Radar,Mount,Fuse Block

I've decided to invest the time & money into getting & mounting a Radar Detector. Doing the speed limit just isn't any fun at all & has been causing me to leave the bike in the garage too much. I just love getting out & pushing the limits. That makes life worth living to me. RD's are legal here which is a huge plus.

My thinking at this point is to get a TPX™ Radar and Laser Detection System from http://www.adaptivte...-radar-detector. I like it cause it's made for bikes, is small(especially compared to a V1), & comes with a visual alert consisting of 3 LEDs which can be mounted in various places. I'm also not looking to spend a huge amount of money on just the RD itself. This one I could also use in my truck as well even though I have a different one in there already. When not on my bike, I might just end up running both in my truck at the same time for the heck of it. I'm a gadget kind of guy after all.

I'm considering getting one of those Radar Screamers also but I'm also thinking that the audio & visual alerts (especially with the 3 LEDs) from the RD alone might be enough.

As with mounting, I was thinking of going with a stem mount but it might get in my way when I tuck right down against the tank & below the windshield which I occasionally do when on the interstate. I'm thinking also that it could block my view of the gauges to some degree. I'd also like to leave the stem open for a possible future Powerlet install.

I'm thinking of also getting a Fuzeblocks FZ-1 from http://www.fuzeblocks.com/index.php to connect it all.

Well if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to know your thoughts on all this. I'm looking to get any & all advise that I can.

Thanks.

~Chuck :biggrin:

[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 05 November 2010 - 10:04 PM, said:

After getting busted doing 88mph in a 30mph zone...

I just love getting out & pushing the limits...

I hardly ever wear a helmet ...

~Chuck


Wow. If this is not an attempt to be funny, I worry about your future. Oh and by the way, I had a Beltronic Vector 995 RD that worked great on my bike.

The TPX and FZ1 are both top quality products and should do nicely. There are better detectors available but none that are waterproof or designed for bikes. Go for the LED visual alert and mount it on top of your gauge cluster or windscreen for good visibility with or in your case without a helmet. I bought the master cylinder mount since I had a powerlet in the stem at the time. I bought mine through PASHNIT's group-buy page and got a really good deal.

The FZ1 is nice because of the built in relay but it's a little pricey. You might also consider a fuse block/relay kit from our member Tightwad. Nothing flashy but does everything it's supposed to do and for a lot less money.

Advice:
1. Wear a helmet.
2. Get the TPX laser jammer and the TPX RD.
3. Wear a helmet.

30mph is a build up area right?
Well at least it is here....
That means other people, young old, law abiding, crossing the road, yielding into the road.


Doing 80mph and bragging about it? Wanna fit the RD to your truck so you can do 80 in a 30 too?

My advise?

Donot wear a helmet,
donot wear your seatbelt
and let Darwin run its course......
(pick a concrete structure and not a fellow human being)

Joke, I hope? I kept waiting for the "and it needs to be color-coordinated with my flip-flops..."

Hmm :idea3: ....perhaps I should edit the part about the helmet out. :+1:

[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 06 November 2010 - 10:22 AM, said:

Hmm :idea3: ....perhaps I should edit the part about the helmet out. :+1:



Hey chuck, Im more impressed you can ride a vfr without a helmet, the airstream will normally blow out your eye sockets,

HOw do you do it?

THe flashing light set up , if used, has to be directly close to your eye, or else you'll be having a good time and it will be to late by the time you see it, maybe not the first time, but it will happen. With sound its BAM (your notified).

I have an external speaker ive never used, but have thought of wiring it up, blasting alarms in open air, has not been desirable to me.

Has anyone ever done that?

I have both of those items on my veefalo and had them both installed on my old girl - my 98 before it was wrecked.

[image: Posted Image]
Fuzebox and Bluesea side by side Fuzebox has a relay built in

[image: Posted Image]
Fuzebox installed

[image: Posted Image]
Ez Block - fused relayed wire block All the old goodies, Powerlets, Autocom, Heated grips, Radar on my new bike

The fuse block is great, and for testing you can easily switch modes from keyed power to power all the time with the switch of a fuse, like that feature. The tpx is a decent radar detector, its saved me a few times but there are times when all it has done is warn me I was about to get a ticket, not enough advanced warning. Valintine one is the best for that but its not water proof, so there are backdraws to both units. I have the unit set up to serve warning audio inot my autocom system too, the wire harness is nice for that.

Thanks HS. That looks very helpful. If you don't mind I do have some questions.

How is the sound out of the speaker in the TPX? Is it loud at all? About the same as any other detector?

If you got the 3 LED visual alert with yours, does the audio still work with the 3 LED connected?

Can you tell me how the wires attach to the Fuze Block FZ-1? Do you take a straight section of bare wire, insert it into a hole/slot, & then tighten the screw onto it to hold it in place?

Did you use stranded type or solid core wire?

And how do you decide which gauge wire to use?

