Internal photos of the ZR4 shifter heads! [Archive]

View Full Version : Internal photos of the ZR4 shifter heads!

MEM-TEK

08-02-2008, 09:48 PM

Hi everyone,

I have had several requests to disassemble the ZR4 shifter heads and take photos of the internals. Well, earlier today I finally had time to do this! I've added the photos to my ZR4 review which is still a work in progress. Here is the link:

MEM-TEK's Cincinnati Microwave Shifter ZR4 Review (http://www.mem-tek.com/radar/reviews/ZR4/index.html)

:)

happya$$

08-02-2008, 10:52 PM

thestaton

08-02-2008, 10:55 PM

geez, this is just amazing. how are you taking those snaps? they are perfect.

MEM-TEK

08-02-2008, 11:11 PM

I should send you my ZR3 heads so you can open them up for everyone to compare

Alrighty, send them on! :D

geez, this is just amazing. how are you taking those snaps? they are perfect.

Today's pictures of the head internals were "dirty", especially since one of my cheap desk lamps broke apart at one of its plastic hinges. Parts and springs went flying everywhere, and one spring just missed my left eye! I guess that explains why Office Depot had those lamps on clearance last summer for just $5 each. My normal photo setup consists of using a piece of white construction paper for the surface and background, three desk lamps for illumination, and my digital camera on a tripod. I usually then quickly edit the photos in Paint Shop Pro for brightness, contrast, gamma, and to remove any background items off to the sides of the white construction paper. :)

focalcivic

08-03-2008, 02:05 AM

I assume that is not the unit you will be installing on your car?

Also, this settles the debate if the Zr4 is an Led jammer.

ActiveKAjam

08-03-2008, 02:11 AM

So, what exactly is this new ZR4 Laser Defense System? This system essentially is a product which is designed to both reliably detect and counter police radar guns. The ZR4 system consists of two remote front mounted laser detector/shifter modules which both detect police radar guns and which emit shifted signals to confuse police radar guns. The ZR4 system also includes a rear mounted laser detector/shifter module to protect the rear area of a car. This rear module is mounted directly above the rear license plate since police very commonly target the rear license plate area first when trying to acquire a car's speed reading using a laser gun.

I think you mean laser not radar :laugh:
Thanks for sharing the pics with us, now I want to see a ZR3 inside to compare with it.

hockey005

08-03-2008, 06:37 AM

thats Pro mem-tek

happya$$

08-03-2008, 07:58 AM

It was always a known fact that the ZR4 is LED based. I can not wait until everyone sees with their own very two eyes that the ZR4 is a ZR3 with just updated algorithms

MEM-TEK

08-03-2008, 09:09 AM

I think you mean laser not radar :laugh:
Thanks for sharing the pics with us, now I want to see a ZR3 inside to compare with it.

Thanks for catching that! Its fixed now. Maybe Happya$$ will send me his ZR3 heads so that we can have some comparison photos of the ZR3 and ZR4 internals.

TSi+WRX

08-03-2008, 09:19 AM

^ That's what I thought, too - that the ZR4 is definitely LED-based. But yet, without actual confirmation as what MEM-TEK has been able to provide us with, here (and big thanks to MEM-TEK, for taking the time to compose such an amazingly detailed, and true professional-quality, review! :)), we never could say, definitively, like we can, now.

focal, I think that the only one who ever truly believed that the ZR4 was laser-diode based was '09 Milan on RR.net - and sadly, if what he'd said was true, he'd been misled by someone at Escort, no less. :(

->

Escort 95000ci Radar Detector and LPP Laser Jammer - Page 8 - Radar Detector Reviews - Radar Detectors & Review (http://www.radarreviews.net/forums/laser-jammer-reviews/2079-escort-95000ci-radar-detector-lpp-laser-jammer-8.html#post11715)

------

MEM-TEK, from your physical examination of the ZR4, do you think that it is possible to "update" this unit via remote reflash of the firmware, as-is currently thought capable to update the 9500ix/ci ?

------

happya$$ -

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.....

MEM-TEK

08-03-2008, 10:04 AM

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

08-03-2008, 11:23 AM

I now own both the ZR3 and the ZR4.

The jammer-head cases are different for sure.

jimbonzzz

08-03-2008, 11:31 AM

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).

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9422/shifterzr3qy1.jpg

Z1NONLY

08-03-2008, 11:44 AM

Here is a side-by-side;
http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj117/Z1NONLY4REAL/ZR4vsZR3.jpg

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

08-03-2008, 12:11 PM

Wow, thanks

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

MEM-TEK

08-03-2008, 12:15 PM

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

08-03-2008, 08:52 PM

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

08-04-2008, 07:07 AM

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.

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 :p) 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

08-04-2008, 08:35 AM

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

08-04-2008, 09:11 AM

^ I think that your speculations, when they don't totally trip over the BS-Meter ( :p:):lol: ), 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.

