Quote:
Originally Posted by gherardini
advantages of dual head over single head?? is it worth the premium? or is one for front and the other for rear coverage?
i read a review from a motorcycle magazine this winter, tests done in england, i believe. the bike was "invisible" to the detector.
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Gherardini,
Here's what I tell people about single versus dual heads. First off, I'm presuming we're talking about a car. I'll get to motorcycles in a moment.
1. Do you really want to use the "parking sensor" functions? If so, then you should have two heads front and/or rear.
2. If your budget is an issue, you can of course always add more heads later on.
3. The front is nearly always more important in terms of "protection." How wide is the front of your car? If it's the size of a Mini for example, then one head is plenty - subject to my caveat in point # 4 below. 3 series - you could get away with just one as well, but again read on.
4. In terms of jamming interference, you've heard the saying, "2 heads are better than 1?" Well, I hate to use that cliche, but it is true. Here's why: in heavy traffic situations, it is not uncommon for a LEO to target your vehicle while it is partially obscured by the car in front of it. If you only have one head, then of course it's going to be a greater challenge for that single head in those situations.
Likewise, even if you're not in heavy traffic an astute LEO may target the far edge of one of your headlights. Depending on how wide your car is and how close you are to the LEO (closer = smaller LIDAR beam), he/she may be able to get a reading.
Ideally, you want to have two heads positioned such that you can accomplish two important things: a) protect your front plate if you have one - the most reflective thing on your car (by design); and b) divide your car into three sections, with as close to equal protection for each section as you can get. This is typically solved by positioning the heads 18-24" apart, front and center.
Another tip, all LPP heads are now marked so that you know which side the lens is on. Depending on your configuration, you will want to take into consideration - in a dual head setup - how the heads are configured. Professional installers do this all the time, especially if you can find one who has a LIDAR gun in order to verify operation of the unit (rare, but a few have them).
Bottom line is the lens placement is the most critical element. If the lens cannot "see" a threat, then the device won't help you. That is the key regarding single versus dual heads.
In terms of rear protection, this is especially true. If you have never taken a picture of the rear of your car at night with a flash camera, then you have no idea how very reflective your tail lights are! That being said, rear protection is really an art. LEOs will almost always target the plate first (because it's easier - center mass shot and they know everyone has one there).
That being said, the vast majority of encounters are in the front so I would focus there first.
Now, in terms of motorcycles boy you are lucky. Because the profile of the bike is so small. One head front and back and you are golden. Just put it near the tail light / plate / headlight (typically the only place to put it anyway).
RR
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