boolala

OK I've searched the forums, read the online reviews (and if there was a movie I would have seen that too) but I still have questions about radar detectors.

I've pretty much narrowed down my choice to either a windshield mount unit (Passport 8500 X50) or remote unit (K40).

Has anyone used the Passport direct wire smart cord to tap into the fuse box on the 911? Is it easy to route and conceal the wires? This is a less than $400 solution.

Is the rear mounted laser diffuser necessary with the K40? I'm getting various opinions about this as well as the need for a laser jammer at all. Are people with radar/laser detectors alone getting caught by laser because of lack of early warning? Front and rear detectors and laser jammers cost about $1900 installed.

WJS

Although I haven't seen my new p-car yet, I have an 8500 X50 with the ZR3 Laser Shifter (Jammer) being installed before I pick up the car this week.

While researching countermeasure options, I called Escort tech support. According to the technical representative with whom I spoke, their best protection is offered when using the combination of window-mount 8500 X50 with the ZR3 "Shifter" (Jammer)

The ZR3 has three "transponders". Two hidden near front plate and one in the rear. The ZR3 connects via a single wire to the 8500 X50 while also carrying the necessary 12v power. Until I spoke with their tech support, I was leaning towards the Escort SR7 detector with the ZR3 Jammer. The SR7 unit is very discreet, much like the K40. However, it is based on 8500 technology (Non X50), and as such does not protect against the newer "pop" radar guns.

I was hoping to avoid the suction-cup option, but I've justified this knowing that I can now use my 8500 X50 in my other vehicles. It was also about $500 cheaper than the SR7 w/ ZR3 option.

Originally, I liked the notion of the K40, as it is so well hidden, but most of the reports I read placed it below the 8500 X50 and ZR3 as far as protection. So, you have to decide which is the most important factor for you. Lack of clutter or protection?

robbonds

get the v1 and hard wire

i went through the same thing - get the v1

allegretto

Last week I installed the K-40 Calibre w/ laser diffusers F&R.

The radar detection is great, it mounts behind your plastic bumpers F&R and has no signature so the radar detector-detectors cant see it and the receivers are protected.

As I wrote in an earlier thread, there is no such thing as a consumer laser "jammer" however you can passivly diffuse it to prevent too strong a signal from going back so they can detect you...maybe. But you must install the diffusers to get the laser detectors.

Anyway, I had them mount the led's in the base of the A-pillar so that they are virtually at eye-level and I dont take my eyes off the road. In fact at night I get a cute heads-up like reflection off the windshield.

No cords, no wiring thru the firewall and taking apart the dash. I like it a lot, very discreet.

zumaron

Hardwire to the interior light above the rear veiw mirror. it's a very short run and you've got a hot wire (brown/white) and ground (brown/brown). I used the 3M inline connectors --simple, clean, and it works.

Here's the DIY thread for hardwiring the radar detector in a Cab with self-dimming mirrors and a Coupe with standard mirrors.

https://rennlist.com/forums/showthre...0&page=1&pp=15

MichaelL

I also have a Calibre K40 with F & R laser diffusers. The LED indicators are installed alongside the tach. Very bright & immediately visible on activation. The only components that can be seen are the laser diffusers at the top of the license plates. The remote control fits in the ashtray. About $2300 w/ 8.5% tax. At high speed with the top down, the audio is hard to hear, but the lights flash pretty bright. It has saved me from being papered 3 times already, so it has paid for itself. The true cost is not the DMV, it is the insurance company punishing you for years thereafter.

allegretto

I bought it from your rec. I found a place in Chicago that did the whole thing for ~ $1800 w/tax

Not to mention loosing time going to TC and driving rehab as a sentence that someone like me might get even with a lawyer.

Putt-Putt

My car came with the K40 front and rear with laser diffuser. It saved me twice, but was late to warn me. Got V1 windshield mount, thinking it was the best one. Now I've got two in my car.

To my surprise I found the K40 is better, much better. Primarily due to it's filtering ability and differing tones for false alarms.

I also learned that my K40 is mounted wrong, in the air intake, instead of the higher lic plate level mount. I plan to get that adjusted and then just toss the V1 into my wifes LR3.

The installers at signature audio in Scottsdale (very professional) confirmed that the V1 is the Corvette and the K40 is the Ferrari of radar detectors. Now, I don't know how credible they are, considering they don't sell V1's, but so far, it's been my experience that they're right.

Go K40 and yes, the rear is required. Why be semi-protected?

gr8330

Just got back from a little vacation and my V1 saved me twice on the way their and once on the way home