Radar Detector Install using a Mirror Mount

I'll be using the Escort X-50, so I purchased this kit. Parent company here. Official instructions are here.

Here's how my install went if anyone is interested. @kasberry gave me this idea over in my garage door opener thread.



The mirror tap plugs into the back of the mirror plug using "pins". The Tacoma Smart Mirror requires the supplied "smaller" pins:



Here's how the smaller pins look shrink-wrapped to the cord:



The pins plug into the beige (positive) and black/white wire (negative). Confirmed with @caribe makaira :



I have the Mini 2 dashcam with the

$33 Dongar Dashcam Power Adapter (12-pin for '15-'23 Toyota Tacoma. Also Compatible with Select Sienna, Honda, and More), Connects to Rearview Mirror, Built-in USB Power Source, Easy to Install

dongar tech USP adaptor, so it ended up looking like this:



The Mirror Mount bolts up to the mirror arm pushed as far forward as possible. Attach the correct mounting point for the radar detector:



Here's how everything looked buttoned up:





Beer 30!

 

By the time the radar detector alerts you, the cop already has your speed. And some municipalities use laser speed sensors

 

I had a state trooper tell me that same thing said his detector used like 3-4 different settings to pick you up way before you saw him.

 

This is true. Unless that officer is running continuous radar (which most don’t), it only takes a quick blip of a radar gun to catch your speed.

Also cops should only be using radar to confirm their estimation of your speed, not to actually get your speed. So their testimony to what they estimated you were going is good enough in traffic court.

Source: I may be a cop lol

 

In California, the move over law requires drivers to switch lanes, or slow down if a LEO is working in the area. CHP will typically broadcast the radar when pulling someone over. Like the Blind Spot Monitor, the radar detector gives an extra few seconds, especially helpful when towing a travel trailer.

 

I agree that radar detectors really aren't worth the expense or work to install. Technology being what it is today it's too easily defeated. A bit off topic but while we have a "maybe" LEO in the discussion lol.....what's your opinion on civilian dash cams? Worth it or no?

 

I think civilian dash cams are 1000% worth it. Back when I first got into the game, we use to joke with other officers for having them. But as the years went on they are just so helpful. I take about 5 accidents a day, and I would say maybe 2 out of every 100 accidents have dash cam footage. I have, however, solved many a hit-and-run and road rage/reckless driving incidents with dash cam footage. 1080p is key, 4k is gold.

People in our area reply to our social media posts for help asking why we can just "enhance" video... maybe some 3-letter agency has that, but as far as were concerned that doesn't exist. I have ran dash cams in me and my wife's cars for years now. Of course the one time we were rear ended, the camera was not plugged in.

In the future, I would probably go for a dual (outward/inward facing) camera that is hardwired and has a battery so it can record while off if there is movement. Vehicle break-ins and thefts are almost daily in my area now.

 

radar detectors absolutely do "work" if they're used properly. they can't make you invisible or immune to getting clocked, but they are an invaluable source of information when you are one vehicle among hundreds of others that aren't paying attention.

 

Thanks for the expert opinion. If I put one in it would only be the Garmin mini cam which means I'd only have a forward facing cam that was on when the vehicle was on. Not sure how much good that would do with the limited view.

 

Yeah. I’ve gotten a handful of speeding tickets in my life. I basically know if I’m speeding I’m risking that ticket.

I don’t buy the whole “going with the flow of traffic” because I’ve responded to too many pileups because people were “going with the flow” and a high rate of speed without proper following distance, when someone abruptly brakes.

That being said. To me, radar detectors just feel like “I know I’m doing something I shouldn’t be”… when most cars have the speed limit alert now to let you know you’re going too fast.

It’s just my opinion though. I always thought detectors were cool tech devices though. Just seem a bit dated.

 

Whatever you buy, try to get a wide field of view like 170 degrees or something. I know Garmin and Nexar both have a front and rear facing cameras. I think I will invest in one of these brands when I get back from my deployment with a Dongar attachment in my Taco and the wife’s Rav4.

 

No need for a radar detector. The taco won't be going fast even if you want to - at least mine doesn't.

 

Glad you got it installed @RyanDCLB

The dashcam is next on my list!

I get what most people are saying. If the cop is shooting laser, you're out of luck (unless you're running a jammer.. check your state for legality first).

I commute 100+ miles a day and run a Uniden R3 in both my Tacoma and my daily driver Fusion using this same setup. They absolutely do work in the right situations. Most rural deputies run constant radar as well as the KSP, unless they're off duty or at the end of their shift.

My detector setups have saved me countless times over the last couple of years because I do not have a light foot. I've had my R3 alert me 2+ miles before I encountered the cop. If you purchase a quality detector, it'll pay for itself on the first ticket it saves you from.

 

Uniden R3 user here too. Currently in my 18 991.2 C4 7MT and another going in concurrently with an audio upgrade for the 22TRDOR 6MT.

it’s not foolproof. When I was 16 I remember a friend driving a 76 Monte Carlo at 85 up the NY thruway and it lit up like a tree when a LEO used instant on (new at the time)?

the R3 though is programmable so in so cal you can filter out and assign alert tones to different bands. Laser (used in cal) I give a specific tone. It’s a little tricky to set up and best done at home with a checklist.

I use it with extreme care and common sense..not thinking it will be foolproof. It has definitely given me early warnings when interceptors are cruising with it on or tagging other folks.

Fellow maybe TW LEO, thanks for serving us and the heads up about dash cams. I may add one next.

 

I love my Thinkware F770 dual cameras. I keep the USB card reader in the truck in case anything happens and I need to hand over video files. This unit has local wifi so I can connect any device and download the files as well.

It's also good to have it for those sketchy ass red light cameras. I've used footage to get a ticket thrown out.

 

I absolutely agree. These are not foolproof and need to be treated as such. Driving with a little common sense helps a lot.

I bought my first R3 for my 6-speed S550 Performance Pack (Much less cooler than a 991.2) in 2017, and once you get them programmed they are fantastic. The GPS lockout feature makes the upfront cost worth it. Also being able to dial down specific frequencies and the percentage it needs to be considered an alert. Helps filter out radar/adaptive cruise and BSM.

Headed home last night, my R3 started alerting at least a mile before cars started flashing their lights at me. Came up on a large wreck in a corner with deputies working the scene. Had ample time to slow down and prepare for the traffic backup. Well worth the cost of them to me!

 

I don’t need extreme care. Actually, I can be totally careless because I drive the speed limit.

 

What is the purpose of a radar detector when most police departments have been using laser guns / lidar for years now? You would be better off with a laser jammer....

Edit: looks like i posted this one without reading prior comments, L

 

Nice Install.

 

Thanks! I've decided to keep the mount there, but only use the radar detector on road trips. The location doesn't work well for daily driving because it creates a blind spot.