last week, I had to replace windshield because of the rock. Shop said, I need to calibrate the camera for LDA whatever. Anyway they wanted to charge more like 350 more but I had this short cable attached to the power mirrortap so they said that I had to sign a waiver because they can't guarantee it. So yeah it is a rare case. I always love your vdo
I bought the mount with 3M tape. Works great and was like $7 when I got a R3. Works foe the R7 as well. Would love a blend mount, but too expensive for my taste.
I know it’s a nice product, but the blend mount is so expensive. Like large portion of my rd price expensive. Went with an Amazon mount instead. It’s not blend mount nice but is much better than suction cups.
About the suction cup mounts. I have the Uniden R7 (actually I have 2 of them) and I use the big single suction cup mount. 1) Clean the spot on the windshield where you are going to mount it even if it looks clean, clean it anyways. 2) install the suction cups in the summer on a hot day after the car has been sitting in the sun all day with the windows up. By doing this I have yet to have one fall off my windshield. For the people that are wondering why this works. Hot air molecules are bigger Cold air molecules are smaller Install the suction cups when the molecules are at their biggest. Then in the winter those molecules will shrink and create even more suction.
Do you keep the detector on the mount when you park? I use a sticky mount near the tint strip, I love that location in terms of it staying concealed and also not obstructing my field of view. Downside I can't fully use the sun visor but I'm worried about leaving my detector exposed like that for the bendmount.
Every single one I’ve researched I’ve been disappointed by. That said, the new NexiGo D90 Gen 3 just launched, a 4K Starvis 2 model, and I’ve got one in the mail now. amzn.to/3w1mqu0 Fingers crossed that it’s decent.
The only issue with this, especially dealing with the "law" is that if you are pulled over for ANY reason, they can look at the mounting position and issue a ticket for "obstructed view" which in some states, like NY can result in POINTS on your license. Speaking from experience with the blendmount. Cop didn't have any other ticketable offense but dinged me for the "unit in the windshield obstructing driver view". You can also get the same ticket for EZPASS. Drivers beware!
What do you mean? You can still use your mute button regardless of mount. If you want a remote mute button power cable instead of tapping into the RVM, you can use that cable instead.
I don't like how exposed the radar detector is in this position. I mount it high and tight, best with an aftermarket 3D printed mount 3M taped to right below the headliner IMO
I like that location too, but as discussed in this video, a high mount can cause other issues necessitating an alternative mounting option. Luckily we've got lots of mounting options and locations so you can do whatever works best for your vehicle.
I’m with you, high and tight since the r7 came out a few years ago. I disconnected the suction from the metal clip and use strong 3m Velcro against the windshield. It’s never fallen off. Been good for years. Can’t use the visor but never something I miss. The complaint I have about the mirror tap, the 12v connector into the detector, that release broke off and I had to get a new one. The mirror tap release is quite cheapy. Wish they used a sturdier piece.
After years of using the wiretap and blent mount, I’ll say that the wiretap is awesome but the blend mount is a pain in the a$$. I went back to the suction cup and prefer it way more.
I love mirror mounts, but for less visibility, I still use the suction cup high and close to the mirror. Better for me traveling through VA quite a bit. But I do use a Blendmount knockoff in my other vehicles. Works as good at a much better price. Plus I prefer the wing nuts on mine over the Allen Wrench nuts.
I have the power for my Uniden7 and 8 ran under the headliner to the rear view mirror and bought an adhesive mount suggested through the RD Forums (no more suction cup fails). The original adhesive didn't last so I bought a high temp adhesive tape and reinstalled - works great! Thanks for all of your vids and fixes! :)
A number years ago when the suction cups on the "spring steel" mount for the R3 began to lose grip on my Silverado, I considered a Belnd Mount + taps. The cost of the BM was outrageous, so I purchased a "spring steel" mount with a 3M double-side tape bond to the windshield. Have had no issues since.
Don't like blend mount or any mount that puts the detector in the drives field of view. Mine is magnetically mounted a few inches below the interior roof/ceiling such that it's not in direct sunlight and still has full view ahead of the car. DIY mount!
The Blendmount is a bit finicky to install, but once you get it dialed in, there's no comparison. The Redline 360c is a chunky detector and it doesn't bounce or shake in the slightest. The mirrortap keeps everything looking tidy. I have a pretty dark window tint, so I don't really worry about others seeing the detector from outside.
