Re: New radar detector/scrambler on the market

[Bill Draeger <bill.draeger@vlsi.com>]

tlazay@ultranet.com wrote:
> 
> >Hmm.... could it be better than a Valentine 1? At least price-wise, they are
> >competitive!!
> 
> >EL PASO, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 16, 1996--Who knows what
> >squad cars lurk around the next corner?
> >   The Phantom(TM) knows!  This wallet-sized product from Rocky
> >Mountain Radar is the first device to combine a radar detector and a
> >laser/radar scrambler in a single compact unit.  It offers
> >state-of-the-art radar detection against X, K, Ka (superwide) and
> >instant-on radar guns PLUS the ability to render vehicles
> >electronically invisible to waiting squad cars through a passive
> >jamming technology that is perfectly legal.
> >   As a bonus, the company guarantees to pay the fine if a driver
> >using the Phantom gets a speeding ticket.
> 
> I wouldn't go out and buy it just yet. Automobile reviewed several radar
> jamming devices including units from Rocky Mountain Radar. You can read the
> entire review at http://www.cnmw.com/jammer.html
> 
> It seems as though RMR technology just does not work well. I would bet that
> no radar jammer is able to work effectively without violating FCC regulations.
> 
> I too am looking for a good radar/laser detector. I can't find any reviews
> of the Valentine 1. The new Escort 4600 seems to be pretty good. I'd like to
> here testimony of detectors that people are using also. There is a somewhat
> dated review of detectors including the Escort 4500 at
> http://www.cnmw.com/caraudio.html for those interested
> 
> -Tom
> 97 A4Q on the boat


I have been using a BEL 635STI which was their top-of-the-line a year or
so ago.
The store actually gave this one to me instead of a cheaper model I went
to buy,
possibly by mistake. It's very sensitive, especially around corners and
hilly
terrain without sacrificing too much in interference rejection.  It will
even 
give you a low level warning about a block or so away for an idling
instant-on radar unit. This is especiall helpful in CA since the
standard mode of operation for the CHP seems to be to use their car
units like a radar gun, turning them on just when they want to clock
you. 

I also like the BEL's alpha readout of the radar band which I think is
easier to discern than a change in sound of the beeps. This is helpful
since it seems that > 95% of the police in CA are now using K-band and
K-band is only licensed to use for measuring speed. So if you get a "K"
on the display, it's got to be a cop. 

If you live in a locale where the police use those trailers with the
giant speed 
displays for slowing down traffic, these make an excellent radar
detector test
device (and speedometer calibrator) - especially if there are any curves
or hills
around the unit. If you buy a unit that can be returned, you can use one
of these
things to check it out.

Bill Draeger
'91 V8Q (wife's)
'90 V8Q (mine)
'88 5kw (spare)

"Use a V8 - Go to Jail"