My absolute biggest pet peeve is something I noticed specifically when I moved up here from the south..

There are several intersections I can think of where, directly after you go through the light you have about 100 yards until it merges down into one lane... people here use that as a passing lane , bothers me a little, but what really gets me is when I am clearly letting them merge, I give them a couple of car lengths and flash my lights to let them know they are free to come over... do they?..NO! They wait until the lane completely ends to come over, it's like that line on the right pushes them over into the lane for them.. I freakin HATE that!

I think it has to do with they don't want to pull in and have the guy behind them to have an opening. So he can speed up, pass them, and pull back infront of them.

Winslow
:eb:

The proverbial apple doesn't fall too far away from the ole' family tree does it? :)
Nah, we're a family of nice people!
Many (25) years ago I read a book called "The Handbook to Higher Consciousness" which really was enlightening, no pun intended. I don't remember all the levels, but I do remember the first 4. 1 is the search for basic security (shelter, food, clothing, etc.) 2 is lust for physical sensation, i.e. driven for sex, drugs (and rock & roll?) 3 is lust for Power, as exemplified by people like **** Cheney 4 is Love, as in seeing the essential goodness in people, loving your neighbor as yourself, etc. Some people may see this as a naive attitude, but if you have an awareness of where someone else may be coming from, you rise above it. That's why I take amusement from some who are obviously on power trips. I try to stay above that, although sometimes I like to tweak them in unobvious ways! (Which was also a favorite pasttime of Maxamini). I think there were 6 or 7 levels, with the highest levels being the true yogis (not the Bear) that can reach states of extreme consciusness where they are almost one with the universe.
What was interesting was I later read a book called "The Relaxation Response" by a doctor, who was able to show the physiological conditions of being in a meditative state; different from an awake state, different from a sleeping state. Breathing rates change, EEG's are different. Being more scientifically inclined myself, it was nice to see the "facts".
I don't know if you are going to Dine with Max, but if you do, be sure to ask Mart about "Embraced by the Light". You will see her light up, and you will have a very rewarding discussion that will touch upon the goal of serving others. Marty is a truly amazing woman, and the one person in my life who actually has made me believe that there may be a power in prayer, and I'm not particularly religious.
If Northwest had a Cybersaver deal I was actually thinking about pulling a Max, flying in and being at the house when Mart and the gang showed up. It waould have been a classic, and reminded me of Ed thinking of flying up to Hudson Bay to be hitchhiking when the Tour du Nord went by...

Look, all you have to do is what I do...
when I get pulled over, I sit very still, face forward and keep both hands on the steering wheel until the officer approaches the car, I wait for him to tell me why I was pulled over, asks for my license and reg and then I explain (all the while being very polite, but not "brown nosing", just respectful and polite) that my reg. is in the glovebox, the officer then points his light towards your glove box and tells you to get it for him, you hand it to him and let him do his thing, you don't argue, you don't cop an attitude and you cooperate. Usually I keep my work ID badge with me and I'll explain that I worked a very long day and am tired, etc... Be very humble and accept what the officer has to say..

All those things are very true (except for telling them you are tired...if you state you are too tired to be driving, they can bag you for DUI). But they don't get you out of the ticket. It's only worked for me one out of 5 times. It is completely up to the officer. But it certainly doesn't help to be rude to him! So yes, improve your chances and be nice, calm, and respectful. But by no means does it get you out of it every time. You just have nicer cops up there in NH. :)

Just like the officer's notes on the back of my latest ticket state: "Operator unfased. Very calm. Citation given. No incident." How nice of him to note that. That still didn't stop him from downright lying about my speed and his pacing me.

"Operator unfased". Too funny!

"Operator unfased". Too funny!

An indirect proof he was not speeding
:p

I was courteous. I was quiet. I even smiled. He was polite. He gave me a ticket and said to have a nice day.

I didn't. :D

Romney is pushing to change Mass's insurance system. Is there a chance things could get better?

This quote from channel 5:
"Romney's plan would establish a competitive system, mandating a 5 percent reduction for clean drivers the first year and setting a 15 percent maximum hike for bad drivers. Drivers would have three years instead of six to wipe their records clean of violations, and there would be no automatic penalty for teenagers with clean records. If drivers receive five surcharges in three years they must undergo training or lose their licenses for 30 days."

