9500ci Custom Install Questions...

Not following that last pic, mrcllusb...is that R2D2 plugged into your front end?? FYI, i checked MEM-TEK's antenna mock up in the grille this afternoon and without any mutilation I can give the K/KA antenna full visibility with maybe a 30-35% obstruction on the X band and that works for me! Still gotta check the available depth, however. i wanted to measure the depth this afternoon as well but i didn't have a straight ruler, just measuring tape. It's totally tubular in various places behind the grille/in front of the radiator so we'll have to see...

Anybody got a similar drawing for the LI's? Maybe I should go over to the LI boards and post a question there?? I'm thinking (hoping) a partial obstruction between the receiver and transmitter might be a workable scenario, possibly maybe...

BTW, i was driving back to work after the aforementioned measurements this afternoon and appropos of nothing in particular my entire electrical system apparently decided it was time for a short holiday. Kindof a freakish coincidence, ain't it? A short flatbed trip to the dealer later and i am driving a loaner for the next day or two so...........my installation explorations are on hold for a short time but based on the generous advice of the various forum members to date i think i've decided on the 9500ci install with a TBD on the LI units ;) Thanks for all of your help and i'll be happy to post a subsequent update, if anyone's interested :)

Hi Theopold,

Of course we are interested in updates (and photos) on your installation! If your installer has any questions during the installation process, be sure to have him consult with you first before proceeding any further. Most importantly:

-- Be sure that the installer routes all cables in such a manner as to not interfere with regular engine maintenance procedures.
-- The installer should be careful to not let either the radar antenna cables or laser shifter cables pass really close by any ignition wires, the ignition module(s), or the car's horn. If the cables are too close to these items then false alerts can result.
-- Engine compartments get really hot. I highly recommend that the installer place the various cables inside flame retardent split loom tubing. This will protect the cables from excessive temperatures, and will also protect the cables from being overly pinched since the protective tubing instead of the individual cables themselves will take any pressures from cable ties which are used to secure the cables.
-- The installer should use an add-a-fuse which is plugged into at least a 10A terminal in the fuse box to provide power to the 9500ci. The reason for plugging into a 10A or higher rated fuse box terminal is that these terminals have heavier gauge wires which run back to the battery. This helps to assure that any electrical noise in the car's electrical system will not interfere with the proper operation of the 9500ci and eventually the LI.
-- Make sure that the installer, if possible, places the 9500ci's GPS antenna in the shade yet with a good view of the sky, perhaps inside the rear center brake light assembly if that assembly is made of plastic. This will give the GPS antenna a good sky view through the plastic while keeping the GPS antenna in the shade. The idea is to be sure that the GPS antenna is not mounted directly atop the car's dash since a parked car's passenger cabin and the dash get extremely hot during summer months. This heat plus the GPS antenna's direct exposure to ambient sunlight can cause it to malfunction due to overheating.
-- Make sure if possible that the installer can install the 9500ci's display and control modules where you want them located.

Well, that's about all I can think of at the moment. I can't wait to see photos of your 9500ci installation!

:D

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Originally Posted by djrams80

Well, I didn't know we had unlimited funds. That changes everything. I would do just like you said. 9500ci, chuck the ZR4s(little error message, no big deal) and I think the LIs will fit in the position I wanted to put the ZR4s without cutting anything. I will go out and measure the LIs right now.

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If that's the case, yep, I'd do the same - heck, if you don't want the error messages, just tie them together, either in the cabin or in engine-compartment/trunk, anywhere! (or even retain them, and mount them recessed in the grill, and either simply use them as extra laser detection aids, or, alternatively, as a "backup" jammer) - use an LI/9500ci combo, going with dj's initial installation/placement ideas.

:)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Theopold

Not following that last pic, mrcllusb...is that R2D2 plugged into your front end?? FYI, i checked MEM-TEK's antenna mock up in the grille this afternoon and without any mutilation I can give the K/KA antenna full visibility with maybe a 30-35% obstruction on the X band and that works for me! Still gotta check the available depth, however. i wanted to measure the depth this afternoon as well but i didn't have a straight ruler, just measuring tape. It's totally tubular in various places behind the grille/in front of the radiator so we'll have to see...

