Questions Re 9500CI (Should I Change from my Current V1 Setup?)

**MikeBoom** · 09-24-2008, 02:18 PM

Hi, folks. A new guy here, but one who (I think) is fairly familiar with speed detection and countermeasures. I'm currently driving a 2008 Subaru STi, which is Veiled (G4). I use a V1 with a remote audio/display and a Nuvi 780 with speedcam/redlight cam alerts from POI Factory.

I haven't run a LIDAR jammer for a while. In fact, they're currently illegal in Illinois. FYI, I also have some experience with Escort units, and use an 8500 on my motorcycle (wired through an intercom system). My experience with Escort suggests to me that I'd be losing some sensitivity to radar and LIDAR, but should be able to put more confidence in alerts being actual threats, given the 9500CI's ability to sort through non-enforcement signals. I like the idea of a fully integrated system, though I know that the ZR-4 is not bleeding edge, and that the Escort traffic camera warning is probably going to be roughly equivalent to what I now get through my Nuvi.

Since some of you have already been through this decision-making process, I'd appreciate your thoughts. I also have a couple of specific questions regarding the 9500CI:

-Is there an option to receive only non-verbal alerts (tones, beeps, braps, etc.) and not get the spoken warnings?

-For those of you who have had V1s, how would you compare the radar and lidar sensitivity of the CI? I've read the tests, but I'd like some actual user opinions.

-Is it a viable option to mount the LIDAR shifters behind the fairly open mesh grill of the STi (think "chicken wire")? Given the fact that I'm in a no-jammer state, I'm a little concerned about having them below the bumper, the only other viable location on the STi.

Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise.

**AirMoore** · 09-24-2008, 02:38 PM

Well I do not own a CI but here is some of my .02 on this (I do own a V1 though.)

The CI (when installed correctly) seems to edge out, and or tromp the V1 in K/Ka band as far as I have seen from any users... so you would most likely be gaining performance in the radar aspect (well at least radar from the front).

LIDAR: Honestly the ZR4 as a receiver system is amazing, and I would dare say that it would pick up any/every direct hit on the front of your vehicle, and possibly even a good amount of scatter alerts. It can be turn from jamming to just receiving FYI. The V1 might pick up scatter more often, but thats because it has the placement advantage for that. I wouldn't count on either to save me in a lidar trap (ZR4 only on receive). Jam until you need to then turn it off... its that simple.

Most all Belscort units you can turn off the 'voice alerts', and just receive standard tones... including the CI.

The shifters MUST be out in the open to perform optimally, you cannot mount them behind mesh/plastic etc... they will not work correctly. They should have no obstructions in their view of the road.

Also, it seems as if most CI users have put the V1 in the 'back-up' or 'has-been' pile, and only use it for either (as I said): back-up, aka in another car, and or for the arrows. I haven't seen many users here go with the CI, then send it back and go back to the V1.

**MEM-TEK** · 09-24-2008, 03:14 PM

Hi MikeBoom,

As usual AirMoore pretty much hits the nail on the head.

Both the Escort 9500ci and the Bel STi-R are significantly more sensitive to K and Ka band radar compared to a V1. Yet the 9500ci has the marvelous feature of being able to be updated via its USB port -- something that the STi-R doesn't have in its present design. As AirMoore mentions, the 9500ci can easily be configured in Program mode to not use any voice alerts. The voice alerts are rather nice though. I still have my 9500ci configured to use voice alerts.

Like AirMoore says, the 9500ci shifters are amazing in their ability to pick up laser. I personally saw this for myself when the 9500ci was being tested at this year's SML event. If you want to use the front shifters in "receive only" mode, then all that you have to do is assure that the 1" wide area on the front of the shifters where the detection sensors are located is unobstructed by any grille.

**TSi+WRX** · 09-25-2008, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by MikeBoom

-Is it a viable option to mount the LIDAR shifters behind the fairly open mesh grill of the STi (think "chicken wire")? Given the fact that I'm in a no-jammer state, I'm a little concerned about having them below the bumper, the only other viable location on the STi.

I can't be of much help with the other stuff, but in terms of the Shifter placement, given your unique situation in needing reception-only, I would agree with MEM-TEK: as long as you allow for the receivers to have good coverage, you should be more than OK, particularly given the extreme receptive sensitivity of this unit.

Welcome to RD.net, fellow Scooby owner.