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Stealth Install for Radar Detector

19K views 46 replies 21 participants last post by  Maverik259 
#1 ·
I have not yet ordered my GC, but I am (of course) planning everything ahead as I wait (impatiently). Anyway, I have been thinking about my radar detector. As I live in Virginia, where they are illegal, I need to keep it out of sight as best I can. My plan is to hardwire it so that the remote unit is (most likely) behind the door at the bottom of the center console. Typically, I put it on the dash as close to the window (in the center) as possible. It's less visible than stuck on the window or hanging from a visor. Has anyone come up with some cool stealth install they want to share? Pics please. Thanks!

P.S. Before you say anything, I have a Beltronics STI Driver, which is undetectable (proven in the wild myself). And NO I am not an excessive speeder. I just drive through a lot of speed traps.
 
#4 ·
Not familiar with your RD, but it looks like a self contained unit vs. one with remote radar sensors? If that is the case, it seems like hiding it in the center console would severely decrease the radar detection capabilities vs. having a clear line of sight for both forward and rearward protection?

Some non-VA JG members have mounted their self-contained detectors in the upper driver's side corner of the windshield near the A pillar (i think it was 08Hemi), which gives clear detection paths and also hides the unit from anyone standing outside the driver's door, if you know what I mean.

You can then hard wire to the vanity mirror, rear view mirror, or console. Can't recall the thread but there are a few here for ideas.

Otherwise, feels like a more expensive remote or custom wired RD system may be in order given your, ahem, limitations.

http://www.radar-detector-superstore.com/rerade.html

Imma tempted to insert a bunch of disclaimer language here, but as a former VA native and lead foot, will otherwise leave you to your own devices. Pun intended.
 
#5 ·
Unless there's some kind of remote capability for the thing, mounting it in the lower center console will not work. They need a clear line of sight for radar (to say nothing of laser); they aren't magic.

IMO, if some hypothetical person wants to use a detector with a very low profile inside the vehicle, the best answer is one designed for that purpose; something like the Passport Qi45.

<disclaimer> Of course, it's always best to follow the law. </disclaimer>

Edit to add: or you could try hiding it in plain sight with a Passport iQ:
http://www.escortradar.com/iq/
 
#6 ·
Sorry. I didn't word my post correctly. The REMOTE portion (just has a light and a mute button) will be in the lower console. The self-contained main unit (with the sensors) will be on the dash with a clear line of sight. In the past, I have seen people come up with covered enclosures that look like the dash (with openings for the sensors). Not sure if anyone has done that on the Jeep since the leather would be harder to mimic...and I don't want to make it look ugly of course. I used to have a Valentine 1, which has a much better remote display, but I had to get something undetectable when I moved to VA.
 
#7 ·
I have not yet ordered my GC, but I am (of course) planning everything ahead as I wait (impatiently). Anyway, I have been thinking about my radar detector. As I live in Virginia, where they are illegal, I need to keep it out of sight as best I can. My plan is to hardwire it so that the remote unit is (most likely) behind the door at the bottom of the center console. Typically, I put it on the dash as close to the window (in the center) as possible. It's less visible than stuck on the window or hanging from a visor. Has anyone come up with some cool stealth install they want to share? Pics please. Thanks!

P.S. Before you say anything, I have a Beltronics STI Driver, which is undetectable (proven in the wild myself). And NO I am not an excessive speeder. I just drive through a lot of speed traps.
You're sure asking for a lot dude seeing as how detectors are illegal in VA!

Any fool resident in VA who would post pictures of a "stealth install" of a radar detector on here, or elsewhere, is tempting fate for a visit from law enforcement. They have no sense of humor about radar detectors here in ol' virginny!
:slapfight:
 
#13 ·
I just got a ticket coming out of DC a few weeks ago. was terrible traffic, sunday mid day, stop and go. freaking cop pulls me over... WTH??? guy rolls up and tells me he saw my detector and gave me a ticket... i usually have it conceled, but, i just bought a new denali and had it stuck to the windshield just above the dash. $150 later i learned a lesson.

so, to answer your question, in all my other cars i have installed the detector directly to the left of the mirror in the dark portion of the top of the windshield. this hides it from front view. i get the power from the garage opener button so it turns the detector off when i turn the car off. when i drive through VA (i live in NC) i am pretty quick on the "get ready to take it down" move. so if i get zapped, down she comes (i can do it in about 3 seconds) and into a hidden area.

so, answer to your question, i would (and will) mount it as high as you can on the windshield.
 