Anybody got a similar drawing for the LI's? Maybe I should go over to the LI boards and post a question there?? I'm thinking (hoping) a partial obstruction between the receiver and transmitter might be a workable scenario, possibly maybe...

BTW, i was driving back to work after the aforementioned measurements this afternoon and appropos of nothing in particular my entire electrical system apparently decided it was time for a short holiday. Kindof a freakish coincidence, ain't it? A short flatbed trip to the dealer later and i am driving a loaner for the next day or two so...........my installation explorations are on hold for a short time but based on the generous advice of the various forum members to date i think i've decided on the 9500ci install with a TBD on the LI units ;) Thanks for all of your help and i'll be happy to post a subsequent update, if anyone's interested :)

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R2D2? You mean the lawnmower in the pic?

Yah, I was makin' a silly joke about the lawnmower...looks like it's got some metal tube feeding into your front end :D

Thanks for the great install info, MEM-TEK!! I plan to print out and review your suggestions with the installer when i drop the car off - just ordered the 9500ci today and I'm scheduling the install for late next week. Gonna take TSi+WRX's most excellent suggestion and install the ZR4's up high behind the grille (with no cuts) for the time being. BTW, Don't want to give away any secrets yet but...just wait till you guys see pics of the stealth install i'm planning for the 9500ci control/display units! Stealth, utility, and style; I promise you it's cooler than cool :dance3:

Meantime, I'm gonna do more research on installation options for the LI's between now and next week. May have to install them on a subsequent visit but we'll see...............

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Theopold

...Thanks for the great install info, MEM-TEK!! I plan to print out and review your suggestions with the installer when i drop the car off - just ordered the 9500ci today and I'm scheduling the install for late next week. Gonna take TSi+WRX's most excellent suggestion and install the ZR4's up high behind the grille (with no cuts) for the time being. BTW, Don't want to give away any secrets yet but...just wait till you guys see pics of the stealth install i'm planning for the 9500ci control/display units! Stealth, utility, and style; I promise you it's cooler than cool :dance3: ...

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Hi Theopold,

You are most welcome! I am dying to eventually see where and how the installer mounts the control and display units. Your car is so cool looking, and of course the 9500ci installation will surely end up being just as cool. I really like TSi+WRX's suggestion of installing the ZR4 heads up and behind the grille.

I am headed out-of-town tomorrow for a day or so, but when I get back I hope to have some time over the weekend (even though I have lots of work to do) to create a CAD model of the ZR4 front heads (in particular indicating where its sensors and IR emitters are located) and then produce a PDF of the CAD model. If free time this weekend permits, then hopefully I will have a 3D ZR4 front head PDF posted by Monday or Tuesday so that you will exactly know where the ZR4 head receivers are located.

:)

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Originally Posted by FoolishOne

Any LEO shooting LIDAR and getting a reading off of that license plate should receive an award. LOL.

mrcllusb, how has your performance been with it like that? Would you recommend it?

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My performance is great and for the price i couldn't pass it up.I don't have the need for an LI priced laser defense so what my RX75 offers which is the ZR3 system serves me well.I am thinking of just ordering new ZR4 heads since the new programming is in the heads and calling it good because i only do about 5 to 7 over psl on the highway.City i stick to the psl.If i get real antsy then i'll get a 9500CI and sell my RX75.

Hi MEM-TEK,

That would be awesome! As discussed previously, unobstructed ZR4's could very well be a reasonable selection for where I live. Your drawings should finally tell the tale...On which thread will you post them?? And, since I've got a few days regardless, i will continue my research on the LI's. I've been to their boards before but i think i'll try to post a few questions the next time i visit...

Theopold
may I ask where your getting them installed? a couple places where i asked they weren't to comfortable doing it.

Install is being done by a high-end stereo shop ;)