AVB-AMG

I have had the professionally-installed stealth K40 CALIBRE Bluetooth radar detector / laser detector/jammer in my 2007 ML63 AMG for 18 months and have decided to remove it and have a new remote ESCORT 9500ci radar detector / laser detector/jammer professionally installed. After having had both the earlier generation K40 hard-wired system on my earlier 2004 BMW X5 4.4i I had decided to upgrade to the Bluetooth K40 CALIBRE system for the ML. While I have not had any tickets since I have owned the K40 I have become very frustrated with the high number of laser false alarms, (due most likely to the power being drawn from a very fluctuating electrical circuit in the ML), the frequent X-band false alarms (which I can’t do anything about since the state police in my state still use that band for most of their radar), and finally, now having experienced my second failure of the front radar detector unit. The 1st one was replaced at no cost to me under the 1-year warrantee. But now that it has happened for a second time, rendering the entire system inoperable, makes me realize that there must be a quality control problem with K40 and is inexcusable IMO for such an expensive system.

Also, an important fact that I have learned is that detection and jamming of laser is better accomplished by the use of two front-mounted transceivers instead of one. Both the BEL and Escort systems, as well as other newer top-of-the-line units use two transceivers while the K40 Caliber system still only uses one.

I believe that most state police departments are migrating and upgrading to the use of laser as they can afford to, phasing out their radar units. Also, I agree with this review that 95% of the speed traps use radar and laser aimed at oncoming traffic as opposed to a patrol car running up on you from behind. Therefore the superior advantage of the rear detector sensitivity on the K40 system is not that important. Finally, being able to understand the frequency and thus the type of radar being detected is a real advantage that both the BEL and Escort systems afford. The K40 premise that their clients don't want to have too much "stuff" cluttering their vehicles dashboard may be true, but their systems greater vulnerability to laser aimed at a headlight area instead of the front license plate, especially on a large SUV, could mean the difference of an expensive (both $ & points) ticket.

I could have my malfunctioning K40 CALIBRE system repaired but would still have to endure the other annoying issues. So I am going to have it removed and replaced with the ESCORT 9500ci. in the next couple of weeks.

Of the current (Jan. 2009), options for concealed/stealth radar and laser detectors w/laser jamming, referred to by the different manufacturers as either "blocking/shifting/diffusing", I think that the ESCORT 9500ci is the current state-of-the art system. While other systems can achieve similar results I am comfortable with an established company like ESCORT that is highly regarded in their field and will stand behind their products. I like the Escort’s ability to incorporate the GPS capability to add warnings for traffic light cameras, another increasing threat in many locations. I also appreciate its ability to automatically “learn” where false alarms are generated/located and will store those locations in its memory to prevent future false alarms. While not as “stealth” as the K40, from what I have read, heard and seen, it is far more sophisticated, accurate, powerful and dependable. When we are paying around $1,800 - $2,000 for the electronics hardware + installation for these type of systems, I for one want to make sure that I have selected the best current technology. The 8/06/08 comparison test results from the website RADARTEST.COM that performed a head-2-head test between the K40 CALIBER vs. ESCORT 9500ci has convinced me that my money will be better spent on the later one. You can read this test for yourselves at:

http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleid=100584

Some Background / History Info:

While it is quite expensive, I have always liked the concept of the K40 CALIBRE radar and laser protection system. In the summer of 2007, the test results I had read on the web indicated that it was one of the best systems available at that time:

http://k40.com/images/pdf/reviews/SML_2005_TEST.pdf

One unknown issue to me then was whether or not the Bluetooth wireless connections would interfere with or be interfered with by the M-B hands-free, voice-activated Bluetooth cell phone system or the front park control radar. I am glad to report that I have not experienced either of those possible problems. I had the K40 blue indicator lights installed inside the white plastic sleeves of the directional blinkers behind the instrument cluster. They blink blue with the left blinker for front radar detection and right blinker for rear radar detection and both at once for laser in either direction. The small audio speaker is mounted under the dash. the entire system has a wireless Bluetooth remote control unit that is used to turn the system on/off, change modes, etc. and can easily fit in the ML's pull out try in the dash central console. This type of installation is considered the most "stealth" and least disruptive on the vehicle's interior.

