How high is a high mount?

[unmamfqlm]

I've always had radar detectors and have been happy with them to start. I just happened to look a few things up on the internet tonight and to my surprise I literally seen hundreds of different mounting methods. I know this question has been asked 5 billion times but how high should a detector be mounted for the best protection? Where I live cops use radar and radar only and I've always heard the higher the better for radar protection. But are we talking rear view mirror high or more of a midway mount on the windshield? I know some detectors work a bit differently from brand to brand and what not but generally how high is considered "too high"?

Also, I've seen people with them mounted to the far left of the windshield to the point where they are right by the driver's head. Would mounting like this give worse protection than if it were to be mounted on the center of the windshield?

Thanks guys.

well, I drive an f150. It's of course a full sized truck. I don't believe I can go above the mirror because of the tent. I live in Kentucky where a detector is perfectly legal although I'm not too sure on the laws about what can be on the windshield and what not. I don't believe there are any restrictions because of the fact I see plenty of people everyday with GPS units and detectors mounted absolutely everywhere on windshields.

[nosbusa]

I use a visor mount for my V1, and with my 8500S and my Whister Pro78SE I have them mounted "different cars" in the upper-middle part of my windshield, under my mirror.

I've tried on top of my mirror, but the RD suction cups wouldn't stick to the tiny tint bubbles above the mirror. Plus it's hard to see in my vehicles. So for me this is what I would call too high.

On the visor, or upper middle of your windshield you should be fine for radar. Now if you're talking about mounting for laser detections, you should get a jammer. No Ifs, ands....or butts.

Hope this helps.

[zerbey]

Above the RVM isn't an option because the sunroof controls dip down from the ceiling right above (and I never even use the stupid thing) so I keep mine mounted just below the RVM, I've tried it to the right or left but my windshield curves too much. It's not as stealthy as I would like but hardwiring helps.

The higher the better, in my opinion.

[scull20]

Here is my install thread : http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...1-install.html

It's pretty much as high as I could possibly go with it. With mounting in general though it really depends on the application on the best place for you to put it. I chose to put mine where it is because I believe in the, 'the higher, the better' philosophy for not only protection, but for stealth purposes as well. In my case the best place for this was above the RVM a bit to the left...now for example in the car pictured in my sig I tend to keep it lower because its not hard wired and I don't want the cord dangling in my face. Not to mention...for all intensive purposes I'm gonna be hard pressed to slow down quickly with 4 wheel manual drum brakes to begin with so I tend drive on the slower side in that car...if you can believe it ...so maximum detection range is not as important.

-Ryan

[North Alabama]

What do you drive? Do you want to hide the unit? Is it going to be removed often? Is there a window tint band or dots? Are you going to hard wire it in? I keep mine low for reflections off of the hood and laser detection, but I drive mostly a small truck or a sports car so the V1 is in and out. I found out just keep the unit level and straight ahead as possible, good enough for me!

[tjbender]

Post a link to a picture of your dash/windshield and we'd be happy to give you some pointers. In general, the higher and more centered, the better. Sometimes you have to trade dead-center mounting for stealth/legality reasons. If you live in a state where RD's are perfectly legal and there are no restrictions on what can be affixed to the windshield, then I'd recommend going as high as possible, either above the rearview mirror or just to the left of it.

If necessary, you can also mount very low on your windshield. Be aware that this decreases radar range and is much less stealthy if an LEO walks up to your driver's side window to say hi. That said, if you're not hard-wiring, a low mount tends to look much cleaner, as you don't have a cord hanging down the middle of the car.

The absolute worst place to mount would be dead-center of the windshield. You don't realize either the range benefits of mounting high or the easy-access of mounting low, but what you do create is a shining beacon for tailgaters to use you as a rabbit, and a big neon sign to pique the interest of any LEO driving around your car.

[left4dead]

I have my V1 mounted high and to the RIGHT of the RVM.

Does it matter of it's right or left of the RVM? Is there any gain either or?

[TnSquire]

Mine mounted directly above the RVM. The only real advantage to mounting it to the left of the RVM is that it's an easier reach for you to make adjustments (muting, changing modes, etc). If it's to the right, it can be more of a stretch, depending on the vehicle.

[mahjong007]

i have mine mounted to the left of my RVM right between the blue strip on near the top of the windshield.. it does give you better detection as far as radar. but almost kills all your laser detection but thats what a laser jammer/diffuser are for. i had mine low at first, then slowly moved up a couple inches each time, and you be surprise just a little move can do to the radar detection. i also found that if you placed it under the RVM, it kills my gps reception in my GX65 as far as my vehicle that is. only way you can tell is placed it in different places on your windshield to determine what is best for you.

[Matt]

The higher the better. 9500ix above the RVM to the left, touching the roof. No problems with GPS on the 9500ix