Crossing The Redline.... Tales Of Radar Detectors

While I have only been using my radar detector for about a year I figure a report is due on my Escort Redline. Hopefully this post will introduce some RD considerations for other riders.

I did have some experience with Radar Detectors and other countermeasures in bygone days.  Frankly it was handy to know if "somebody" was tracking your craft....just like today.

Later in the seventies, I was an adopter of the crude Fuzzbuster, I still remember the snide comment from a Vermont patrolman when he was drafting a "performance award" while he was gazing with great disdain at my technology.  I recall he said "How is that working out for you" as the FB gagged a feeble beep finally?"  I did so thoroughly appreciate the much more effective Escort when it was added to the protection stable shortly thereafter as my Buster went well bust into the dustbin of history.

My journey for renewed electronic warning started about two years ago when I was heading to Arizona for Spring tour in the mountains.  I was riding the VFR, which I often tour on.  But there was "the man" sitting on an overlook just south out of Yarnell AZ looking down on RT89.  Most likely he had a visual bead on me for a while.  A speed trap right out of story AG Holder should be investigating instead. 

I was hoping to see a glint off to the right from his gun sight in this photo but no .........all I have is the resultant paperwork....and negative cash flows!

After miles and miles of straight desert roads finally a corner and the certain joy of climbing the plateau to Prescott and some cool air. Anyway, I did not resist rolling on the throttle despite a corner sign immediately after a new posted speed limit of 45. 

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The officer nailed me I was exiting the corner as I suspect he was doing to everybody as they tackled the curvy beautifully paved tarmac.  I did not get his picture...........my buddies patiently stopped at the next overlook. It seems I am always in the lead as I do the navigation....unfortunately!

That was the last straw and precipitated a hard look at Radar Detectors.  I had been nailed once before in NM after a great run on the Gila Monster and a lonely run north up RT180.  It was March and I getting colder with several 8,000 ft peaks and I was "running the pace" and hoping for a room in Springerville AZ before dark. There was a tax collection station right at the border....drat!  

I told you it was cold.

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After hours and hours of research, I primarily focused on the Escort Redline (RL) and the well regarded V1 from Valentine. One of the sites I found most useful was RDforum.org

As the title suggests, I went with a Redline for a variety of reasons.  I setup the Redline for two different motorcycles and use it occasionally in my cage.

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Why the Redline?

- The RL seems to have the best overall sensitivity and scores well for off axis....kind of important I think for my kind of riding.  The precipitating event demonstrated this ably to me and my the typical lonely an or western twisty mountain roads require a good countermeasures lookout indeed.

- I was not as concerned with urban performance i.e. false positives/alarms etc.  Additionally while a GPS enabled system had some attraction If I really wanted to I could setup a warning zone for radar cameras and easily integrate such a POI database into my Zumo GPS.  I have yet to do this though as I pretty much dawdle in small towns anyway.

- I wanted a detector that was not likely to be counter detected as I travel far and wide and do not track every ordinance as to the legality of condoms.

- I need an audio out that could be hardwired.  The RL's 3.5 mm output jack ensured I could rig it directly to a sound system.  I have found that constantly looking at a gadget on a MC is not particularly healthy so I primarily use the aural cue rather than relying on the display or even a strobe type setup.  This has been my experience for just short of ten years with a motorcycle GPS as well.  The V1 arrows did have some appeal but again noise/scream would be the primary alert for me. As a corollary cell phone integration or a Smartphone application was not a top priority as I would not be looking at that either nor did I want to worry about charging another gizmo i.e. Bluetooth communicator. I have up to four devices on tour already that have different batteries and chargers!!

- While there is a water resistant RD, Adaptiv 2.0, its raw performance does not standout and frankly rain is not a problem often out west when I tour.  And of course I do not wick it up when it rains.  Conversely I have found a water resistant GPS becomes even more valuable when the weather turns to crap. If needed I will tuck a sandwich bag over the top of my Redline.

My first install last year. EMI?????

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Initially I went with OEM automobile plug connector but later opted for a direct wire to eliminate potential intermittent breaks from multiple connections.  I did experience a few of these on my first radar protected major tour to Utah last year.  The working environment tends to be rougher on MC electrical gear particularly if you switch between bikes as one tends to stuff wires in cramped spaces and one's touch is not gentle especially with gloves and awkward positioning of the farkles.

