Latest9500i - 2nd only to V1 on ALL tests in 08/07 GOL!

[Cruiser66]

Now the decision whether to return my 9500i, which I was going to do pending the ramp-up fix, has just been made a bit harder!
I will still most likely wait a bit due to the ramp-up issue.

The GOL August tests are out now and the 9500i did great, much better than expected.

Even with radar-absorbing foam (used in straight-line tests only), the latest 9500i's (need to find out the date code from GOL!!!) came in a solid second behind the V1, trouncing everything else (except the STI which was very close on 34.7 and, not surprisingly, 33.8Ghz) in the straight-line tests.

The 9500i also finished 2nd, behind the V1, in the around the curve tests!
They tested Ka 34.7 and K).

In the forward-facing test it was #2, behind the V1.

They bought another 9500i and confirmed it wasn't a fluke!

The 9500i also alerted to all 3 Ka 35.5 instant-on burst tests, unlike the RX65, Bel 995, Bel STI (even with bug fix, which missed 1 of the 3 shots) etc.

Thanks again to GOL for all their testing efforts.

PS: The one lingering question is did the unit tested still have ramp-up issues?

[brian1972ct]

I beat ya to it, Cruiser, thestanton had this to say regarding ramp up:

"unfortunately both of the units we tested where both still horrible. it's a shame they are slowly working out the bugs but I don't think they are going to pay attention to the ramp up..."

Bummer.....

[CJR238]

Now with this new info the ramp up is more important than ever. Detection range almost as good as the V1 needs a good ramp up.

I want to know the build dates they tested too.

[Cruiser66]

I beat ya to it, Cruiser, thestanton had this to say regarding ramp up:

"unfortunately both of the units we tested where both still horrible. it's a shame they are slowly working out the bugs but I don't think they are going to pay attention to the ramp up..."

Bummer.....

Thanks Brian!
That's too bad, not that I was expecting it to be fixed since someone would have mentioned it if the latest public units had it fixed.

Now, more than ever, I want the ramp-up fixed! :cry:
Initially I wanted it fixed because the 9500i was a decent performer (based on March '07 GOL tests) AND had great new features that appealed to me (and no doubt why many others liked it).
Now that it has surpassed performance expectations, we have even more reason to want the ramp-up to be fixed.

[Cruiser66]

Now with this new info the ramp up is more important than ever. Detection range almost as good as the V1 needs a good ramp up.

I want to know the build dates they tested too.

Hopefully we'll find out about the build dates, since I think we're all curious about that, not that I am going to buy yet another one without the ramp-up fix anyway...

The only thing is we won't know when the apparent changes (that resulted in the improvements over the March tests) were made anyway - it could be anywhere between March and now since that is when the previous full set of GOL tests were performed...

[brian1972ct]

I still want to know the idea behind not having the ramp up to begin with. Did Escort really design it that way? Was it an accident? I just dont see any advantage of going from one single alert to full audio alert, and dont say it was to keep the detector quieter. I am not buying that.

[Cruiser66]

I still want to know the idea behind not having the ramp up to begin with. Did Escort really design it that way? Was it an accident? I just dont see any advantage of going from one single alert to full audio alert, and dont say it was to keep the detector quieter. I am not buying that.

Exactly.
I think we're all wondering how this could have happened, considering the product had to go through the usual design and tests phases.
It certainly doesn't make sense and the manual even states (and I quote):

"PASSPORT uses a Geiger-counter-like sound to indicate the signal strength and type of radar signal being encountered.
When you encounter radar, a distinct audible alert will sound and occur faster as the signal gets stronger. When the signal is very strong, the audible alerts will blend into a solid tone. This allows you to judge the distance from the signal source without taking your eyes from the road."

[CJR238]

I still want to know the idea behind not having the ramp up to begin with. Did Escort really design it that way? Was it an accident? I just dont see any advantage of going from one single alert to full audio alert, and dont say it was to keep the detector quieter. I am not buying that.

Not quieter for our benefit but I believe it has to do with the audible notification (even though turning it off does nothing) kind of like turning off GPS, its still on when the satellite icon is off.
I have found mine always starts with a 4-5 slow beeps no matter the distance of the alert and that’s why short alerts are horrible and long ones don’t seem so bad.
So the ramp up looks like this:
300ft alert= 1-1-1-1-9-10-10-10
1000ft alert= 1-1-1-1-3-5-6-8-10
1mi alert= 1-1-1-1-2-2-2-3-3-4-4-5-5-6- and so on
KA band range is more in some cases so rampup will be perceived as better even though you’re still getting the first 4-5 slow beeps.

I feel the 1st 4-5 beeps are a default no mater the alert distance to allow time for the 9500I to verbally notify you, "KA band" "multiple frequencies detected" and so on.

Interesting how the longest audible notification (multiple frequencies detected) is about 3-4 slow beeps long and there is always 1 beep before it cuts in.

[thestaton]

Both of the 9500i's tested where week 22, and yeah I did think the first one is a fluke that's why I went to Best Buy and bought the 2nd one.

But you gotta give credit where it's due and Escort stepped up to the plate. I'm really impressed, maybe they do read GoL results after all

The ramp up problem did exist with both units though, but baby steps. I'd much rather them fix the sensitivity and worry about the ramp up at a later time.

[brian1972ct]

thestanton, as always, we appreciate your work and the GOL work. Good point, we can all still hope a nice even ramp up is next on their list, then maybe on to the USB port etc....