First Impressions

**Beatlesfan** · 07-19-2008, 04:49 PM

I've had the Cheetah mirror for two days now. I haven't run into any red light/speed cameras yet as they aren't heavily used in my area. I have, however, run into some LEOs running radar. The mirror performed flawlessly whilst wirelessly linked to my V1 .363. The first thing I noticed is that the mirror is a lot louder than the V1 and I can hear it over my music even with the windows down. I love how it announces the band and gives me a friendly little beep when the threat is over. The ramp up, while not being of the V1's standard, is adequate. The only con I have found so far is that when the V1 is picking up a weak signal where the V1 would only beep once every few seconds, the mirror gives me the "all clear" beep only to alert again when the V1 beeps the next time.

The field of view of the mirror is superb, I don't have blind spots anymore!

The other features work flawlessly, but I do wish that I could change the clock to 12 hour format instead of 24 hour format. The speedometer is spot on, as is the anti glare blue coating. The city mute feature is awesome as well.

I do wish that the clock could be changed. There might be a way to do this, but I haven't found it.

There will be more reviewing to come as I use it more.

I would also like to say thank you to Don from Cheetah USA for his first class customer service and his patience with me.

**djrams80** · 07-19-2008, 06:17 PM

I also have an aftermarket convex mirror. Do you also have a problem identifying cars behind you, since they are now smaller?

**TSi+WRX** · 07-19-2008, 06:26 PM

^ I think that's unavoidable - the Cheetah is, as you know, a convex safety mirror design, and nearly all of us have lamented the ability to quickly/easily ID potential rear-closing threats via the interior rearview, after fitting the Cheetah GPS-mirror.

There was thought brought up in another thread that perhaps Cheetah could design a second-generation version to include a central area which is of standard design, but to have side-wings that are curved, thus retaining the benefits of a safety-mirror design, while allowing for un-biased center/end-on visibility.

I'm a car-nut, so I'm pretty good at ID'ing cars. Yes, the Cheetah does present more of a challenge, but I've already adapted to using the driver's side-view.

Although the speeder/countermeasures-hobbyist in me would like to see a variable plane design, in so far as a safety device goes, I would gladly retain the current convex setup, if push came to shove, and take my compromises as-is.

**djrams80** · 07-19-2008, 08:52 PM

Originally Posted by TSi+WRX

I've already adapted to using the driver's side-view.

I do the same thing. If I can't make it out in the rear view, then I give it a shot in the driver's side mirror. This works sometimes, but not as well as the original rear view did.

**TSi+WRX** · 07-20-2008, 12:59 PM

^ Agreed.

Although I also, since reading that old article (forget which magazine it appeared in), adapted a different attitude towards potential rear threats....

If I'm already driving fast enough that nothing should really be keeping up, then something closing and/or maintaining distance should be checked-out imediately, by slowing to make visual ID.

After all, if it's just a crazy guy ( and come-on, as we all well know, anyone going slower than we are is an idiot [bordering on moron] and anyone going faster is crazy [and *also* bordering on being a moron]!

), that's no big deal, only lost a few seconds....but if it's a closing enforcer, those few seconds could've saved the day.

But yes, point definitely taken and agreed - I also do wish for a better compromise, for those of us who not only want the convex mirror for its obvious safety benefits, but also want an unaffected viewing area for, er....., other? purposes.

**Beatlesfan** · 07-20-2008, 02:49 PM

I have noticed that I have trouble identifying cars behind me, but it's not really a problem because of the driver's side mirror.

Just got back from a weekend trip to the cottage in Buchanan, Michigan. Took I-94 and route 12. Not one single legit. radar source...Why is it that whenever you're looking for radar you never see it?

One mysterious, unidentified, Ka source briefly. I suspect it was "attack of the Cobra".

**allyoops** · 07-21-2008, 05:58 PM

Actually guys, the Veil Guy made a really good point in his review that we hadn't thought of before.

If you check out his video almost right at the end, he's got his mirror set up so he uses the wider angle view for checking the entrance downramps on the freeway as you pass them. It's not really showing the blindspots on the drivers side as much as you have to off-set it more to the passenger side. I suspect it's probably not going to be possible in every car, and a lot of it is going to depend on your driving position and how reclined you like it (careful!!!) but it actually works pretty well in mine.

See if it works in your cars? Another "skill" to develop?

**TSi+WRX** · 07-22-2008, 11:47 AM

^ I totally use it that way.

I don't see my head, at all, in the GPS-Mirror. It's all passenger's-side bias.

**allyoops** · 07-24-2008, 12:11 AM

Originally Posted by TSi+WRX

^ I totally use it that way.

I don't see my head, at all, in the GPS-Mirror. It's all passenger's-side bias.

That's only because you can't bear to look at yourself in the mornings until that first starbucks!

By the way, has wifey cottoned on that she can see her full face in the mirror for doing make up when you guys go out. Sorry, forgot you have a 2 year old. Going out much has probably been a thing of the past for a while. Can't remember the last time I was out on the town!

**Beatlesfan** · 07-24-2008, 01:03 AM

Using it to check the on ramps is a brilliant idea. I never even thought of that. I'm going to try it out for a few days and see how I like it.

Update: The mirror lags slightly behind the V1 in alerting. This is probably due to the RDI having to interpret the signal and then send it wirelessly to the mirror. It's not a big deal as a half a second isn't much, but I could see in some situations how a half of a second could mean a lot. I still give the mirror/V1 RDI setup a 9 out of 10. It's better, by far, than any other set up I've seen.

I still wish I could change the clock to a 12 hour format though.

Also, the V1 adapter for the mirror and the hardwire kit should be here soon. I'll then hardwire it and be able to use my REBinc colored concealed display. Don from Cheetah USA has been great with everything. We all rave about VR's customer service, well Cheetah's (Don) service is second to none. I expect him, at any moment, to show up and polish the mirror for me!

Thanks again Don, you deserve a raise.