Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
I have been monitoring the broken supercup discussions. I too had a supercup that had broken (the rubber suction cup section separated from the plastic main unit and the spring) and Bel sent me a new unit. Since I had nothing to lose, I was determined to see if I could fix the old unit. I squeezed some super glue into the crevice of the rubber suction piece. The crevice was created when the rubber piece broke from the main plastic unit. I then depressed the spring on the plastic piece of the main unit, joined the rubber piece to the plastic piece, depressed the holding latch to expel all of the air from between the two joined parts, and then used a clamp to hold the parts together. After about 24 hours, I removed the clamp to find that all of the pieces were now solidly joined together. I lifted the holding latch only to discover that some glue had seeped from the crevice and caused the rubber suction piece to be firmly glued to the plastic piece. Rather than fret, I carefully pried apart the rubber piece from the plastic unit to discover to my relief that the suction piece was still joined to the plastic piece. Next came the actual testing stage. When I initially placed the fixed unit on the windshield and depressed the holding latch, the unit did not stick to the windshield. I however discovered that if I manually pushed together the rubber piece and the plastic main unit, placed the unit on the windshield, and then depressed the holding latch, adequate suction was created so that the unit held to the windshield. The firmness with which the unit held seemed much better than when the uit was new. Not wanting to test the unit with my $470.00 GX65, I attached my older V940 to the mount and tested the unit. I drove about even on rough roads and not only did the unit hold, it held better than when the unit was new. There is no gap between the suction part and the plastic main unit part when placed on the windshield so there is no radar detector shake.
To those who would ask, I have placed and removed the unit from the windshield over a dozen times and the unit is intact with no gap or separation. I have tested the unit high on the windshield and low on the windshield with the same results. After the initial test, I have been using my gx65 (a heavier detector) with no problem. Not once has the unit dropped from the windshield even in excessive heat. I even left the unit on the windshield for several days and nights in 90 degree plus temperatures. I now use the fixed unit exclusively and the new unit sent to me by Bel is stored as a backup unit. Since the fix worked so well, I may even experiment and put some superglue on the new unit before it breaks to see if it will make that unit stronger at the joinder point. This is my experiment and I must caution you to use an older detector if you choose to follow my method and then test the unit with your radar detector. I have only done this repair with my broken unit and have not tried the repair on any other unit, therefore I can't state whether this fix method will work on all damaged supercups. However, if you have a broken supercup and some superglue and a clamp, maybe you can repair your broken supercup using the above method. Remember, when you test the repaired unit initially, use an older detector and mount low to avoid damage to your detector until you're certain the fix will work for you like it worked for me. For the record, I used A.C. Moore super glue for the project.
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuckee
I have been monitoring the broken supercup discussions. I too had a supercup that had broken (the rubber suction cup section separated from the plastic main unit and the spring) and Bel sent me a new unit. Since I had nothing to lose, I was determined to see if I could fix the old unit. I squeezed some super glue into the crevice of the rubber suction piece. The crevice was created when the rubber piece broke from the main plastic unit. I then depressed the spring on the plastic piece of the main unit, joined the rubber piece to the plastic piece, depressed the holding latch to expel all of the air from between the two joined parts, and then used a clamp to hold the parts together. After about 24 hours, I removed the clamp to find that all of the pieces were now solidly joined together. I lifted the holding latch only to discover that some glue had seeped from the crevice and caused the rubber suction piece to be firmly glued to the plastic piece. Rather than fret, I carefully pried apart the rubber piece from the plastic unit to discover to my relief that the suction piece was still joined to the plastic piece. Next came the actual testing stage. When I initially placed the fixed unit on the windshield and depressed the holding latch, the unit did not stick to the windshield. I however discovered that if I manually pushed together the rubber piece and the plastic main unit, placed the unit on the windshield, and then depressed the holding latch, adequate suction was created so that the unit held to the windshield. The firmness with which the unit held seemed much better than when the uit was new. Not wanting to test the unit with my $470.00 GX65, I attached my older V940 to the mount and tested the unit. I drove about even on rough roads and not only did the unit hold, it held better than when the unit was new. There is no gap between the suction part and the plastic main unit part when placed on the windshield so there is no radar detector shake.
To those who would ask, I have placed and removed the unit from the windshield over a dozen times and the unit is intact with no gap or separation. I have tested the unit high on the windshield and low on the windshield with the same results. After the initial test, I have been using my gx65 (a heavier detector) with no problem. Not once has the unit dropped from the windshield even in excessive heat. I even left the unit on the windshield for several days and nights in 90 degree plus temperatures. I now use the fixed unit exclusively and the new unit sent to me by Bel is stored as a backup unit. Since the fix worked so well, I may even experiment and put some superglue on the new unit before it breaks to see if it will make that unit stronger at the joinder point. This is my experiment and I must caution you to use an older detector if you choose to follow my method and then test the unit with your radar detector. I have only done this repair with my broken unit and have not tried the repair on any other unit, therefore I can't state whether this fix method will work on all damaged supercups. However, if you have a broken supercup and some superglue and a clamp, maybe you can repair your broken supercup using the above method. Remember, when you test the repaired unit initially, use an older detector and mount low to avoid damage to your detector until you're certain the fix will work for you like it worked for me. For the record, I used A.C. Moore super glue for the project.
I did the hot-water thing, which made it like new again for a few days. After a week it is slightly separating, the detector now moving just a bit, which increases the strain on the cup, accelerating the degradation. I have a backup super cup, and of course original cups so if this one goes south (likely will), I'll try the super glue thing. A better idea would be if bel/escort would OEM to a different firm that makes it last a few years.
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
And welcome to the forum (I see your post count = 1)... :)
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
Thanks, how many posts till I can attach photos. I have a new mobile threat in my area and I did a post, included an attachment and then got a funny script thing and my post cleared, didn't go through. Yes, it would be better for BelScort to create a better super cup unit, but until that happens, thought I'd help out by sharing my fix.
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Chuckee
Thanks, how many posts till I can attach photos. I have a new mobile threat in my area and I did a post, included an attachment and then got a funny script thing and my post cleared, didn't go through. Yes, it would be better for BelScort to create a better super cup unit, but until that happens, thought I'd help out by sharing my fix.
http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...gulations.html
15 posts for images.
You should post in the "Introduce Yourself" section, for starters. "Kind of car, location, existing or wish list for countermeasures, etc."...
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
My super cup crapped out. The part of the suction cup where the spring assembly connects broke. Sounds like the same thing as OP. I didn't realize they have been a problem. I haven't been on much either.
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ray
My super cup crapped out. The part of the suction cup where the spring assembly connects broke. Sounds like the same thing as OP. I didn't realize they have been a problem. I haven't been on much either.
They all fail after a few months.
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
Yeah, you're right mine second one is almost toast so I just went back to the one that came with the rd.
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
Quote:
Originally Posted by
OpenRoad
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Ray
My super cup crapped out. The part of the suction cup where the spring assembly connects broke. Sounds like the same thing as OP. I didn't realize they have been a problem. I haven't been on much either.
They all fail after a few months.
Well, since I haven't been on in a while and now seeing that they all fail after a few months, I guess I wasted $20. I went to my original one as well. Oh well.
Re: Possible Broken Supercup Fix (My Experiment)
The one that I used the superglue on is still holding strong. As mentioned, I have mounted and unmounted the supercup and used both of my detectors with it and it has not budged. There also is no shake from the unit as I'm driving. At least not where the parts are joined. If you like using the supercup, it wouldn't hurt to try the superglue fix. At least if it doesn't work, you've lost nothing but a little time.
