The Best "old" X-band Detector

[Walter Clark]

I like to use old radar detectors for studying microwave phenomenology. (reflection, refraction, polarization).

I have about four old Fuzzbusters because they are affordable. They are good sources for detectors and horns. But they aren't very sensitive and I'm ready for superheterodyne detectors. After 1980 or so they all used that method. Old Microntas are pretty cheap on the web. But does anyone know of a better radar detector that was particularly sensitive at the X-band? Since I'm only after the sensitivity I don't need V2 or anti-pop or K band either come to think of it. I just want raw 10 GHz sensitivity.


Walt

[SmaartAasSaabr]

Oh you'd have to go for an ESCORT or a Bel something-or-other (like an Executive or a "Compudyne" etc)

[GTO_04]

Oh you'd have to go for an ESCORT or a Bel something-or-other (like an Executive or a "Compudyne" etc)

Exactly!

The old BELs that he mentioned are very good on X band, better than the 645 and 745 series. The big heavy rectangular Compudyne was very good, as well as the XKR 700-800 etc. They really were just about as good as the original Escort on X band. I have owned both.

Maybe you can find some at a hamfest.

GTO_04

[jimbonzzz]

The best "old" detector for X-Band?
The Escort DSP. Period.

[Techhead]

Car and Driver almost always preferred the original Escort in their tests. However, I recall a Road & Track RD test done that put the Whistler Spectrum,a Bell unit and the Snooper D4000 close to the top as well. I became a radar fanatic back then after receiving my first speeding ticket from one of those high power 8 watt funnel guns that a RD could actually pick up from great distances. I prefered the original Escort over the Whistler Spectrum. Never tried the Snooper or Bel. This was back when Mike V was with CM.

[CactusMan]

I recall years ago having the original Escort from CM, driving on a long straight strech of road in Mississippi. I got an X band alert and was looking around but saw nothing. It was a constant alert and after about 4 miles there was a cop parked under a bridge.

[GTO_04]

Car and Driver almost always preferred the original Escort in their tests. However, I recall a Road & Track RD test done that put the Whistler Spectrum,a Bell unit and the Snooper D4000 close to the top as well. I became a radar fanatic back then after receiving my first speeding ticket from one of those high power 8 watt funnel guns that a RD could actually pick up from great distances. I prefered the original Escort over the Whistler Spectrum. Never tried the Snooper or Bel. This was back when Mike V was with CM.

That funnel gun would be the beloved Kustom MR-7! Even the el cheapo Radio Shack passive RDs could pick it up far away. When I got my first Escort back in '81 I picked up a Wisconsin state trooper miles away. It was constant on. I don't think the MR7 even had instant-on capability. Those were the days!

GTO_04

[Slower Joe]

The post above mine selling his Passport is getting deleted in 6...5...4...3...

[Slower Joe]

LOL!!! I was actually pretty close! It is already gone!!

[jimbonzzz]

The post above mine selling his Passport is getting deleted in 6...5...4...3...

It was deleted before you even hit submit for your post