I just ordered a blend mount since the “cheap” ones are not very sturdy. Ordered a power cable that plugs into mirror factory harness and even adds a secondary plug. 👍🏼
The one provided with the r8 (suction mount) i dont think would fall off if i rolled the car 100x times that fucker needs to be so carefully removed i always feel like im gonna break my windshield taking it off 😂
Love the look and nobody likes finding their detector laying on the dash. But, the smart code feature is indispensable IMO - how can you easily mute or mark with these installs?
BlendMount looks very high end and premium. However, I recently installed the BlackVue DR970X LTE and it’s HUGE. I also mounted it behind my mirror, so having both a radar and a dashcam would not work. Vortex, a video explaining how to achieve a clean setup of both would be appreciated!
It's not technically supported, but I've seen people purchase two Blendmounts and stuff both a RD and a dashcam onto there. YMMV of course, but it's doable. Personally I'd rather reposition things and install some of them directly on the WS, but I understand that's not always an option.
I installed a wire tap for my R3 a couple months ago. Probably the best budget upgrade, and I don't have to worry about unplugging it when I turn off my car
Yep. If a remote mute button is important, then you'd want to go for a more traditional hardwire smart cord. As with anything, use the tool that best meets your needs.
Holy crap their shipping is ridiculously fast. It arrived this morning. Installing the thing was a real pain in the ass though. My Mazda CX-5s cameras cowling was a royal pain in the butt to remove. I ended up breaking three clips on one side. So I might have to replace that not sure as the other side is perfectly fine and the two halves clicked together. But really I would like to see an allen wrench that is far longer because getting your fingers behind the smart review mirrors, is a real pain. I'm surprised my neighbors didn't call a domestic dispute to the police against myself and my car 😅 but it ended up perfectly fine and it looks beautiful. The next thing that I need to figure out is how to route a mute button down to my dash.
I have had the Uniden R7 for two years now. I have the brightness setting on the highest level. I still can't read it. Have you or anyone noticed this issue? FYI I have 20/20 vision.
Suction cup failures are infuriating. Unfortunately the blend mount doesn't fit on my Volvo rear view. The blend mount and mirror tap combo can't be beat if it fits your application though
I bought these mounts for 4 of our vehicles to use my Escort 360c . Which BTW … I bought from watching the videos about it here and it has saved my butt many times 👍🏻
I use to use an blend mount type with my R8, but have went to the double sided tape windshield permanent mount over my tint visor for the past year and have had no problems with it in the Louisiana heat. It also hides it better and gives me a better field of view.
9:10 you should check for an always on line before you turn the power on. A lot of mirrors are powered while the car is off (IE you can open your garage door without the car being on) But they also include a wire that is ignition accessory. So only on when in accessory mode or fully running the engine.
Are there some that work that way? In every car I've seen, the RVM turns off when the car is parked. It's typically done for safety reasons so no one can break into your car in the driveway and open your garage to get into your home. That's a good point that there may be a different pin that may still be on the whole time though, even if the mirror itself otherwise turns off. Is there any advantage to checking for an always on line before you turn the power on though? I mentioned turning the car off right afterwards at 9:22 to verify that it's ignition triggered. What's the issue with testing for the wire being on first?
@@VortexRadar Ah right, so you did. That is perfectly fine as well. There really isn't any risk to that method. Probably just easier to do a quick check to see if any of the pins are powered when off though. My 2018 Miata has a pin that is always powered for example. It all goes to a sub fuse box on the driver side footwell. Either way, fantastic video. I didn't know these kits existed. I would love to see a video if the mount maker happens to have a mount that combined something like a blackvue and radar detector into a single mount.
After years of hard wiring and mounting just above tintline I am wondering if you found the blend mount and rd obstructing your view and generally too noticeable from outside vehicle? I guess you adjust to the placement of it in the truck E9 very cool btw
It does block more of the view under the RVM, but that’s far less of an issue in a big vehicle with a larger windshield and with it rather away from you. From the outside, it’s a mix? It can be more visible, but the suction cup is usually a big eye catcher and so losing that can help with the stealthiness, so it’s a toss up.
