[shamu2789]

So I just purchased my escort 8500 x50 and noticed that it wasn't doing a great job picking up signals. For instance, I would have to be right at the source(traffic signal) for it to work. After doing some research it seems that the solar reflection build into my windshield is causing the interference. There is a small area around the rear view mirror to mount an ez pass and radar etc. to where i have repositioned the detector. I know I have pretty much lost rear radar detection but how much of a hit will it take as pictured? Part of the lens is blocked and the rear sensor is blocked completely. Also it is not level as a result of the e92 headliner. Thanks

[junniior95]

The radar cant be aimed at the sky, has to be aimed straight ahead aiming directly at the road ahead of you

[shamu2789]

Originally Posted by junniior95

The radar cant be aimed at the sky, has to be aimed straight ahead aiming directly at the road ahead of you

Yeah I figured that but wasn't sure if there was some wiggle room in the angle. It still picks up signals in this position but it's definitely not at its full potential.

[upstatedoc]

Is your windshield OEM? Mines not solar.

With the X50 positioned like that you'll never get optimum performance and that's a shame because the X50 Black is an absolute beast for the price.

Might want to look into a remote mount...

[shamu2789]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Is your windshield OEM? Mines not solar.

With the X50 positioned like that you'll never get optimum performance and that's a shame because the X50 Black is an absolute beast for the price.

Might want to look into a remote mount...

No it's a replacement windshield I had put in over the summer when my original windshield was cracked. I didn't realize that the solar element would affect performance until I read through the 8500 manual. Looks like I'm out of luck!

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by shamu2789

No it's a replacement windshield I had put in over the summer when my original windshield was cracked. I didn't realize that the solar element would affect performance until I read through the 8500 manual. Looks like I'm out of luck!

Dude, throw a rock thru the windshield and get another non-solar.

But seriously, there are some inexpensive remote mount RD's if you don't want to go the rock route.

Whistler 3600
Passport Qi45

[shamu2789]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Dude, throw a rock thru the windshield and get another non-solar.

But seriously, there are some inexpensive remote mount RD's if you don't want to go the rock route.

Whistler 3600
Passport Qi45

The sad thing is that actually went through my head. Then I realized was fraud. Haha Damn my conscious! Yeah those are the only options until the next rock blasts me. The only thing is I only paid $200 for the 8500 and was happy with the deal based on reviews. Time to cough up the money I guess

[1QuikWS6]

Optimum would be to use a Blend Mount Rear View Mirror Mount & Mirror Tap Power Cord:

http://www.blendmount.com/

-OR-

Mount the detector on windshield low above dash, but slightly above windshield wipers & run hardwire out thru center dash vent...

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Optimum would be to use a Blend Mount Rear View Mirror Mount & Mirror Tap Power Cord:

http://www.blendmount.com/

-OR-

Mount the detector on windshield low above dash, but slightly above windshield wipers & run hardwire out thru center dash vent...

I don't see how either of those would help as the entire windshield has the solar coating (well known to reduce radar signals) except for that itty-bitty spot high-center.

[1QuikWS6]

Didn't catch that - thought it was only a strip along top of windshield with a small open spot @ center

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

Didn't catch that - thought it was only a strip along top of windshield with a small open spot @ center

10 4

How's the Max working out?

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

10 4

How's the Max working out?

ESPN I just sent you a PM reply...

[shamu2789]

Yeah the entire windshield has that coating except for that small part. I guess it's a lesson learned.

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by shamu2789

Yeah the entire windshield has that coating except for that small part. I guess it's a lesson learned.

I don't know if escorts "smart radar" reciever is small enough to fit in that space:

http://www.escortradar.com/escort-smartradar/

[shamu2789]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

I don't know if escorts "smart radar" reciever is small enough to fit in that space:

http://www.escortradar.com/escort-smartradar/

Yeah that seems like it would work well. I'm trying to decide between the escort and the Whistler 3600. The whistler is a lot cheaper and has good reviews from what I have read this far.

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by shamu2789

Yeah that seems like it would work well. I'm trying to decide between the escort and the Whistler 3600. The whistler is a lot cheaper and has good reviews from what I have read this far.

I have a buddy who runs the 3600 and he likes it. It does false quite a bit because it doesn't have GPS but a carefully placed mute button would take care of that.

[shamu2789]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

I have a buddy who runs the 3600 and he likes it. It does false quite a bit because it doesn't have GPS but a carefully placed mute button would take care of that.

There is a gps add on module which you can purchase to help with the false alarms. The only negative aspect is that the escort models beat it in range for all bands according to reviews. Probably going with the 8500ci.

[tturbolife]

no issues with signal on my v1 mounted in the same spot. it is probably because (like said earlier) you have it facing the sky.

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by tturbolife

no issues with signal on my v1 mounted in the same spot. it is probably because (like said earlier) you have it facing the sky.

Do you have a non-OEM solar windshield?

[upstatedoc]

Originally Posted by shamu2789

Probably going with the 8500ci.

I'd be very interested to see how the 8500ci does against the X50. If they have the same radar horn the ci should win as long it is mounted unobstructed.

[tturbolife]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Do you have a non-OEM solar windshield?

no