, etc. Shockingly on ride alongs this tactic works very well. I was with a cop one night who busted people for drug possession, carrying a concealed/loaded weapon in a car, outstanding warrants, etc. It's amazing how people will just spill the beans when Johnny Law walks up to the window.


They're out there to hand out tickets and harass people, so why wouldn't they respond to a surefire ticket and possibly a bigger bust? Too busy? Yeah, as if...

I think you're wrong about CHP and their allocation of time. The CHP spends most of their time responding to accidents, broken down cars blocking traffic, etc. That's why you and I can drive 85 most of the time and not get a ticket for years. In more rural areas, where there are fewer accidents, the CHP has more time to look for violators, but here in LA/OC and I'm sure SD, CHP are very busy with calls. Check their website...all of the calls are logged.

[rwg]

Well this is a silly argument. Who cares? The SD north/south highways are mostly radar free - we all agree on that. SoCal has designated trucks that cruise for break downs or cars that run out of fuel, btw - the police don't have to respond to them very often. But there are a ton of accidents.

[blueguydotcom]

I think you're wrong about CHP and their allocation of time. The CHP spends most of their time responding to accidents, broken down cars blocking traffic, etc. That's why you and I can drive 85 most of the time and not get a ticket for years. In more rural areas, where there are fewer accidents, the CHP has more time to look for violators, but here in LA/OC and I'm sure SD, CHP are very busy with calls. Check their website...all of the calls are logged.


Just visited the site... total number of incidents in San Diego: 12 between 5:30 am and 2:40 pm. http://cad.chp.ca.gov/

From ride alongs and personal conversations, again I go back to the chp and cops aren't that busy.

[kurichan]

:bs:

There is no way the any highway patrol has that kind of resources to respond to a speeding call.

There is, if the person is driving recklessly. A group of motorcycles was swarming around me like something out of a movie. They scared me, so I called 911. They realized I had called the cops, so they took off at about 120 mph on 5 north, just before immigration.

The CHP woman I was connected to jumped into action, asked me a bunch of questions and dispatched cars. I don't know if they caught them, but it sure sounded to me like they tried.

The dispatcher said "we WILL go after them."

[rwebbe]

I use a hardwired Bel. It's gotta be 4 years old as I had it in the 528 too. I like the verbal part of it. Likewise it sure snakes out the hidden Bear's on the Ka band. I have the X turned off. I get a Laser warning going by the airport. We have about 5 Laser guns in the area, but I haven't come across them. The other day the Bel kept at it, visual Ka 1 than Ka2, than Ka 1 etc. Have learned there is a Bear following. There was as I found out later. The arrows must be nice to have, but Mike gotta come out with a wee bit more before I give him $400 bucks. Verbal would do it. I'm not cheap, but like to receive what I pay for. I do not in any way imply those who like the arrows are spend thrifts or dumb. They buy what they think is the best for the tpe driving they do. It's getting to be too stressful trying to out guess the law, especially when laser is becoming more and more popular due to the exhorbitant fees being collected for speeding.

[rruiter]

For independent user evaluations of the V1 and 8500, see:

V1: http://www.epinions.com/elec-Car_Stereo-Radar_Detectors-All-Valentine_One_Valentine_1/display_~reviews

8500: http://www.epinions.com/elec-Car_Stereo-Radar_Detectors-All-Escort_Passport_8500/display_~reviews

For professional tests of these detectors, see:
www.speedzones.com

The price difference can be more than $100. The V1 is sold through mail only, and isn't discounted. The 8500 is sometimes available at retail outlets for about $279.

Also the 8500 has user-adjustable display brightness. You usually don't need a concealed display for this reason. However the 8500 comes with a concealed display for free, whereas the V1's concealed display is $39, so the actual real-world price difference might be $159.

The V1 has a dedicated rear radar antenna, so it's generally much better at detecting rear attacks. Despite this in the latest www.speedzones.com test, the 8500 did OK on rear detection.

The latest 8500 X50 has POP mode detection, which officially the V1 lacks. Yet on the speedzones test, the V1 detected POP mode in one test.

The V1 obviously has arrows which is a nice feature. However while lacking arrows, the 8500 can simultaneously display multiple radar signals and their relative strength.