@@VortexRadar thx. Yeah gonna try it on a Tahoe If not just go back to suction mount Installers don’t want to mirror tap for some reason Trying to buy on blend mount site with vortex code ? Do I use that at checkout ?
@@VortexRadar thx. Yeah gonna try it on a Tahoe If not just go back to suction mount Installers don’t want to mirror tap for some reason Trying to buy on blend mount site with vortex code ? Do I use that at checkout ?
I hate the gap between the mirror and the detector. I actually use a piece of industrial Velcro and Velcro mine to the bottom of the auto dimming mirror. Easy to take on and off and no gap.
After decades of carefully setting my detectors, well below those little black OEM windshield sunshade paint spots (mentioned @1:54) they don’t actually interfere with detector signal performance(?)
So the black dots/frit (which both my vehicles have) actually do interfere… in that case, I’ll continue mounting my detectors below the frit dots. Appreciate the clarification!
Most frits that I’ve seen don’t interfere with radar. They’re just there to reduce sunlight peeking in around the RVM and thus don’t need to add metallic content, though there’s some that may. Against laser, sure they block some light (which is the whole point) which can impact laser detection, though that’s usually limited for RDs either way. The main impact I’ve noticed is that can make it tougher for suction cups to stick if they’re stuck to the glass. Many windshields have them embedded in the glass though which keeps the surface smooth and helps avoid those issues. If that is an issue though, you can use a Blendmount, visor mount, or even double stick tape mount to avoid relying on a suction cup.
As I live in a place where RD's are illegal, I have my R1 mounted high up with an aftermarket mount, attached to the windshield with double sided tape. You can't see it from outside unless you know about it.
i did this a couple days ago…. i can never go back to suction cups ever again
maybe on the basic mdx model,,,,wont hold on my 2017mdx have no room to hold the mount////
The absolute best for radar and dash cams. Cleanest look!
I want one of these but dont want to spend $200 for one lol
Agreed. I won't.
I want to buy one for my Acura but it's $159 and that's before taxes and any other fees. Absolutely insanity
Its worth it
last week, I had to replace windshield because of the rock. Shop said, I need to calibrate the camera for LDA whatever. Anyway they wanted to charge more like 350 more but I had this short cable attached to the power mirrortap so they said that I had to sign a waiver because they can't guarantee it. So yeah it is a rare case. I always love your vdo
I bought the mount with 3M tape. Works great and was like $7 when I got a R3. Works foe the R7 as well. Would love a blend mount, but too expensive for my taste.
I know it’s a nice product, but the blend mount is so expensive. Like large portion of my rd price expensive. Went with an Amazon mount instead. It’s not blend mount nice but is much better than suction cups.
About the suction cup mounts.
I have the Uniden R7 (actually I have 2 of them) and I use the big single suction cup mount.
1) Clean the spot on the windshield where you are going to mount it even if it looks clean, clean it anyways.
2) install the suction cups in the summer on a hot day after the car has been sitting in the sun all day with the windows up.
By doing this I have yet to have one fall off my windshield.
For the people that are wondering why this works.
Hot air molecules are bigger
Cold air molecules are smaller
Install the suction cups when the molecules are at their biggest.
Then in the winter those molecules will shrink and create even more suction.
Bought my R8 like new with the Blendmount for $610
Do you keep the detector on the mount when you park? I use a sticky mount near the tint strip, I love that location in terms of it staying concealed and also not obstructing my field of view. Downside I can't fully use the sun visor but I'm worried about leaving my detector exposed like that for the bendmount.
What’s the Anti theft feature I just saw? Does that come with the update?
That’s a feature with firmware 1.50 international. www.rdforum.org/threads/124085/
Thanks so much!
It’s been awhile..how about a review on 2024 mirror dash cams..
Every single one I’ve researched I’ve been disappointed by. That said, the new NexiGo D90 Gen 3 just launched, a 4K Starvis 2 model, and I’ve got one in the mail now. amzn.to/3w1mqu0 Fingers crossed that it’s decent.
The only issue with this, especially dealing with the "law" is that if you are pulled over for ANY reason, they can look at the mounting position and issue a ticket for "obstructed view" which in some states, like NY can result in POINTS on your license. Speaking from experience with the blendmount. Cop didn't have any other ticketable offense but dinged me for the "unit in the windshield obstructing driver view". You can also get the same ticket for EZPASS. Drivers beware!
