|
|
antenna mounting options
I'm experimenting with different spots for mounting my radar antenna for my remote mount RD. I know higher is better, but the highest position puts the antenna at an angle. See the pic below. I want to avoid the visible locations as the antenna kind of looks like a laser jammer and they are illegal in my state. All the spots are behind plastic/fiberglass pieces, so the radar goes right through. I'm looking for the spot which would have the best performance.
What brand and model unit do you have?
Whistler 3450
Do not hide behind plastic, repeat do not hide behind plastic that is really not an option. Sure radar energy can penetrate materials, but in reality your unit is going to be deaf from blocking the signal. Test and see yourself the performance difference between mounting behind plastic and not.
Honestly I would put it in the air scoop!
From what I've read, radar goes right through plastic. They say that the gun gets its reading by bouncing it off metal - the signal passes through your fiberglass bumper like it wasn't even there, hits the radiator and bounces back. If you look at a radar gun, the end where the radar shoots out has a plastic cap.Originally Posted by amoney
I've thought about the hood scoop but there is too much eat radiating out of there because of the turbo and the unit is not supposed to be anywhere in or near the engine compartment heat.
Go to a radar source, place your hand over your RD antenna, see what happens. I am only going by my experience perhaps yours will vary. Radar will pentetrate, but it will be reduced. By how much, well perhaps my itti bitty detector ois one thing and that unit it will not matter, but better do a test just to verify.From what I've read, radar goes right through plastic. They say that the gun gets its reading by bouncing it off metal - the signal passes through your fiberglass bumper like it wasn't even there, hits the radiator and bounces back. If you look at a radar gun, the end where the radar shoots out has a plastic cap.
I've thought about the hood scoop but there is too much eat radiating out of there because of the turbo and the unit is not supposed to be anywhere in or near the engine compartment heat.
Remember, your also dependent upon first alert of even the weakest radar, a unit behind very think plastic like your pumper, will lower that reception of a weak alert as oppose sitting out in the open.
Well, the plastic/fiberglass in most of these locations is about is thick as the edge of a quarter. I've been trying to find some hard facts about the reflectivity of plastic with radar, but haven't found too much, except for quite a few references that it passes straight through. In fact, boats that all fiberglass or wood have to use some radar reflecting flags or radar will not pick them up. I'd be willing to have a slight decrease in performance to have the system completely hidden. I don't want some state trooper seeing my antenna and thinking its a laser jammer and end up ripping it off my car. I might get that Bushnell radar gun and try some experiments with it.Go to a radar source, place your hand over your RD antenna, see what happens. I am only going by my experience perhaps yours will vary. Radar will pentetrate, but it will be reduced. By how much, well perhaps my itti bitty detector ois one thing and that unit it will not matter, but better do a test just to verify.From what I've read, radar goes right through plastic. They say that the gun gets its reading by bouncing it off metal - the signal passes through your fiberglass bumper like it wasn't even there, hits the radiator and bounces back. If you look at a radar gun, the end where the radar shoots out has a plastic cap.
I've thought about the hood scoop but there is too much eat radiating out of there because of the turbo and the unit is not supposed to be anywhere in or near the engine compartment heat.
Remember, your also dependent upon first alert of even the weakest radar, a unit behind very think plastic like your pumper, will lower that reception of a weak alert as oppose sitting out in the open.
I've found another concealed spot. My headliner kind of dips down in the middle above the rear-view mirror where a map light is. I can fit it inside the headliner pointed down to above the rear view giving a clear view of the road. Of course, the signal will have to pass through the headliner (which is really thin in my car - kind of like stiff cardboard).
But I believe that since we are relying upon the weakest radar signal to give us that heads up, that weak radar energy will not pass. Radar energy from a police radar gun is nothing compared to that of a yachts radar, yeah that radar will go right through you like a xray. I hate to be the only one discussing this, I may be wrong, just recommend test and see what you find. :wink:
If i where you,i would mount it behing the grill with some kind of bracket to the left or right of your subaru badge.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
Bookmarks