MEM-TEK

08-04-2008, 09:19 AM

A lot of my speculations usually are in the "PUT ON HIPWADERS" category! :D

ActiveKAjam

08-06-2008, 03:11 PM

Thanks for catching that! Its fixed now. Maybe Happya$$ will send me his ZR3 heads so that we can have some comparison photos of the ZR3 and ZR4 internals.

No problem least I can do. :D
Thanks to who ever did the ZR3/ZR4 comparison, looks like there's some difference in the hardware but the main receiver/transmitters look the same. I wonder if the ZR4 would have been any better if there was twice as much transmitting LEDs in each head?

MEM-TEK

08-06-2008, 04:31 PM

No problem least I can do. :D
Thanks to who ever did the ZR3/ZR4 comparison, looks like there's some difference in the hardware but the main receiver/transmitters look the same. I wonder if the ZR4 would have been any better if there was twice as much transmitting LEDs in each head?

The ZR4 LEDs are new and are more powerful. Obviously the ZR4 would JTG if there were twice as many LEDs in each front head, but then I strongly suspect that the ZR4 would produce far more frequent jam codes on laser guns, and the officer operating the laser gun would know whats up.

PMoth

08-06-2008, 05:46 PM

jimbonzzz

08-06-2008, 05:56 PM

djrams80

08-06-2008, 06:15 PM

Man the lifeboats!!!Have to agree. This pegs that sucker! I think you're in that little black section after the "man the lifeboats" now Michael!

PMoth

08-06-2008, 07:00 PM

Someone's a gonna be walk'n thee plank!!!

ahmadr

08-06-2008, 09:00 PM

The ZR4 LEDs are new and are more powerful. Obviously the ZR4 would JTG if there were twice as many LEDs in each front head, but then I strongly suspect that the ZR4 would produce far more frequent jam codes on laser guns, and the officer operating the laser gun would know whats up.

Rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.... you sure about that one matey????

I'm sure it would perform (slightly) better with more LEDs. However, the jam codes case is complete [**]

:D

AirMoore

08-06-2008, 09:03 PM

I'm just getting that little hunch from GOL members (The Stanton mostly) that the ZR4 really blew big time at the event... because they seem to be "doggin" the ZR4 much more then before the event. That may not be good for ZR4 owners. Obviously it wasn't going to do as good as the diode jammers, but from what it sounds like... mingia!

06blackgto

08-06-2008, 11:48 PM

John From Cincinnati

08-07-2008, 06:21 AM

AirMoore

08-07-2008, 07:10 AM

I'm holding out hope that these perceived "hints" end up to be a sarcastic play on the fact that everyone is speculating that the ZR4 performed poorly. I've got a couple weeks left on the 30-day return from Escort, so I should be ok either way I guess.

Yeah, I am hoping its a bit of sarcastic play also... and that it infact did pretty well for a LED jammer. I just have a worry that it seems they have really started to dog it lots more only after the event.

Only time will tell and I guess I shall await the results.

TSi+WRX

08-07-2008, 09:03 AM

The ZR4 LEDs are new and are more powerful. Obviously the ZR4 would JTG if there were twice as many LEDs in each front head, but then I strongly suspect that the ZR4 would produce far more frequent jam codes on laser guns, and the officer operating the laser gun would know whats up.

^ Unfortunately, bro, I agree with the others on this one - I won't believe this (and that includes what you'd said before, about the ZR4 eliciting less, in its current format, error/jam-codes than other jammers currently on-market) until I see that data.

MEM-TEK

08-07-2008, 09:15 AM

I still stand by my assertion that the ZR4 is capable of jamming to the gun. During the Atlanta Jammerfest 2008 (http://mem-tek.com/radar/Atlanta_jammer_test_2008/) roadside tests, the ZR4 setup on this Mercedes 560SL jammed the Ultralyte and the PLIII to the gun in the center mass and driver's headlight shots, and managed to jam the Stalker to 273 feet in the center mass shot and to 137 feet in the driver's headlight shot. Note that the Blinder J11 three head system didn't fare any better than the ZR4 two head system, and that the Blinder J15 three head system did fare better due to its one extra jammer head. Here is a photo of the ZR4 setup on the Mercedes 560SL:

http://mem-tek.com/radar/Atlanta_jammer_test_2008/pictures/jammer_installations/JAYKOG_FRONT_ZR4_1000x740.jpg

My car, with its metallic gold color, a large and relatively flat front bumper area and with the shifters mounted up very high, didn't fare as well since I had mounted my shifters up too high relative to the large flat bumper areas further below them:

http://mem-tek.com/radar/Atlanta_jammer_test_2008/pictures/jammer_installations/MEM-TEK_FRONT_ZR4_1000x740.jpg

I finally figured out that I have my shifters mounted way too high relative to the broad and flat areas on my front bumper, making it easy to get punch-throughs on my car at close range simply by aiming a laser gun lower at the front of my car. The Mercedes 560 SL installation, after seeing its better performance, is what clued me into the fact that my heads were mounted too high relative to my car's front and relatively flat metallic gold bumper.