K40 also offers a second option of two surface-mounted hard-wired matte black colored "pods" that are a combination red LED light and small speaker. This option, while not as "stealth" as the first method, is quite subtle and probably is the preferable installation method for a leased vehicle. I had the hardwired K40 radar/laser detector/diffuser system with the surface-mounted "pods" mounted on the horizontal shelf area of the instrument cluster on my '04 BMW X5 4.4i (Full Aero Kit, Sport Pkg.). The radar detectors worked quite well, but the laser diffuser was priceless! The entire system also uses advanced technology to make it invisible to most radar detector detectors used by most law enforcement agencies. It worked quite well and saved me many $$$ and points on many occasions, easily paying for itself. The best experience I had was while driving south on US Rt. 13 on Maryland's eastern shore. A Maryland State Police speed trap using Laser "zapped" me as I was cruising around 80 mph. As we know, laser detectors are worthless since the just light up like a Christmas tree, screeching away, essentially saying "you’re busted!" The K40 laser diffuser apparently effectively did what it is advertised to do and caused a "non-reading" on the trooper's laser gun. As I slowed down to a speed of approx. 60 mph and approached the troopers, the one holding the laser gun kept aiming it at me then turning it sideways, looking rather quizzically at it, doing this several times, as I drove past trying as hard as I could to suppress a smile. My wife sarcastically said then that I was one lucky x*#@!, as we continued our trip southward.....

I hope this extremely long-winded sharing of my experience helps all of you make your selection of a system that works for you.

AVB-AMG

philfna

How much for the Escort?

UK-C200

$1500 usd sorta range. Google is your friend.

jbondox

AVb AMG, though I would be upset with K40 having issues with the Calibre wireless system, that is the only thing that I can agree with you upon your whole post. I don't want a start a who's better or anything like that as it has been played out... but your post is a very well written post of mis-information and seems it is based on reading other peoples BS opinions. I have experience with both systems, and Rob13572468 can back that claim up... as he is more respected here than I, they are equal in detection and I trust the K40's diffusers over the escorts. on a ML, you would always run 2, hell I recommend 2 for the S class while the C, CLK, E, SLk, SLR, SL can get away with one. the beam technology of the police lasers is getting pretty small and they can walk the beam across the car without setting off the detectors, but they normally do that after the first time the laser is jammed.

The police here run around with their Radar units on, so rear detection is nice as they like to sneak up on everyone. the escort lacks that feature and is a huge inconvenience to anyone paying the premium price of either of these 2 units.

again I have huge amounts of experience with both K40 is the simplistic of both and allows you to drive more ergonomically than the Escort which is way too busy

AVB-AMG

For the record, I respect jbondox's opinion but realize that we disagree on several points on this topic. My opinion is based on my factual experience and is not "misinformation" nor "reading others BS opinions". Essentially, jbondox considers the Escort 9500ci as "too busy", whereas I do not. He prefers the simplicity of the K40 system and I will agree that it is just that as well as certainly the most stealth system currently available. Unfortunately, my experience with two K40 systems included very annoying false alarms that my current Escort 9500ci does not have. Those of you interested in these two excellent systems should be aware of both jbondox's and my experiences with them and make your own informed and educated choice. Either one of these expensive systems will give you added valuable alerts to avoid tickets.

For others in this forum who are interested in this topic, I will repeat some of my previous posts from last fall where Jbondox and I, along with some others discussed this issue in the ML forum.

First, a couple of questions for you jbondox. I don't know if you have answers to them or for that matter if anyone else reading this does....:

1. When do you think Escort will upgrade their laser diffusers?
2. When will K40 come out with an updateable database/GPS system to compete with Escort?
3. Do you have experience with the VEIL liquid coating for the acrylic headlight and running light lenses to make them less "visible/detectable" by Laser speed detection devices?

