Two questions for the VA/DC/MD group,

1.) Any suggestions about the best place around here for service? I bought mine at Tysons and haven't been in for service yet. I have to go this weekend, however, as the remote start hasn't worked since new. Should I just take it back to Tysons or is there anywhere else around here that I should make my "go-to" service center? My brakes are also squealing and even though it seems like a common problem on these boards, I wouldn't mind them taking a look at them to make sure the problem's not getting worse.

2.) I'm also thinking about buying a SR7 radar detector on ebay and having it installed locally. Any sugguestions of a good shop that would willing to do that? Also, would love to hear your guys take on:

a.) Whether you think the SR7 with shifters is the way to go (I know there have been numerous posts about this but wondered if the technology our cops use makes a difference?),
b.) Whether you think it will be a problem with the fiesty VA cops as they're not legal, and
c.) While this should save a boat load of money (over buying from authorized dealer), are there any significant problems with this (outside of warranty issues)?

Thanks again guys. I've never felt so auto-illiterate as I did when I first started reading this board, but also could not be more greatful for such an amazing resource.

I went to school at University of Richmond, and still have family in the area, and so I've been making the trip from PA to VA for years now. Personally, despite having a V1, I take it down from the windshield when I enter VA. From what I understand, some (of not all) VA cops use VG-2 (I think that's what it is/was called) radar which can detect detectors. And, I've heard stories of everything from the Staties destroying your detector right infront of you to impounding your car on the spot if you're nabbed with a detector -- so I just don't risk it down there.

I was pulled over in VA back when I was in college, and the officer gave me hell over my portable CD player (until I convinced him that it was a CD player and not a radar detector). I can't imagine how things would have gone if it really WAS a RD.

Now, I'm not familiar with the S7, so I can't speak about it. All I can say is that I did some of my fastest-of-the-trip driving in VA by simply being more aware of where the police could be sitting, and not by relying on my RD. Now, Maryland is a different story... I rely on the RD heavily through there.

/< / /2 /<

Va cops can now confiscate your detector and hold until trial. After your trial, you will be allowed to provide sufficent postage to have the detector mailed to you. The shipping address is supposed to be out of state, since they cant return the detector to you inside the commonwealth.

They are not allowed to destroy them by the side of the road, as used to be the practice.

Also, it should be noted that even if the radar detector has not been connected to a power souce, it still can be confiscated.

Check here (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-1079) for the statute.

Look into this radar by Beltronics. Supposedly it's undetectable to VG2. I'm in the market and I travel thru VA every day.

http://www.radarbusters.com/products/beltronics/bel_sti_driver.asp


Two questions for the VA/DC/MD group,

1.) Any suggestions about the best place around here for service? I bought mine at Tysons and haven't been in for service yet. I have to go this weekend, however, as the remote start hasn't worked since new. Should I just take it back to Tysons or is there anywhere else around here that I should make my "go-to" service center? My brakes are also squealing and even though it seems like a common problem on these boards, I wouldn't mind them taking a look at them to make sure the problem's not getting worse.

2.) I'm also thinking about buying a SR7 radar detector on ebay and having it installed locally. Any sugguestions of a good shop that would willing to do that? Also, would love to hear your guys take on:

a.) Whether you think the SR7 with shifters is the way to go (I know there have been numerous posts about this but wondered if the technology our cops use makes a difference?),
b.) Whether you think it will be a problem with the fiesty VA cops as they're not legal, and
c.) While this should save a boat load of money (over buying from authorized dealer), are there any significant problems with this (outside of warranty issues)?

Thanks again guys. I've never felt so auto-illiterate as I did when I first started reading this board, but also could not be more greatful for such an amazing resource.

Also, it should be noted that even if the radar detector has not been connected to a power souce, it still can be confiscated.

Check here (http://leg1.state.va.us/cgi-bin/legp504.exe?000+cod+46.2-1079) for the statute.

Take a better look at "B". In essence, similar to carrying a weapon in a vehicle, whether with or without a concealed permit, in states with no reciprocity.

i.e. "readily accesible", and "at time of violation" are key. In other words, put it in the glove compartment, and further, lock it if you are really paranoid, and keep your registration and ins. papers elsewhere. That is condidered not readily accessible. Don't put it in a non locking between the seats consol, be it a gun or radar detector, as that is considered readily accessible.

This comes straight from a Division commander for VSP who I lived with for many years.

You are quite right. I misread (B). Glossed right over the first "not" in that section.

Take a better look at "B". In essence, similar to carrying a weapon in a vehicle, whether with or without a concealed permit, in states with no reciprocity.

i.e. "readily accesible", and "at time of violation" are key. In other words, put it in the glove compartment, and further, lock it if you are really paranoid, and keep your registration and ins. papers elsewhere. That is condidered not readily accessible. Don't put it in a non locking between the seats consol, be it a gun or radar detector, as that is considered readily accessible.

This comes straight from a Division commander for VSP who I lived with for many years.

It appears to me that they could confiscate a hardwired in-dash install, even if it wasn't in use.

Alex

I have heard stories of the LEO using a pair of snips to remove a hard-wired detector....

Since they have mistaken cd-players for radar detectors, it could get quite dangerous.

"Honest officer, its just the newest I-Pod!"

I have heard stories of the LEO using a pair of snips to remove a hard-wired detector....

Since they have mistaken cd-players for radar detectors, it could get quite dangerous.

Ugh. I wonder how much damage they could do removing an in-dash install.