The V1 can be upgraded, and the 8500 cannot. This is especially relevant with all the talk about the new 8500 X50. Any current 8500 owner must simply buy a whole new unit.

Speedzones.com did a new test I think (2004). The X-50 came out as the winner. The V1 did not detect pop. They also noted that a lot of speed-radars being sold HAVE pop.

[doeboy]

IMO, the V1 has way too many false alerts. I have two friends that have them and whenever I'm on the phone with them and they are driving, the V1 is going off constantly. I have an 8500 that I bought for $249 new and it makes only a fraction of the false alerts that the V1 does.

V1 does seem to be more sensitive and as a result generate more alerts driving around town. However, I believe Mike V's philosophy is provide you with as much info as possible because you never know. But then again, the opposite effect is the "crying wolf" syndrome where a person gets so used to those minor alerts that they start to ignore them making the alerts useless as well.

Personally, I usually use Advanced Logic mode and these "falses" are cut down dramatically. When bands are detected at a stronger or constant level, it will still alert so the driver can then process the data and decide whether or not they want to respond to it or ignore it.

It's all a matter of personal preference IMO. And for me, I'd rather have more info than less.

And the main thing for me is... I'd say 95% of Ka alerts I pick up result in me spotting a cop soon afterwards. Which is what many are using now anyway... especially CHP when they're out "fishing" for speeders. Normally on my relatively short commute home, I don't get anything, but yesterday I picked up a Ka alert. I looked around and sure enough... CHP cruiser coming the opposite way.

[JB330Ci]

I really have no clue why this question is still posed. The only question that should be asked is this: are you cheap or are you not? If you're cheap, you'll save $100 and go for a Passport, ..

:bigpimp: I am DIRT CHEAP! I am DIRT CHEAP!:bigpimp: I just got a Passport 8500 X50 blue for $170 through Discover's double award program. I don't really speeding that much any more but decided to get a radar detector just for fun. It did add about 10 HP to the car though :rofl: :thumbup:.

Not long before I got my X50 I made a 3,000 mile round trip from Dallas to NYC and back in a 6 days span... with a friend's cheap Cobra, driving 80-85 mph most of the time. This is what I've found:

1) 50% of the time the radar detector did not go off when I saw a patrol car.

2) 80% of the cars passed by me (>85 mph) got pulled over. Cops were really out on interstates, no matter it's in NJ, PA, OH, AK, or TX. Didn't see many in KY or TN though.

3) Old widsom "follow a fast car and keep a distance" DOES NOT WORK any more. Cops come out in pairs and some times more. In Pennsylvania, I80, in the middle of no where, long stretch downhill, I was the third one in a pack going 85 mph. The radar detector beeped once, beep twice, I slowed down to 70. The first car was out of the sight and the second one was about 300 yards in front of me. The cop came out from the forest in front of me and pulled the 2nd car over. A minute later, I saw the first one got pulled over by another highway patrol. On the way back, in Texas just past the Arkansas border line, the radar detector went off, I slowed down to 70, passed a pair of patrol cars parked on the shoulder and radar detector kept on beeping. Half mile later there were two more, and another half mile later, two more on the shoulder(V1 would be very useful with the arrows!!! :thumbup: ). I told myself it must be a training day for the new cops.

Anyhow, radar detector does work but watch out, it's not 100%.

Cheers!

[rruiter]

:bigpimp: I am DIRT CHEAP! I am DIRT CHEAP!:bigpimp: I just got a Passport 8500 X50 blue for $170 through Discover's double award program. I don't really speeding that much any more but decided to get a radar detector just for fun. It did add about 10 HP to the car though :rofl: :thumbup:.

Not long before I got my X50 I made a 3,000 mile round trip from Dallas to NYC and back in a 6 days span... with a friend's cheap Cobra, driving 80-85 mph most of the time. This is what I've found:

1) 50% of the time the radar detector did not go off when I saw a patrol car.

2) 80% of the cars passed by me (>85 mph) got pulled over. Cops were really out on interstates, no matter it's in NJ, PA, OH, AK, or TX. Didn't see many in KY or TN though.

