ahs (10/22/82)
I have currently three different types of radar detectors.
Before anyone retorts that this is over-kill, let me explain
their current usage, and reason for acquisition.
My first selection was the Fuzzbuster Superhet by Electrolert Ind.
This unit sells at ~$190 in many catalog showrooms in NJ.
It's size, 5.25"(L) x 3.5"(W) x 1.5"(D), makes it difficult or
impossible to mount on the dashboard of some small and mid-size
cars, but my Delta 88 holds it nicely.
Desiring a "remote" unit, I hastily went out and bought a FOX XK
remote ($139). This was a BIG mistake. The non-superheterodyne
technology and decreased radar sensitivity cost me a ticket.
It now sits on a shelf in its original box.
(Anybody want to by this unit CHEAP???).
Realizing my error and still desiring a GOOD remote unit, I
purchased the SuperFOX remote ($279). This one was just what
I wanted in a remote unit. Now let's talk about sensitivity.
The "control" in my experiments was my Fuzzbuster Superhet.
The "variables" were:
1. My FOX XK remote (Ugh!)
2. My Super FOX remote (a nice unit)
3. A friends Escort (what a beauty!)
1. FOX XK remote
What can I say? While using this unit and my Superhet, I noticed
that the Superhet "red-lined" indicating critical distance to radar
on the average of .3 miles BEFORE the FOX XK was triggered. This
result was consistant with pulsed-radar units (state troopers).
This unit is not good for anyone who does much highway driving.
2. Super FOX remote
First let me say that it was very difficult testing the unit with
my Superhet because the microwave oscillators in this unit kept trig-
gering the Super FOX. Adjusting the sensitivity of the remote unit
to virtually eliminate these, enabled me to discover that the Super Fox
Remote triggered less that .1 miles after the Superhet signaled radar
contact.
3. THE Escort
Now for the one many have been waiting for. For the most part,
the Escort and the Fuzzbuster Superhet have similar features.
Both have visual and audible indication of relative distance from
the source. Both act on the "Geiger counter" priciple...the closer
you get, the faster the beep. BUT the Escort has two different tones
one for the X band and one for the K band. While driving with the
Escort on the visor, and the Fuzzbuster on the dash, I noticed that
both were prone to the same false alarms. The Escort had the edge
on detecting pulsed radar, though both alerted me more than 1 mile
away from the waiting trooper.
To sum it up, my friend swears by his Escort (and rightfully so).
I swear by my Fuzzbuster Superhet. If you like the visor mount,
get the Escort ($279). If you like the dash mount(velcro fasteners)
and have room, get the Fuzzbuster Superhet ($197). If you want
a remote unit, the Super Fox Remote ($279) is the one.
By the way, you can hide the Fuzzbuster by a tissue box with a cut-out
bottom. This does not noticably degrade sensitivity as the radar
will pass right through the thin cardboard. I drove all the way to
Montreal and back with this type of set-up.
Enough said.
Stephen Hester
Bell Laboratories, Piscataway, NJ
(201)981-3074davy (10/24/82)
#R:pyuxdd:-17500:pur-ee:2900010:000:187 pur-ee!davy Oct 23 12:20:00 1982 A slight error in your article -- Escorts are $245, not $279. A friend I know used to hide his radar detector by placing a cloth "fishing hat" over it. --Dave Curry pur-ee!davy