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So we're all wrapped up with this project. Here are a few final photos followed by the entire build log and behind-the-scenes information. Thanks for checking it out!
The Build Log
This week we got a special visit from a fellow Rennlist member that drove his 2018 991.2 GTS from the Bay Area up to our shop in Portland, Oregon. This particular build called for what the client referred to as "best of breed" in both radar detection and laser defense. Knowing that, we decided that using Escort's new MAX CI radar detector along with a laser defense system from AntiLaser Priority was the right combination for the build. We also discussed making this system as "stealth" as possible given the legality of the laser technology in California. This is going to apply to both the controls and display inside the cabin as well as the external mounts for the radar laser. This build log is going to walk through the process from start to finish of what's involved at this level of execution. I'll try to take as many photos as possible along with a couple quick videos over the next week. We are expecting to have around 50 hours in the project, so it should be a fun time!
The Host
We started by getting her all wrapped up with some paint protection film to make sure we don't scuff or scratch any of the sensitive areas we're working with. Even found a green friend that came down from Washington to get a similar setup!
The Plan
The best equipment is a great starting point, but doesn't get us very far without a proper integration behind it. Placement of the exterior components is critical to performance – both in position and mounting location. The ALP Laser system performs exceptionally well, but must be configured properly to do so. For the front end of the car we'll be using a three-head setup. With the jammers we're using, each jammer must be within 24" of the next, and every one of them needs to be level with the road and parallel with the travel direction of the car +/- 3º horizontal and vertical. Here's the layout of the positioning:
This is going to be the best layout from a performance standpoint, but it also makes the heads more visible than we want for what should be a low-profile install. Because of that, we're going to be using a new technology that allows us to build a cover lens and housing for each laser head that completely hides the component and follows Porsche's natural design language. I'll touch more on that when we get into the exterior portion of the build, but get ready for some really innovative stuff! The rear end is still up in the air at this point until we get a bit more disassembly done, but the goal is to remake the small black strip below the wing to hide two or three jammers in one solid mounting system. The new Escort MAX CI has the ability to utilize a rear radar antenna for directional warnings, but both the front and rear receivers will be hidden under the plastic of the bumper since they don't require line-of-sight to perform well. They just can't pierce through metal or carbon fiber.
I'll keep this thread updated daily until we're done early next week, so stay tuned for more!
If I may ask, how much are you charging for this work? Don't you have to drill through the firewall to run the cables to the internal control module? Isn't laser jamming illegal?
Finally, if one lives in an area where aircraft is used to monitor speed, this will not be so useful? Just some questions. Where I live, NH, state police do use laser, unmarked cars and aircraft for monitoring speed on highways.
Agree, and according to the article below, Escort tends to blame the customer and not fess up that THEY might have a problem with their product. Interesting read:
If I may ask, how much are you charging for this work? Don't you have to drill through the firewall to run the cables to the internal control module? Isn't laser jamming illegal?
Finally, if one lives in an area where aircraft is used to monitor speed, this will not be so useful? Just some questions. Where I live, NH, state police do use laser, unmarked cars and aircraft for monitoring speed on highways.
Lots of good questions here, I'll answer them the best I can. For starters, we keep our client's investments confidential, so I can't share the overall cost with you. As for the laser jamming being illegal, it's state dependent. For us up here in Oregon, it's perfectly legal. California and 9 other states have local laws against the use of jamming, but the penalties are not severe. Here's an excerpt from our friend over at vortexradar.com:
Q: Are laser jammers legal?
A: They are legal in 40 out of the 50 states and are illegal in 10 including California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, & Washington D.C. The penalty for getting caught with a jammer is generally along the lines of a fix-it ticket, similar to having no front plate when you need one or window tint that’s too dark. No points, no insurance hikes. So the penalty for speeding is actually far worse than the penalty for having laser jammers. Check local laws of course, this is not legal advice, yada yada yada.
There is currently no defense against aircraft speed acquisition since they are just measuring time over distance as far as I know. Fortunately, aircraft accounts for less than 5% of what we'll encounter on the road in most jurisdictions.
Originally Posted by flickroll
Agree, and according to the article below, Escort tends to blame the customer and not fess up that THEY might have a problem with their product. Interesting read:
That article is a good explanation of why we use AntiLaser over the included ZR5 shifters from Escort. It's just unfortunate that Escort decided to kill the "radar-only" solutions they've had in the past under the Beltronics name.
Should have an update on the installation by this afternoon!
Looks great as always.
I went with ALP after Escort refused to answer my questions about the well documented problems with their diffusers. At the time, they shut down the tread about it on their community forums. I have been back to check recently.
it is too bad they don’t offer directional radar only.
Both the AntiLaser and Escort have a USB port for updating the software and making configuration edits. We want these to be easily accessible, but not out in the open. After looking through the car and tossing some ideas around, the factory USB input panel in the glove box seemed to be a proper fit. We started with a bit of interior disassembly and finally removal of that panel from the factory glove box.
The next step was to design our new panel. We decided that this was a great job for the laser to cut, so we sat down at the design station to map out all of the new elements. This requires a fair amount of micro measurements to make sure that every radius corner is correct and the overall dimensions will mimic the original part. Once the design is finished, we run a test piece through the system using a piece of MDF. The final assembly will be cast acrylic.
Once we had a good test piece made, we painted a piece of white acrylic and set it in the laser to cut the pattern for the final product. When that came out, the USB ports were fit to the face and a backing-plate system was mated to the assembly so it would mount in the car. The assembly sandwiches the piece into the factory location using machine hardware from the backside. Everything can go back to factory down the road with no impact on the original equipment.
NOTE: Factory PCM USB is on top. Laser below that. Radar on the bottom.
That's the last update for today. Should have more on the control surfaces tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Both the AntiLaser and Escort have a USB port for updating the software and making configuration edits. We want these to be easily accessible, but not out in the open. After looking through the car and tossing some ideas around, the factory USB input panel in the glove box seemed to be a proper fit. We started with a bit of interior disassembly and finally removal of that panel from the factory glove box.
The next step was to design our new panel. We decided that this was a great job for the laser to cut, so we sat down at the design station to map out all of the new elements. This requires a fair amount of micro measurements to make sure that every radius corner is correct and the overall dimensions will mimic the original part. Once the design is finished, we run a test piece through the system using a piece of MDF. The final assembly will be cast acrylic.
Once we had a good test piece made, we painted a piece of white acrylic and set it in the laser to cut the pattern for the final product. When that came out, the USB ports were fit to the face and a backing-plate system was mated to the assembly so it would mount in the car. The assembly sandwiches the piece into the factory location using machine hardware from the backside. Everything can go back to factory down the road with no impact on the original equipment.
NOTE: Factory PCM USB is on top. Laser below that. Radar on the bottom.
That's the last update for today. Should have more on the control surfaces tomorrow. Stay tuned!
Super impressed with the dedication to an integrated look. Laser/water cutting is awesome!
Question: How did you make the white labeling for a one-off custom piece like this? Screen print?
12-05-2017, 06:01 PM
991.2 GTS Custom Radar & Laser Detector Build Log - Musicar Northwest