Here are my previous, rather lengthy and in-depth posts for anyone interested in the nitty-gritty details and nuances of the differences between these two very good, yet very different systems:

Escort 9500ci - UPDATE (11-18-2009)

More "Point / Counter Point" Clairifications

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ok, at the risk of blathering on, let me dive in here some more to offer some clarifications to my earlier comments regarding my observations, experiences and opinions and to add to the ongoing debate between Mr. Radarguy and jbondox on the comparison btwn. the Escort and K40 systems: (Mr. Raydarguy's comments to my original post are in red colored type, followed by my clarifications in blue colored italicized type).


Originally Posted by AVB-AMG
Since I started this thread topic and have read all of the various factual and conjecture comments associated with the various radar detector / laser shifting systems, I though it would be good to weigh back in on my ongoing experience. Having had a new Escort Passport 9500ci system professionally installed into my 2007 M-B ML63 AMG back in January 2009, replacing my previous installed K40 Caliper system, this has been my actual road-going experience:

I am very pleased to say that the Escort system has so far worked as advertised. From my previous experience with both the hardwired and wireless K40 systems that were installed in this and a previous vehicle, I can attest that the Escort system is far superior. By that I mean the following:

1. While not measured to the level of precision of professional testing, I believe the radar detection range of my Escort system is more sensitive, providing an early warning by approx. an additional 1/3 distance. That is based on my passing known/established speed traps ( Speed Boxes or an Actual Police Officer? ) and where/when the Escort system would first alert me, compared to the point where the previous K40 system would register an alert. Again, good feedback but way to many variables to determine a TRUE measure of detection!

Clarification: Both Speed Boxes and actual LEO's in parked police vehicles using radar (X, K and Ka bands). Over the past ten years I have been making an approx. 8 hour drive thru five (5) states to go to our beach house, using the same route. Therefore I am very familiar with the usual locations of speed traps and know where the two previous K40 systems would begin to their alerts. BTW, the first K40 system was the hard-wired version with the EX laser shifters, purchased in 2001 and installed in my '01 BMW X5 and then reinstalled in my '04 BMW X5. The second K40 was the wireless CALIBER system with radar detectors and EX2 laser shifters front and rear, installed in my M-B ML63 AMG in the summer of 2007. Once I had the K40 system removed and replaced with the Escort 9500ci system I was pleasantly surprised by the earlier warning to radar at these "usual" locations. By earlier, I mean by about 15-20 seconds. Plenty of warning time to make sure my vehicles speed is what I need it to be. As far as I am concerned this is the real TRUE measure of detection that really matters. Again, this is my experience, demonstrating that the main purpose of these systems in providing as early a warning to radar ahead, has proven to me that the Escort system works better than the K40.

2. I have been subjected to numerous laser detection incidents and have had time to slow down enough to not have any officer using that detection method pulling me over. I have no idea how long the Escort system is causing a "JTG" register to the officer's laser gun but so far in approx. 5-6 incidents, it has prevented me from getting a speeding ticket.

Clarification: To be fair, with regard to Laser detection/jamming, my experience with the K40 systems was the same as with the Escort and have no way of knowing which system may possibly provide earlier laser detection. My gut instinct and reaction when any of these systems would alert me to laser would be to immediately slow done, first by taking my foot off of the gas pedal and secondly, if I had been using the Cruise Control, to decelerate the vehicle without using the brakes, which would provide the tell-tale brake lights that might let the LEO know that I knew I was possibly exceeding the posted speed limit. Of course, if I was/am totally caught by surprise and am truly driving much faster than everyone around me or much faster than I really should be (), then I would instinctively mash on the brakes, hoping that my rate of deceleration would prevent the laser speed detector of locking onto my speed,(probably just ignorant wishful thinking.....). Alas, I have yet to receive a speeding ticket while using any of these three systems in my vehicles.

