8500 x50... where to mount for heat?

[pilot_corey]

So I drive a black VW Golf and own an x50 that I love. I will hopefully be adding some laser jammers soon, but that's another story.

I mounted the (hardwired) detector on the windshield below the mirror enough that the little "sensor" on top of the unit can see out the rear window. My first question is, is that necessary? I have seen people with the units mounted up in the headliner or right under the mirror so that the little "sensor" on top is not even visible. Does that affect sensitivity?

Next question. I have Huper Optik tint on all my windows but the windshield. My x50 gets really hot when I am driving around because the big glass on the Golf. I was thinking about mounting the detector higher up towards the headliner (as long as it doesn't affect sensitivity). I hate those windshield tint strips but I am thinking about getting one in 5% because I am tired of being blinded by the sun. If I were to get said tint strip, could I place the detector behind it without affecting performance (radar and laser?)

Finally (sorry ladies and gents), driving around Memphis with their roads in a serious state of disrepair, the x50 is bouncing and banging all over my windshield. Its mounted level and as straight ahead as is possible with such a curved windshield. Is there a good mirror mount that could work on a Golf or should I look into the visor clip? (I've heard bad things about the clip).

[fire65]

The X50 has no rear radar antenna. The little bump is for rear laser so you can still mount it high and be fine. If you are depending on that to save you from rear laser hit you are in trouble.
As for tint, do a search, there are hundreds of threads about tint and radar.

[Silverado12]

I mounted the (hardwired) detector on the windshield below the mirror enough that the little "sensor" on top of the unit can see out the rear window. My first question is, is that necessary? I have seen people with the units mounted up in the headliner or right under the mirror so that the little "sensor" on top is not even visible. Does that affect sensitivity?

The rear sensor is to detect rear laser, that's it. While the odds of a front laser save are slim, the odds of a rear save are even slimmer. With that said, don't worry about blocking the sensor as it will never do you much good; just be sure to save up for jammers if laser is an immediate threat.

Next question. I have Huper Optik tint on all my windows but the windshield. My x50 gets really hot when I am driving around because the big glass on the Golf. I was thinking about mounting the detector higher up towards the headliner (as long as it doesn't affect sensitivity). I hate those windshield tint strips but I am thinking about getting one in 5% because I am tired of being blinded by the sun. If I were to get said tint strip, could I place the detector behind it without affecting performance (radar and laser?)

I was never a fan of tint strips either, but I got a 5 percent on my vehicle just large enough to hide my V1 from thieves and to keep it cool; it works very well for both. Just remember, a standard dyed film won't do much to reject heat; look into ceramic based films or films with IR filtering as they perform MUCH better at rejecting heat. As long as the tint isn't metallic based, it will have ZERO impact on radar reception. As far as laser goes, tints will reduce sensitivity if placed directly behind it, but relying on a RD for laser saves isn't the best idea to begin with.

Finally (sorry ladies and gents), driving around Memphis with their roads in a serious state of disrepair, the x50 is bouncing and banging all over my windshield. Its mounted level and as straight ahead as is possible with such a curved windshield. Is there a good mirror mount that could work on a Golf or should I look into the visor clip? (I've heard bad things about the clip).

You can try adhering a small rubber cushion between the edge of the RD and the windshield, as it does help a little bit to reduce bouncing and reduce the heat transfer that occurs from the windshield. You can also look into the Escort SuperCup mount. Mirror mounts are a definite option and are incredibly stable compared to windshield mounts, but they are pricey and will make your RD extremely visible to both thieves and cops. As for the visor mount, I've used one in the past and they work well all things considered. They get your RD out of the sun to keep it cool and they eliminate suction cups, but they also handicap your visor and can easily get knocked out of level if you don't secure them well.

[pilot_corey]

Thanks guys! I am trying to justify the price of laser jammers. I am moving to WA (Spokane specifically), and I don't really know what they are using there. Memphis cops could care less about speeders, so laser isn't a huge concern now. The only times I have ever been hit by laser it was from the front, so I guess I shouldn't be too worried about the back sensor. 5% strip it is then!

[Silverado12]

Thanks guys! I am trying to justify the price of laser jammers. I am moving to WA (Spokane specifically), and I don't really know what they are using there. Memphis cops could care less about speeders, so laser isn't a huge concern now. The only times I have ever been hit by laser it was from the front, so I guess I shouldn't be too worried about the back sensor. 5% strip it is then!

Glad you figured it out! The strip should work well, but definitely look into ceramic based tints if you want to help keep the RD cooler. As for what's used in Spokane, check these out:

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...-7-2011-a.html

"Spokane County: Laser/K/Ka (updated 09/03/2010)"

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...at-states.html

"Washington - Pro Laser III, LTI Marksman, Pro-lite"

[gmctrucks]

On my truck and wifes SUV I keep them so high on the windshield the headliner keeps my RD cool.