That’s a bummer! Especially considering one common reason people get these is to comply with the law about not attaching things to their windshield. 🤷
Any way to keep mute button capability with this setup?
What do you mean? You can still use your mute button regardless of mount.
If you want a remote mute button power cable instead of tapping into the RVM, you can use that cable instead.
How much are they
Did you get a new suv ? That kia is really nice .
Thank you! Yep! It’s our new Kia EV9. th-cam.com/video/qUOLj8DkXMo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=mCaUc2d38cxdt6oQ
Super
I burned out my Radenso with 12v. It needed 5v. Uniden was fine with 12v
I presume you mean the DS1 given its USB C power port? Usually cables will convert 12v to 5v for USB. How'd you run 12v into your DS1?
I had issues with my previous car with my max 360 not getting gps signal while using this mount. Anyone experience this?
I don't like how exposed the radar detector is in this position. I mount it high and tight, best with an aftermarket 3D printed mount 3M taped to right below the headliner IMO
I like that location too, but as discussed in this video, a high mount can cause other issues necessitating an alternative mounting option. Luckily we've got lots of mounting options and locations so you can do whatever works best for your vehicle.
I’m with you, high and tight since the r7 came out a few years ago. I disconnected the suction from the metal clip and use strong 3m Velcro against the windshield. It’s never fallen off. Been good for years. Can’t use the visor but never something I miss. The complaint I have about the mirror tap, the 12v connector into the detector, that release broke off and I had to get a new one. The mirror tap release is quite cheapy. Wish they used a sturdier piece.
@@ClashingwithTofu you really never use your visors?! I cannot imagine that! 😎
@@MattH-wg7ou yep - I’ve always felt the radar under the mirror takes up too much windshield real estate, the visor even worse
After years of using the wiretap and blent mount, I’ll say that the wiretap is awesome but the blend mount is a pain in the a$$. I went back to the suction cup and prefer it way more.
Would you care to elaborate why the blendmount was a pain?
@@JaredPaideia It's probably very car specific. Especially if you have a dashcam.
Why do you say that? Curious of the issues you found intolerable.
Use of that style mirror tap seems to create new opportunities for problems in trying to avoid a quick and simple alternative.
All suction cup mount's suck, I will not buy anything with a suction cup to stay on a hot windshield.
Wet it first , *pause*
No diddy
Bro this stupid mount is $120+
It is, yeah. There are some cheaper versions available from other manufacturers too, but I wish they were as good as the Blendmount.
I love the Blendmount. I’ve been using them for about 8 years in 3 different cars. Hands down the best on market.
I love mirror mounts, but for less visibility, I still use the suction cup high and close to the mirror. Better for me traveling through VA quite a bit.
But I do use a Blendmount knockoff in my other vehicles. Works as good at a much better price. Plus I prefer the wing nuts on mine over the Allen Wrench nuts.
I bought a cheap eBay mirror mount like ages ago for the R3 which fit my R7 and now R8. Best $25 ever spent 😂 I’d love to get a blendmount tho
I have the power for my Uniden7 and 8 ran under the headliner to the rear view mirror and bought an adhesive mount suggested through the RD Forums (no more suction cup fails).
The original adhesive didn't last so I bought a high temp adhesive tape and reinstalled - works great!
Thanks for all of your vids and fixes! :)
After I got my first Blendmount did not take long to buy others for my other family cars... VERY well made mount you will never go back to a cup
Been using blendmount for years now on all our cars, this thing is a much have.
Had my Blendmount for my V1 for umpteen years now. Even fit nicely with a bit of a bend when I switched cars 2 years ao. Great mount.
Does it swivel back super far? I don’t want it hitting my dashcam. My dashcam is a bit low because the rain sensor is right above it.
A number years ago when the suction cups on the "spring steel" mount for the R3 began to lose grip on my Silverado, I considered a Belnd Mount + taps. The cost of the BM was outrageous, so I purchased a "spring steel" mount with a 3M double-side tape bond to the windshield. Have had no issues since.
Been using them for YEARS along with the mirror tap. Wouldn’t mount anything any other way.
