Originally Posted by
Arvetus
Unless you've done something aftermarket, I seriously doubt you have metallic tint in your windshield on an F150. That is one thing that I notice on cars/trucks/vans since gaining an interest in radar detectors about 6 years ago and now that I know what to look for, it sticks out to me like a sore thumb. I have yet to see an F150 with metallic tint, unless its an aftermarket deal. Taurus, Windstar, yes. Ford trucks, no. And it really stands out with polarized sunglasses too. The blue tint strip is not metallic, and it barely blocks any infrared at all. Aftermarket tint, while not always metallic, will block more infrared, so laser detection might be diminished, but it shouldn't block radar (radio waves).
Did you buy your detector new or used? I just had my 6 yr old 3.813 tuned up and it came back working like crap. The first time I called V1 about it Monday, I tried to work with them, even though they gave me a line about windshields and bla bla bla. I've had mine in the same car for 6 years, I know about windshields and it's never been a problem before now. I spoke with someone yesterday and I'm sending it back, but in short, I'm running into the same thing as you and I have come to one of two conclusions:
1.) a weak electronic component has randomly failed, for whatever reason
B.) atmospheric conditions and the change in seasons are playing a much larger role than I ever thought they would play at microwave frequencies.
I know full well about the change of seasons, temperature, and their affect on radio waves at lower frequencies, but I generally use my radio equipment from 3MHz ~ 450MHz, and you will be surprised at how VHF works in the late spring, early fall. You think CB skip using AM is cool? Tropospheric ducting on VHF FM is way cooler (at least I think so) and even more so on SSB! Microwave frequencies however, I am not as familiar with as to how they work. I just know that the higher the frequency, the more line of sight the radiation is. I've never experimented with microwaves or used anything on those frequencies other than a radar detector.
If your device is only 2 months old, you are well within the warranty, and I would send it in to have it checked it you truly feel there's a problem. VR's customer service is great and the turnaround will be pretty quick...even better the closer you live to Cincinnati.
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