9500i Stealth Mode?

**BulletTooth** · 11-12-2007, 05:55 AM

I've got a convertible and I'm afraid the RD will be like a beacon up there by the mirror attracting additional, unwanted attention.

Is there any way to set up the 9500i in stealth mode? Even if there isn’t a remote display, is there some way to keep the display completely dark until it alerts?

**Grifter** · 11-12-2007, 09:49 AM

There is dark mode. I dont think it lights up on alerts though, the voice and audible alerts still work though. If you going stealth, you really wouldnt want the lights waking up with a cop clocking behind you.
Buy the smart cord and place the unit somewhere in your line of site

**focalcivic** · 11-13-2007, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Grifter

There is dark mode. I dont think it lights up on alerts though, the voice and audible alerts still work though. If you going stealth, you really wouldnt want the lights waking up with a cop clocking behind you.
Buy the smart cord and place the unit somewhere in your line of site

The best option for a convertible is to put the radar in the lower left side of the windshield and use dark mode if you want. Just make sure you have a clear view of the road ahead and you should be fine.

**CJR238** · 11-13-2007, 08:31 AM

Best performance for a 9500I is high and as centered as possible. If you can put it high to the left of your RVM just peaking below the tint, the sun visor can cover it when you want.
See thread:
http://www.radardetector.net/viewtopic.php?t=30634

**alp** · 11-13-2007, 09:44 PM

I can make a case that for the 9500I being lower on the window may be better, at least for GPS reception. And so long as it is 4-6" high it seems to pick up radar signals VERY well.

**MUST4NG** · 11-30-2007, 09:20 AM

I too drive a convertible. Although, I'm not really concerned with someone behind me seeing the radar. Where I live, almost all of the radar comes from in front of you from a stationary vehicle.

I'm planning on using a visor mount. I don't have tint on the upper part of my windshield, so there should be no interference.

Will it matter that the RD is not resting right next to the windshield, as it is when mounted on the windshield? The mounts I've seen that attach to the rearview mirror appear to hold the RD away from the windshield. Should the effectiveness remain the same? I'll make sure it's level.

I'd prefer a visor mount if I could get it to work the same because:

1) I remove the RD and hide it away when I park anywhere for an extended period of time because I had someone slash my soft-top and steal my old RD. I don't want to replace my soft-top again for another $1,400. Losing a $500 RD would be horrible too.
2) With a visor mount when I remove the RD, there will be no visible mount and no suction-cup mount on my windshield. Again, trying to avoid the attractive nusiance.
3) The RD would be next to my head so I could definitely hear it in the summer with the top down and the tunes up.
4) It'd be mounted high without interfering with my line of sight.
5) I never use my visor mirror, and rarely flip it down. If I had to, I'd have the windshield mount in my car.
6) If I get pulled-over, I'd only have to hide the detector, and not pull off the windshield mount that leaves tell-tale suction-cup rings that I'm just sure a LEO would notice...

Am I the only one who doesn't leave their $500 RD sitting on the dash for someone to steal? My dad had some juvenile take a screwdriver to the doorlock on his Cadillac to steal a crap cell phone that the kid could get $10-20 for on the street. I'd like to play it as safe as possible.

**CJR238** · 11-30-2007, 09:46 AM

Even though I had one stolen I still keep mine hard wired high just to the left of my RVM peaking below the tint. It’s really difficult to see. But if I had a convertible I wouldn’t leave it up.

It won’t matter that the RD is not mounted against the glass. Visor is fine.

**djrams80** · 11-30-2007, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by MUST4NG

Will it matter that the RD is not resting right next to the windshield, as it is when mounted on the windshield? The mounts I've seen that attach to the rearview mirror appear to hold the RD away from the windshield. Should the effectiveness remain the same? I'll make sure it's level.

I would think that too far from the windshield and under the visor would make it very difficult for GPS reception.

**CJR238** · 11-30-2007, 10:32 AM

Originally Posted by djrams80

I would think that too far from the windshield and under the visor would make it very difficult for GPS reception.

Absolutely.

**MUST4NG** · 11-30-2007, 10:39 AM

Originally Posted by djrams80

I would think that too far from the windshield and under the visor would make it very difficult for GPS reception.

I'm wondering that as well. Although I haven't specifically tested for it, I have held my detector while seated and have it connect to GPS, as well as held it up to where I want it mounted on the visor when it was already connected, and it stayed connected. If I hold my hand over it, it loses signal. Hopefully with the soft-top it'll be able to connect. I'll hold it up to where I want it before I power it on tonight for the drive home.