GOL why only test one RX65

[tshrimp]

I was looking at purchasing one of the big 4 radar detectors (V1, X50, RX65, and STI). I noticed that on GOL test all of them get at least 2 samples (3 for the V1) except the RX65. Since samples can varry is this fare to the RX65?

Can someone shed some light on the reason for not testing muntiples in this case, and also why they did not test the USA mode (noticed in the past they did).

If all things where truly equal and unbias whouldn't you test 3 V1, 3 X50, 3 STI, and 3 RX65s?

Thank,

[KnightHawk]

They may have some limited radar detectors at that time of testing. Yes, i surely agree with you and in fact they had more than 3 V1's on site during their test - latest and older versions but only tested the lastest versions. Next test should have to have equal number of different RD's to be fair to every manufacturer. That even shows in the V1 test where some did not do well and some did well. You'll be gauranteed that they will do another test for sure and hopefully they'll have same number of RD's tested from each brand and manufacturer.

[jimbonzzz]

Our plan was to test three STi's and three V1's (since these are the most sensitive detectors) and to test two 8500 X50's, two 9500i's, and two RX-65's.

We tested what we had available, and unfortunately multiple RX-65s were not available. And unfortunately, for the 35.5 GHz test the third STi was not available. This ended up being a good thing though, as we were VERY pressed for time.

As for USA mode: Our objective was to test all detectors in their factory default configuration in order to be consistent. We have tested USA mode in the past, and it does provide a performance increase on Ka. But the problem is, USA mode only sweeps the three main US Ka frequencies: 33.8 GHz, 34.7 GHz, and 35.5 GHz. However, this does not account for all Ka radar units on the roads: for a long time, the Stalkers were sold at 34.94 GHz instead of 34.7 GHz. USA mode will completely miss these units. It's no wonder that the STi doesn't have this option.


Next test should have to have equal number of different RD's to be fair to every manufacturer.

If we had unlimited time, or only want to test a few different models, then we would be able to do this. Ideally, it would be nice to test three samples of each. But unfortunately, I don't think that this will ever be practical. Even if we had three samples of each unit for this past test, there wouldn't have been enough time to test them all.

However, we'll test multiples when we are able to, with the priority going to the highest-end and most popular detectors.

[Michael B]

I think that the the V955, RX65, 8500 X50, and 9500i share the same FCC ID, therefore it would seem that 6 models of that platform were tested.

Try not to focus on just the RX65 data as it was just 1 of 6 units sharing the same platform.

[KnightHawk]

I think that the the V955, RX65, 8500 X50, and 9500i share the same FCC ID, therefore it would seem that 6 models of that platform were tested.

Try not to focus on just the RX65 data as it was just 1 of 6 units sharing the sampe platform.

Michael, even with the same platform and FCC ID, it clearly shows that each radar detector's performance vary from one another and it even showed that with the V1's. I don't doubt GOL's results but for those who have not tried or own a V1 would simply argue it is not fair. I even tried my V1 and the 9500i where the V1 failed to match it's performance vs 35.5 radar over the hill test and my X50 rev 5 beat the V1 in over the hill test with 34.7 radar. The test i did was done with only one radar detector from each manufacturer but i cannot make a conclusion that the X50 or 9500i will always top the V1 if match with another V1 in the same test. I think tshrimp wants to see some fairness when you guys or GOL do the test next time. With that said, it erases the question marks lingering in their minds.

[Michael B]

I understand you question and concern but again, 6 of the same platform as the RX65 were tested. Look at the platform average instead of the individual results for the 955, RX65, 9500, and 9500i.

If you want (3) RX65's, (3)955's, (3)8500, (3)9500i's then that is 12 of the same platform.

To then be fair, you would require (12) V1's, and (12) STi's, (6) Whistler XTR-960, (6) Whistler Pro78, (12) Whistler Pro73, (12) Cobra's, and (12) KAT's for a broader comparison of production deviations.

That is 84 units!

[GTO_04]

As for USA mode: Our objective was to test all detectors in their factory default configuration in order to be consistent. We have tested USA mode in the past, and it does provide a performance increase on Ka. But the problem is, USA mode only sweeps the three main US Ka frequencies: 33.8 GHz, 34.7 GHz, and 35.5 GHz. However, this does not account for all Ka radar units on the roads: for a long time, the Stalkers were sold at 34.94 GHz instead of 34.7 GHz. USA mode will completely miss these units. It's no wonder that the STi doesn't have this option.


Just to add, I have seen Stalker ATRs operating at 34.2 and 35.2 GHz! And Accusweep or USA mode will totally miss them. There is a reason BEL does not recommend using USA mode. And there is a reason you don't see it in the 995 nor in the STi!

GTO_04

[ES13Raven]

I think a long range test is in order for the next one. :wink:

[KnightHawk]

If the V1 truely out performs the the X50 or RX65 platform, then why worry having 12 V1's? I think 3 is good enough for each manufacturer because you get the average of each run anyway. I am very sure that the V1 blows the X50/RX65/9500i/955 in X and K band just in the ka band where the V1 does not get all the top honors. I think the main problem that can happen here is time constraints.

What i would like to see in the future test is getting the farthest alert in stationary mode and not having the vehicle to make 3 runs where the detectors will continueously alert to the source. My observation is that you get different distances in this method and i guess it is due to reflected signals unless it is a straight shot. Will a test result be better in stationary mode than moving? The mode i'm talking about is not the radar gun setup but the test vehicle?