In terms of learning the system, I used the RL in my car as well as my MC while commuting to understand the device routines.... this is vital. Familiarity with the device is just as important if not more so than the raw specifications.

Next the permanent install and lessons learned from the road.

Between my two road bikes, I made quite a few refinements over the next year trying to dial in both the physical setup and settings on the Redline. 

For some reason I have elected not to configure my high performance KLR to run the Redline. Perhaps I do not need a Redline HERE.

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Because I run helmet speakers and earplugs, an amplifier is necessary for the Zumo and Redline.  You would not need an amp if you used earbuds but I much prefer the speakers and I always use earplugs on the VFR.  I plug my helmet into the OEM sound system on the Goldwing and into an aftermarket amplifier on the VFR.  I carry backup earbuds if all else fails and to listen to tunes in my tent.

I have used an AmpliRider amplifier on the VFR for a many years.  I even sent it back once for some modifications....great customer service!  I use simple male to male 3.5 mm audio cables to connect the Redline and the Zumo to the amp. The current Amplirider version may be better than what I have but heck I still have a 99 5th generation too.

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You can see the amp here sitting (velcro) on the tank bag. 

The Amplirider volume knob is easily used to adjust or turn off the sound.  At one time I had a remote VC on the Amplirider but decided I had tooooo many wires (imagine that from a WiredBonusVFR). You can also use the volume control on the Redline but the amp is a lot easier and faster to use.  The alternative Smartcord direct power adapter like the OEM car power plug has a quick mute button if needed. I will show the Smartcord install later.

Most likely today I would get the MixIT2 amplifier but the AmpliRider is still considerably less expensive and does the job.

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I also run a ground loop isolator (addresses mono to stereo issues) between the amp and the device. I use the Escort accessory but there are cheaper versions available which I am sure work just as well.

On the VFR, I have been using a Bluesea fuze box going on ten years plus. The direct wire kit hooks right up to the terminals.  Original install of the BlueSea ...no changes just more crap tied in.

I connect to switched aux leads on the stock fuse box on the Goldwing. My current favorite aux fuse block in the Fuzeblock, which I run on the KLR for other stuff.  I like this setup because it has the relay built into the block instead of a separate relay which I had to wire for the rugged BlueSea.

I now have an idiot light voltmeter, direct wire GPS plug, Powerlet socket, SAE with USB 2.1 socket, Redline direct wire power and heated grips wired to the Bluesea auxiliary block They are all swiitched for a reason.  In addition I have a direct off the battery SAE plug which I attach either a Battery Tender, heated vest or a power socket for camp use.

I have four RAM ball mounts in the cockpit of the VFR and I now mount the Redline on Tank mounted RAM ball picture here. Powerlet also shown which is where I power up my Amplirider. This can be a tight fit sometimes with the RAM extensions and power leads.

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With the tank mount you do not have to worry about the longish Redline moving with the handlebars and hitting the screen. You can see just the Redline and Zumo here. The Redline is anchored on a RAM plate with industrial Velcro.  I use two RAM extensions to offset the Redline high enough up so I can see the RL display if needed.

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You can see the current full tour setup here. From left to right: RAM mounted water and bug proof camera, Zumo 550 GPS, Redline and on the tank bag the Amplifier & under the Map pouch a 2nd generation SPOT.

Yes there is a Voltmeter on Redline.  Its reading prompted me to replace both my R/R and stator upon my return from my tour a year ago. Who wouldaaa thunk?

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On reflection, the volt readout is preferred to the idiot light even though I am a half wit.

For my Big Bike I mounted a Directwire Smartcord in the line of sight.  Obviously, I have a little bit more room for the Smartcord install here. Most likely I will mount the Redline in the cockpit so the RL does not move with the bars.

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OK I am gassed now so I will talk about the Redline setup and road lessons next.

 In addition to its antenna, one of the reasons the Redline does so well in comparison reviews is that you can segment the receiver so that you do not have to scan all possible radar bands....only the real threats.  Additionally you can turn off some of the filters which increases response although you may receive more false alarms.  In essence you are increasing the number of hits while also raising the potential for more false positives. The new improved feature set rolled into the Redline a couple years back.  First of course you have to know which bands to drop and determine what your priorities are.  As previously stated, I have optimized for maximum detection range as I am often running the back roads on both bikes. 

The best source for tuning the Redline is of course NOT the manual.  I spent hours reading forum threads on setting up the Redline.