Don't like blend mount or any mount that puts the detector in the drives field of view. Mine is magnetically mounted a few inches below the interior roof/ceiling such that it's not in direct sunlight and still has full view ahead of the car. DIY mount!
My Redline 360c on the blendmoont makes the mirror vibrate, blurring the view slightly. Any suggestions?
The Blendmount is a bit finicky to install, but once you get it dialed in, there's no comparison. The Redline 360c is a chunky detector and it doesn't bounce or shake in the slightest. The mirrortap keeps everything looking tidy. I have a pretty dark window tint, so I don't really worry about others seeing the detector from outside.
I just ordered a blend mount since the “cheap” ones are not very sturdy. Ordered a power cable that plugs into mirror factory harness and even adds a secondary plug. 👍🏼
The one provided with the r8 (suction mount) i dont think would fall off if i rolled the car 100x times that fucker needs to be so carefully removed i always feel like im gonna break my windshield taking it off 😂
Love the look and nobody likes finding their detector laying on the dash. But, the smart code feature is indispensable IMO - how can you easily mute or mark with these installs?
Big fan of Blendmounts, I have them in both my cars. Great quality product!
It’s good but extremely overpriced, unless it had a built in dashcam.
The exchange rate in my 3rd world country will not allow me these luxurious stuff 😒
BlendMount looks very high end and premium. However, I recently installed the BlackVue DR970X LTE and it’s HUGE. I also mounted it behind my mirror, so having both a radar and a dashcam would not work. Vortex, a video explaining how to achieve a clean setup of both would be appreciated!
It's not technically supported, but I've seen people purchase two Blendmounts and stuff both a RD and a dashcam onto there. YMMV of course, but it's doable. Personally I'd rather reposition things and install some of them directly on the WS, but I understand that's not always an option.
good luck finding one... its always out of stock
For the uniden R7
I'm looking for a dual ball mount so I can have R7 AND a dash cam on same stem mount. Still... have not found...
Blendmount with the R7 and Escort M2. I discuss it at the end of this video: th-cam.com/video/nrvTxCEBbek/w-d-xo.htmlsi=bP-iHjxM_pAXEaor
I installed a wire tap for my R3 a couple months ago. Probably the best budget upgrade, and I don't have to worry about unplugging it when I turn off my car
My escort has a mute button, with a mirror tap would lose that...
Yep. If a remote mute button is important, then you'd want to go for a more traditional hardwire smart cord. As with anything, use the tool that best meets your needs.
I use a visor clip for my big truck and r4, a mirror mount for the v1 in my charger
It is expensive but worth the price (I have the blendmount+mirror tap).
Holy crap their shipping is ridiculously fast. It arrived this morning. Installing the thing was a real pain in the ass though. My Mazda CX-5s cameras cowling was a royal pain in the butt to remove. I ended up breaking three clips on one side. So I might have to replace that not sure as the other side is perfectly fine and the two halves clicked together. But really I would like to see an allen wrench that is far longer because getting your fingers behind the smart review mirrors, is a real pain. I'm surprised my neighbors didn't call a domestic dispute to the police against myself and my car 😅 but it ended up perfectly fine and it looks beautiful. The next thing that I need to figure out is how to route a mute button down to my dash.
Thanks for posting this. Been looking to mount my R7 in my new '24 Tucson and didn't want to fuss with pulling everything apart. This is super easy!
I have had the Uniden R7 for two years now. I have the brightness setting on the highest level. I still can't read it. Have you or anyone noticed this issue? FYI I have 20/20 vision.
Suction cup failures are infuriating. Unfortunately the blend mount doesn't fit on my Volvo rear view. The blend mount and mirror tap combo can't be beat if it fits your application though
I bought these mounts for 4 of our vehicles to use my Escort 360c . Which BTW … I bought from watching the videos about it here and it has saved my butt many times 👍🏻
I use to use an blend mount type with my R8, but have went to the double sided tape windshield permanent mount over my tint visor for the past year and have had no problems with it in the Louisiana heat. It also hides it better and gives me a better field of view.
If blendmount finally made mounts for Mercedes, I’d buy it asap
I have constant issues with the screws having to be tightened frequently.
So did I until my Blendmount had a screw head strip out. Not looking forward to having to fix that…
Blue loctite
Loctite, my friend.
@@stevelenti will try that, thanks!
