Laser Jammers vs Radar Detectors

[tf1200rt]

The V1 is not specifically designed for motorcycles. Neither is my Escort.

I have a rain proof cover that I got from Legal Speeding for my Escort. Unfortunately, they don'y sell them anymore (so I bought two). I've been on Rennlist for about seven years also and I must say, there is a lot of BS on that board (IMS bearing)

[DVEINEDER]

Thank you for excellent advise and sources from many people. Very helpful.

[SteveAikens]

Dear BMWMOAers,

Is the Valentine V1 a designed-and-built-for-motorcycles radar detector in that it is compact, can be operated with gloves on, has visual alerts AND is waterproof? I've been thinking about getting one and have been looking at the unit made specially for motorcycles by Adaptiv. Does anyone have a view on that device versus the Valentine? And what good is the Valentine if it can't get wet? Thanks.

Kent

No. However, I have mine permenently mounted on the bike. The 2011 IBR was one of the wettest and it handled it fine by me just sticking a baggie over it and continuing to ride normally - the V-1 was on the entire rally that I was riding.

As to operate with glove on - to do what? It's a radar detector, all you should have to do is turn it on and off or adjust volume, which I cna do with Gerbing G5's on.

[RINTY]

...there's a lot of BS on that board (IMS bearing)...tonyfr

Well, the Porsche world has the IMS issue, and in the BMW world, it's final drives...

[tsnewberry]

Radar works by sending a radio signal out and waiting on the signal to bounce back to the patrol car. The Radar unit calculates the amount of time it takes for the signal to return, adjusts for the speed of the patrol car (If it is moving) and provides the operator with the speed of the target vehicle. The tough part here here is that it returns the signal from the largest target. A motorcycle passing a Semi is hard for the unit to detect, because the signal is returning from the semi. The reason Radar detectors are effective is because not all of the RF (Radio Frequency) emitted from the unit is returned. Some of it keeps on wandering out there for 2-3 miles, past the effective range of the radar unit. When your Radar detector goes off, it is indicating that it is receiving a radio signal within the appropriate frequency range for a Law Enforcement Radar unit. There are some other things in this frequency range as well (automatic door oopeners on grocery stores, etc...) which will also give an indication. So, in summary a quality Radar detector will keep you out of trouble most of the time. If you are the lone vehicle on the road and the Officer leaves the emitter turned off until he see's you, your detector will go off but it is too late.
As for Laser, Laser is very target specific and line of sight. It must be operated from a stationary position. The Officer places the target vehicle in the crosshairs (yes, it has a scope) and pulls the trigger. The unit immediately returns the speed and distance to the target vehicle. Ergo, Laser detctors are very good at telling you that you just got nabbed, but provide no warning that one is in use and that you should slow down.

Hope this helps.

[Ken F]

Ergo, Laser detctors are very good at telling you that you just got nabbed, but provide no warning that one is in use and that you should slow down.

Or, if you are following another vechicle who gets lasered, you may pick up residual from the laser.

[lmo1131]

I've been driving with a Class A commercial license for so long and used to maintaining a 55-60 mph speed that it's almost impossible for me to drive any faster.

The uphsot being I don't worry about radar traps. Of course I also have an almost overwhelming tendency to pull into scales... .. .

[RINTY]

...you may pick up residual from the laser...Ken F

IIRC, I've read some posts to this effect.

[tommcgee]

Or, if you are following another vechicle who gets lasered, you may pick up residual from the laser.

I drive a lot and that's only happened to me once in the 3 or 4 years the state police have been using it in Massachusetts.

[88bmwjeff]

Radar works by sending a radio signal out and waiting on the signal to bounce back to the patrol car. The Radar unit calculates the amount of time it takes for the signal to return, adjusts for the speed of the patrol car (If it is moving) and provides the operator with the speed of the target vehicle. The tough part here here is that it returns the signal from the largest target. A motorcycle passing a Semi is hard for the unit to detect, because the signal is returning from the semi. The reason Radar detectors are effective is because not all of the RF (Radio Frequency) emitted from the unit is returned. Some of it keeps on wandering out there for 2-3 miles, past the effective range of the radar unit. When your Radar detector goes off, it is indicating that it is receiving a radio signal within the appropriate frequency range for a Law Enforcement Radar unit. There are some other things in this frequency range as well (automatic door oopeners on grocery stores, etc...) which will also give an indication. So, in summary a quality Radar detector will keep you out of trouble most of the time. If you are the lone vehicle on the road and the Officer leaves the emitter turned off until he see's you, your detector will go off but it is too late.
As for Laser, Laser is very target specific and line of sight. It must be operated from a stationary position. The Officer places the target vehicle in the crosshairs (yes, it has a scope) and pulls the trigger. The unit immediately returns the speed and distance to the target vehicle. Ergo, Laser detctors are very good at telling you that you just got nabbed, but provide no warning that one is in use and that you should slow down.