I also mentioned in another thread that it appears to me that the front jammer head's cone of very strong vertical coverage seems to be roughly -2 degrees to +4 degrees. It appears to me that it is in this range of angles where the front shifter heads emit both a maximum and consistent intensity of IR radiation. Thus it is important that the ZR4 heads be mounted very level (within 1 degree) in order to effectively jam the Stalker down to very short ranges. Assuming that the jammers are mounted at a height of 2 feet off the ground and that an officer is standing while shooting a laser gun, then this difference in height would be about 3 feet. At 100 feet, a 3 feet difference in height translates to 1.7 degrees which is well within the -2 to +4 degree vertical cone of the ZR4 front head emissions. Yet you can see why I say that the ZR4 front shifters should be mounted level to within +/-1 degree for maximum effectiveness.

Level mounting, combined with well chosen installation locations, does make the ZR4 an affordable and effective jammer system.

TSi+WRX

08-07-2008, 09:26 AM

I still stand by my assertion that the ZR4 is capable of jamming to the gun. ....
Level mounting, combined with well chosen installation locations, does make the ZR4 an affordable and effective jammer system.

^ Of this, I have no doubt.

No jammer is perfect - none is 100% against every enforcement setup (hardware and physical engagement situation). And what's the weakness of one can well be the strength of another.

I don't doubt, at all, that the ZR4 can do well against certain hardware, and certain setups. Heck, even the vastly outdated ZR3 can still do very well, today -> look at erickonphoenix's experiences! :D

What I doubt, instead, is the part of your statement prior regarding jam-codes/error-codes.

That's one thing that I'll believe when I see it (i.e. the GOL data). :)

I apologize if I didn't make this more clear!

Also, the other point of doubt in my statement is with adding further IR-LEDs to increase the jammer's output. Although I suspect that you might be right, I can't help but think that the ancillary factors you've cited (placement/coverage and leveling/aim) also will have a lot to do with this factor of "jamming effectiveness."

The ZR4 is an amazing laser receiver - no doubt about that. And it would seem to reason that "more output" should rectify its current shortcomings. But I don't really know if this is the sole issue.....

PMoth

08-07-2008, 09:40 AM

The ZR4 is an amazing laser receiver - no doubt about that. And it would seem to reason that "more output" should rectify its current shortcomings. But I don't really know if this is the sole issue.....

Rrrrrrrrrr... Yea be on to something there matey!!!

MEM-TEK

08-07-2008, 10:13 AM

Well...on the bright side...at least I found out from Escort that any future 9500ci ZR4 component firmware updates would be included in downloaded 9500ci updates and that the separate ZR4 stand-alone system can be updated simply by sending in its under-the-dash mounted interface module.

TSi+WRX

08-07-2008, 10:52 AM

AirMoore

08-07-2008, 11:26 AM

^ And that is definitely good info! :)

Like I said before, when your first announced those findings, it seems like they've got a plan in-place for "future-proofing" the ZR4.

I just hope that they carry-through with their plans.

x2, The ZR4 does have a good bit going for it IMO... one feature that stands out is the front/rear indicators of where the laser strike is occurring from. This is great information to have, especially if its supplemented with another jammer (Diode based) for a bit more jamming power. (Not trying to start a war here...) but unlike the V1's arrows which can get easily confused (regarding radar)... the front/rear indicators should be spot on accurate on the ZR4 because of the 'properties' of laser. Again though its not the V1's fault regarding radar and being inaccurate... normally when laser is concerned the V1's arrows are rather accurate (in my experiences). So again, thats a plus for the ZR4.

Also, it seems through forum members testing that it has a great receiving system in it similar to the ZR3. So thats another plus...

Another huge one in my book: Integration with current (and many past) Belscort models... which is a fantastic thing to have a single system working coherently in tandem!

Price: Its relatively cheap for a laser jammer (2nd cheapest), especially one that integrates seamlessly into other products many owners have.

Lastly it has a huge backing by a multi-million dollar company... so if Escort does follow through on keeping the ZR4 updated (cough cough IF... Yeah I know), they can sink the most money into R&D and jamming algorithms and such to keep trying to perfect the unit, and if all that needs to be sent in is the module... thats fairly straight-forward and easy.

The downfalls:
It obviously doesn't have the 'jamming power' of the diode based systems... bottom line right there. (It seems it did rather poorly at GOL, from what GOL members have been hinting... though it may just be teasing and it did decent.)

The odds of Escort keeping up and on-top of updates and all that is very, very slim... and most likely there is be a 'ZR5' in a few years.

Just my .02 into whats going on here though. Great internal pictures, I think a new thread should be created that just shows the internals of the ZR4 and the ZR3 side by side photo possibly... maybe made into a sticky