Internal photos of the ZR4 shifter heads!

[MEM-TEK]

I looked at a lot of ZR3 photos on the internet. Its obvious to me that the ZR4 front heads are smaller in width compared to the ZE3 front heads. The rear heads are the same size, but it is also obvious that the ZR3 used more LEDs in the rear head. I assume that the same is true regarding the front heads too.

I also noted that the ZR4 heads have small Amtel programmable processors in them. From what I've been told, the STi-R and 9500ci interface modules contain the actual firmware and that they automatically program all attached accessories when powering up. Based on this, I would guess that in order to update the ZR4 you would simply have to send in its interface module and that the reflashed interface module would then automatically program the heads every time the system is powered up. One thing that wouldn't work is to try updating the ZR4 system heads by temporarily plugging them into a 9500ci since, once the heads are plugged back into the ZR4 interface module, then the ZR4 interface module will reprogram the heads with its current firmware.

[Z1NONLY]

I now own both the ZR3 and the ZR4.

The jammer-head cases are different for sure.

[jimbonzzz]

Originally Posted by TSi+WRX

I can't seem to search up the old ZR3 head pix...... I wonder if Professor Jim might be able to assist on this one, as his search terminology may be more exact than mine?

From what I've seen, cracking one of my ZR3's front heads open, it looks VERY similar to the ZR4, grossly, in terms of the receiver construct as well as the rows of IR-LEDs - but, of course, there are undoubtedly circuit-board differences.....

ZR-3 head internals (credit goes to original poster).

To the naked eye, the most glaring difference in the ZR4 is a different micro (or different package).

[Z1NONLY]

Here is a side-by-side;


I see a lot of small differences. It may not have any more "power" in terms of light emitted, but the front half seems to have been re-engineered for sure.

[ahmadr]

Wow, thanks

Can we have some chip numbers memtek and jimbonzzz? esp. the microcontroller?

[MEM-TEK]

The laser detection circuitry definitely has been revised, and it appears that the circuitry to drive the IR emitter LEDs has been revised as well. I suspect that the IR emitter LEDs used in the ZR4 are more powerful as well.

[focalcivic]

I believe they are different, but forget about updates, you will have to buy a new unit, say the Zr5 lol.

But really this, begs the question, the LI will update for a nominal fee, who else does this, I know the LPP had issues and upgraded, but I am not sure how it was and how easy it was. Blinder will not upgrade, just buy a new one. so $429 times 2 there ya go.

So, if you take the dollar spent vs upgradablity, diode based jammers are still cheaper.

[TSi+WRX]

Thanks, The Professsor and [/b]MEM-TEK[/b], for your respective contributions.

Indeed, it does look like there are quite a bit of differences, and I would also agree with MEM-TEK's suspicions and speculations. I know, no real proof, but heck, it is a new and improved product, and I don't see why they wouldn't take those evolutionary steps.

And it's definitely good to hear that the ZR4's will be able to be updated, to maintain validity, as time goes on. That was one of my gripes with the ZR3.

Originally Posted by focalcivic

I believe they are different, but forget about updates, you will have to buy a new unit, say the Zr5 lol.

As a long-time owner of the ZR3, I can't help but agree and laugh (if albeit a little bitterly ) at the truth of this statement, but hopefully, what MEM-TEK has uncovered will make this a non-issue.

I guess all we can do is keep our collective fingers crossed.....

But really this, begs the question, the LI will update for a nominal fee, who else does this, I know the LPP had issues and upgraded, but I am not sure how it was and how easy it was.

LPP's issue with the 100 PPS UL was taken care of either for-free or for a very, very minimal fee. I think I paid $20, for two c'boxes - and that's only because I *wanted* to reimburse go.mouse. He was more than willing to send out the boxes, free-of-charge.

I think it'll be interesting to see what Escort does.

[MEM-TEK]

Updating the ZR4 by simply sending in its interface module is just speculation on my part. I will try to get a definitive answer though.

[TSi+WRX]

^ I think that your speculations, when they don't totally trip over the BS-Meter ( ), are as good as anything.

I think that until the day that Escort actually follows-through with an *actual* update for us to reflash, we'll all still wonder about this, even if they do promise us something.