The shortest big picture explanation I found was here.  There is also a monstrous 14 page sticky thread elsewhere on the board which goes into detail ad nauseum.

http://www.rdforum.o...-rejection-rdr/

Or if "Do you feel lucky punk" you could just listen to me AND pray.

Ok here is my setup.  I turned off X band entirely and K band is on.  As regards Ka frequency radars, I have segmented the RL to receive bands 2,5,6 and 8. 

The most common Ka radars in the USA are as follows: MPH at 33.8 GHz - Stalker at 34.7 - and Kustom/Decatur at 35.5, which are in bands 2, 5 and 8.

Initially I turned off the Traffic Safety Rejection (TSR) filter but I relented and turned TSR back on as this filter reduces false alarms on K band which are much more numerous than Ka silicon.  Another filter which rejects leaky radar detectors is the radar detector rejection (RDR). I have never turned this RDR filter on, based on what the Internet (conventional wisdom) tells me!!!!!!!! RDR and the new band segmentation capability are really the keys to the Redlines enhanced performance since 2013.

I turn off the AutoMute alarms to ensure I do not miss or forget that I am being scanned!  The Smarcord direct wire and OEM car power lead both have a one touch mute button, which my loving spouse so adores in the cage, when I silence the the toy! I eventually activated the SpecDisplay feature.  This RedLine display option shows the actual numeric frequency of the radar signal being received which is quite handy as Ka band is almost certain to be a real radar while K is more problematic at least when driving in an urban environment with my high sensitivity settings.  Fortunately the sound and alarm output also tells you which band is hitting on you.

While I did not do this some suggest the best way to configure the Redline is to run it as delivered or the default setup for a while to confirm all the bands that are in your area.  Because I really am not using the RL as often for daily driving (riding yes) I followed other folk's suggestions. I also used the Geographic survey to ensure that likely radar threats were covered on my machine. The survey is handy especially when you tour as you have no local knowledge of what radars are in use.

http://www.rdforum.o...raphical_Survey

I will make up a table at the end of this post for easy reference if anybody is interested.

Next ....Yes it works and lessons learned from the road.

I have had the Redline for almost a year and it does indeed deliver a level of protection that I have not enjoyed in years.  Of course there is no substitute for common sense and prudence and any Radar Detector is not foolproof.  A world class laser detector coupled with a jammer would further up the ante but perhaps the best solution would be some Romulan Cloaking Device technology.

One thing is certain, a RD is like a GPS ........a really great tool but not a panacea. You have to know its capabilities and do not place blind faith in its performance. Importantly you have to know the gear and experiment with both the install and the tuning setup. This may take some time.

Radar Lessons from the Road:

• Most of the police radar in my area is Ka and if I get a hit .....there is a bogey in the area.

• If the conditions are right I often receive warnings miles ahead. If I am on a twisty and up and down road with little traffic....the warning can be just in time!

• In just about every case my alerts have come before I even saw a police cruiser which were usually up over the next rise or around a corner.  I have not had to hit the binders hard.

• K band false alarms are much more common in an urban setting than Ka band falsies. These can be due to host of factors to include Blind Sport Monitoring devices/mirrors etc for both trucks and cages. In addition there are speed signs and alike which may trigger an alarm.  In San Diego I do not think I have ever had a bogus alarm on Ka Band but that is not the case with K band.  As indicated I did turn on the TSR filter which reduced alarms quite a bit.  Another filter/feature I could use that is reported to cut alarms in the general sensitivity setting.  I have mine set to Highway (Oooops failed to mention this in the last post) but the Auto Sensitivity setting is also an option to cut the chatter.  Frankly my false alarms are not a problem with the current settings.

• On the other hand!!!! I have one false fixed alarm which tests my system right out my front door every time I saddle up with the Redline.  A GPS detector would eliminate/mute the alarm but it serves to test my system is working i.e. power, audio connections/volume and sensitivity etc. every time I ride out. Voila I like that!

Recently I did a short mini tour to Phoenix which highlighted some Radar Detector considerations. The plan was to travel light and fast to a rendezvous with my bride then ride the next day on a scenic ride east of Phoenix. Then I would stuff the VFR in the back of the pickup for the 375 mile drive back home.

Gosh I was ready to go, prepared AND so well protected AND so smart!  What could go Wrong?