I drive through VA a lot, but I never use my radar detector. It goes in the glove box. But I am leaning towards doing something in-dash with the jeep. I wonder if they don't detect a detector are they more understanding?

Alex

There is so much hardware up around the rearview mirror, you could put a remote sensor for your radar detector there, and leave the connector wires loose. When in VA, you could lock the detector portion in the glove box, and when you leave, hook it back up to the detector harness....

The only thing that a radar detector will do is alert you that you have been caught on radar by a police officer. Most useless thing that you can purchase. Pretty much every police department now a days uses instant on radar, meaning that it is only activated when aimed at your vehicle. Your radar detector wont pick up anything until your vehicle is locked in by the police officer's radar unit.

The only thing that a radar detector will do is alert you that you have been caught on radar by a police officer. Most useless thing that you can purchase. Pretty much every police department now a days uses instant on radar, meaning that it is only activated when aimed at your vehicle. Your radar detector wont pick up anything until your vehicle is locked in by the police officer's radar unit.

Laser shifters work well. And there are still plenty of uses of non-instant on radar where my radar detector has paid for itself many times over.

Alex

The only thing that a radar detector will do is alert you that you have been caught on radar by a police officer. Most useless thing that you can purchase. Pretty much every police department now a days uses instant on radar, meaning that it is only activated when aimed at your vehicle. Your radar detector wont pick up anything until your vehicle is locked in by the police officer's radar unit.

I hate to say it, but this is one absolutely ridiculous post. Your post is what is useless. Do you own, or have you ever used a good unit like V1 or K40 or Blinder?

Think about it....even if it is instant on, detectors can sufficiently warn you of a cop ahead, or behind, who is using one by alerting you when he is shooting at other cars. I could go on, but would suggest you do a little more research as to what they are and are not capable of. Absolutley not true to say "you won't pick up anything until etc., etc."

My shifters worked like a charm today. Scared the heck out of me actually. I hadn't heard them since doing a staged test with a cop friend, and couldn't figure ut what it was. SHIFT ON SHIFT ON. I finally saw it. 3 cops in a 1 mile stretch. 1 had someone pulled over, and the other two were targeting cars. Passing the second one, he aimed at me, lowered the gun for a second, brought it back up to his eye, lowered it, shook his head and smiled at me as I passed. I wasn't speeding (about to exit, so acutally going under the speed limit), but it was still fun. He knew what happened, and since I wasn't speeding anyway, he appeared to be good natured about it.

I hate to say it, but this is one absolutely ridiculous post. Your post is what is useless. Do you own, or have you ever used a good unit like V1 or K40 or Blinder?

Think about it....even if it is instant on, detectors can sufficiently warn you of a cop ahead, or behind, who is using one by alerting you when he is shooting at other cars. I could go on, but would suggest you do a little more research as to what they are and are not capable of. Absolutley not true to say "you won't pick up anything until etc., etc."

On a rare occasion, you may get a reading if an officer is shooting a car ahead of you, but not often. Probably only going to work on an interstate, but again many state troopers have laser radar which they specifically aim and lock in on your vehicle only. Some police may not have the instant on, but if you live in a metro area, I would bet they do.

I have some experience with radar detectors, but I have much more experience with police radar units. I have written many speeding tickets to people using radar detectors. Just my opinion, for what its worth. Your money, your choice. Use one if it is piece of mind for you.

Now if you are using a radar jammer or blocker, then it may save you a ticket, but depending on what state you live in, they are probably illegal. But maybe you take a chance on not getting caught if its worth it to you. If an officer suspects that you have a jammer, he will probably just pull you over and write you tickets for something else like not signaling when changing lanes or an equipment violation. Something to consider, for what its worth.

My shifters worked like a charm today. Scared the heck out of me actually. I hadn't heard them since doing a staged test with a cop friend, and couldn't figure ut what it was. SHIFT ON SHIFT ON. I finally saw it. 3 cops in a 1 mile stretch. 1 had someone pulled over, and the other two were targeting cars. Passing the second one, he aimed at me, lowered the gun for a second, brought it back up to his eye, lowered it, shook his head and smiled at me as I passed. I wasn't speeding (about to exit, so acutally going under the speed limit), but it was still fun. He knew what happened, and since I wasn't speeding anyway, he appeared to be good natured about it.

OT: By chance, did your installer get any of those face plates made?

Alex

Alex,
I asked him about them and haven't heard anything back. I will call him again today and see if any progress has been made.

Alex,
I asked him about them and haven't heard anything back. I will call him again today and see if any progress has been made.

Thanks, certainly don't want to put you out, so don't go to any trouble...

Alex

Thanks for all the radar feedback. As usual the board was great. I know this is a hot topic so probably should have started it's own post. Does anyone have feedback on:

1.) Good jeep service centers in DC/MD/VA?
2.) Problems with buying a SR7 on ebay and then having it installed not by authorized rep (aside from warranty issue)?
3.) Any good radar installation shops in MD?

Thanks again for all the great feedback.

Thanks for all the radar feedback. As usual the board was great. I know this is a hot topic so probably should have started it's own post. Does anyone have feedback on:

1.) Good jeep service centers in DC/MD/VA?
2.) Problems with buying a SR7 on ebay and then having it installed not by authorized rep (aside from warranty issue)?
3.) Any good radar installation shops in MD?

Thanks again for all the great feedback.

After this mornings service on my Charger, I am convinced I need to find a new service provider for my SRT8. So if anyone has had a good service experience in the NOVA/MD/DC area, it would be great if you could post here.