3. The GPS capability with speed trap and red light camera location database has been very helpful, especially when I am traveling on an unfamiliar road. It provides a "heads up" far enough in advance to allow me to make sure I do not try to make it thru a yellow light and risk a ticket. Can I ask how this feature helps preventing speeding tickets? This feature for me sounds to be more of an annoyance, not to mention 99.9% of people are very familiar already with knowing where stop lights are, you know those big polls with Red, Yellow and Greens light hanging off of them!

Clarification: I never said that the red light camera location feature would prevent speeding tickets. Once while driving in one of those 5 states on my long trip in the X5 with the K40 Caliber system installed, I did what many drivers do.... I sped up when approaching an intersection when the traffic light just switched from green to yellow. About a month later I received a notice in the mail with a remarkably good photograph of my BMW from the rear with my license plate number and state clearly visible, along with a "request" from the county for a fine of $45 for running a red light, (that was also visible in the photo...). What the Escort's red-light database does for me is provide enough advance warning to that specific situation to allow me to make sure I don't foolishly try to "beat" the light. It is safer and less costly in fines and possible traffic accidents. It is essentially similar to my wife's warning that "I will be sorry if I ............"
Yes, on a regular commute or trip on known roads you will be familiar where the camera locations are. That is not the point here. The value to me an many others is that red light cameras are one of the fastest growing revenue generators for many towns, cities and counties. They are sprouting up everywhere. So you may think you know where they are but then may have a rude awakening of a recently installed new camera that catches you doing something stupid.

4. The enormous amount of false alarms I had with both of the K40 systems is ancient history, providing me with a much more pleasant ride without those most annoying unnecessary disruptions. The experiences I have had with the K40 RD, I would have to say the opposite, there system is one of the quitter ones. How old was the ones you had? And you say you have a pleasant ride without the annoying UNNECESSARY disruptions, how is that...... The Escort 9500ci RD is extremely busy hence giving you feedback of almost EVERYTHING, this to me is annoying. I can honestly say I heard from the 9500ci every 3 seconds, that my friend is NOT a pleasant ride.

Clarification: One of the features that I really appreciate about the Escort 9500ci system is that when you drive by a radar that triggers a false alarm, such as a retail stores burglar alarm system, you can either manually set the system to ignore it or drive by it 3 times and it will automatically recognize it as a false alarm and will no longer sound an alert. What you will continue to see if you have mounted the little display unit where you can constantly see it, is that the little satellite icon will start to revolve. Interesting, but thankfully quiet.... Also, I would resort to just turning off the K40 systems if I was driving in a city or suburbs due to the many false alarms, whereas I can now keep the Escort system on. The K40's so-called "City" mode just disabled the recognition of the X-band. Since I live in NJ where the local and state police still use X-band radar units, the K40's City mode would make the system completely useless.

5. The fact that I can update the red light database from the web on a regular basis, primarily just before embarking on a long trip, has been very reassuring that I have the latest information. Again great feedback but a useless feature.

Clarification: The fact that the Escort system has an updateable database feature integrated into the 9500ci is very appealing to me. With the ever-expanding GPS locations of the newly installed cameras around the country this is a very important feature making this much more than just a radar detector/laser detector/jammer. Escort emails me on a weekly basis the link to their web site to give me access to the database updates. They indicate which states the updates are applicable to. Also, you don't need to install each and every update. I agree that would be a royal PITA. All you need to do is install the most recent update since it has all of the new information of all of the previous updates combined into it. I typically only update the database in my ML63 when I am about to go on my usual long trip to the beach or another long trip to an area that I do not usually drive. Again, there is definite value in this feature for me.

6. The one negative on the Escort system is that I do miss the true stealth installation within the dashboard that I had with the K40 system. But the added information in the Escort's small display module is helpful at times, alerting me to my current speed when it detects radar and the closing distance to the red light camera.