I was pulled over from behind by a San Diego County Sheriff SUV within five miles of merging on to the Interstate 8 from my back country route near Descanso. No alarms .... no nothing!  Wow and I was traveling below a "safe" PSL +10.....just because. The officers approached my lovely 5th generation from opposite sides.  I managed to take off my gloves and cover my Redline by the time they arrived.  Remember that the Redline is one of the few detectors that can not be counter detected presently.

I meekly protested "Officer I was not going that fast" as I took off my helmet off.  Pray tell I also muttered "These aren't the droids you are looking for! They looked at my ancient but still distinguished and honorable silhouette They said watch yourself and there are Cops everywhere ahead today. They let me go.

All I can think as a matter of explanation was that they saw an honest man. I pondered the scenario, the wisdom of my choices and rechecked all my connections after they left.  When I returned home I attempted to find out if the Sheriffs are using radar/lasers that I am unaware of to include perusing the geographical survey.  It is a Mystery!?

A few miles down the road all Hell broke loose with at least 25 Harleys pulled over by multiple Sheriffs. No hits from Radar but then again the cops were discussing the weather with assembled riders. Shortly thereafter Ka band went crazy with California Highway Patrol radars at a spot where I have detected them before.  I was of course forewarned in so many ways.  I had multiple legit alerts all the way to the Arizona border.

This CHP I picked up literally miles down the road on I-8. But this is an ideal detector environment with flat terrain and the Officer using constant on radar.

I filled up in Yuma where gas is a buck cheaper than in San Diego.  These Goldwings were from Maine and were in route to TJ. ! I warned these Wingers about the many, many CHPs right across the border in California.  I also mentioned the speed limit for trailers is 55. They were packing CBs which is also a complimentary defense strategy if you ride the slab.  Not so much on the VFR as room for full electronic suites is limited especially if you already run what I do in the cockpit.  

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I should have pulled up my Waze app at the AZ gas stop to check for conditions ":down the road" but I did not.

I ran at the limit (asymptotic to what you ask?) till I reached Gila Bend.  I felt reasonably secure since I was letting a few cage rabbits run ahead.

I cut through the Sonoran Desert via RT238.

I ran out here without my GPS. Man do you become dependent on these things. Lesson learned for the future about RDs....keep your wits about you.

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RT238  is a more problematic if the police are running instant on tech there may be little warning as traffic is minimal with some up and down blind spots. Surprisingly I had three alerts by the time I get to Maricopa. What is up with that but the Redline did not fail?

The next morning I checked my gear since I expected plenty of alerts as I was heading out of town on RT87 towards Payson.  I have read a few trip reports about sightings on this strip. Now do I feel lucky.

With a rush this Panigale flew by!

Shortly thereafter a Diavel in tow howled by as well.  I wonder why I thought the Diavels were Red.  I remember that color distinctly when the bike was shown at North American Ducati Dealer show a few years back.  Turns out I was wrong ........I checked the photo. Man that is some machinery.

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I tucked in to leverage the situation and a willing rabbit.....before asking myself WHY as I was on a cruise today of only about 250 miles.  My goal is not to speed for speed's sake. So I backed off to enjoy the view east of Phoenix as I climbed out of the Valley towards the turn off to RT 188 and Roosevelt Lake.

BTW a great stop in Punkin Center for Breakfast.

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Roosevelt Lake and no radar out there.

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Surprisingly there was little activity till I got back to the vicinity of Globe and RT60 when the Redline started ticking again. 

Summary No Harm No foul!  The Redline works astonishing well. Do not leave home without it.

Next wrap up & Table of Settings

Nice report. Just recently I started using a detector (Escort x50) and has been a good tool to have on these open roads the CHP like to reconnoiter.

Excellent write up...

I just picked up an Escort 8500 X50 for TMAC and like you recommended I'm using it in my cage right now to get used to its operation... good advice!

I have a friend with 5th gen who always is "packing" with a 8500x50. He has had it for quite sometime and runs it on all his bikes too.  The 8500 has always had a solid reputation for performance and it is less expensive for sure. 

Rush2112 and Duc2V4 what are using to help with getting the alerts?

I have a friend with 5th gen who always is "packing" with a 8500x50. He has had it for quite sometime and runs it on all his bikes too.  The 8500 has always had a solid reputation for performance and it is less expensive for sure. 

Rush2112 and Duc2V4 what are using to help with getting the alerts?

