ZR4 and 9500ci shifters are updatable!

[MEM-TEK]

Hi everyone,

I just got off the phone with Escort. I asked if the ZR4 firmware can be updated and likewise if the shifter firmware for the 9500ci can be updated. Here is what Shelley told me:

-- So far, no shifter algorithm updates have been released for either the ZR4 or the 9500ci.

-- Any future updates for the 9500ci shifters would be included as part of the software download.

-- Any future updates for the ZR4 shifters would simply require sending in the ZR4's interface module.

-- Any hardware updates such as newer and more powerful shifter LEDs would require sending in the shifter modules.

Shelley has become a very knowledgeable customer support wizard! She was able to instantly answer these questions for me.

[RanEnRui]

Interseting, I wish they would extend the software update process for the ZR4 into Detector Tools. Does the ZR4 have a mini-USB port?

Maybe the ZR5 will have it.

However, it is good to know that the ZR4 is upgradable. There seems to be a general 'shhh the ZR4's didn't do as hot as we thought they might at GOL '08, don't tell anyone' type of air about, so I guess if this does turn out to be true then Escort has a chance to fix that up and allow them to be upgraded.

That does make me more inclined to buy the ZR4's because I do prefer the integration with my 9500ix but not at the cost of performance (on the order of 10% we'll say).

None of this is information comes from a secret source, just what I have noticed on the boards and previous GOL tests. The ZR3 didn't do as hot compared to the LPP/LI, so we'll see what happens this time around. Granted, my car is not hard to protect, it's initately pretty stealthy being black and having no chrome other than the emblems but still!

[TSi+WRX]

Cool! Thanks, MEM-TEK.

Now, I just hope that they'll *actually* update it - and not let it lag, in the way of the ZR3.....

[MEM-TEK]

The ZR4 does not have a USB port. Escort obviously uses one of the ZR4 interface module's RJ-11 jacks (probably the Display jack), just as Bel/Escort uses the RJ-11 jacks on their RDs, to flash the ZR4 or their RDs.

I am still analyzing the ZR4 shifter head designs...

The rear shifter head emits a very broad (both vertical and horizontal) IR cone with very strong coverage within +/- 15 degrees horizontally and +/- 8 degrees vertically. It is imperative that you take an evening flash photo of the back of your car to see where the corner-cube reflectors are incorporated on your rear tail lights. These are required by law so that parked cars are visible at night due to corner-cube illumination by your headlights. You can't tape over these corner-cube reflectors without violating the law. Instead you must apply Veil to at least these corner-cube reflectors to stand a decent shot of having good rear jamming performance no matter what brand of rear jammer system you use.

The front shifter heads emit both a strongly condensed and tightly controlled vertical cone. The front jammer's cone of very strong vertical coverage seems to be roughly -2 degrees to +4 degrees. Thus it is imperative that the front shifter heads be mounted level to approximately 1 degree, regardless of the +/-5 degree tolerance mentioned in the ZR4 or 9500ci installation manuals. The front jammer's cone of very strong horizontal coverage appears to be a bit narrower at +/- 8 degrees. Thus the front shifters, when properly installed in ideal locations and mounted level to within 1 degree, should strongly jam the Stalker laser gun to within 250 feet of the gun, and might jam other guns even closer to the gun if not JTG.

From what I can tell after examining the ZR4 front shifter designs, they are optimized for strongly jamming laser guns to within a range of 250 feet or somewhat closer, but not necessarily JTG. Also keep in mind that the ZR3 and ZR4 systems produce fewer error codes on laser guns compared to most competing jammer systems. It appears to me that the Escort system is optimized for near JTG performance while at the same time being optimized to produce significantly fewer laser gun error or jamming codes which could quickly get the officer's attention.

[statusquo]

Interesting stuff Mem-Tek.

I also found out from same person that if you own two 9500ix and/or 9500ci, detectors you need to have a database subscription for both. The serial number and database are keyed together. Nuts!

I'm curious if the Z4 can be used with only one head up front and one in back as on a motorcycle - or do both heads up front need to plugged in?


sq

[thestaton]

good. the zr4's need all the help they can get.

[RanEnRui]

Oh no, I'm getting a raging clue from thestaton!

[MEM-TEK]

...I'm curious if the Z4 can be used with only one head up front and one in back as on a motorcycle - or do both heads up front need to plugged in?

sq

I don't know. I am not even sure if a front head can be plugged into the rear head socket on the interface module.

[focalcivic]

Oh no, I'm getting a raging clue from thestaton!

I think that is a major hint..................waiting for the Zr5............................

My theory is this, with the Zr4, it will do just ok with CM hits and a real steady HL hits, BUT.................................as soon as the operator pans away during a shot you get PT's.

I wonder if I am right??????????????????