Just bought my Escort Solo S2 this weekend - got "instant on" from behind by an undercover cop (no pullover - whew!) and watched an Altima get slammed by HP two cars ahead of me. I think I already made my money back.

 

How is the battery life in that detector? I've read some complaints around the internet about havng to replace the batteries too often. Others simply don't mention anything about battery life. I'd be interested to hear from someone that the battery life is at least "not too bad" or something

 

I'm considering this detector. On of the local TexasRXs members has one and if I recall correctly he's getting about a month out of a pair of AA batteries.

 

atleast there is no hard wiring like the v1 i got even with the instructions ill never be able to hard wire it ... sounds to complicated

 

We all have to start somewhere! So down on your knees....and practice...you can do it! Start with this one: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=28064

 

I've had mine for about three weeks now and still show full charge. The guy at best buy says he gets about a month in the winter and two months in summer (?). I've been really happy with it....it's already paid for itself.

 

Thanks for the responses
After looking at lots of detectors and installations, I think I decided that cordless is the way to go for me, and this one is apparently the best of the cordless ones, sounds like it does a decent enough job. I've gotton pulled over 3 times (2 tikets, 1 warning) in my 8, which I've only had for not even 3 months.

I should talk to the TexasRXs guy about his

Thanks Again all

 

The hardwire fuse adapter is not hard at all. I posted a DIY appended to the mirror DIY. Maybe take a look. It might change your mind.

 

Thanks robertdot,
I checked out your DIY but am wondering if that is for the V1 only? I have definitly decided that I am not getting the V1 due to the expense

 

I agree. I've had mine for about a year now, and since I only use it sporadically, I get up to 6 months out of the batteries. And I replace them when they start showing 50% depleted.

Great detector, it's saved my a$$ many times. :D

 

I didn't realize that there were cordless junkies and wired junkies. IMO, if you get about the same warning time and can easily remove it without worrying about either 1. hidden wiring or 2. cords cluttering your dash, it's a no brainer to go with the S2.

 

I hear the Escort has a hardwire kit available. I don't know anything about it, though. Someone on the DIY thread had it. You might try to PM him/her about it. If it is worth a crap, it should be a wire tap kit, just like the V1.

The V1's website propaganda won me over. They seem to have a really big clue about what they do and give alot of information about the product and radar detection in general, even if it is detramental to their image. Not to mention it wins out over other brands in magazine tests. The V1 is a trusted divice, it's a nice design, and it had the features I want. I've got a job, and no extra bills to pay at the moment, so I could justify the extra $100 over the top-of-the-line Escort model. But that is my preference.

Funny how in two weeks I haven't seen a cop to determine how well it works.

 

They do, as that is what was used to connect my Passport 8500. I spliced into the Moonroof wiring by using a voltmeter, finding a wire that was only powered when the key was in the 'on' position.

 

Thanks again for all the input. You all have been very helpful and I have made my decision (hint: cheaper, easier, no wires)

I wish they had just built a V1 quality detector right into the 8, I have seen other cars with integrated detectors. Or at least they should come up with a standard hookup, where all cars come with a detector plug in all setup, and all detectors are built to plug right into this

 

i've got the S2 and have no complaints.. i love it.. i put lithium batteries on 'em and they still show a FULL charge after 4 months..

 

I'm the TexasRxs guy he was talking about. Had to replace the batteries once so far. Only down 1 tick (out of 5) in the current set (Had it for 2+ months now). Obviously, the more you drive the quicker they will go, but no complaints. It has an auto off feature which is handy (it detect you aren't moving and eventually will go to sleep, only after warning you though).

You can buy a plug-in adapter even for the S2, but I just keep extra batteries around. Don't go with the older S1, its not up to par (too many kinks as it was their first wireless).

The S2 is about the same as the 8500 (so close you wont know), just doesnt have the kewl "always on" lcd display. It only displays when it needs to, which is probably nicer anyways. The V1 is no better or worse than the 8500, but its much larger. It does have directional arrows, but I believe the latest 8500 does as well. I don't think you can go wrong with any of these. Just, whatever you do, don't go real cheap. Those units are worthless.

might want to check out:
http://www.radar-detectors.com/

 

Hey Boarder thanks for posting that link. I've never looked at detectors but have considered getting one. For some reason I thought they were illegal here in AZ but it doesn't appear to be (I'll check further to be sure). I've never looked at detectors and was put off with the price. But after reading that site I'm very impressed with the S2 and would sure like to have some reassurance when I'm driving. Good link - thanks man!

 

Sounds like the batteries are not a problem. Time to get me one of these. THink I can get one on ebay (new) for about two-fidy.

Can't wait, I need this device