Radar Detectors and Distronic Plus
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
Well I got the V1 installed with the remote and after much fiddling around have managed to get it to function with no changes made to either the car or the V1.
I position the V1 so that just the front right hand part of the unit is looking through the opening in the Windshield coatings and I have tested the unit extensively against POP and other Radar guns operated by the Police and the V1 picks up them all, over hills around corners, just as it is designed to do.
If you do place the unit all the way inside the opening in the protective coatings, then you will get nothing but false alerts from the car itself.
I am aware that I am losing some sensitivity, but so far I would have had enough warning to save me from a ticket up to about I would guess 120, unless I was willing to literally drop the anchors al the way.
I have to admit that Valentine said I would have problems, and so dod the folks at K40.
Well like the member earlier on in this list, I guess I got lucky.
I position the V1 so that just the front right hand part of the unit is looking through the opening in the Windshield coatings and I have tested the unit extensively against POP and other Radar guns operated by the Police and the V1 picks up them all, over hills around corners, just as it is designed to do.
If you do place the unit all the way inside the opening in the protective coatings, then you will get nothing but false alerts from the car itself.
I am aware that I am losing some sensitivity, but so far I would have had enough warning to save me from a ticket up to about I would guess 120, unless I was willing to literally drop the anchors al the way.
I have to admit that Valentine said I would have problems, and so dod the folks at K40.
Well like the member earlier on in this list, I guess I got lucky.
if you installed the v1 only it would false all day long because it is doing it's job correctly. I tried the ez pass access with the v1, k-40, old school cobra... it doesn't work
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
i agree with jbondox... some people have attempted to disable K band which is fine except that something like 70 percent of radar guns are still K band. otherwise you dont have distronic plus.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: AZ
C32 '02 silver 70K
Bel 975R
- purchased 12/28/2001 ($360 approx)
- installed "disguised" receiver in the ashtray cavity
- power from cigar lighter/center console spliced in - off when key is off
- wires running under dash to front grill area
- did not install the laser... detectors (did not trust their "old design"... prior to 2001)
Unit has functioned in 360 degree mode flawless and warned successfully.
(sorry, forgot how to attach a picture of the installed unit)
- installed "disguised" receiver in the ashtray cavity
- power from cigar lighter/center console spliced in - off when key is off
- wires running under dash to front grill area
- did not install the laser... detectors (did not trust their "old design"... prior to 2001)
Unit has functioned in 360 degree mode flawless and warned successfully.
(sorry, forgot how to attach a picture of the installed unit)
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 59
Likes: 0
2008 S63=AMG: Black (Savanna/Cashmere) Kleeman Delimited 200MPH
rob13572468 where is your business located? I need an install on a S63.
Rob,
I need an integrated install on my new S63. I sent you a private message with contact information.
Regards,
Z
I need an integrated install on my new S63. I sent you a private message with contact information.
Regards,
Z
Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
gotta keep cool now gotta take care
Very interesting radar discussion. Im convinced I better do something.
Would appreciate any PMs with installation ideas for my Sl550 2007.
Btw have i got distronics, or distronics plus?
Or where both available?
tanx
Wash state.
Would appreciate any PMs with installation ideas for my Sl550 2007.
Btw have i got distronics, or distronics plus?
Or where both available?
tanx
Wash state.
Last edited by allminesl550; Aug 18, 2007 at 07:51 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
Hey Rob, I did do a CAN conversion so it will work on speeds over 35, it still occasionally falses'. I had a customer tell me his Escort doesn't false when he uses it also.... my reply, roll down your window and hold the radar detector out the window... when it starts glowing you might as well toss it in the trunk... they forget about the windshield filter... though to think about it, it is nice to know that you can drive without being radiated... well at least in the x,k, ka bands according to the detector.
I am almost done with my new interface... be prepared...
I still like the old one better but people want cruise control.
I am almost done with my new interface... be prepared...
I still like the old one better but people want cruise control.
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
Hey Rob, I did do a CAN conversion so it will work on speeds over 35, it still occasionally falses'. I had a customer tell me his Escort doesn't false when he uses it also.... my reply, roll down your window and hold the radar detector out the window... when it starts glowing you might as well toss it in the trunk... they forget about the windshield filter... though to think about it, it is nice to know that you can drive without being radiated... well at least in the x,k, ka bands according to the detector.
I am almost done with my new interface... be prepared... I still like the old one better but people want cruise control.
I am almost done with my new interface... be prepared...
I still like the old one better but people want cruise control.excellent... the network interface business is going to be *big* as they continually move them into just about every vehicle nowadays..
im finally getting the K40 interfaces out but the environment testing took forever, especially to get the device working 100% in cold temperatures. once the processor clock gets cold it goes out of tolerance fast and then its all bells, blinking lights and warnings. have you looked at the 08 cl/sl yet? there is some really interesting stuff going on with them... i had to do alot of work to get everything into compliance just for 08.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
here is some quick video i shot of the K40 distronic interface last night. its lousy but you get the idea...