Your thoughts Michael or jimbonzzzz.

[KnightHawk]

the Stalkers were sold at 34.94 GHz instead of 34.7 GHz. USA mode will completely miss these units. It's no wonder that the STi doesn't have this option.



An aquaintance that works for our local sherriff dept. got his new stalker dual SL at 34.7. Is the 34.94 GHZ an older model or new models as well?

[Michael B]

You said "Next test should have to have equal number of different RD's to be fair to every manufacturer"

The reason for the 12 V1's was in your reference of having an equal number of RD's.

Having 3 of each model where 4 of the models are built in the same plant using the same components, and the same plaform is like saying lets test 12 of this model.

So if you are to then say lets test an equal number, you would have to test 12 of each PLATFORM.

You need to go outside the box and not think of them as models but as platforms.

If I owned a 1984-1988 Toyota Corrola or Chevy Nova, do I need to test them both when they were the same vehicle?

[Michael B]

34.9 was the original stalker gun frequency.
I own one.

[KnightHawk]

Just to add, I have seen Stalker ATRs operating at 34.2 and 35.2 GHz!

GTO_04

Our local speed sign (stalker), stalker duals here show the 34.7 frequency from local LEO. Where the units calibrated in the frequency range?

[KnightHawk]

34.9 was the original stalker gun frequency.
I own one.

Was it detected by the X50 or RX65? Just wondered why the X50 does not have a USA or International mode.

[ES13Raven]

you would have to test 12 of each PLATFORM.
Michael, even though they use the same horn, isn't the circuity and software different for the RX65, X50 etc?

[KnightHawk]

You said "Next test should have to have equal number of different RD's to be fair to every manufacturer"



Michael, i understand what you are saying. Others don't look at it as platforms but brand names. I'm just stressing out how others look at it to be fair.

[GTO_04]

You said "Next test should have to have equal number of different RD's to be fair to every manufacturer"



Michael, i understand what you are saying. Other don't look at it as platforms but brand names. I'm just stressing out how others look at it to be fair.

If others can't understand that, than that's their problem. You're never going to please everyone. The vast majority of us view the GOL tests as fair and unbiased.

GTO_04

[Michael B]

None of the models tested at the GOL spring 2007 were subjected to the 34.9GHz freq.

I am sure there are some software and hardware differences across the same plaform models in this topic but ask yourself this, what ever hardware and software differences there are did not seem to present themselves when tested against each other in the test.

[happya$$]

That is an EXCELLENT point Mike. I guess the way we should look at the differences in performance across the same platform is manufacturing variance

[KnightHawk]

but ask yourself this, what ever hardware and software differences there are did not seem to present themselves when tested against each other in the test.



If that is the case too, then why worry about having 12 V1's where 3 is good enough if it proves to do the same.

Heres a video link with 9500i and V1 over the hill test with 35.5 and see how each platforms varies from one another.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1425657934141764712

[Michael B]

I watched your video.

All that shows is that YOUR particular 9500i is better than YOUR V1 for that given 35.5GHz frequency.

You refer to them as "the 9500i" and "the V1" but they are not necesarilly representivive of ALL 9500i and ALL V1's.

They truth is they are all very good units and there is variance in every model. If you purchased a different set of the same model type, you may have similar results, or your results may differ.

Buy one you can afford and drive wisely.

[KnightHawk]

I watched your video.

All that shows is that YOUR particular 9500i is better than YOUR V1 for that given 35.5GHz frequency.

You refer to them as "the 9500i" and "the V1" but they are not necesarilly representivive of ALL 9500i and ALL V1's.

They truth is they are all very good units and there is variance in every model. If you purchased a different set of the same model type, you may have similar results, or your results may differ.

Buy one you can afford and drive wisely.

So you agree that there are variances in performance even with the same platform which is why tshrimp raised the question.

[ES13Raven]

So you agree that there are variances in performance even with the same platform.
Of course, that is why GOL test 2-3 of each model to show that. You get a better idea of how all V1s and 9500is perform if you have an average.

[Michael B]

There are variances in performance even with the same platform.

[KnightHawk]

So you agree that there are variances in performance even with the same platform.
Of course, that is why GOL test 2-3 of each model to show that. You get a better idea of how all V1s and 9500is perform if you have an average.

tshrimp was asking why there was only one RX65 unit tested during the march GOL test.

[KnightHawk]

I think that the the V955, RX65, 8500 X50, and 9500i share the same FCC ID, therefore it would seem that 6 models of that platform were tested.

Try not to focus on just the RX65 data as it was just 1 of 6 units sharing the sampe platform.

Michael, even with the same platform and FCC ID, it clearly shows that each radar detector's performance vary from one another and it even showed that with the V1's. I don't doubt GOL's results but for those who have not tried or own a V1 would simply argue it is not fair. I even tried my V1 and the 9500i where the V1 failed to match it's performance vs 35.5 radar over the hill test and my X50 rev 5 beat the V1 in over the hill test with 34.7 radar. The test i did was done with only one radar detector from each manufacturer but i cannot make a conclusion that the X50 or 9500i will always top the V1 if match with another V1 in the same test. I think tshrimp wants to see some fairness when you guys or GOL do the test next time. With that said, it erases the question marks lingering in their minds.

My belief regarding each platform in blue fonts.