7. One last thing, we did not have to remove either the front or rear bumper to do a proper, mfgr.-recommended installation. Thats because Escort themselves recommend to install there radar receivers behind anything, very attractive on the outside of a $100,000 MB

Clarification: The installation of my Escort 9500ci is not readily visible front or rear. That is due to the ability to locate the radar detector behind the plastic mesh grill in the front, the two laser diffusers in the front grille under horizontal grille slats that are black plastic, allowing for a clear, unobstructed exposure, and in the rear adjacent to the trailer hitch and visually hiden by deep shadow. Any installation of any of these units that would make them clearly visible is unacceptable to me and I would guess for most other drivers. The main idea of these concealed systems is to make them essentially stealth, unlike the dash/windshield mounting location of the portable units, as well as the license plate frame laser diffuser combination on the K40 system.

While no system is perfect and they all have their drawbacks, I do like this Escort 9500ci system the best so far. Hope this helps all of you who are trying to make the most educated choice based on other people's real life driving experiences, vs. the various tests that seem to have quite a few "qualifiers" and apparent biases that may possibly compromise their real and complete accuracy and hence value. Ultimately, having one of these systems is much better and preferable to me than having a visible and distracting (cluttered), dash/windshield mounted unit with power cord, let alone driving blind without any form of detector. Best of luck in whatever your choice is.

AVB-AMG


[Very good feedback, as any person has ( there freedom to of choice ) I think the best thing said was no system is perfect but they certainly all have something to offer for each driver. And yes feedback from actual drivers who have a RD in there vehicle is good, there are WAY too many variables to give a accurate assessment of how any system works. Most people would say something very different about a RD having good sensitivity, this too me means A LOT OF FALSING, because the two go hand in hand. I personally look for a good mixture of selectivity and sensitivity and ANY RD will give enough time to slow down when radar is in use. ]

I will be curious to see what the next generation of the K40 Radar Detector / Laser Detector/Diffuser system will be like and what new and/or improved features they will include. Will it incorporate a GPS, updateable database for red light cameras and the even newer radar/speed cameras? Or will they continue with the CALIBRE system for a couple of more years? I hope to see something more competitive and comparable to Escorts 9500ci. We the consumers who value these systems want to see the competition between the mfgrs. to continue in order to force them to improve their products where we ultimately benefit. I rationalize these systems as an investment that pays for itself in lower auto insurance premiums, let alone the cost of traffic tickets, for those of us who find it very challenging to stay at or close to the posted speed limits on highways when and where the traffic and weather conditions permit a bit more speed. Stay tuned.....

AVB-AMG


(jbondox: feel free to repost any of your comments, thoughts, etc...)

jbondox

[QUOTE]1. When do you think Escort will upgrade their laser diffusers?
2. When will K40 come out with an updateable database/GPS system to compete with Escort?
3. Do you have experience with the VEIL liquid coating for the acrylic headlight and running light lenses to make them less "visible/detectable" by Laser speed detection devices?/QUOTE]

escort just updated them last year or the year before, I forget as last week was really last month as my wife points out

the updated version of GPS add on should be out already or on the way, I forget, and to be honest I have a huge project that I have been preoccupied with for the past month or so

no to the third question, but referencing my physics days, I would think short of a black hole that it would be impossible unless it is crystallized material that bends it every way but back, though I doubt that



Also I want to clarify, the K40 calibre wireless (can't call it Bluetooth because of patent laws) has had issues with dropping sensors, and there is no way in the world of knowing it to the driver of the vehicle unless of course you are getting pulled over

the new hardwire calibre system fixes that issue and also reports back errors on the sensors, trust me I complained more than any single consumer out there. so basically it is a cross between the older 2000 system and the calibre


also a fair mention, and a 411... escort made the K40 sensors and that is really about all i can get into about that

further K40 has a better warranty and are the only real established USA company that puts their money where their mouth is, as if you get a ticket within the first year they will pay for it

besides that I would be reliving that old horse which was road hard and beat to death

I like the 9500ci, but way too much crap going on, I hate to be side tracked especially by the a radar detector, and the 9500 always has me guessing why it did or did not go off and focusing more on the radar unit...

