The whole idea of the stealth is that the police will never see it. As I understand it, they do not confiscate in Virginia, just fine you.

Prior to the stealth install, I had mine mounted in front of the windscreen. That's less likely to be seen by the police, bu hardly stealth. I can't speak for the Escort --- I just don't know them.

Here's a photo of my old install:

 

In D.C., it's illegal to even own, so a stealth application is practically a must. The V1 shouldn't cause any problems, but if the police decide to scan your general direction with a VG2 detector, any other radar detector may show up on their screens...muy mal!

Rick, so how went things with the sensitivity testing over the past week or so? Does the "window" or rear-facing radar become less sensitive down in the secret compartment? What about without the "window"? Oh, still interested in getting some people together for the 4th weekend? I'll be in the Gaithersburg area starting midday the 3rd.

 

Some interesting VA facts regarding detectors:

First link below is interesting regarding the fact that aerial VASCAR units do not emit any type of signal and as such, they cannot be detected by radar detectors or any other electronic devices.

VA State Police Bulletin - June 2000

Next link cool as a general understanding of Radar & how it works.

Radar 101

Next is just another good "general understanding" of Radar if interested.

Auto Radar Detectors & Jammers

Finally, from the Radar 101 site, I found this confiscation issue quite informative (sometimes I appreciate my Commonwealth I live in):

In Virginia, ...officers are not empowered to search a vehicle unless visible signs are present to support the RDD's guess that a radar detector is in the targeted vehicle. A missing cigarette lighter plug, dangling power cord, Velcro on the dash, a mounting bracket on the windshield or visor will tip the officer as to the possible presence of a detector and allow him to search for it. If found, the detector isn't confiscated; the officer notes its serial number, checks to see if it's operational, then hands it back to the driver- along with a citation for having used it.

So...while you won't loose it...if mounted in this way and discovered, it could prove to be a mutha to be forced to note serial number, etc. Rick, is that mounting and easy in-out if discovered?

 

Not exactly a stealth install but I'll tell you what I did on my M3. I'm running the main V1 unit on the passenger side visor, velcro attached. And the remote display is attached to the underside of the hood covering the instruments... that is it's above the instruments and in the same plane. Trouble is the wiring sticks out like a sore thumb and looks shoddy IMO.

The wires that valentine supplies for hardwiring are generic RJ-11 phone wires and are stiff and thick. Sometimes that's a good thing, but not for radar installs!!! I used laptop modem wire which is *much* thinner. I magic markered the last few inches black as I could only find light colors at Radio Shack. The stuff is so thin and flexible that you can make it vanish very easily. Pics below.





Stan

 

I am under the impression that all of the big dollar detectors are invisible to VG2 - Passport Escort 8500, Belkin 980, V1, etc. Is that not true?

I am thinking of making an enclosure to just sit on the secret compartment where I will hang a Passport Escort 8500. It isn't as stealth as Rick's solution, but much simpler. What are your thoughts on that?

 

Great Install
I have a few questions
1. Can someone provide directions and pics on installing the display in the mirror?
2. How many wires are required to move the display?
I was thinking of using CAT5 cable for this. It's jacketed
has 8 conductors, and has 20 gauge.
Will that suffice?
3. I have installed an Alpine changer in the hidden compartment.
Will this install interfere with the changer. and will the changer interfere with the VI? I noticed the cut out on the bottom of the door, but it looks like the VI mounts inbetween the top and bottom of the door

4. And this one requires some waiting I think. Will the install work without cutting an opening in the top of the door?

5. Rick if you have your new door laser cut? will you be able to offer the rest of us that service, and if so can you prvide the spare compartment or do we need ot order it and send it to you?

thanks all the great info. I am having a great time making all these mods to my car.

BTW I am looking for a rain sensor that will send out a grounded output and mount inside the winshield (to the mirror if possible, any thoughts?


Mitch

 

The door is at the shop for laser cutting now. We did some test laser cuts on some plastic pieces I cut out of the ddoor in the photos, and the laser does an incredibly perfect job. If this works to our satisfaction, we'll offer to cut the door for others using the same laser pattern.

 

I'm picking up the laser cut door and window today and will post pictures tonight.

I had a terrific road test over the weekend on the way down to Richmond and back for Wingman's great meet (the V1 saved us a few times), and the detector worked like a charm for bogeys in the front and rear. So I now have no reservations about the V1 working with full functionality in this install.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by w1ngman
[B]Some interesting VA facts regarding detectors:

First link below is interesting regarding the fact that aerial VASCAR units do not emit any type of signal and as such, they cannot be detected by radar detectors or any other electronic devices.

VA State Police Bulletin - June 2000

 

When I finish my final install this weekend, the V! will be completely hidden, even when the compartment top is lifited, and not possible to remove without taking a few screws out. Aside from the small remote unit under the dash, there will be no visible evidence of the detector. Having read this post, I'm going to make a cover for the remote that I can pop over it in a flash if I get stopped.

If I do get stopped, I'll direct the kind policeman's attention to the GPS, which is highly visible