I use a Bluettoth audio adapter that connects to the audio port of the RD and links via Bluetooth to my Scala G9x. (Wow, that image is much bigger here, on the Monoprice website it's much smaller!)[image: 97221.jpg]

Instant on, is like a 6 gun shoot out , if your lucky you'll get a strike a few miles away, so you know something's  up . Course if your the only one on the road then its, who has the quickness reflexes.

Ive never beaten (instant on) in a vehicle(too much time delay) , have on a bike several times, but Im always 1 finger covered. Course My eyesight degrading doesnt help for the future.

More than likely you got hit by lazer, that time you got pulled over. Window units are near worthless, in a vehicle on lazer, and barely usable on a bike, and it still requires lighten reflexes.

Most the gps units are single antenna , and they do sacrifice comparatively to a redline , in most situations.

I run my STI Bel highway mode all the time, xband off.

Instant on, is like a 6 gun shoot out , if your lucky you'll get a strike a few miles away, so you know something's  up . Course if your the only one on the road then its, who has the quickness reflexes.

Ive never beaten (instant on) in a vehicle(too much time delay) , have on a bike several times, but Im always 1 finger covered. Course My eyesight degrading doesnt help for the future.

More than likely you got hit by lazer, that time you got pulled over. Window units are near worthless, in a vehicle on lazer, and barely usable on a bike, and it still requires lighten reflexes.

Most the gps units are single antenna , and they do sacrifice comparatively to a redline , in most situations.

I run my STI Bel highway mode all the time, xband off.

 I was pulled over from a Sheriff coming fast from the rear but I may have been hit prior to that.  No sure if Laser works from moving vehicle yet. Redline marketing says "Next Gen Laser Detection

RedLine's multiple laser sensors are strategically positioned to detect even the smallest amount of laser light, including off-axis signals."  Most folks say you don't have much of a chance against LIDAR unless you have a jammer. Most of the testing I have read about RDs is focused on K and Ka bands not LIDAR so I have to poke into that more.

Even though I do have a rear laser antennae on the unit I have no experience to speak of on that.  The officers also may have pegged my speed by pacing me. Regardless I think they were just checking me out and used the speed as an excuse to pull me over.

I have had a few alerts with laser but not from patrol cars.......toll both sensors/fasTrak or something.  Like I said "It is a mystery"!

Lazer doesn't work with moving vehicle, so guess that wasn't it, also doesn't work from the side, At least accurately.

as far as rear detection ka and k bands , not much an issue within a 1/2 mile, if being fired.

My prime riding area lazer is not a big threat, ka band mostly, or kband.  Otherwise Id have a cheetah.

Same with me apparently but I am beginning to wonder about LIDAR.  Speaking of the Romulan Cloaking tech how about this stuff for Laser protection to complement the Redline/whatever?

http://www.stealthveil.com/

I've nothing to offer regarding the topic, but want to say thanks BonusVFR, it is a terrific read and very interesting and entertaining :)

A tip of the hat to you sir, thank you. 

Really good read on your defense strategy. Here in Ontario the authorities have made detectors and jammers illegal as they could impede the very lucrative business of mobile tax collection. I wish you god speed in keeping the man out of your pockets.

One of the reasons I chose a Redline is that it is not detectable by the collectors at least by RF emissions.  This is part of my strategy too in that I do not want them to know I am packing. Whether I would deploy this technology in forbidden lands is something I can neither confirm or deny!

I have been using Bluetooth communication for a while now...radar detection needs blue tooth connection to get with the times. Piping warning over the music or cutting in on a coversation...even share warnings with the group so everyone is expecting a cop and slow down collectively.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
I had a cheesy radar deployed under the front fairing to both protect it from rain and keep it stealth. It cut down on the overall effectiveness my a very slight margin it was a pos to begin with but it worked better than my adaptive motorcycle radar does now!

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

I have been using Bluetooth communication for a while now...radar detection needs blue tooth connection to get with the times. Piping warning over the music or cutting in on a coversation...even share warnings with the group so everyone is expecting a cop and slow down collectively.

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk
I had a cheesy radar deployed under the front fairing to both protect it from rain and keep it stealth. It cut down on the overall effectiveness my a very slight margin it was a pos to begin with but it worked better than my adaptive motorcycle radar does now!