Hope this helps.

I have heard/read that most radar guns are instant on these days. Like the laser, by the time the detector goes off, the cops got you--if in fact it was you he/she was going after. I could be wrong, but that's what I've heard. Also, Mythbusters did a show on beating the radar gun, and nothing worked--if my memory serves me right.

[tommcgee]

I have heard/read that most radar guns are instant on these days.

There are still plenty of the old style radar systems out there. Instant on isn't usually a threat if there's traffic. You get intermittent alerts. My Escort has a voice that says "pop alert" when there is a sudden radar signal.

[Ken F]

From what I've found, your best defense still, is following a fast "front door", about a quarter to half mile behind. (someone running in front of you) If they get shot, you will pick it up.

Now, the falacy to this is -if you are the last in line, you are likely the first to get stopped too!

Ken

[greenwald]

I have heard/read that most radar guns are instant on these days. Like the laser, by the time the detector goes off, the cops got you--if in fact it was you he/she was going after. I could be wrong, but that's what I've heard. Also, Mythbusters did a show on beating the radar gun, and nothing worked--if my memory serves me right.

You're correct, Jeff.

While I fully understand that not a single person who trusts a radar detector is ever going to change their mind (human nature!), here's what's going on in the world of speed enforcement.

Whether or not you get a speeding ticket is totally at the mercy of the uniform behind the equipment. Neither your detector nor your anatomy can react faster than the speed of light, so if utilized properly (visual target acquisition first - then emit signal), you're doomed - every time - no exceptions.

The only reason people put faith in detectors is because most officers, just like I did for three decades on the job, frequently allow our radar signals to 'paint a roadway' when we're busy doing other things, such as completing a complex accident diagram, dictating a report, conducting business on our laptop, etc. We call it "grazing" (leaving the radar active, while busy with other tasks inside the car). Your detector goes off - you slow down - you pass the marked squad without being pursued - you think you outsmarted the LEO.

Truth be told, 99.99% of drivers who 'think' that piece of plastic-enclosed circuitry saved their butts, simply passed thru a 'grazing zone,' where the officer never intended to pursue you in the first place unless ridicously reckless.

Maybe not what you wanted to hear, but that's how most of us work traffic. Nothing personal - they just don't save your butt - that decision was made before it ever started beeping, flashing, talking to you....whatever.

Now - back to the world of "No one's going to tell me my V1 or Whistler or Hyper Megatron Deluxe doesn't work - I KNOW it's saved me a fistful of tickets!"

Sure - whatever you say.

Just consider that going not quite so fast = you'll still get where you're going, and burn less gas doing it.

[Ken F]

Interesting Greenwald, and thanks for your post! This is what I've rather suspected for quite some time.

Could you be kind enough to refute with reasoning my previous point about following another "speeder" and picking up the residual of him being zapped, either with laser or instant-on?

I'm not trying to be arguementative, I'm honestly interested in learning. This is what is being told on many sites regarding radar detection, and I'd be interested in hearing your take on their arguement.

Thanks,
Ken

[greenwald]

Interesting Greenwald, and thanks for your post! This is what I've rather suspected for quite some time.

Could you be kind enough to refute with reasoning my previous point about following another "speeder" and picking up the residual of him being zapped, either with laser or instant-on?

I'm not trying to be arguementative, I'm honestly interested in learning. This is what is being told on many sites regarding radar detection, and I'd be interested in hearing your take on their arguement.

Thanks,
Ken

Didn't find anything argumentative about genuine curiosity - NP.

When I visualize a motorist I believe, based on my training (had to attain 90% or better in accurate visual speed estimation to get certified), is speeding, I "go active" with my pre-aimed radar unit and immediately receive a strong return (bounced signal) from it. A sensitive radar detector in a vehicle following that motorist will most likely register my beam spread as well (depending on range to target), though you were not the primary interest. Nothing wrong with that - first guy gets detained, and you slow down. A win, win for safety enforcement.

Laser on the other hand is a bit more precise. If the beam is what we call a "high profile hit" (square on target), your 'detector' will not register my presence - but then again, you wern't the target in the first place, so relax.

And "riddle me this, Batman" - many jurisdictions (mine included) allow LEO's to cite you strictly based on a visual estimate of your speed, as the afore mentioned training qualifies us as an 'expert witness.' Which detector works best for that technique?!