Why is 35.5 GHz so hard to detect?

[DeadReb245]

Why? Because just one single radar horn is being used for receiving all of the different police radar frequencies including X band, K band, and the very broad Ka band spectrum. Thus the radar detector's horn has to be designed such that it isn't too perfectly optimized for any one police radar frequency or otherwise detection of the other frequencies will suffer.

This really makes me wonder how well a detector would do if it only detected Ka band. Heh not only that, but only 33.8, 34.7, and 35.5. How well do you think a detector like this would perform? The only issue with releasing an RD like this would be all of the idiots who would purchase it in areas where X and K are still used, not having a clue about the frequencies or bands. We'd probably end up with people thinking the Cobras were really better because the new Ka-USA-only RD didn't make a peep when they went passed a speed sign.

[9500ier]

If this theory is true then shouldn't the custom instaled units (read 9500ci/STI-r) have multiple horns? or at least seperate ones for X/K and Ka?

[Fanman]

from my experience with radio scanners, radar detectors may just not work with multiple antennas. the unit cannot selectively use the antennas all at once, rather it must use all 3 simultaneously, which just doesnt work well at all.

[asianfire]

The STI Driver does have 2 horns, one for X band and one for K/Ka bands. I saw that on here being explained. My STI Driver does very well on detecting 35.5. That is what is used the most here

[KnightHawk]

The STI Driver does have 2 horns, one for X band and one for K/Ka bands. I saw that on here being explained. My STI Driver does very well on detecting 35.5. That is what is used the most here

Agreed. Here's a link of a test I did.
http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...ti-v1-x50.html

[Freebird]

x2 YTCD STi is rele good with 35.5 i have seen for myself as well

+3 ... My V1 is a little more straightline sensative on 35.5 than my STI but my STI is noticably more sensative off axis than my V1

[KnightHawk]

Here's another test I did between the 9500i and V1 vs 35.5 over the hill test.
[ame="http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1425657934141764712&ei=kad8ScWUEp7 OqwLYia2yBQ&q=azonehits"]9500i vs V1[/ame]

[Freebird]

My experiences bel and escort units, 9500ix and STI perform better at over the hill than the V1 on ka especially 34.7. Video seems to back it up nicely on 35.5 also.

[MEM-TEK]

Just because the V1 has the best raw Ka sensitivities doesn't mean that it is going to always perform the best in the real world. Too many other specific circuitry features and patented technologies found in today's modern radar detector designs come into play when detecting radar under real world conditions.

[Freebird]

I was thinking the difference in horn shape of the STI/Escort to the V1 was what gave the edge over hill. Kind of like adjusting a flashlight beam to see farther down the road or to the side. I agree straightline totally flat no obstructions V1 does have the edge.