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

Sharing warnings would be a fantastic idea.  WAZE kind of does that along with the "Escort Live" but not over BT to the group I believe. I do not use Escort Live as Escort does not make an app for my OS plus mostly I tuck my phone away.  I used to link with my Zumo but not anymore.  Cell warnings require a network which does not always work out West as you know.

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Escort does have the PASSPORT Max2 now which has both BT and GPS function but I do not believe it has the sensitivity of a Redline. Maybe you could configure Max2 to reach everybody via BT????? I have my Zumo/music and RD on one circuit but WIRES!!!!  But then again I have a wired keyboard and mouse tooooooooooooo!  Did I tell you I am old fashioned!

I cannot tell you the number of threads I have read on VFRD about voltmeters. One of the Pilot Light or Power on Indication settings on the Redline displays voltage in addition to sensitivity. There are also low/high alarms at 10.5 and 16.5 volts.  In my case the display indicates H or Highway mode (max sensitivity) plus volts.

I have three different volt display solutions on my bikes: an idiot go/no go light from Electrical Connection, a Kuryakyn LED Battery Gauge and a classic analog voltmeter. The Redline is superior to all of these as it adjusts to the ambient light, is not obscured by direct light, and can be observed from a variety of angles. As I stated before, using the Redline meter on my first protected tour resulted in me replacing my stator and R/R upon my return.

I was feeling the voltage at Slab City and Salvation Mt after a lovely day in Bombay Beach CA.

Summary of my current Redline settings:

Pilot Light - Pilot V ( shows voltage and Highway setting)

Brightness - Auto

Alert Lamp - ON

Signal Strength Meter - SpecDisplay (shows frequency of radar)

Automute - OFF

Voice - ON

BANDS - Bands MOD - one or more bands disabled to increase response (this is how you segment Bands)

X band - OFF

K band - ON

KaSW - OFF -  but Ka Bands 2, 5, 6, & 8 enabled

LSR - ON

RDR - OFF

TSR - ON (Reduces K band false alarms)

SWS - OFF

POP - OFF

One final lesson from the road ......failure to heed! 

One of the reasons I chose a Redline is that it is not detectable by the collectors at least by RF emissions.  This is part of my strategy too in that I do not want them to know I am packing. Whether I would deploy this technology in forbidden lands is something I can neither confirm or deny!

Ontario detector travel warning - besides the billboards warning of their use; the OPP (Ontario "State" level and even my local police) use VG3 detector detectors which is essentially a micro-wave antennae which sniffs for the frequencies that leak out of superheterodyne radar detector receivers.  I can say that they detect expensive and hard to get (in Ontario) Valentine 1 detectors.  My brother and his buddy "lost" three of them.  And they are worth a speeding ticket each even if parked and having the unit turned on.  Did I mention three of them?  

Valentine one is not immune, the only two window units on the market that are,  and the redline and the STI.

Really good read on your defense strategy. Here in Ontario the authorities have made detectors and jammers illegal as they could impede the very lucrative business of mobile tax collection. I wish you god speed in keeping the man out of your pockets.

Yeah, VA does that too (my home state), but I looked into it (when I got my license @ 15) and found out it is a non-moving violation, and only a $35 fine if you are caught with one, and they cannot take it, only watch you remove it (into trunk or locked glove compartment).

So, as a brash 15 year old, I did the logical thing: mail-ordered an Escort (cannot buy a detector anywhere in VA) and slapped it front & center on the dash of my car. Bastard worked like a champ! I basically drove as fast as I wanted, whenever I wanted. I could not believe how NO ONE else I knew had one. You get caught, you pay a lousy $35 ticket in court and move on. $35 was nothing compared to the cost of a ticket. A few times it would go off, I would slow drastically, get pulled over, and if I could not get it hidden in time I got the $35 ticket, but nothing else. Most times I was just told to put it in the trunk, which I did for a few miles, then got it out again.

I did get wise and cut the front half out of a flat tissue box (kept the tissues inside), slid it over the detector from the rear, jacked the volume up, and hard-wired it to go on with the ignition. It'd beep, but when I got pulled the officer could only see a box of tissues on my dash...with tissues in it, so no $35 fee.

I still don't know how everyone back home doesn't have one. Just b/c they are illegal doesn't mean you can't have one. I don't think I have driven in VA without one, actually, now that I think of it. Even when I fly back and get a rental, I slap it on right from the airport.

Slab City? Do tell. Always wanted to ride thru there.