Warning

[TSi+WRX]

Originally Posted by MEM-TEK

I would hardly say that this forum is devoted solely to the purpose of illegal activity of any kind. I use my radar detectors for driving entertainment and to keep me much more aware of my driving habits.

+1.

Like I keep saying, I'll give a reach-around to any local enforcer who catches me speeding.

Locally, I just don't.

It would un-necessarily raise my blood pressure, and the risk of a pull-over (which, given the amount of local enforcement, would be immensely against my favor) so great that it would add more time and hassle to my commute.

On my local surface streets, you just won't find me speeding. Yet, you'll find me with all of my countermeasures active.

I truly don't think that it's right to say that just because you have a radar detector or laser jammer, it means, automatically, that you're going to break traffic laws.

That's akin to "ThoughtCrime."

[kpatz]

Originally Posted by MEM-TEK

I don't know how Escort resolved these issues, but obviously they implemented steps to hopefully assure that any firmware flashes only get downloaded by the user just once without requiring contacting Escort if there was a problem, and that Escort keeps careful track of users who download and flash updates to their radar detector products.

I don't see the point. Other than preventing the reverse engineering of the code, which encryption takes care of, what's the point of allowing only one download/flash per user? It's not like the code can be "pirated", as it's only usable on the hardware it's written for.

Even if I (or someone) were to download the firmware file and post it on the web and pay Google to have it come up on the top of every search, how could it harm Escort? The only thing that can be done with, say a 9500ci flash is to load it into a 9500ci.

Just about everyone out there offers firmware updates for their products for download off the web, and they don't seem to worry about "hacking" or "piracy" of the code.

[Lucky225]

Originally Posted by kpatz

I don't see the point. Other than preventing the reverse engineering of the code, which encryption takes care of, what's the point of allowing only one download/flash per user? It's not like the code can be "pirated", as it's only usable on the hardware it's written for.

Even if I (or someone) were to download the firmware file and post it on the web and pay Google to have it come up on the top of every search, how could it harm Escort? The only thing that can be done with, say a 9500ci flash is to load it into a 9500ci.

Just about everyone out there offers firmware updates for their products for download off the web, and they don't seem to worry about "hacking" or "piracy" of the code.

x2

[MEM-TEK]

Originally Posted by kpatz

I don't see the point. Other than preventing the reverse engineering of the code, which encryption takes care of, what's the point of allowing only one download/flash per user? It's not like the code can be "pirated", as it's only usable on the hardware it's written for.

Why? Because nearly all of the very highly proprietary signal processing techniques and methods are within the firmware code -- not the hardware. This is completely different compared to the way signal processing was done 15 or 20 years ago with custom but crude microprocessors which were used back in the day. Indeed, firmware code, aside from design patents, is the most highly proprietary and protected technology used in any modern radar detector produced by Bel, Escort, Whistler and Valentine. The firmware code is literally what makes or breaks the overall performance of any modern radar detector produced by these companies, and is what blows away the cheap products produced by overseas companies. In other words, protecting the firmware code is paramount for radar detector manufacturers.

[CJR238]

Also Escort charges monthly fees for the marked location downloads. If someone is giving it out free they loose money.

[Lucky225]

Originally Posted by CJR238

Also Escort charges monthly fees for the marked location downloads. If someone is giving it out free they loose money.

The source code doesn't necessarily let you download the marked locations (assuming theres real authentication between escorts server and the software), and a free user-created database promotes an open market. After all that's what this is about, money. The big 3 radar companies hold all the patents and use proprietary technology to corner and monopolize their product. I have no problem giving Escort my money for hardware, or for a paid subscription to marked locations, but Escort shouldn't try to limit the free market by only allowing you to download locations from their service. Free alternatives promote a real and true free market. After all, the information can be observed and documented by anyone, why should I have to pay to put those locations into hardware that I bought if I already KNOW where the locations are, but haven't physically drove there yet? Escort isn't losing any money in that sense, as long as you are getting your location information from somewhere else then their private subscription service, it's public information, charging money for something that's public is just stupid.

[michaelblueeye]

Censorship is great, isn't it

[swarga]

It's not censorship to remove unauthorized copies of proprietary source code from your message forum. On the flip side of that coin, not removing it is probably a pretty good way to get sued.

[zr1]

Originally Posted by MEM-TEK

Why? Because nearly all of the very highly proprietary signal processing techniques and methods are within the firmware code -- not the hardware.

Similar story with most any technology company. Their product secrets are in the logic of the coding and that's where they spend a zillion dollars and gain an edge over their competitors.

/*
     Firmware Version (somebody put in latest version)
*/

#include "superhet.h"
#include "cincinati_microwave_escort.h"
#include "cincinati_microwave_passport.h"
#include "s7.h"
#include "m4.h"
#include "mikescodehethoughtwedidntknowabout"

class 9500i extends 8500 implements GPS{}

int newRampUpProfiles = 0;
int BelStiStealthFeatures = 0;
float numberOfTrueLockLocations = 345234E+08;
boolean readyForMikesPatentExpiration - FALSE;
float FreqVarianceK = .100;
int FreqVarianceKa = 3;

void main {
    while (!errorState) {

    if (powered on) {
        if ((elevation > 37 degrees) ||
            (cobra < 184 feet))
            {
                MessageBox("Get real! I ain't seen no radar!");
                GetKeyPress();
                ServiceRequired();
            }
            CreateNewTrueLockLocation();
            AddRandomRampUp();
            DisplayPopUpAd(ZR4);
            SearchForFreq(35.5|34.7|33.8|24.15);
            PretendSearchForFreq(10.525);
            DontBotherSearchForFreq(1.55|5.2);
            DisplayKBandFor(CircleK|Sears|HomeDepot|7Eleven);
    }

    //printf("Bel 940");
    //printf("Escort 8500");
    //printf("Escort 8500 X50");
    //printf("Bel RX-65");
    printf("Escort 9500i");
}

[MEM-TEK]

^ That "source code" is a riot!