Newb trying to decide...

[slg]

I've been lurking on here for a few weeks and have finally taken the plunge. Picked up an 8500x50 blue refurb from Escort off eBay, but am having an issue.

In short, the laser falses are almost non-stop. I get them sitting at stop lights, accelerating, braking, 30 mph, 70 mph - it doesn't matter, and it happens almost every few minutes. It's driving me nuts and I'm sure this isn't right.

That said, I'm otherwise happy w/ the device and it's radar detection capabilities, but still considering spending a few more $$$ and trying out the V1. I don't seem to be picking up a lot of X- and K-band falses on the x50 on my usual routes, so as long as it's not the screaming alarm of the laser I think I'd be OK. Still mulling this over...

I should note that I'm currently splitting my 12v cigarette lighter so I can have both GPS and the x50 running simultaneously. Not sure if that could be contributing to the issue as it seems to get a *little* better when running direct into the outlet. Whatever I ultimately decide on, I plan to hard wire up high once I decide on which model I want.

Any thoughts/insights are appreciated...

[snoopyc4]

Welcome to the forum. the X50 is a great radar detector. Upgrading to a V1 will give you better detection range but it will not save your from police laser. No RD can do that. Also, here is a list of things that cause laser falses:

1. Red neon lights from stores

2. Brake lights of other cars (example: Chevy TrailBlazer,
GMC Envoy, Olds Bravada and Buick Rainier)

3. The electrical systems of some cars generate
electromagnetic interferences, triggering laser alerts.

4. Adaptive cruise control systems using laser may cause
laser alerts.

What car do you drive? Trying using the X50 in a different car and see if you still get a bunch of false laser alerts.

[slg]

Thanks for the reply. Great info!!!

I drive an '07 VW GTI that's lowered. Not sure if that makes a difference or not - until I get my detector hard wired up high I'm running it pretty low on the windshield so I don't have a cord running up to the roof in plain view.

I understand that the laser detection only lets you know you've just been clocked, and I'd like to turn it off altogether. Today I had 8 laser alerts on a 6-mile drive - including one as I was backing out of my garage.

I dropped a note back to Escort via eBay and have yet to hear back from them on the issue. I'm hoping their customer service isn't as bad as I've read in some threads lately... we'll see.

I guess I'm considering the V1 now just b/c I haven't picked up that many false X- and K-band alerts, so maybe it wouldn't drive me crazy. I like the price of the x50 and if I wasn't getting the constant false lasers, it would be another story. But for a few bucks more, maybe the V1 is worth it...

I don't know... please, keep the suggestions coming!!!

[CJR238]

Escorts CS is great if you buy new or direct. Used especially if its eBay from a non auth dealer is a problem. I would just call them.
Sounds like you have the original 8500 issue of allot of laser falses and service required messages. Once its fixed it works great.

[snoopyc4]

One last suggestion, mount your RD high on your windshield near your RVM, not low. This will increase detection range.

[QuickTrigger]

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I should note that I'm currently splitting my 12v cigarette lighter so I can have both GPS and the x50 running simultaneously. Not sure if that could be contributing to the issue as it seems to get a *little* better when running direct into the outlet.
...

Does it matter on how its connected. Cause it only helps to power the unit up. I have it connected like this as i managed to get some missle switches from walmart with the blue LEDs and routed the 12V back, so that i can switch it on and off with my switches. .......

I never thought it could cause a problem.

[CJR238]

...

........
I should note that I'm currently splitting my 12v cigarette lighter so I can have both GPS and the x50 running simultaneously. Not sure if that could be contributing to the issue as it seems to get a *little* better when running direct into the outlet.
...

Does it matter on how its connected. Cause it only helps to power the unit up. I have it connected like this as i managed to get some missle switches from walmart with the blue LEDs and routed the 12V back, so that i can switch it on and off with my switches. .......

I never thought it could cause a problem.

It could, there is always feedback and power fluctuations, especially in the same outlet.

[Nology]

One last suggestion, mount your RD high on your windshield near your RVM, not low. This will increase detection range.

and decrease the chance of theft

[slg]

...

Does it matter on how its connected. Cause it only helps to power the unit up. I have it connected like this as i managed to get some missle switches from walmart with the blue LEDs and routed the 12V back, so that i can switch it on and off with my switches. .......

I never thought it could cause a problem.

It could, there is always feedback and power fluctuations, especially in the same outlet.

It appears this may be at the root of my issue. I spent four hours on the highway today, two w/ the 12v splitter and two straight into the outlet.

When plugged directly into the outlet, I didn't have any laser falsing. With the splitter I had it on my 10-mile drive to the highway - once I got on and hit 60 it didn't happen again.

All in all makes me think the splitter is causing fluctuations in power and is probably the cause. I'm hard wiring it Monday, so hopefully that will resolve the issue once and for all.

But even if it doesn't, I spoke to Escort CS earlier in the day and I have to say they were great. Very professional and offered to exchange the device without hassle.

[Carrots]

All in all makes me think the splitter is causing fluctuations in power and is probably the cause. I'm hard wiring it Monday, so hopefully that will resolve the issue once and for all.

If I have my Bel plugged into the lighter socket, occasionally I will get a laser false when using the horn, so I'm pretty sure a hard wire should solve your problem.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.