Service?

**MaximusHQ** · 02-29-2008, 03:19 PM

Hello, I have a 8500 X50 Red that I have used for about 3 years now and I really like it. But, the on/off and volume wheel switch seems to be worn out and doesn't make the click that it should when you turn it on/off. Although I can still turn it on I am worried it will get worse. Is it likely to be worth it to send in for service or should I think of replacement. A few times I have gotten the message saying it needed service, but I chalked that up to the summer heat and overall it has worked great. Can the firmware or software version be updated on my unit if sent in so that I have the latest version? Thanks

**Esoterica** · 02-29-2008, 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by MaximusHQ

Hello, I have a 8500 X50 Red that I have used for about 3 years now and I really like it. But, the on/off and volume wheel switch seems to be worn out and doesn't make the click that it should when you turn it on/off. Although I can still turn it on I am worried it will get worse. Is it likely to be worth it to send in for service or should I think of replacement. A few times I have gotten the message saying it needed service, but I chalked that up to the summer heat and overall it has worked great. Can the firmware or software version be updated on my unit if sent in so that I have the latest version? Thanks

That click you hear, or now don't hear being now gone will not have any effect what so ever on your detector. Its just a mechanical piece in there intended only to give you the feel and click sound.

The only problem you may have as a reult of this is under heavy vibration or bouncing (speed bumps, dirt "wash board" roads maybe) allowing the switch to move on its own. As long as this hasn't been a problem for you, and the switch even still feels a little stiff you'll be fine, its no indicator that anything else is wrong. It has no effect what so ever on operation.

**MEM-TEK** · 02-29-2008, 03:48 PM

It is nice to hear that your 3 year old X50 has served you well. Sounds like you have an X50 with the S7 horn. Yes, Escort can and will update its firmware to the latest version before the S7 platform was discontinued over a year ago. With that you will be good to go for another year or two. They can also replace the aging off-on/volume knob. The question is, would you prefer to pay for these fixes plus shipping or instead put that money towards maybe a 9500i which has more features plus better Ka sensitivity? Escort is currently offering trade-ins on radar detectors. They offer an $80 dollar trade-in value for any current Escort RD. Since the model name 8500 X50 (and even the earlier 8500 non-X50) are considered to be "current" by Escort, then you can get $80 off either a brand new X50 or 9500i.

**rose1** · 02-29-2008, 04:20 PM

Originally Posted by MEM-TEK

It is nice to hear that your 3 year old X50 has served you well. Sounds like you have an X50 with the S7 horn. Yes, Escort can and will update its firmware to the latest version before the S7 platform was discontinued over a year ago. With that you will be good to go for another year or two. They can also replace the aging off-on/volume knob. The question is, would you prefer to pay for these fixes plus shipping or instead put that money towards maybe a 9500i which has more features plus better Ka sensitivity? Escort is currently offering trade-ins on radar detectors. They offer an $80 dollar trade-in value for any current Escort RD. Since the model name 8500 X50 (and even the earlier 8500 non-X50) are considered to be "current" by Escort, then you can get $80 off either a brand new X50 or 9500i.

Or you can sell it on ebay and get close to $200 for it and use that towards a 9500i. Do not trade it in to escort. All they are doing is reselling those same units on ebay for $200. You can get $200 for it on ebay instead of getting $80 from escort who will turn around and sell it for $200 on eBay

**MaximusHQ** · 02-29-2008, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the fast replies. I haven't had the radar detector turn off while hitting bumps so I think it will be fine for now. Even though I don't get the click on the volume control there is still some resistance to making it come on or off so I don't think it is possible to turn off by hitting bumps. I didn't know about the trade-in offered so that is something to consider, although I guess I am leaning towards keep on using what I have for now. Is the 9500i really that much better? I have researched it and know what it offers, but can't decide.

**MaximusHQ** · 02-29-2008, 04:28 PM

Rose1,I agree. I think even with my minor switch problem that my X50 is worth more than the $80 to me at least.

**rose1** · 02-29-2008, 07:10 PM

Originally Posted by MaximusHQ

Rose1,I agree. I think even with my minor switch problem that my X50 is worth more than the $80 to me at least.

A broken x50 just sold on ebay for $124!!!! And it's broken!!!! Check out this ebay item number 120225795580

**fire65** · 02-29-2008, 07:58 PM

Tells you what a reputation the X50 has earned. I have the same problem with my switch, X50 blue Rev 5. Now its hard wired with a kill switch, so I never have to use the RD switch.

**Esoterica** · 03-01-2008, 01:46 AM

Originally Posted by fire65

I have the same problem with my switch, X50 blue Rev 5. Now its hard wired with a kill switch, so I never have to use the RD switch.

That solves that problem just fine for you, if the switch did start vibrating out of position on you its nothing a dab of super glue wouldn't solve, just make sure you have the volume set where you want to keep it before hand, and make sure you never plan to send it in for repairs if you did glue it. Repair tech likely wouldn't be too happy with you if the switch was super glued to the case. Though some silicon caulk would also likely work well to keep the switch in place, and could easily be removed, clear would hardly be noticeable.