So, Ivan, what can we do to help Romney defeat the insurance companies? I like his thinking here. 15% maximum sure is nicer than 15%-per-ticket.

Romney is pushing to change Mass's insurance system. Is there a chance things could get better?

This quote from channel 5:
"Romney's plan would establish a competitive system, mandating a 5 percent reduction for clean drivers the first year and setting a 15 percent maximum hike for bad drivers. Drivers would have three years instead of six to wipe their records clean of violations, and there would be no automatic penalty for teenagers with clean records. If drivers receive five surcharges in three years they must undergo training or lose their licenses for 30 days."

So, Ivan, what can we do to help Romney defeat the insurance companies? I like his thinking here. 15% maximum sure is nicer than 15%-per-ticket.


By emphasizing the system will still be a rip-off for the motorist and therefore a money maker for the insurance companies. They will have to give up 5% when a driver is good, but they will collect 15% if he or she is bad... And you know how easy it is to be bad.

According to the ads on WBZ radio, I'M A REJECT. But according to Josh's explanation, I would want to see Romney's plan go through. Right now it's 3 tickets in a year and you lose your license for 30 days, and your black mark stays for 5-6 years.

I'm sure the plan still $ucks, once you look closely at it. Trying to find the URL I heard on the radio...

Check out this review of the new system, sounds pretty effective, tho' still suffers the laser "instant on" problem that they all exhibit....and pricey.

http://www.the-gadgeteer.com/review/k40_calibre_bluetooth_radar_and_laser_protection_s ystem

I happened to look at that system last night.. don't know if I'd want to rely on a system whose components communicate via Bluetooth. Think I'm going with a Bel RX65.. apparently a Passport 8500 clone with some added stuff.

Finally mailed in my hearing request after agonizing over which way to respond. I'll only win this one if I'm really lucky.

On a more somber note, I think I just saw license plate 'sooper' or 'souper' get nailed today on 95s in Bedford. Anyone know who that is?

Be careful out there, we're in the mids of another "Click it or Ticket" mobilization. Therefore, in order to collect the extra pay from the feds, they must stop you for something - anything - since they can't stop people for seat belt violations alone.

And take all your tickets to court; you can win if you're prepared. Just follow the link below.

... I think I just saw license plate 'sooper' or 'souper' get nailed today on 95s in Bedford. Anyone know who that is?

Twas me, did you wave as you motored by? Stopped for supposedly doing 70 in a 55 mph zone on 128 South. First question he asked was if I had my seatbelt on before the stop. Unmarked powder blue 1990's style Ford Taurus, just like your grammy used to drive.

They're being quite agressive out there this weekend folks, be careful!

Ivan etc...just read this article in C&D. Interesting stuff on construction:
http://www.caranddriver.com/article.asp?section_id=27&article_id=10120
Meanwhile we have so many marked construction zones around here, with no actual construction going on...they just leave the signs up for months. $$$ of course.

VooDoo I have the old top-of-line Bel and it has done me no wrong. I woudl recommend the RX65. However if I were going to drop $300 on a new detector, I would instead invest the extra 100 in a V1.

70 on 128S in bedford? Was there thick traffic or were you just one of the slowest cars?

LePew, I feel your pain..
I haven't yet come up with a specific plan of attack for my hearing, but I'll work up something. I was ready to send the check until the last minute. Truth is I haven't been tagged in so long I was feeling complacent.. now I'm careful all over again.

P.S. I would have waved if it was a better situation! Flashed a nice S earlier today but he just looked at me.

Josh-
After having the SR1 which I loved (the interface, auto-dimming, disable-X, etc. were great) and knowing the 8500 would be similar, I was leaning heavily in that direction.

(Edit: I was using a very old and recently defective Cobra cordless in this next paragraph)

Until I got tagged.. cop had 2-way radar hanging on the window so I have no idea if he clocked me after I passed him or before (there was a car in front of me, so my argument is that he could not have clocked me from his rear, yada yada). Anyway this led me to check out the dual-antenna Valentine more closely. A friend offered to loan me his, and naturally he loves it. But I read a whole bunch on the top three (Bel, Escort, Valentine) and it seemed that the V1 was out of date, even with the software updates and stuff. the review sites are biased, so I read as many different ones as I could to get a better sampling. V1 owners love their V1s, but the reviews indicate a need for a case and user interface makeover.

