[AlexM]

I know this topic is revived every now and then, but it doesn't hurt right

I'm seriously thinking about getting a Radar Detector for my new car. The only thing holding me back before, was my fear that these new IR-protection windshield can significantly reduce the sensitivity of detector's sensor - which of course means much less reaction time available. In my current car, this window was still an option but now it's standard so i have no choice anymore.

Can you guys share your experiences with this? It might be that i'm over-complicating, which would be great

p.s.
I'm looking at Escort Max (EU). If anyone has it, please share some wisdom

Thanks

[Billfitz]

IR protection windshields stop Infra Red radiation, ie., heat. That doesn't necessarily mean they block radio frequencies or microwaves. If they did that would present a problem not only for radar detectors but also for cellphones.

[insanecoder]

If they do reduce the range, it hasnt presented a problem as of yet.. couple of close calls but still just one step quicker than the smokies so far ..

[2000Z3M]

IR=/=Radar but IR will most likely effect LIDAR detection but just run a LIDAR jammer. RADAR jamming is illegal

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by 2000Z3M

IR=/=Radar but IR will most likely effect LIDAR

LIDAR is more commonly known as laser. The frequency band where laser operates is in the infra-red, so an IR windshield would reduce its transmission, but it probably wouldn't eliminate it. Want to test it? Use your TV remote, which is also an infra-red transmitter. The frequencies aren't the same, but chances are the detector isn't that picky.

[xG35c]

The "heated" windshields block microwaves - not a BMW option AFAIK.

[kpgray]

I have a Radenso XP on a Blendmount with a mirror-tap. It looks factory installed. I have the HUD (Heads Up Display) which is suppose to have a different windshield for the reflective vision of the speed and yet have zero issues. The Radenso is Genevo brand in Europe.

[mdai245]

Police still use radar?

[kevinjt]

Originally Posted by kpgray

I have a Radenso XP on a Blendmount with a mirror-tap. It looks factory installed. I have the HUD (Heads Up Display) which is suppose to have a different windshield for the reflective vision of the speed and yet have zero issues. The Radenso is Genevo brand in Europe.

Attachment 1594202

I have this same setup except that I'm running an Escort Redline.

[AlexM]

Originally Posted by mdai245

Police still use radar?

Of course. In Europe, there is a fashion of hiding mobile radar units (i.e. minivan) throughout the city center. Especially popular are 30 km/h or 50km/h limit zones. It just takes photos, which the municipality police then sends to your home. And penalties are much more severe within the city limits, you can lose your licence in a day. So it's wise to be "protected" Highways are also covered with radars, there's no place for a cop to stand and aim a laser gun at you (fortunately)

Laser is used more on open roads where if you get caught it will only cost you some cash.

[Billfitz]

Originally Posted by AlexM

Of course. In Europe, there is a fashion of hiding mobile radar units (i.e. minivan) throughout the city center. Especially popular are 30 km/h or 50km/h limit zones. It just takes photos, which the municipality police then sends to your home. And penalties are much more severe within the city limits, you can lose your licence in a day. So it's wise to be "protected"

Or just don't speed.
In the US cops don't try to ticket every speeder. The fines go up as the clocked speed percentage above the limit goes up, so cops set the warning alarm on their radar or laser guns to go off at a minimum of 15% over the limit. Better to devote your time catching a few big fish than a lot of small fry. Knowing that you can safely drive at 10% over the limit and never be concerned. But if the system is automated as you noted there's no reason not to ticket every violation no matter how small, so a wise person would avoid the problem and stay within the speed limit.

[AGONXF30]

Originally Posted by mdai245

Police still use radar?

Why would they not? There is nothing better for ranging the detection. And continuous wave RADARs are very good at telling the Doppler shift (i.e. your velocity).

[SteveinArizona]

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Or just don't speed.
In the US cops don't try to ticket every speeder. The fines go up as the clocked speed percentage above the limit goes up, so cops set the warning alarm on their radar or laser guns to go off at a minimum of 15% over the limit. Better to devote your time catching a few big fish than a lot of small fry. Knowing that you can safely drive at 10% over the limit and never be concerned. But if the system is automated as you noted there's no reason not to ticket every violation no matter how small, so a wise person would avoid the problem and stay within the speed limit.

In Arizona radar units by police and municipalities are normally set for >9 miles over the speed limit. They do that to reduce the ability of speeders to argue that the radar detection was erroneous. But the state has started to define certain areas as "safety zones" and not use the >9 miles over the limit in those zones. Currently they do have a sign as you enter the zone.

[insanecoder]

The ones who scare me are the ones who turn their radars on demand
speed safely .. I usually rip it when theres a stretch I am familiar with and noone is around of course that also means I'd also be the lone radar signature as well