Radar det/laser jammers
#16
06-21-2010, 02:03 PM
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Houston
Posts: 33
Rep Power: 16 
LOVE my Escort 9500 ci. They put two radar receivers in the front to really maximize the reception and the GPS lockout function virtually eliminates all false alarms on roads that you've driven a couple times.
In my mind the GPS function almost revolutionized the radar detector market. Not only in terms of elminating false alarms, but notifying you when approaching intersections with speedcams etc. Database updates come out weekly and you just hook your laptop up and boom - it has all the latest locations for North America.
Laser jammers certainly do work by close personal accounts (and one experience by me so far). I realize there are legality issues in some jurisdictions, and it always seems a little "grey". But after you are zapped and your detector goes beserk and says "shifting" you just slow down and double tap mute to turn them off and allow the Leo to get a lower reading.
Other huge feature is that it is a custom built in installation that when done right looks almost OEM. Of course that comes with a cost as well - and it's not cheap - but these also aren't cheap cars we're driving. The 9500ix has similar capabilities and features (minus laser shifting) as a cheaper stand alone traditional detector.
Obviously can't go wrong with the tried and true V1 as well - do some research on the top detectors and see what works for you and fits in your budget would be my advice. Safe travels!
In my mind the GPS function almost revolutionized the radar detector market. Not only in terms of elminating false alarms, but notifying you when approaching intersections with speedcams etc. Database updates come out weekly and you just hook your laptop up and boom - it has all the latest locations for North America.
Laser jammers certainly do work by close personal accounts (and one experience by me so far). I realize there are legality issues in some jurisdictions, and it always seems a little "grey". But after you are zapped and your detector goes beserk and says "shifting" you just slow down and double tap mute to turn them off and allow the Leo to get a lower reading.
Other huge feature is that it is a custom built in installation that when done right looks almost OEM. Of course that comes with a cost as well - and it's not cheap - but these also aren't cheap cars we're driving. The 9500ix has similar capabilities and features (minus laser shifting) as a cheaper stand alone traditional detector.
Obviously can't go wrong with the tried and true V1 as well - do some research on the top detectors and see what works for you and fits in your budget would be my advice. Safe travels!
What's the cost of the Escort 9500 CI - with the front and rear laser/dector, GPS and installation? Sounds pretty cool.
#17
06-21-2010, 02:22 PM
I think you can get the system for about $1600 and then looking at spending $500-$1000 on install depending on the level of install and whether they have to build/mold any custom parts to hold the display and control (my understanding is that's where a good chunk of the install cost comes from) or if you just wanted it taped on somewhere.
I have seen some bad installs where parts are just zip tied and left hanging under the dash and wires are run loosely and/or precariously. I got sold on going the opposite route where all wire runs are shrink wrapped in protective coating and everything is hard mounted. Very happy with the black plastic piece they built in to the empty space under the center of the console for my interface as well. I felt it was all worth it on a higher dollar car like this. I'l try and post a pic later tonight.
I have seen some bad installs where parts are just zip tied and left hanging under the dash and wires are run loosely and/or precariously. I got sold on going the opposite route where all wire runs are shrink wrapped in protective coating and everything is hard mounted. Very happy with the black plastic piece they built in to the empty space under the center of the console for my interface as well. I felt it was all worth it on a higher dollar car like this. I'l try and post a pic later tonight.
#18
06-21-2010, 06:45 PM
In addition to all the good recommendations here are my experiences:
Be wary of who does the install. Just recently I had my R63 in for service; a few electronic components were not working. Turns out a module was shorted & some pin connectors were corroded. Service tech claimed that water was entering & accumulating in the rear of the vehicle where the module & wiring were located through a cut rubber grommet through which my rear detector wires passed (???). Long story short - they warrantee(d) the repair & "properly" sealed the hole. Now I had purchased this car used from an out of state private, 2nd owner - so I'm sure there would have been no recourse if I was hammered for the full repair. Lesson learned for next time is to be wary of who & how the install is done.
The unit in my R63 is a beltronics with front & rear lazer jamming (i do not know the model) - I love it & believe it has helped. Also there is a very tiny button mounted (glued) to the side of my center console sort of between my (drivers) seat & the console. It is conveniently located so that my relaxed right arm (when not on the steering wheel) easily & inconspicuously touches it. So when the unit beeps too loud or when in town I silence it with the button. I imagine though it is really to turn off the lazer jamming so to avoid detection once activated.
I have the K40 in my 911 & it too I beleive has saved me. So I am not sure of the technical attributes of one unit over the other except I do love that little button in my R63.
Good luck
A
Be wary of who does the install. Just recently I had my R63 in for service; a few electronic components were not working. Turns out a module was shorted & some pin connectors were corroded. Service tech claimed that water was entering & accumulating in the rear of the vehicle where the module & wiring were located through a cut rubber grommet through which my rear detector wires passed (???). Long story short - they warrantee(d) the repair & "properly" sealed the hole. Now I had purchased this car used from an out of state private, 2nd owner - so I'm sure there would have been no recourse if I was hammered for the full repair. Lesson learned for next time is to be wary of who & how the install is done.
The unit in my R63 is a beltronics with front & rear lazer jamming (i do not know the model) - I love it & believe it has helped. Also there is a very tiny button mounted (glued) to the side of my center console sort of between my (drivers) seat & the console. It is conveniently located so that my relaxed right arm (when not on the steering wheel) easily & inconspicuously touches it. So when the unit beeps too loud or when in town I silence it with the button. I imagine though it is really to turn off the lazer jamming so to avoid detection once activated.
I have the K40 in my 911 & it too I beleive has saved me. So I am not sure of the technical attributes of one unit over the other except I do love that little button in my R63.
Good luck
A
#20
06-22-2010, 07:06 AM
Beltronics unit in the R63 (see the silence button at the edge of the cup holder).
K40 detector installation in 911 (on / off light far left, indicator leds in center over steering column & volume, on off switch at lower right)...
(sorry for pic quality)
K40 detector installation in 911 (on / off light far left, indicator leds in center over steering column & volume, on off switch at lower right)...
(sorry for pic quality)
#21
06-22-2010, 09:16 AM
I've used a V1 for over 5 years (got the software updates along the way) and it's a fantastic radar detector- properly mounted it reads both ahead and behind and tracks multiple sources simultaneously. However, if you're speeding and the laser warning goes off, it's too late- your goose is cooked. Laser beams are focused beams of light, and unlike radar (radio waves), do not readily disperse when they hit their target. Therefor the likelihood of the detector going off because the guy ahead of you was clocked by laser is not very high. The only defense for laser is a shifter. It buys you some time to slow down before your speed is registered by the laser gun.
Personal experience ($ and points) has taught me the painful lesson about laser.
Personal experience ($ and points) has taught me the painful lesson about laser.
#22
06-22-2010, 12:15 PM
Former Vendor
We do quite a few Passport 9500ci installs here at the shop. In fact, here's one we've got going on today!
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post2883487
https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ml#post2883487
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