3) Old widsom "follow a fast car and keep a distance" DOES NOT WORK any more. Cops come out in pairs and some times more. In Pennsylvania, I80, in the middle of no where, long stretch downhill, I was the third one in a pack going 85 mph. The radar detector beeped once, beep twice, I slowed down to 70. The first car was out of the sight and the second one was about 300 yards in front of me. The cop came out from the forest in front of me and pulled the 2nd car over. A minute later, I saw the first one got pulled over by another highway patrol. On the way back, in Texas just past the Arkansas border line, the radar detector went off, I slowed down to 70, passed a pair of patrol cars parked on the shoulder and radar detector kept on beeping. Half mile later there were two more, and another half mile later, two more on the shoulder(V1 would be very useful with the arrows!!! :thumbup: ). I told myself it must be a training day for the new cops.

Anyhow, radar detector does work but watch out, it's not 100%.

Cheers!

It doesn't always go off because cops don't always leave their radar on. Some use a visual observation, then target you once you drive by.
Some don't bother since they're busy doing other stuff like eating donuts, or talking to another cop. On many occasions I've seen the cops stand in the median , two cars with windows open and they're talking to eachother... No radar on. Everyone slows down as soon as they see the cops. Cops aren't exactly stupid. They know there's lots of radar detectors out there so they don't always leave the radar on when they're 'hunting'.
With the X-50, if the cops DO have the radar on, it warns you loooong before you reach them ( in ideal situations as far away as 10 miles, personally experienced that in AZ).

[marcolsen]

I live in temecula and drive every day to Oceanside to work. While pacing is used on the freeways, radar and laser are used extensively in Oceanside. They caught me there recently. Now I have the new PassPort 8500 and this gives plenty of advance warning. The only exception is the "instant on" laser. In that case the detector makes a very loud, shrill noise and you need to HIT THE BRAKES FAST. This happened to me last week, I slowed quickly and the cop didn't move from his bike.
I would highly recommend one.
Marc

[chippy]

who had a question about radars

[chippy]

The reason most of your detects dont go off until the last min. is that the radar in the CHP cars can be placed in stanby mode. When and officer see's a car he/she estimates is exceeding the limit, then they transmit the radar, and get a reading on the vehicle in question. That way we get around the detectors.

[Chipster]

The reason most of your detects dont go off until the last min. is that the radar in the CHP cars can be placed in stanby mode. When and officer see's a car he/she estimates is exceeding the limit, then they transmit the radar, and get a reading on the vehicle in question. That way we get around the detectors.

True, but when they pulse the one car that is speeding a good detector will pick up that pulse from a distance giving the driver who is farther back a warning. I can say that many times I've been blowing up and down the freeways and toll roads and picked up signals from radar long before I even see the source.

There is a cop that sits at the bottom of this hill by my house. The hill is probably 1/2 mile long and even with your foot off the accelerator the car will still exceed the posted limit. It's like shooting fish in a barrel for them. So after months of this game I was at the top of the hill and a motor is shooting radar at the group of cars ahead of me about 2/3rds of the way down. My detector goes off so I back it down. He shuts down the radar and waits until I get to the 2/3rds point and fires it back up to hit my car...so feeling a little nutty...as soon as I get his signal I flash my highbeams. His signal stopped so I pulled off the high beams. Mind you, this is 7a so there was no reason for the lights to be on.

The look he gave me as I drove past him was priceless. I don't know if he was pissed, or confused. I think he was looking for the detector, but because I have it hardwired and it sits next to my mirror by the tinted part of the windshield it's pretty hard to see. :rofl:

A little harmless fun....

[doeboy]

You shoulda waved g'mornin to him... :hi: :D

[Chipster]

You shoulda waved g'mornin to him... :hi: :D
I kind of thought that flashing the lights was pushing it :D

[Stuka]

I use A mode with X band disabled. And yes, 95% of Ka is bad news. :yikes:

As far as the standby mode, I hve seen it in action when I was caravaning up to Sears Point and some red Ford truck decided to blow past us after we both slowed down and pulled voer to the right when we saw a CHP cruiser.

Sure enough, V1 went full blast when the officer, undoutedly determined that the FOrd truck was exceeding the limit by a great margin, flipped it on. And the Ford got pwnzd. :bustingup