I respect the time and effort you put into this I really do, and I apologize for coming off harsh, just been slaving lately and sleep deprived... but from your previous post (ML), you can see where I laid into K40, I am not biased... here for consumers as I am also one, I just done over 100 of them combined and know what works and doesn't... plus we R&D'd placement and tested thoroughly the gear with the cops.

I also want to say that K40 has gone out of their way to fix issues, a lady named Holley is the person to ask for... the tech guy doesn't seem to want to be bothered nor does he seem to want to explain the reasons for the issues. I will honestly say, if it wasn't for her I would of walked a long time ago...

AVB-AMG

jbondox:

Your points are well taken.....
Thank you for your time and effort for sharing your experiences as both an installer of these systems and a consumer.
Good luck on successfully completing your huge project
We both should be sound asleep at these early morning hours instead of writing our MBWorld forum posts.

AVB-AMG

jbondox

LOL

Sleep? I don't even know what that is anymore...

rob13572468

And by stealth you mean this?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOA34O8fjD4

Also available for the K40...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKAL7_is8PE

AVB-AMG

Rob:

Thank you for posting the videos of the Escort 9500ci information display integrated into the existing M-B ML dashboard instrument cluster. I have to say I am very impressed!
You and Mid City Engineering have accomplished a true, clean and elegant "stealth" installation, what I have truly been missing by switching from the K40 system to the Escort 9500ci, up until now. I am very interested in having that upgrade performed on my ML63. So here are some questions.

1. With my already having the Escort 9500ci installed on my vehicle what would be the cost to perform this display upgrade?

2. How long does the project take?

3. I live in NJ so would I have to come to Chicago for you to perform the work or is there an easier, closer solution that you can suggest?

4. What is the warranty time frame for your work?

5. Do I loose any functionality of my current digital read out in the instrument cluster by your adding this feature?

Thank you for your help with this.
(Feel free to contact me via email if you prefer....)

AVB-AMG

weinschela

I had a K40 Calibre wireless in my 08 E550 (dealer installed) and after two years of frustration pulled it out and had a 9500ci installed. The K40 never functioned properly even after replacement of the front sensor twice (once free under warranty; K40 provided the part the second time but I had to pay for labor).

It just would not warn in enough time to be meaningful. So I ran a direct comparison test this way: In July last year we got a E350 wagon for my wife. I had a 9500ci installed in it. I then drove both cars to a street where there is a speed warning sign that reads out speed. It uses KA band. I drove both cars sequentially on the same route to compare when the detector first signaled. The K40 was about 50 yards (on the third and new front sensor); the 9500ci was about 1/2 mile (I am guesstimating both). I then had the K40 removed and am quite happy with the 9500ci. Yes, there is a small display and it is not integrated into the dash, but the display is quite small (sits behind my registration/inspection stickers). There is also a small control panel in my ashtray and it provides the ability to control the display and immediately mute alarms, which is functionality that the K40 does not provide (the mute through the wireless is not immediate). After having the 9500ci since September 09, the really nice thing is it has remembered the false alarms on my regular routes and when it goes off I pretty much know there is an issue.

It is possible I just had bad luck with the K40, but my personal experience is that the Escort is superior. Just my two cents, for what it is worth.

rob13572468

The vehicle cluster is unchanged from normal: it will display all the normal audio messaging but the 9500 will break in when it needs to display something.

The display converter module is plug-and-play; it plugs into the existing control and display ports on the 9500 module as well as the vehicle network so it can be added to your existing system without issue. Typical installation time is 2 hours or so and the warranty is 1 year on the module.

We can set you up with a local dealer to do the installation of the product if you like, feel free to call our offices at 312.421.1114 and we can get you any other info you need...

