New to Forum. Just got an older 8500

[ejames7]

Hey guys,

New to the radar forum but looks like a really cool place.

Anyway, got an older 8500 from a guy on craigslist this weekend and because I was a BMW guy like he was, got a nice deal on it. Its from 2001 so its a bit old and Ive only had it these past few days but I love it.

I was saving up for a V1 but after doing some research on this site and many others, found that the Escort was a very nice substitute. I was even told about the buy-back from Escort on a newer model and may one day take them up on it.

Heres my Q though: Is my model upgradable? Is it worth it to if it is? I borrowed a buddies old Whistler once and love how this thing never really gives you many falsers around shopping places and so on. Its learning too. Last night X went nuts and on the same road passing the same sign thing tonight it was nothing.

Thanks for all the help and I hope I can contribute what I can! Id like to one day wire it in to something but kinda like having it a bit lower and dont mind the cord all that much. I attached a pic so I hope it works. It was some I took last night for my BMW board.

[KaPro]

Welcome to the board! Nice car AND nice Rd! IMHO, if your 8500 is behaving as it should, don't waste the money sending it in to get "updated". It was manufactured in 2001 so it is probably a rev. 13 or 15. You could do a factory reset and drive around for a few weeks to see how it behaves then decide if it needs a tuneup. With the unit off, depress the rear mute button and the dim and sensitivity buttons on the top of the unit, all at the same time. Then turn the unit on (while holding down said buttons) and the unit will reset to factory specs. Watch the display when it boots up and it will tell you what rev. it is. Enjoy!

[ejames7]

Thanks!

I was reading the manual last night and was thinking about resetting the specs to see what would happen. I have not seen anything displayed in the SWS category and didnt know if it was off or if it hasnt encountered anything yet. I will reset soon and let you guys know.

Thanks again!

[Straßenkrieger]

Yeah, don't really count on encountering any SWS signals. Mainly because hardly any states use it. But nice RD! :wink:

[ejames7]

Awh darn. It would of been cool to see in action!

I like the German! I am learning it myself through Rosetta Stone.

[Straßenkrieger]

I was actually born in Germany, and I know a little myself. I still need to work on it a bit since I'm the only one who speaks it anymore. How effective is Rosetta Stone? I'd like to have it so I dont lose the language. :wink:

[Straßenkrieger]

BTW, what did you give for your RD? If you don't mind me asking. :?

[ejames7]

Of course I do! :wink: Jk!

He said it was mine for $75 but when I got there all I had was $80 in cash so I just give him that. He can buy lunch with it. I felt sorry for the guy. He got into an accident in his old MB diesel and had a seizure or something and was on a 6 mo. no drive so he was working at Rad Shack. Real smart guy. Went to Creighton and Saint Louis University for IT.

Anyway! Yeah RS isnt bad. Ive been so busy Ive havent had much time to get into it and I am still in the beginning stages. I pracice the words Ive learned in my time at work or when I get bored. I just say them over and over again. Pernounciation is going to kill me though!

[ActiveKAjam]

How do you like the 8500 so far? I'm thinking of getting one soon.

[ejames7]

Hey. So far I am impressed. Right now with the lack of false's it gives off. When I borrowed a buddies old Whistler it would go nuts in the parkin glot of my building at work. I work by a lot of hotels so I am guessing it was one of them. With the Pass it seems to learn. I got some X yesterday or Monday but nothing today. Getting there and leaving. Plus around town I rarely get anything.

Range, ehh, I guess I am getting use to it. I got a weak Ka today and about three secs later I saw a parked Tahoe copper that was facing totally away from me. I thought it would pick it up sooner but maybe since he was away from me it wouldnt of? I dont mean to diss on the 8500 though! I am in a learning stage.

I really want my buddy with the Whistler to use it though and let me know what he thinks. His whole family has radars so I trust him. Plus he literally hits cops on the same stretch of road every night on his way to the gym. Where I am cops shooting radar is not too common. I have to go west of me to find them out and about. I know a few stretches of road that cops like to shoot. Years ago they would stand on the bridge and do laser. Lately its been squads shooting from the side of the road. I just need to get out there and see what it does. Maybe 'test' them by going back and forth in different lanes to see what I get . I honestly will if I can. Maybe make a vid of it. I know the area fairly well and exits and on-ramps and very close and loooong. We shall see!