Hello which mount did you use for the above mirror mount? I have an R7 as well
Very informative video.
Used both and very happy.
Thanks for the video. I've been wanting something better than the suction cups, and just ordered the Blendmount.
Congrats!
Manufacturers need to start making USB Type C connections behind the mirror standard now.
That’d be awesome :)
blendmount is not fit for acura mdx by sure......
Why not? It’s not a supported model or you don’t think it’ll fit? If it’s a fitment issue, I have a Blendmount with my R8 in my Civic and it fits fine
9:10 you should check for an always on line before you turn the power on.
A lot of mirrors are powered while the car is off (IE you can open your garage door without the car being on)
But they also include a wire that is ignition accessory. So only on when in accessory mode or fully running the engine.
Are there some that work that way? In every car I've seen, the RVM turns off when the car is parked. It's typically done for safety reasons so no one can break into your car in the driveway and open your garage to get into your home.
That's a good point that there may be a different pin that may still be on the whole time though, even if the mirror itself otherwise turns off.
Is there any advantage to checking for an always on line before you turn the power on though? I mentioned turning the car off right afterwards at 9:22 to verify that it's ignition triggered. What's the issue with testing for the wire being on first?
@@VortexRadar Ah right, so you did. That is perfectly fine as well. There really isn't any risk to that method.
Probably just easier to do a quick check to see if any of the pins are powered when off though.
My 2018 Miata has a pin that is always powered for example. It all goes to a sub fuse box on the driver side footwell.
Either way, fantastic video. I didn't know these kits existed.
I would love to see a video if the mount maker happens to have a mount that combined something like a blackvue and radar detector into a single mount.
After years of hard wiring and mounting just above tintline I am wondering if you found the blend mount and rd obstructing your view and generally too noticeable from outside vehicle? I guess you adjust to the placement of it in the truck
E9 very cool btw
It does block more of the view under the RVM, but that’s far less of an issue in a big vehicle with a larger windshield and with it rather away from you.
From the outside, it’s a mix? It can be more visible, but the suction cup is usually a big eye catcher and so losing that can help with the stealthiness, so it’s a toss up.
@@VortexRadar thx. Yeah gonna try it on a Tahoe
If not just go back to suction mount Installers don’t want to mirror tap for some reason
Trying to buy on blend mount site with vortex code ? Do I use that at checkout ?
@@VortexRadar thx. Yeah gonna try it on a Tahoe
If not just go back to suction mount Installers don’t want to mirror tap for some reason
Trying to buy on blend mount site with vortex code ? Do I use that at checkout ?
Code worked THANKS!!!!
Works perfect in my C6 Corvette along with the M1 dash cam. Very easy to tap in for the mirror power.
I hate the gap between the mirror and the detector. I actually use a piece of industrial Velcro and Velcro mine to the bottom of the auto dimming mirror. Easy to take on and off and no gap.
$114 for a mount?, outta your dam mind lmao
Doesnt work with zoom engineering arm. Permanent ones work great
After decades of carefully setting my detectors, well below those little black OEM windshield sunshade paint spots (mentioned @1:54) they don’t actually interfere with detector signal performance(?)
Apparently they do impact laser performance though, which is pretty much useless anyway.
The black dots (frit) interfere, most tint bands (often blue) don't.
So the black dots/frit (which both my vehicles have) actually do interfere… in that case, I’ll continue mounting my detectors below the frit dots. Appreciate the clarification!
Most frits that I’ve seen don’t interfere with radar. They’re just there to reduce sunlight peeking in around the RVM and thus don’t need to add metallic content, though there’s some that may.
Against laser, sure they block some light (which is the whole point) which can impact laser detection, though that’s usually limited for RDs either way.
The main impact I’ve noticed is that can make it tougher for suction cups to stick if they’re stuck to the glass. Many windshields have them embedded in the glass though which keeps the surface smooth and helps avoid those issues. If that is an issue though, you can use a Blendmount, visor mount, or even double stick tape mount to avoid relying on a suction cup.
As I live in a place where RD's are illegal, I have my R1 mounted high up with an aftermarket mount, attached to the windshield with double sided tape. You can't see it from outside unless you know about it.
great video I heard windex is a great solution for suction cups 🥤
Never could get my gps to connect with this mount