What's a good radar detector for iActiveSense + Tech equipped models?

[MMcCraryNJ]

Hey all,

Loving my new 2016.5 GT with iActive + Tech, but I'm looking for a radar detector now. I know these cars have all types of radar cruise control and possibly laser sensors on them, so has anyone been using one that doesn't constantly give off false alerts?

Thank you!

 

[GAXIBM]

I have a old passport that works fine. I think the radar and lazer are on different frequencies.

 

[Conrad 16.5]

I've yet to install my Passport that's a few years old.

I was wondering the same thing. When using the detector in my other cars I've noticed false alerts more often in the last couple of years. I get a message about a nearby train in the display when I'm nowhere near a train. I'm wondering if the radar/laser sensor array of newer cars is what's setting the detector off? And will the detector even work in the new CX-5 without going crazy with false alerts?

 

[timberstx]

Not a radar detector, But I like using Waze gps. It always warns me of police ahead. Not sure how this would work on trips though when you might loose a connection.

 

[PaulZooms]

Not a radar detector, But I like using Waze gps. It always warns me of police ahead. Not sure how this would work on trips though when you might loose a connection.

It does not work at all when you don't have a connection. Can't send or receive any alerts.

 

[Conrad 16.5]

I finally tried out my older Passport in the CX-5. It worked fine and without any false alerts from the onboard systems. Perhaps the CX-5 uses a different frequency than does traffic radar?

 

[Unobtanium]

Hey all,

Loving my new 2016.5 GT with iActive + Tech, but I'm looking for a radar detector now. I know these cars have all types of radar cruise control and possibly laser sensors on them, so has anyone been using one that doesn't constantly give off false alerts?

Thank you!

Laser is nearly worthless. It's basically a "Hey, congrats, you been tagged" deal.
I liked my Valentine 1 because I could kill X-band (or any other band, you can program the V1 to detect or not detect anything you like). Noone uses X-band except cars as you mentioned.

 

[Unobtanium]

I finally tried out my older Passport in the CX-5. It worked fine and without any false alerts from the onboard systems. Perhaps the CX-5 uses a different frequency than does traffic radar?

Most cars use X. Most traffic is K and Ka 35.5, at least, this was the fact a few years ago. If you're in an area where Lidar is the thing, don't even waste your money. Lidar is a $1500+ system to counteract it (illegal, technically), or a "hey congrats" type deal. It's very precise, and it's very fast. Picking up splash off other cars is not likely really.

 

[blackcx5]

Most cars use X. Most traffic is K and Ka 35.5, at least, this was the fact a few years ago. If you're in an area where Lidar is the thing, don't even waste your money. Lidar is a $1500+ system to counteract it (illegal, technically), or a "hey congrats" type deal. It's very precise, and it's very fast. Picking up splash off other cars is not likely really.

yep, agreed with Unobtanium, radar detectors are not very effective these day, almost all police cars now use laser, some are sneaky and hide behind bridge underpasses and laser tag you from behind aiming for your rear license plate, lasers are most effective against shiny surfaces like plates, chrome, grilles, etc. the laser guns are not very effective when it rains.

some people alter their license plates with non-reflective coating like Veil, but I wouldn't recommend, it looks like crap

others, like Unobtanium said, install expensive laser jammers that shine bright lights (invisible to the naked eye) to "jam" / scatter the laser beam so the police can't get a reading, but then police can kind of figure out you're jamming them and if they pull you over to take a closer look and find your laser jammer, you're in a world of trouble if it's illegal in that state.

supposedly, the laser blinder was the best a few years ago for like $800 but now I believe it's obsolete after the laser gun mfg's caught on....

 

[Conrad 16.5]

Most cars use X. Most traffic is K and Ka 35.5, at least, this was the fact a few years ago. If you're in an area where Lidar is the thing, don't even waste your money. Lidar is a $1500+ system to counteract it (illegal, technically), or a "hey congrats" type deal. It's very precise, and it's very fast. Picking up splash off other cars is not likely really.

My Passport will detect Lidar but it's as you say, if it's warning of Lidar the LEO has already read your speed. Fortunately very few LEOs use Lidar in my area. My Passport didn't seem to give me false alerts in the standard X band from other cars IVT (in vehicle technology) but instead I got a almost continuous alert of a train being in the area (the text from the detector said so) from other cars with IVT.

Escort has addressed the issue of IVT with their newer detectors.

 

[Unobtanium]

My Passport will detect Lidar but it's as you say, if it's warning of Lidar the LEO has already read your speed. Fortunately very few LEOs use Lidar in my area. My Passport didn't seem to give me false alerts in the standard X band from other cars IVT (in vehicle technology) but instead I got a almost continuous alert of a train being in the area (the text from the detector said so) from other cars with IVT.

Escort has addressed the issue of IVT with their newer detectors.

Where I used to live, Lidar was non-existent. A few hours south of me, and 35.5 was non-existent and it was 100% lidar. Figure out what officers are running in the areas you plan to want detection before spending the money on it.

I really did like the arrows of the V1 unit. I know some people view it as gimmicky, but I loved them. Especially hardwired into the HUD of my Z06.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I haven't use a radar detector in 15-20 years now but this might be an option for some.

Laser Jammer Laws

 

[MTBingNinja]

I use WAZE on the highways and my Escort 8500 on suburb roads along with my Car Cup Charger. Love it! The Car Cup Charger is trick, I can turn the radar on and off whenever I want so that I am not getting the annoying beeps all day even when it's custom programmed for Ks and KAs on the radar. I only use the radar where the cops have a tendency to be checking for speeders.

Car Cup Charger, CHGeek USB Car Charger 12V/24V Multi Function Car Power Adapter with Dual USB Ports 3.1A + 2-Socket Cigarette Lighter Splitter for iPhone iPad, Android Samsung, GPS, Dashcam - Black

https://www.amazon.com/dp/ (commissions earned)

 

[Unobtanium]

I haven't use a radar detector in 15-20 years now but this might be an option for some.

Laser Jammer Laws

*in before someone asks what the Blue states stand for in the legend.