K40 Distronic Interface
K40 Distronic Interface
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
Hey, I see you got the unit to turn on when PA goes off... closer to my secret... looked at about 25 you had it come on, was the 3 chirps residual radiation from the rear PA sensors? That is great Rob, still need the blue LED's. how about taking the whole cluster screen and flashing it red or blue ... did you see the video input to it from the night vision camera? I haven't checked yet, although i did notice when had it out it was just a big LCD...
Later
Later
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
If you are near the Seattle area, go to Benchmark Motoring, ask for Anthony and have him call me, they will get it done for you
PREMIUM SPONSOR
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 615
Likes: 3
From: Chicago, IL
ML350, Lotus Elise
Hey, I see you got the unit to turn on when PA goes off... closer to my secret... looked at about 25 you had it come on, was the 3 chirps residual radiation from the rear PA sensors? That is great Rob, still need the blue LED's. how about taking the whole cluster screen and flashing it red or blue ... did you see the video input to it from the night vision camera? I haven't checked yet, although i did notice when had it out it was just a big LCD...
Later
Later
yes, i actually bumped it up to almost 30 mph now because the radar picks up residual oscillation as the distronic sensors are shutting down. one of the issues is that if you stomp the gas the radar picks up the tail end of the warning but a programmed delay should fix that.
the front display is just a normal 75 ohm input activated from the night vision assist switch so it shouldnt be too much to get it to switch at will. there looks to be a graphics mode to the clister display which would allow a bigger more colorful warning but i havent decoded it yet.
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
radar
Lots of info in this thread but I am still a bit confused. I just got my 2008 s63 and also struggling with how to properly use a radar in the car. I have always been very happy with my valentine in the past but aware of the issues with it in this car. Regarding distronic which I have in the car, I have been driving for a week with the v1 dashmounted and I dont find the disronic setting the radar off at all ? Also do we know for sure that the glass reduces the aility of the radar by 95% ? If 95% is true I will install a remote mounted escort unit and give up my V1 which has saved me so many times in the past. Since the escort unit is mounted like the k40 outside the car I assume this solved some of the issues ?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
C350
Lots of info in this thread but I am still a bit confused. I just got my 2008 s63 and also struggling with how to properly use a radar in the car. I have always been very happy with my valentine in the past but aware of the issues with it in this car. Regarding distronic which I have in the car, I have been driving for a week with the v1 dashmounted and I dont find the disronic setting the radar off at all ? Also do we know for sure that the glass reduces the aility of the radar by 95% ? If 95% is true I will install a remote mounted escort unit and give up my V1 which has saved me so many times in the past. Since the escort unit is mounted like the k40 outside the car I assume this solved some of the issues ?
As far as your V1 not going off a good test that I have seen done is taking the radar detector and holding it out the window with the vehicle on and the detector should be going off like crazy.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
2008 S class
Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
radar
so I read all the threads on this topic but for the life of me I dont understand 2 things. Why when I plug my valentine into my 2008 s63 and yes the K bank is active, why does mine NOT false at all and I do have distronic plus ? Also when I tested the radar up on the glass with a radar gun I got full strength reading as opposed to a weak signal from the coated glass ? Basically to me it seems to be working but I dont understand why only my car would work when nobody else can get it to work w/ distronic plus ?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 888
Likes: 2
From: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
'09 S63 AMG
so I read all the threads on this topic but for the life of me I dont understand 2 things. Why when I plug my valentine into my 2008 s63 and yes the K bank is active, why does mine NOT false at all and I do have distronic plus ? Also when I tested the radar up on the glass with a radar gun I got full strength reading as opposed to a weak signal from the coated glass ? Basically to me it seems to be working but I dont understand why only my car would work when nobody else can get it to work w/ distronic plus ?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 888
Likes: 2
From: Paradise (a.k.a. Austin, TX)
'09 S63 AMG
Is this a problem only with Distronic+ or with the glass/coating on the S-Class itself? I don't have Distronic+ and HOPE I don't run into this problem with my Escort 9500i.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
C350
Im pretty sure the reason why he is not getting the interference IS because of the glass coating. My Valentine One in my C Class goes off anytime I am near an S class at the dealer, even the brand new ones...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 0
C350
The interference issue is only with Distronic Plus. If you have regular distronic or dont have distronic at all then there is no interference. The coating issue is a seperate issue with all S classes which limits the radar recption if you have any window mounted detector. Alot of people are going with the remote mounted units like the K40 or the passport (I think its called SRX) because the front and rear mounted antennas do not have this problem.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 277
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
2008 C300W4 Sport, 2006 Honda CBR600F4i
make sure you have someone you trust install the K40, it can be tricky and i know especially with Distronic. I know there is only 1 guy I know to trust to install the K40. I have had him install it on 911s to Bentley GTCs.