And what is an Ez Block & why do you have one?

[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 06 November 2010 - 11:16 PM, said:

Thanks HS. That looks very helpful. Can you tell me how the wires attach to the Fuze Block FZ-1? And what is an Ez Block & why do you have one?


Fuzeblock is a good compact versatile fuseblock. I have one on my KLR. Bare wires are fastened in the block with a screw.

[image: Posted Image]

Fuse Blocks allow you to wire a bunch of stuff to your bike without sending all those wires to the battery. With the FZ-1 Fuzeblock design you can select if you want to have switched or always on power.

Thanks bonusVFR.

So, do you take a straight section of bare wire, insert it into a hole, & then tighten the screw onto it to hold it in place?

Did you use stranded type or solid core wire?

And how do you decide which gauge wire to use?

Thanks dutchinterceptor.

What brand master cylinder mount do you have & are you happy with it?

http://www.radartest...rticleid=100585


Chuck, read the last paragraph on this test

I already gave the top 3 models , I know thats not what you wanted to hear, your trying to save money on an RD, but like I said these RD's most are useless, you have to go top of the line.

ONly the Dual antennas ones do i find any value at all, EScort (redline), STI(bel) and Valantine one These three are the only ones on the market like this and do make a difference over single attenna designs. ONLY way to go IMO

Sadlly, on a side note, the new GPS models are nice, I tested one, they suck, in the actual RD ability distance wise. but the gps stuff is usable if you have to have it
BUt if you need an RD get a real one.

BTW i run my rd behind the winshield and rain is not a big issue , seem to stay fairly dry there , I normally cover it in a terential down fall .But light rain and stuff I dont bother, doesnt really get wet.

Its costs about $ 1200 to fully arm your bike well , and these are only tools , you still need awareness and reflexes of lighting for instant on ka,

Thats why I say Deer and Cops, are the two best training courses on the street, the level of stategic execution needed come out of the same Book.

[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 07 November 2010 - 12:11 AM, said:

Thanks dutchinterceptor.

What brand master cylinder mount do you have & are you happy with it?


I bought the AdaptivMount Control Mount and it works fine. Like I mentioned earlier I bought the detector, mount, and visual alert through PASHNIT's website. You'll have to register an account with them and add items to your cart to see their pricing.

[image: Posted Image]

[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 06 November 2010 - 11:42 PM, said:

Thanks bonusVFR.

So, do you take a straight section of bare wire, insert it into a hole, & then tighten the screw onto it to hold it in place?

Did you use stranded type or solid core wire?

And how do you decide which gauge wire to use?


Regular auto wire. I forget the gauge size. Bigger is better for powering the block. Most acc come with wire ie grips etc.

[image: Posted Image]

I have a Bluesea on my VFR and it works fine but would get a FZ now or our VFRD member's, Tightwad, unit.

http://www.wiremybike.com/index.php

My Zumo thread has some pictures of the wiring on the Bluesea

Hey Spud~

While I do value your opinion/advice, I also do from others as well which is what I was interested in obtaining here. I value what money I have a great deal & look to spend it as wisely as possible.

I want to thank you for sending the link that you did. I've been reading alot of the info found there & believe the TPX would not be a wise purchase as you mentioned from the beginning.

Did the external speaker you have come with your STi? If so, the Bel website says it's 2.25" cubed in size/shape & I wondering if it might be able to be mounted on a RAM Mount that utilizes the 2 bolts on the front of the fuel tank. Would you be able to advise me on that please by looking at what you have? Also, would you happen to know where some of the members here were able to get that type mount? I see nothing about it on the RAM website. Perhaps it's no longer available. If I am able to mount the speaker like that, I'm thinking of putting some type of connectors on it's power supply wires near the speaker so I could easily take it off in rain or while washing my bike.

Thanks again.

~Chuck

Hey Chuck

The sti did come with a external speaker a few years back, it may be a seperate purchase now adays. But you'd have to confirn, I ordered mine directly from Bel

THe lazer alert works very well on the bike, window mounted RDs in vehicles, your lucky if you get a reading at all. Ive been hit twice by lazer this month on the bike. By the time they aim and fire Ive already spotted them both times. They got the guy in the lane behind and next to me. He was probably too busy looking at the Superman emblem on my Jersey, and missed the highway patrol sitting in ground trying to aim lazer. They blasted me but id already adjusted. But most my ride areas are non lazer, so i dont get hit often, but a jammer m27 CHEETAH is the top dog for lazer.

THe speaker they only offer 1 type, it has its own power leads , the thing will blast, its for Big trucks to hear.

Ive been wanting to get a v1 for my truck, just to test one out, but it require added audio to hear on a bike, but i like a 1 source package with automute like the bels and escorts. But these dual antenna ones aeem to be really good over hills and around corners. But instant on KA, rd's are limited (no notice) till they fire , its a 6 gun shoot out , ive never won in a vehicle and never lost on a bike. But I ride alittle different than most.