Mr.Radarguy

If you are looking for a radar that is consealed I would reccommend the K40 Calibre, request the hardwired version then pair that up with the EX2 Laser defuser. With a 3 year product warranty and a 1 year speeding ticket guarantee that would be the best available.

Mr.Radarguy

[quote=weinschela;3987301]I had a K40 Calibre wireless in my 08 E550 (dealer installed) and after two years of frustration pulled it out and had a 9500ci installed. The K40 never functioned properly even after replacement of the front sensor twice (once free under warranty; K40 provided the part the second time but I had to pay for labor).

The only reason you should have paid for labor is if your system was out of warranty or you took it to a different dealer who did not do the original install.

It just would not warn in enough time to be meaningful. So I ran a direct comparison test this way: In July last year we got a E350 wagon for my wife. I had a 9500ci installed in it. I then drove both cars to a street where there is a speed warning sign that reads out speed. It uses KA band. I drove both cars sequentially on the same route to compare when the detector first signaled. The K40 was about 50 yards (on the third and new front sensor); the 9500ci was about 1/2 mile (I am guesstimating both).
Valid effort but no way to test ANY radar. First off those " Speed Boxes " use radar guns that have not been properly calibrated since they were built. Youcould drive by and not have your radar go off at ALL !

Just an FYI " Not a Valid Test Method "

weinschela

[QUOTE=Mr.Radarguy;4078301]Dear Mr Radarguy: Yes it was out of warranty. The first unit was installed by my dealer. The rep;acement front was also installed by my dealer. I went to an installer specifically recommended by K40, willing to pay to get it right. K40 was courteous throughout. I have no issue with their attitude. Just with their product. Maybe not "valid method" but good enough for me. 150 feet of warning is just plain inadequate. I had an older K40 some years ago and was not happy and should have known better. On the earlier unit I put in a V1 so that both units were operating simultaneously. The V1 detected at much greater distance than the K40.

Maybe this is not "scientific" but the experience people have with products is what these forums are all about, and I felt obligated to report my personal experience. Anyone reading this can give any weight they would like to my report, or no weight. And if it is not scientific, then it is my opinion, based on my experience, that the 9500ci is significantly superior to the K40.

Mr.Radarguy

[quote=weinschela;4080502][quote=Mr.Radarguy;4078301]

Dear Mr Radarguy: Yes it was out of warranty. The first unit was installed by my dealer. The rep;acement front was also installed by my dealer. I went to an installer specifically recommended by K40, willing to pay to get it right. K40 was courteous throughout. I have no issue with their attitude. Just with their product. Maybe not "valid method" but good enough for me. 150 feet of warning is just plain inadequate. I had an older K40 some years ago and was not happy and should have known better. On the earlier unit I put in a V1 so that both units were operating simultaneously. The V1 detected at much greater distance than the K40.

I understand it is your opinion but that is exactly what is wrong, to get a true and accurate result you must test any radar how they were tested when initially mfg. Which is an open road test with mile marker cones. The fact that you ran two radar simutaneously in you car and that was the extent of your testing then to give feedback on which radar operated better is false information whether it is your opinion or not it is still not accurate.

Maybe this is not "scientific" but the experience people have with products is what these forums are all about, and I felt obligated to report my personal experience.

I agree that is what this forum and that may have been your experience but people should also know the information you gather was from inaccurate and not PROFESSIONAL way radar are tested and or reviewed.

jbondox

how much radar technology has changed over the years? not much. but a receiver built by escort for K40 will always under perform a receiver built by escort for escort glad to hear that K40 will have someone else building them...

and a side note, I did a Range Rover for a friend not to long ago, and his other rich buddy was commenting on what a turd the K40 is... well seeing it was properly installed, the guy was more than happy with it and couldn't believe how well it performed. I also did an escort 9500ci for someone out of state on his vehicle and he is very happy also. the reason the 9500ci over the k40 is because of the integration with the midcity piece with his Distronic Plus, though his other S class is K40. Since he got it, he loves the red light camera feature and the GPS anti falsing, not to mention when I tested it, the speed traps report on the cluster


It boils down to installation, you can have the best gear, sub par install and yield crap results.

you cant argue with physics either, so all the guys hiding the defusers behind objects, such as the grill mesh... are going to get crap for protection and will inherit a ticket

my professional opinion...

and if K40 was a bit more willing to educate their dealers, build a better manual with real world "what to expect scenario's" I am sure they will be at the top again. also take it out of the hands of these stupid **** kids on youtube with laser gun...