#17 ·
Haha, No tips. In my state its not illegal So I haven't seen any incognito setups.

Only tip I got is +1 on the trying to hide it before the officer gets to your door. I know several guys that hate writing speeding tickets but will write one if they see a detector as to them its "an obvious statement of disregard for the law" I love radar detectors. Nothing more fun then being next some one at a stop light and seeing the detector on the dash. then you toggle the radar on so the driver mutes it, then turn the radar off let the waves dissipate and then turn it back on so he has to mute it a gain. Never gets old especially since he wont look over at the obvious source LOL

Plus their Useless against Laser anyway (Guess thats not what the box says right?) :)

Not in the WK2 yet, haven't pulled the trigger yet.. not much will power left though.. The thought does cross my mind to find some silly violation to stop a WK2 though just to check it out (no tickets to jeepers). But I dont want to inconvenience people.
 
#18 ·
^^ haha this guy! welcome to JG! Thanks for the info about putting the detector away...sounds like a good practice. Although I must say I have not been pulled over in multiple years after I got a "couple" infractions and I am very proud of that...I am a good driver ;) now. they are off the point system we have in Cali...I go with the flow of traffic and make it a point to not drive like an arse and the idiotic LA and Cali drivers. IDK where you are, but I give you props on dealing with all the idiots out there...I deal with a lot of them and I am giving them jobs HAHA

X2 on the laser thing...only thing it could help with is activity. Sometimes the laser signal does "deflect" as there have been a lot of times I was not the intended recipient of the laser but my passport has gone off; prolly 50+ times in the 8 years. A lot in Southern Cali on the 101/210/10 freeways, and laser is more advanced so it is becoming more utilized in areas that can afford it. Ka can track multiple cars at once, while laser is a point of contact (my term I made up fyi) meaning that when you get "laser'd" you are more than likely f'd as it is focused on you and instant on....BAM they got your speed. Ka is scanning all the time if on, and depending on the system I have read they can track 8 cars @ a time. Laser tech may have gotten better to track multiple cars, but I cannot attest to that. Feel free to elaborate Nhoc:)
 
#19 ·
Haha, No tips. In my state its not illegal So I haven't seen any incognito setups.

Only tip I got is +1 on the trying to hide it before the officer gets to your door. I know several guys that hate writing speeding tickets but will write one if they see a detector as to them its "an obvious statement of disregard for the law" I love radar detectors. Nothing more fun then being next some one at a stop light and seeing the detector on the dash. then you toggle the radar on so the driver mutes it, then turn the radar off let the waves dissipate and then turn it back on so he has to mute it a gain. Never gets old especially since he wont look over at the obvious source LOL

Plus their Useless against Laser anyway (Guess thats not what the box says right?) :)

Not in the WK2 yet, haven't pulled the trigger yet.. not much will power left though.. The thought does cross my mind to find some silly violation to stop a WK2 though just to check it out (no tickets to jeepers). But I dont want to inconvenience people.

^+1 to the tips, plus bonus funny guy as well. Welcome to JG Nhoc, great to have you onboard.

If you're in the mountain west, glad to let you give the WK2 a run since it's highly likely I'll be getting pulled over.

J/K
 
#20 ·
Im stuck in MO, wish I was in the mountain west though. Maybe some day.

The town I work in a suburb of a major metro area. Only one of the local highways runs through and we dont do alot of speed on it as its a pretty dangerous choke point.

Youre probably right about the being an unintended target with the laser. Im only familiar with ours so Im not entirely sure about the capabilities of others, but its tough for ours to lock on people at long distances. Takes a steady hand and with 12 hour shifts that means alot of caffiene. So trying to pick someone out of traffic Im likely to paint several cars before i can get my darn hand steady enough to get the one I want (dont worry no possibility of mistaken identity here as you have to paint the car well for several seconds before itll lock)

As far as the Ka goes, ours doesnt give multiple readings either. We have no need for it really. Sounds like a Highway Patrol device. But Our Ka does have a toggle like I mentioned and when Its in standby theres nothing for your detectors to detect. Then when you pass the hiding spot I can turn it on and get a reading faster then laser. Not as easy to do with Traffic but its not hard to see who's Doing 60 when everyone else is doing 40. So in that regard, radar can still win. That is unless you chase down someone and catch up to them at the next stop light and there are two of the exact same model and color car next to each. Ive had that happen so many times!

