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  1. #1
    Experienced
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    Default ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    I called Escort this AM and asked about my aging ZR3 heads, which still work but have been chewed up by normal wear, rock chips, etc. on the road.

    I had a choice of refurbishing the heads for $50 first head/$39 second head or just buying new heads for $119 apiece. I was told the control box for the ZR3 and ZR4 are exactly the same so I can just run the new heads on the old box with no problems.

    Is this true?

    I just bought a LI Quad so I plan to use the ZR3/4 for reception only. I think I'll opt for the new heads since I already have the mounts and the box installed. Yes it's more $, but if you think about it I would be basically paying $89 for two small pieces of plastic in the refurbishment process, so at least with new heads I'm getting something for the money spent.

    Thoughts?

  2. #2
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    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    Were they selling you "new" ZR3 heads or ZR4 heads for $119 each?

  3. #3
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    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    ZR4.

    Also, now that I think of it, is it possible to use headlight film to protect the heads from rock chips? Might save some repair cash down the road.

    Quote Originally Posted by Atlas View Post
    Were they selling you "new" ZR3 heads or ZR4 heads for $119 each?

  4. #4
    Power User
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    May 2007
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    3,823

    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    Quote Originally Posted by duhtroll View Post
    I called Escort this AM and asked about my aging ZR3 heads, which still work but have been chewed up by normal wear, rock chips, etc. on the road.

    I had a choice of refurbishing the heads for $50 first head/$39 second head or just buying new heads for $119 apiece. I was told the control box for the ZR3 and ZR4 are exactly the same so I can just run the new heads on the old box with no problems.

    Is this true?

    I just bought a LI Quad so I plan to use the ZR3/4 for reception only. I think I'll opt for the new heads since I already have the mounts and the box installed. Yes it's more $, but if you think about it I would be basically paying $89 for two small pieces of plastic in the refurbishment process, so at least with new heads I'm getting something for the money spent.

    Thoughts?
    For $50 plus $39 I would go the refreb route, since you said you want them for reception only.

  5. #5

    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    I wonder if clear Plexiglas is completely transparent at 904nm. Of course there will be some slight transmission losses at each surface, probably on the order of a 5% loss.

  6. #6
    Yoda of Radar
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    Nov 2005
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    NY
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    11,015

    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    Quote Originally Posted by focalcivic View Post
    For $50 plus $39 I would go the refreb route, since you said you want them for reception only.

    x2, If you've got a Quad LI, the ZR3/4 will be nothing but a novelty, in other words I wouldn't even change the heads, since they really won't be performing any real work for you... just a secondary alert system, with the Quad LI jamming anything that dare cross its path.


    If anything, as focalcivic said: ONLY go the refurb route max.

  7. #7
    Experienced
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    Jul 2007
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    212

    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    Right - but since the ZR3s don't detect all the guns out there right now the ZR4s will have better detection.

    Hmm. Maybe not upgrade or refurbish anything and just sell the ZR3. Or put it on my other car.

    Quote Originally Posted by focalcivic View Post
    For $50 plus $39 I would go the refreb route, since you said you want them for reception only.

  8. #8
    Power User
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    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    Quote Originally Posted by duhtroll View Post
    I called Escort this AM and asked about my aging ZR3 heads, which still work but have been chewed up by normal wear, rock chips, etc. on the road.
    Now that's something we rarely think about: road rash on our laser (and radar) modules!

    How many miles do you have on those ZR3 heads?

  9. #9
    Experienced
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    Jul 2007
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    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    Fall 2003 is when I installed it, so I am guessing 75K-- almost all highway and a few runs down the 1/4 mile track.

    Quote Originally Posted by swarga View Post
    Now that's something we rarely think about: road rash on our laser (and radar) modules!

    How many miles do you have on those ZR3 heads?

  10. #10
    Professional
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    Mar 2006
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    Colorado
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    1,364

    Default Re: ZR3 / ZR4 Question

    I inquired about this with Escort before,and you would gain a little over your ZR3 heads since the new programming for the ZR4 heads are in the heads themselves.I stuck with my RX75 with the integrated ZR3 system because i don't go fast enough to warrant an LI system.Even though i have the "blocking" turned on,their main purpose is their excellent reception.I know in my head they don't offer much,but i'm fine with that.I let the officers get their reading and keep movin.

 

 

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