Beltronics Vector 965 Radar Detector
 

I've just recieved a Beltronics Vector 965 radar/laser detector for my birthday today, and I was wondering if anyone else had this model. I am really eager to try it out, so I would like to know what everyone else thinks of this model from Beltronics. Is it very accurate?

Thanks!

I just read in the owners manual that the windshields of some Porsches use a lacrative windshield coating, so the mounting device of the detector may damage the windshield surface. Does this apply to the older (1976) Porsche 911 windshield?

Thanks.

bump

You'll have to have your VIN checked to see if the Anti-lacerative coating option was equiped on your car.

From what I'm seeing, it's pretty rare, and has been found on some 928's and 944's.


I also just read, there is usually a warning on the glass against using Razors and abrasive cleaners.

Thank you Jack. My windshield is okay with the mounting device now that I've got a chance to test it out. Anyone have experience with this radar detector? Better than V1?

Dunno about your Bel, but it's probably fine. Turn of the "X' band if you can. Cops don't use it here and it's the source of 90% of your false alerts.

Thanks Steve. I'll see what I can do about the X Band. When I plugged it in tonight (in the garage) I got a crackling sound. Probable from the security or garage door sensor systems.

Also... (you're not gonna like this). See if your friendly, local Moraga/Orinda/Lafayette coppers are using laser. You'll be defenseless against it without the kit for detecting it (near your license plates) and jamming it instantly upon detection...

Don't ask me how I know.

Steve, The detector is also good for detecting lasers, so hopefully I'll be okay. I'll ask the police what they use though.

Lasers are only 18" wide at 500', and they're aimed (usually) at your license plate. So if you're being targeted, your detector probably won't even go off. And even if it did, your speed has already been determined.

Don't ask me how I know.

Ah, I see. Thanks for the advice. Just hooked it up to the Subie, and the thing is awesome.

The best thing about laser though, is that it isn't used in moving vehicles. It must be stationairy in order to operate. Generally the cops are sitting on the side of the road holding the laser gun, or they are running a sting operation and have it on a tripod. It's a line of sight device, the cop actually has to look through a scope to aim it.

It's rare, but occasionally you could pick up reflections of laser from cars ahead of you. This reflection will make your detector go off.

Just treat laser as, if it goes off you're busted.


I've also never read any reviews of any radar or laser jammer that actually worked. Snake oil, just save your money.

What kind of mounting device? I am curious what Beltronics upgraded to. I have the Bel 980 and it has saved me a few times and if I had paid attention and not put it on silent one of the times, I would not have gotten a ticket. I have to find my owner's manual so I can shut off the X-band as well, it drives me insane.

The mounting device on the Bel is just a suctioned two pieces of rubber that have a connector which fastens into the device and mount on the windshild.

Thanks for the laser info so far!

I've read many articles that say the jammers/shifters work well. I'm also noticing for the first time that laser jammers are supposedly illegal in Minnesota, California and Utah. I'll have to call Escort about this; they didn't mention it when I talked to them a few months ago...

http://www.speedzones.com/

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=8502

http://www.radarjammer.com/most-fail/active-laser-jammers.htm

You still getting a motorcycle, Matt?

I'm holding off for now. Maybe in a year or two. By the way, JP911 and I are going for a run up to Tilden in our 911s early tomorrow afternoon. Would you like to take your bike and come along?

Matt,

Say hi to Jon for me and tell him we miss him down on the SOCG runs.

Chris

I'll be sure to do that. He seems like a very nice guy so far. I'll see how he drives that twin plugged targa tomorrow :D.

There's some good reading in those articles. The thing to remember about 'Radartest's' performance review of the Passport X50 and the Valentine is that the owner's of Radartest have a long standing relationship of hatrid with the owner of Valentine. So whether the X50 truly is better than the V-1 is still in debate, but regardless I love my original Escort 8500.

All of those laser jammers seemed to use 1 common focus point, the license plate. Sure, this is generally the first place that the police aim for, but once they can't get a lock, they just re-aim at the windshield. I don't believe the windshield slope has any negative effect on the laser's reading, it just may cause a slighter slower lock-on time.

You'll notice that in all the tests for the laser jamming, they stayed aimed at the same place, they didn't shift their aim as a real cop would of done. Tends to tell me that they may be giving you a false sense of security, the only real benefit would be if you get an audible warning for laser detection, and actually had the time to slow down before the re-aim/lock-on takes place.

It also does no good in states like mine, where a front license plate is not a requirement. And I don't plan on installing one just to use a radar jammer.

Summary.... From what was read:

Buy a 944, paint it black, don't install a front plate and don't drive with the pop up lights up. That would be the best defense from laser.

Good points. From what I've read, the advice is to slow down immediately and shut down the jammer/shifter. You want them to get a reading, after all... SmileWavy

Here in CA a front plate is required, and not having one is an invitation to get pulled over and checked out.

I have the 8500 as well, and like it. The ZR3 shifter will integrate into it nicely, but for $499 it's expensive. I figure if it avoids one ticket, it has paid for itself.

BTW, V1s and 8500s that don't pick up POP radar can be upgraded to do so.

Thanks for the invite, Matt. Bikes should ride with bikes, I think. But today I'm working on getting my video recording setup dialed in on the bike. Should be posting links to mpegs soon, I hope...

From what I'm reading though, it doesn't seem worth while at this time, due to the number of false alarms you get from POP mode. That's why the X50 ships with POP disabled.

Either way, POP is just about as bad as laser, unless you catch a reflection from someone ahead of you(doubtful due to the speed of the off/on/off action).

I think POP and the instant on of the Bee should be illegal anyways, due to discrepancies of the readings. Hell, in most states it's illegal for cops to use radar as the sole basis of a ticket. They are supposed to be trained in the ways to witness a violation in action, then use radar as a means of 'backing up' what they saw. That never seems to be the case though.

Thanks for the advice. Right now I'm trying to get a good cigaretter lighter set-up to use the detector. I won't be speeding much or anything, I just like to know when a cop is watching me.