But Ive heard riders who are using the tpx and like it, but like I mention, I tested a $465 GX65 bel GPS unit M4 singl antenna(sister of the escort 9500, and it wasnt worth the money. The sti atleast met the gate and showed value. Now the REDLINE is new but is relly the sister of the STI, with alittle added bonus, but same dual attennas.

PS if you need xband then get a gps unti, it will drive you nuts on automatic doors on a regualr RD, other wise turn x off

Mercy Chuck... don't you know that bare headed biking is the cause of
helmet laws??? don your skid lid before the Washington Politicians
enact a Federal Mandate Law and the States loose Federal funds...

Sportbikes are awful at lawful speeds... that's why I never ride without
my trusty a Bel 975r Remote radar detector...
[image: Posted Image]


I fabricated a special Delrin mount and blends the gauges with the
warning pod... I used wax transfer letters to spell out "Oh Shit"
[image: Posted Image]

I fabricated a small Delrin box to house the antenna and mounted it
under the fairing...
[image: Posted Image]

Even Mr.CHP gets a kick out of the "Oh Shit" on the signal pod...
[image: Posted Image]

[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 06 November 2010 - 11:16 PM, said:

Thanks HS. That looks very helpful. If you don't mind I do have some questions.

How is the sound out of the speaker in the TPX? Is it loud at all? About the same as any other detector?

If you got the 3 LED visual alert with yours, does the audio still work with the 3 LED connected?

Can you tell me how the wires attach to the Fuze Block FZ-1? Do you take a straight section of bare wire, insert it into a hole/slot, & then tighten the screw onto it to hold it in place?

Did you use stranded type or solid core wire?

And how do you decide which gauge wire to use?

And what is an Ez Block & why do you have one?

The sound is loud but not loud enough at speed with earplugs in and with your helmet on. No you wont be able to hear it with your helmet on, the led is nice and it should come with the unit as they included it free with my unit. There is a 1.5 mm standard jack for earbuds too like for an ipod you can hook up to hear it. The unit will sound off in both the jack - on the onboard speaker and the led warning light all at the same time. You can turn it down too or up, its got a blue backlight on the buttons you can turn off and on for night riding too.

Keep writing I am learning lots :fing02:

Spud~
Thanks again for getting back to me.

I would still like to know if you think the speaker that came with your STi might be able to be mounted on a mount that utilizes the 2 bolts at the front of the fuel tank.

~Chuck

Thanks again dutchinterceptor.

That info will be helpful.

~Chuck

Thanks for getting back to me again BonusVFR.

Thanks for sharing that info BusyLittleShop.

That looks like a great set-up you have there but a bit more involved then what I'm looking to do.

~Chuck

I dont see why not Chuck, the speaker is fairly lightweight The speaker requires 12 volt input, ive got a power plug to splice in one of my accesory power ports. I just havent done it. Im alittle skeptical about blasting alarms to open air , but im just quirky like that. If it works well, might try it myself

Right now I run a cord from my RD ear jack port to my pants belt loop, then I connect the ear bud lead into that, the connection is also velcroed.

Remember those child wooden building blocks, speaker is about that size ,

But if you dont wear a helmet, ear bud defintely would not work in your case, Cause the wind would pull on the cord . Wearing my helmet, I actually have the cord velcroed to the helmet , so the wind cant drag the cord out of my ear.

I still wonder, the vfr concentrating so much wind to the eye area, how your comfortable with no helmet, what kind of eye protection are you using? and can you keep a dew rag on your head?

Thanks for getting back to me again HS.

That info will be helpful when making my final decision on which RD to get.

~Chuck

Thanks Spud.

That's what I was hoping to hear.

Now I just need to figure out where some of the members here got that type of mount.

~Chuck

Spud~

Would you happen to know if the STi can be attached to a mount using something other than like velcro or double sided tape? For example, like the way a TPX is attached to its mount. If I'm going to spend that amount of money on an RD, I want to be able to use it in my truck as well. Otherwise, it would be covered up on my bike for most of the months out of the year & I just can't justify spending money like that.

[image: View Post]CHUCK2, on 14 November 2010 - 07:32 AM, said:

Spud~

Would you happen to know if the STi can be attached to a mount using something other than like velcro or double sided tape? For example, like the way a TPX is attached to its mount. If I'm going to spend that amount of money on an RD, I want to be able to use it in my truck as well. Otherwise, it would be covered up on my bike for most of the months out of the year & I just can't justify spending money like that.



It defintely can , but i havent spent any time in that area. There are people here that have all kinds of ram mounts, and the type, that mount to the tank bolts.

I'm not sure how well a magnetic tray will work, the case is magnesium, but there also the adjustable clamping trays. But franky I find the world of ram mounts overwelming. Maybe some of these guys will start posting some of the ram mount set ups. I would also want a mount that doesn transfer vibration..