Mr.Radarguy

Because of the integration from Mid-City? Who's radar do you think the Integration was built around....K40's Just to be clear to everyone the Integration for MBZ will work with either the K40 or Escort radar. I love how people say K40's radar is crap....... and how Escort radar is better but yet you said it yourself Escort built the K40 recievers for them, so how does that make any sense? Thats like saying the Escort is crap, bottom line is this whether you have a radar that detects 5 miles or 3 miles either is MORE then enough time to slow down, I will still put K40 over Escorts bells and whistles because of the fact they will always provide more protection by incorporating a rear receiver giving you directional awareness of where the threat is coming from, Escort can't and never will be able to provide that. Buying a radar is not about whether it has power doors or back up cameras, its about PROTECTION. I personally will always buy a radar that gives more protection then a radar that tells me a construction site is approaching.

Mr.Radarguy

Also just FYI in the radar industry, The bells and whistle in the Escort/Passport radar incorporating the GPS database for speed, redlight cameras will soon be obsolete and not needed. As with the state of Arizona ( The state that started the domino effect with the speed / redlight cameras ) will be taking all of them down this year ! When they put them up all other states followed suite and will soon follow suite and take them down as well. Interesting read below;

http://www.thenewspaper.com/news/31/3131.asp

jbondox

never said the K40 was crap, just to let you know.

and the fact that the way the k40 is made, as with the navtv interface, you will get a laser indication if you have both a front and rear warning going off the same time, I am sure if rob really was to pursue it, and K40 was going to invest into a real world integration, that K40 will have to pay them some change to do it right. or worth their while... now you can say that k40 has a solution for distronic+ but eliminating the K-band is far from a real solution. Then I am sure you will say that the D+ filter they use on the escort doesn't work, which I will have to say that it works with the local police here as I have tested it, and tested it, and retested it

jbondox

Meanwhile why you hope/assume all the other states are following suite... tickets are still being issued. We will hold our breath

jbondox

And the rear radar comment, do you not think that Escort can add a rear receiver if they wanted to? PALEEZE...

the valentine does a pretty good job with the radar, and with the recent upgrades (software) has been doing a great job, however... at the end of the day it is just a radar detector with a ghetto stupid remote mount band-aid. if it had integrated counter-measures for laser, which is not 3rd party, then they would have some serious credibility (my judging criteria)

The K40 is nice as it is not bells and whistles and ease of use, especially now since they introduced the hardwired version of the calibre. However everything has room for improvement, and with technology improving on a minute basis, I am sure there could be a few upgrades to the K40.

and to clarify, since it seems you misread it again, I was stating that the escort building the K40 receivers... was a jab to all the escort bandwagoneers and K40 haters...

Mr.Radarguy

I do not hope or assume anything, simply information.

Mr.Radarguy

I agree there is always room for improvement for any radar and it comes down to choice for any driver. I have a feeling K40 will come out with something great again.

Oh and by the way, Escort can't incorporate a rear reciever the patient is still held by K40..... FYI Meanwhile they continue to market there system as " front and rear " which it is but only with Laser not radar.

jbondox

they can easily add 2 receivers to the front, and if the installer turns it around... then it is rear.

and if it was a huge issue or if K40 had a leg to stand on... then it would be in court... correct? otherwise it is the same ol he said she said crap... but then again some of the k40 lit still says bluetooth :cough: :choke:

and is this like the laser the patent k40 has??? dude that was the biggest joke when I heard it was the laser mounted in the license plate frame