How does a radar detector work?

Question

ok i thinkin bout getting a radar detector...............so how does it work exactly and how much does it usually cost.......know any good ones

Answer 1

Valentine and Escort are top rated.

You want VG2 or something like that- its the 'stealth' technology... anti-radar detector detector.

As mentioned earlier, they are illegal in some places, be careful not to use them in those states or countries.  In Canada, if you get caught with one, I've heard they typically put it under your tire and instruct you to 'pull forward', then 'back up', then give you your mashed detector back.

They work sort of like a typical radio...  they have a tuner, but it is tuned to the same frequencies that the radar guns use... then instead of going to a speaker (because it wouldn't sound good) they use the same stereo style VU meter lights to show signal strength.

Here's the most important point --- most police don't use radar any more... they usually use laser.  So you really want a radar/laser detector.

One other important point about detectors...  They tell you about the laser / radar when you've already been spotted.  You are hoping to catch the stray signal from them targeting someone else... but since detectors have become popular, police tend to use the trigger control on their radars and lasers more often...

Answer 2

Buying a radar good detector is important, but understanding how to use the detector can be more important.  If you drive a high speed down an open highway, the police officer is likely to hit you with instant on radar.  Instant on radar is the officer's countermeasure to your radar detector.  This countermeasure relies on "instant on" techniques that burst high power only when your car is close enough and only for short times. So, the effective way to use a radar detector is to have fast traffic in front of you so they trigger the warning before you are within radar range. You are trying to use the other person's potential misfortune as a radar alert.   Also note that the radar cannot see over hills or through trees. Rain also deteriorates the radar system. The following calculator may help you understand the radar basics: http://www.a2dvoices.com/realitycheck/ra...

**** Also watch out for red light picture and movie sensors.  These are revenue generating machines for tax starved counties.

Answer 3

To me the best bang for your bunch radar detector is the BEL 955, for $179 at RadarBusters.com. The BEL 955 is not the best but it is certainly up there with the top 3 radar detectors [Escort 8500 X50($300), BEL RX65 ($329.99), and Valentine 1($400)] I personally have a BEL Vector 995($270) and Valentine 1($400) and their is only a slight difference in detection range. I like both detectors equally due to their unique features.

The BEST radar detector is relative to the features you like/need.....There are 5 radar detectors with equal performance in most respects and will save you tickets contrary to what some will tell you. The Top 5 radar detectors are (in no specific order) the:

BEL RX65

BEL STi

Escort 8500 X50

Escort 9500i

Valentine 1

I personally use the Valentine 1 as well as the BEL vector 995 both have saved me huge fines when dealing with police radar. But for dealing with Laser you really needs a laser jammer (illegal in some states) I use a Blinder M20 and Anti-Laser laser jammers on my Volvo along with VEIL stealth coating and LaserShield plate cover.

For those that say a radar detector is just a ticket notifier obviously don't have experience with a top level detector. Ask any of my friends that ride in my car. My detectors both sniff out cops easily and give me plenty of time to slow down when usually going 10-15mph over the limit.

For test results of pretty much all laser jammers and radar detectors....Check out these links:

http://guysoflidar.com/testing.html

http://www.laserveil.com/radardetectorsb...

http://www.laserveil.com/laser-detector-...

To see videos of these stealth measures in action go here

http://www.radardetector.net/viewforum.p...

Radar detectors are only illegal in Virginia and Washington DC.

Answer 4

radar detectors work by sensing the stray radio waves from a radar gun. because the detect this signal they often get false signals from garage door remotes and automatic door openers at large buildings.

don't get a detector, they are illegal, so much so that the cops have a detector-detector to pinch you if you have one (even if it is hidden.

best bet is to drive at or below the speed limit, or so outragously fast they cant catch you;)