Radar Detector mounting point

19-Kilo · 07-16-2008, 03:21 PM

I have a Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector and wanted to find the best place to mount it.

Up date: I have tried it at the top and found that it may be less sensitive... more to follow

I have had it mounted in the center above my center pod (yes it was well above the hood scoop) for over a year now. This worked fine and I feel that it provided good coverage.

However, I wanted another mounting location, something less noticeable.

I tried the lower left corner of the windshield and found it worked noticeably worse than the center location.

I had the "privilege" to find a speed trap with a cop shooting K band radar. So I parked parallel to the road just around the corner and began to test radar detector locations.

I tested every corner and along the top. My windshield has a preexisting sun screen (its the painted on black stuff with holes and dots) I found that the radar detector looking through the black stuff at the top of my windshield made NO noticeable difference to the detector and its ability to "see" the radar... but this may be due to the angle I was at. However, on a second test I found that this caused the alert to sound later, but same strength as mounted at the center pod.

I tried the top left side of the windshield and found the signal of the radar was weaker... my only guess is the curve of the windshield works like a refractor and distorts and deflects the incoming radar.

I tested the mounting points a second time at a different location and found that the top provided a later alert (closer to the source... bad). I tested the sides and the lower corners of the windshield and confiremed that they are less effective than the center.

I have found that the center location right above my center pod provides the most responsive place as well as strong signals. The top however seemed to be more sluggish in detecting radar... may be the sun screen, may be the way the radar hits the car.

So my mounting location is now hardwired at the center clock position just above the hood scoop for the most responsive and sensitive alerts.

oscargarza88 · 07-16-2008, 04:08 PM

that is where i have my valentine... it is the best spot i think...

***ELD4AU6*** · 07-16-2008, 04:49 PM

I have mine like this.

after 2 years im still happy with it.

VBM17 · 07-16-2008, 05:34 PM

I have my 8500 X50 resting on the rear view mirror just to the side of the mirror mounting post. It seems to clear the tinted strip at the top of the windshield and has a good line of sight otherwise.

oscargarza88 · 07-16-2008, 05:35 PM

i actually hooked up mine to the headliner clip right above the rear view mirror, its a firm hold and its at its highest point, i think that is better than the suction cups as they do not fall down after a while...

xnthuzst · 07-17-2008, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VBM17

I have my 8500 X50 resting on the rear view mirror just to the side of the mirror mounting post. It seems to clear the tinted strip at the top of the windshield and has a good line of sight otherwise.

doesn't that rattle on the rearview mirror?

***Bownse*** · 07-17-2008, 11:50 AM

2008 Subaru WRX STi - V1 Hard Wired Installation

it's detailed for the V1 but should work as a basis for any detector mount project.

19-Kilo · 07-29-2008, 08:26 AM

updated and competed tests... for now

07-16-2008, 03:21 PM	#1
19-Kilo Junior STI Driver Car: '04 WRB STi Fav Mod: Bushings! TIC, FTW Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 80 Join Date: Apr 2006 Trader Rating: (2)	Radar Detector mounting point I have a Passport 8500 X50 Radar Detector and wanted to find the best place to mount it. Up date: I have tried it at the top and found that it may be less sensitive... more to follow I have had it mounted in the center above my center pod (yes it was well above the hood scoop) for over a year now. This worked fine and I feel that it provided good coverage. However, I wanted another mounting location, something less noticeable. I tried the lower left corner of the windshield and found it worked noticeably worse than the center location. I had the "privilege" to find a speed trap with a cop shooting K band radar. So I parked parallel to the road just around the corner and began to test radar detector locations. I tested every corner and along the top. My windshield has a preexisting sun screen (its the painted on black stuff with holes and dots) I found that the radar detector looking through the black stuff at the top of my windshield made NO noticeable difference to the detector and its ability to "see" the radar... but this may be due to the angle I was at. However, on a second test I found that this caused the alert to sound later, but same strength as mounted at the center pod. I tried the top left side of the windshield and found the signal of the radar was weaker... my only guess is the curve of the windshield works like a refractor and distorts and deflects the incoming radar. I tested the mounting points a second time at a different location and found that the top provided a later alert (closer to the source... bad). I tested the sides and the lower corners of the windshield and confiremed that they are less effective than the center. I have found that the center location right above my center pod provides the most responsive place as well as strong signals. The top however seemed to be more sluggish in detecting radar... may be the sun screen, may be the way the radar hits the car. So my mounting location is now hardwired at the center clock position just above the hood scoop for the most responsive and sensitive alerts. This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by 19-Kilo : 07-29-2008 at 08:25 AM. Reason: Updated Tests

07-16-2008, 04:08 PM	#2
oscargarza88 Professional STI Racer Car: 06 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Cobb Xaust! Location: Houston,tx Posts: 813 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (4)	Re: Radar Detector mounting point that is where i have my valentine... it is the best spot i think...

07-16-2008, 04:49 PM	#3
*ELD4AU6* Platinum Member Car: 05 WRX STi CGM Fav Mod: RCE Location: Anniston, AL Posts: 1,907 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Radar Detector mounting point I have mine like this. after 2 years im still happy with it.

07-16-2008, 05:34 PM	#4
VBM17 Amateur STI Driver Car: 06 STi Fav Mod: Maddad TBE Location: Bay Area Posts: 26 Join Date: Apr 2007 Trader Rating: (2)	Re: Radar Detector mounting point I have my 8500 X50 resting on the rear view mirror just to the side of the mirror mounting post. It seems to clear the tinted strip at the top of the windshield and has a good line of sight otherwise.

07-16-2008, 05:35 PM	#5
oscargarza88 Professional STI Racer Car: 06 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: Cobb Xaust! Location: Houston,tx Posts: 813 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (4)	Re: Radar Detector mounting point i actually hooked up mine to the headliner clip right above the rear view mirror, its a firm hold and its at its highest point, i think that is better than the suction cups as they do not fall down after a while...

07-17-2008, 11:50 AM	#7
*Bownse* Platinum Member Car: 08 Gray STi Fav Mod: Coming Soon Location: USA Posts: 892 Join Date: Jan 2008 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: Radar Detector mounting point 2008 Subaru WRX STi - V1 Hard Wired Installation it's detailed for the V1 but should work as a basis for any detector mount project.

07-29-2008, 08:26 AM	#8
19-Kilo Junior STI Driver Car: '04 WRB STi Fav Mod: Bushings! TIC, FTW Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 80 Join Date: Apr 2006 Trader Rating: (2)	Re: Radar Detector mounting point updated and competed tests... for now This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.