PS I hate running speed. The guy in the town over writes for like 6 over. we all hate him.
 
#23 ·
Im stuck in MO, wish I was in the mountain west though. Maybe some day.

The town I work in a suburb of a major metro area. Only one of the local highways runs through and we dont do alot of speed on it as its a pretty dangerous choke point.

Youre probably right about the being an unintended target with the laser. Im only familiar with ours so Im not entirely sure about the capabilities of others, but its tough for ours to lock on people at long distances. Takes a steady hand and with 12 hour shifts that means alot of caffiene. So trying to pick someone out of traffic Im likely to paint several cars before i can get my darn hand steady enough to get the one I want (dont worry no possibility of mistaken identity here as you have to paint the car well for several seconds before itll lock)

As far as the Ka goes, ours doesnt give multiple readings either. We have no need for it really. Sounds like a Highway Patrol device. But Our Ka does have a toggle like I mentioned and when Its in standby theres nothing for your detectors to detect. Then when you pass the hiding spot I can turn it on and get a reading faster then laser. Not as easy to do with Traffic but its not hard to see who's Doing 60 when everyone else is doing 40. So in that regard, radar can still win. That is unless you chase down someone and catch up to them at the next stop light and there are two of the exact same model and color car next to each. Ive had that happen so many times!

PS I hate running speed. The guy in the town over writes for like 6 over. we all hate him.
What you describe is exactly why detectors aren't a free ride, you need to be aware and know what it's telling you. The one thing people who use detectors need to understand is they can't save you ass if you don't know how they work and they will not save you if the LEO knows what he is doing and is intent on getting you.

But, the reality is that a large percentage of LEO's simply turn on their radar and go into cruise mode or worse, sit in a spot and leave it on waiting for it to tell them when it detects a speeder. For those types of situations the detector will save you bacon.

It really comes down to managing expectations. If you install a detector and expect to be protected even when you are ignorant of your surroundings then expect to be disappointed.

BTW, my background is in detection and jamming. Back in the good old days, before computer controlled radar units I was able to jam pretty much any X and K unit on the market from 2+ miles. In '78 I designed a combination detector jamming unit as a "school project" but was never able to commercialize it since A) Cincinnati Microwave had a lock on the micro sized parts I needed and B), it was illegal ;) I ran a gutted Escort (the one with the analog meter) combined with my "extra" electronics and had a lot of fun messing with the local LEO's. Ah to be young and foolish......
 
#24 ·
What you describe is exactly why detectors aren't a free ride, you need to be aware and know what it's telling you. The one thing people who use detectors need to understand is they can't save you ass if you don't know how they work and they will not save you if the LEO knows what he is doing and is intent on getting you.

But, the reality is that a large percentage of LEO's simply turn on their radar and go into cruise mode or worse, sit in a spot and leave it on waiting for it to tell them when it detects a speeder. For those types of situations the detector will save you bacon.

It really comes down to managing expectations. If you install a detector and expect to be protected even when you are ignorant of your surroundings then expect to be disappointed.

BTW, my background is in detection and jamming. Back in the good old days, before computer controlled radar units I was able to jam pretty much any X and K unit on the market from 2+ miles. In '78 I designed a combination detector jamming unit as a "school project" but was never able to commercialize it since A) Cincinnati Microwave had a lock on the micro sized parts I needed and B), it was illegal ;) I ran a gutted Escort (the one with the analog meter) combined with my "extra" electronics and had a lot of fun messing with the local LEO's. Ah to be young and foolish......
I've experienced a jammer or two in the last year. Boy if I coulda figured out what car had it... Well I honestly don't know what Id of done but...Still!
 
#26 ·
no jammer's are DEF illegal...I have thought about going that route but always steered clear!

like I said, all I care about is activity! If I am 20mph+ over and go pass a guy waiting for me, I am prolly fawked...but I memorize the roads I frequent, pay attention to their "spots" and mainly let idiots go in front of me:) that is my best defense - let the guy in front of you fo 3 mph more than you in the fast lane, and chill in the right lane and catch up to him every now and then :)
 
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