Once I realized the Bel was really an Escort inside, it made that brand immediately OK (never had a Bel) and it appears to be an 8500 clone, with all the same positives and negatives. the only negative I'm still scratching my head over is what someone referred to as an upwards-facing LED display. I need to know that this will be easily read while up against the cieling, rather than on the dash where it can be seen by others.

Josh-
After having the SR1 which I loved (the interface, auto-dimming, disable-X, etc. were great) and knowing the 8500 would be similar, I was leaning heavily in that direction.

Until I got tagged.. cop had 2-way radar hanging on the window so I have no idea if he clocked me after I passed him or before (there was a car in front of me, so my argument is that he could not have clocked me from his rear, yada yada). Anyway this led me to check out the dual-antenna Valentine more closely. A friend offered to loan me his, and naturally he loves it. But I read a whole bunch on the top three (Bel, Escort, Valentine) and it seemed that the V1 was out of date, even with the software updates and stuff. the review sites are biased, so I read as many different ones as I could to get a better sampling. V1 owners love their V1s, but the reviews indicate a need for a case and user interface makeover.

Once I realized the Bel was really an Escort inside, it made that brand immediately OK (never had a Bel) and it appears to be an 8500 clone, with all the same positives and negatives. the only negative I'm still scratching my head over is what someone referred to as an upwards-facing LED display. I need to know that this will be easily read while up against the cieling, rather than on the dash where it can be seen by others.


Go with the V1 and never look back, remember most of the sites that do tests also sell the products they test. V1 only sells through themselves and will not give products to the test sites to sell. On top of that, the main guy that invented the V1 used to work for Escort.

As for the user interface, it is just a couple of dials nothing really to set. Just because it doesn't have all the features of a newer unit don't dismiss it. I rather some something simple that works than over complicated that I could set wrong and have it get me a ticket. Also with the V1 you can get a concealed display, I have mine mounted in front of the tach so it is for my view only.

Choose what you want but look a bit more closely at the V1 before you buy.

Winslow
:eb:

I think I'd become lazy and get nabbed if I got a V1.

Also, the hearing for my no front plate ticket is February 14th. That's cool...no plans, heh.

I think I'd become lazy and get nabbed if I got a V1.

Also, the hearing for my no front plate ticket is February 14th. That's cool...no plans, heh.

I second LW's V1 endorsement.

What's this about a tick for no front plate? Did I miss a good story? Maybe if you bring the magistrate a heart shaped box of chocolates...

Just the usual...park at Herb Chambers, pay the meter, get a ticket mailed 5 days later for no front plate.

I'll throw my vote up for my V1 with conceled display mounted by my tac also. LOVE IT. It's paid for itself numerous times and has kept me from having my car impounded and spending the night in jail (20 over the limit is considered recless endangerment and UBER expensive) - when blowing through eastern Oregon (kay - it's flat, no one's out, I can see, I'm going).

For the tekkies; a question about a particular radar gun,
the one that hangs outside the window, which appears to point both forward and back.

Does anyone know if this model can use both sides at the same time? So if I pass by an active one, the officer will get 2 readings, one coming and one going? Or maybe it is only switchable to operate in one direction at a time? (This will have bearing on my hearing) :D

Thanks!

I woudn't say the Bel and the Escort are the same.
I know my friend's escort never shuts up. It is always going off. You just ignore it. So it's useless.
The Bel's (and this is my old one) selectivity seems much more accurate. It doesn't go off unless there is actually something there. It hasn't missed a radar gun once.
The escort had some extra display features like showing multiple bands at once, and an option mode showing the actual frequency.

The V1 has a simpler interface (yet shows things like bogey numbers and direction that the others do not) however it's advantage is its size. It is a big sucker. That means it has big radio horns. It collects more signal and is therefore much more sensitive and accurate. In other words it has a big funnel in the front and on the back, while normal ones have a small funnel on the front. No need to do the math.

