Concealed Display

[Viper]

I heard that the best place to mount the V1 (or any radar detector) is low as low as possible since that is where the best laser detection will occur. However, I don't see how you can get a concealed display, since the radar would be mounted in an obvious place to get the max range. Usually I see them mounted up high and the display close to the instrument cluster. So ya the detector will be hidden, but it won't have the laser detection ability that it would otherwise. And yes I know that laser detection means that you are already caught, but it's not always the case. People get saved with laser detectors because of vehicles ahead too.

[stevo1569]

There is so much controversy about this subject. Mike Valentine of Valentine Research says mounting high will give the best performance becaue it will allow the radar detector to "see" through the windows of the cars in front and behind you. Also, he says that mounting high there will be less obstructions that could possibly get in the way of the radar detector

On the other hand, Belscort has the grill mounted 9500ci and STi-R concealed radar detector. These models run from $1,099 to $1,599 and give a bit more performance boost than the V1. But what's interesting is that the horn is installed in the grill area, way below the windshield.

If you're going to get a windshield mounted radar detector, mount it high on your windshield and hardwire it so that it's less conspicuous to surrounding drivers. Depending on where you mount it, you might not need a concealed display. As you can see on my install I don't use a concealed display because I mounted mine in clear view.

stevo1569's V1 install

If you mount your RD in a position where it's not easily seen, a lot of the more experienced forum members will install the concealed display because the gauge cluster. But you can install it anywhere around the driving instruments

All in all, mount high, hardwire, get a concealed display if necessary, and finally drive safe!

[th3 factory freak]

Mount is high like Mike Valentine recommands, it will still get laser, but honestly, if you're worried about laser, you need a jammer.

[Viper]

Those things cost a pretty penny. My whole take on jammers and radar detectors is if you don't have the best, then theres no point in getting one. Thats why I have a V1 . The best jammer, however, appears to be the "HD" Quads from LI and thats $2000 bucks right there. I'm thinking that when I get a jammer, then I will mount high.

[brettzo]

Different mounting positions could yield slightly different results. Per the V1 owners manual (page 17) "Detector performance is enhanced by a high mounting position. Two reasons. For Radar, a longer sight line to the horizon always helps. For laser, moving away from the hood and its sun reflections helps a lot."

This is the result of several years of V Research testing. When V Research is still the best windshield mounted RD to date, I'll take Mike's word on the proper mounting position.

[noTe]

Everyone at VR mounts their detectors high.

I've never missed a laser hit with mine mounted high either. Just mount the damn thing high.

[Viper]

The problem I foresee is that because I ride a convertible, it is easily visible to a LEO if I'm pulled over and don't have time to take it down from above. If however it's low and I'm not able to take it down in time, then I can keep it there and still have a good chance that the LEO doesn't see it. Otherwise keeping it above would be the obvious solution.

[noTe]

The problem I foresee is that because I ride a convertible, it is easily visible to a LEO if I'm pulled over and don't have time to take it down from above. If however it's low and I'm not able to take it down in time, then I can keep it there and still have a good chance that the LEO doesn't see it. Otherwise keeping it above would be the obvious solution.

Unless you are somewhere where RDs are illegal, mount high no matter what. The entire point of mounting high is to detect before you get caught so you don't have to worry about getting pulled over in the first place.

[Viper]

That would be true if mounting high does produce better results, but I think it's rather inconclusive. Other people have reported lower placement yielding better results:

What is the best place to mount your radar detector - high or low location?

[noTe]

That would be true if mounting high does produce better results, but I think it's rather inconclusive. Other people have reported lower placement yielding better results:

What is the best place to mount your radar detector - high or low location?

Sweet dude. Don't post topics here and ask for advice then. You are basically rejecting the advice of the person who MADE your radar detector along with all of us who do research this often.

Get lost.