Sensitivity Loss?

[skjjr]

I have my Passport 8500 mounted in the right front speaker compartment of my Honda Goldwing GL1800 which is a nice setup. HOWEVER, I suspect that I have lost some sensitivity. It now seems like I don't get a warning as early. For example - often times not until I can see a LEO with a rolling radar heading toward me.

My question is how much signal loss would be expected from the various layers of ABS and Polycarbonate:

- Speaker Housing - Black ABS
- "Under Faring" the black ABS hidden one behind the windshield
- Tinted lower part of Windbender Windshield
- Painted outer Front Faring (Yellow semi-metalic)

I have my Escort sitting basically on the bottom of the speaker enclosure. I have removed the metal parts of the windshield mechanism that are near the Radar field of vision (the parts in the outside slider).

Will cutting holes in the various layers help?

Can anyone recommend a good test process? I was thinking of finding a speed indicator and seeing how far away I could dectect it with the Passport mounted in the speaker box. Then trying it again with the Passport on the dash.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[ViperDom]

huh? you lost me

the general consensus is to have de detector mounted parralel to the ground straight foward with NOTHING between it and the road besides you windshield.

[Holla]

I would say ALOT of loss! Needs to have a clear view of the road to be 100% effective.

[Stealth 795]

I'd say cut some holes yea...
Can you get us a pic to post, I think some people are lost!

[skjjr]

I can't post pictures but basically I'm mouning the Escort inside the "dash" area of the motorcycle where it has to go through several layers of ABS.

sensitivity seems less than when it was on the top of the dash and only had to look through the plastic windshield.

I've been told ABS doesn't significantly bolck radar but was looking for confirmation or correction of this info.

[Category 5]

I can't post pictures but basically I'm mouning the Escort inside the "dash" area of the motorcycle where it has to go through several layers of ABS.

sensitivity seems less than when it was on the top of the dash and only had to look through the plastic windshield.

I've been told ABS doesn't significantly bolck radar but was looking for confirmation or correction of this info.

Yes, mostly microwaves are impeded by metal. Did you say you have metallic paint? that's often real metal in there. Also, while metal significantly blocks radar other surfaces do it too in varying degrees. The percentage of energy that is reflected obviously does not pass through. That means if the signal DOES pass through it will be equivalent to the original signal, minus the reflected energy.

Limit the amount of obstacles between the detector and the road ahead. Your detection sensitivity will increase.