I love those dual-direction radars. They spew radar everywhere. They usually drive around with them on. You pick those up so early...
I'm pretty sure I've picked them up transmitting both directions. Not all the time.

Hmm, not so sure size is key here.. look at this pic found at: http://www.radardetector.net/INTERNAL-PICTURES-OF-THE-VALENTINE-ONE-4037t.php My Cobra cordless has a similar sized front horn.


When I used my Escort SR1, it was much quieter than my previous detector. Even though X wasn't as noisy, I opted to disable it altogether since it was just a nusiance.

I haven't ruled out the V1.. still looking at the top three. Each has its +/- and there's no clear winner for me. The biggest feature I want is concealed installation so I don't have to hide the thing, but with no room up front for a remote sensor I'm stuck with a windshield version. The V1 remote display doesn't do much to fix that problem, as theives can still see it on my dash..

If anyone has managed to mount a remote radar/laser detector under their hood, I'd like to know how they did it!!

My Cobra cordless has a similar sized front horn.

Yes, but the cobra is a piece of junk. :p :D

Thanks for the internal pics. I love seeing the insides of things.I have photos of the inside of my laser jammer sitting around somewhere...had to take it apart to confirm it was nothing more than a bank of IR LEDs and a controller just like I always guessed. :D

The photos I have seen of the V1 (do a search) have it mounted unseen behind the rearview, and the remote display on the steering column by the tach. Not noticable from outside.

And here's another weapon for the arsenal. Gotta think the big honkin' antenna would overwhelm the MINI, tho'

http://us.gizmodo.com/gadgets/columns/worlds-greatest-radio-scanners-139130.php

An antenna with a loading coil might be a bit more discreet. Amazingly, a complicated piece of gear like that scanner is only $170, while a !@#$% radar detector costs more than double that. And the RD is a lot simpler.

I used to imagine a detector that'd go off merely in the presence of police radio frequncies. Not 100% guaranteed, but another type of proximity alert.

Jumping around subjects.. I have an idea.. let's get Ian to develop his own laser shifter, with custom fitting modules for MINIs. I'll bet he could figure that out in his sleep, and sell them a whole lot cheaper too!

Sorry V1 guys, finally decided on the Escort.. too many reports of excessive V1 falsing. I know there's different code revs which act differently, but I really like the programmability of my old SR1 (which is essentially an 8500 remote unit).

The decision maker was the $25 off anything that Sharper Image has running til Sunday.. And since I fully expect new models to come out, I did what I normally never do; bought their 3-year contract, which is effectively an upgrade guarantee, and another reason to buy from a brick and mortar. Their defective return policy is pretty liberal so I won't have to stick with an 8500 if say a 9000 comes out, just might have to pay the price difference.

I didn't go with the Bel for ergonomic reasons, as the LED bank is tilted upwards and I plan to mount above the mirror.. Escort's is straight-up and angled towards the driver. Laser jammers will come next year when I can afford them!

Thanks for all your feedback..

I know LEOs can tell they're being jammed by getting an error code, but this LIDAR company takes it further by detecting the type of jammer while still getting a speed reading. I believe the hand-held laser guns I've seen MA state police using look a lot like the Laser Altlanta 'SpeedLaser' gun. (The tall and narrow black unit)

Excerpt from: http://www.laseratlanta.com/files/jammer_detection.pdf

"The SpeedLaser has had an industry leading “stealth” mode that fools jammers, defeating them from preventing speed readings. This exciting new feature now detects that a jammer is in use and displays the type of jammer to the law enforcement officer at the time that the speed is recorded."

“...because we believe that agencies will now be able to know when a motorist are attempting to thwart their efforts at recording speed.”

“With our unique stealth mode, the SpeedLaser gives traffic police the advantages that they can be certain which car is speeding on a busy highway and it is really difficult for detectors or jammers to interfere. Now, with this feature, the officer will know which cars are using jammers and the type of jammer being used.”


I imagine that lidar jammers will eventually become illegal.. not because the FCC or FDA says so, but because a state says the jammer's purpose is to interfere with police activity. And if they can DETECT that you're using one.. oh boy