Defender Database Subscription. Worth it?

[Blaze9]

I was thinking of getting the 3 year US database subscription. I haven't used it before (other than the month trial it comes with, I believe). I do go out often on unfamiliar roads, and most of the time I cruise fairly fast. Would the database be a good tool, or should I just sit out on it?

Also, is the subscription per unit/serial? I have two 9500ix's (mine and my fathers). Would I need two subscriptions or just one would be enough?

[powerpickle]

I believe that you would need two subscriptions,I'm not positive about that.
As far as worth it,it really isn't for me because Mi doesn't have speed/red light cams. If I did or if you do then it would be. I'm speaking only about the defender data base.
Detector tools is neat because you can change your RD settings with it,back up and restore your detectors information and download software to your RD if any becomes available.
The cost really isn't that much compared to all the small things that we buy that add up,many of those things aren't tangible items for later use.

[EscortRadar]

A Defender subscription is only for Defender database updates (using the "merge" button on Detector Tools). Without a Defender subscription you will still be able to use Detector Tools to update the operating software/firmware of your detector.

A subscription is tied to a single detector. You cannot share a subscription with other detectors.

If you travel in unfamiliar territory regularly then I recommend getting a three year subscription. Many red light cameras will ticket you for not coming to a complete stop when turning right on red. Some will also cite you for speeding through the intersection when the light is green (these alert as speed cameras, not red light cameras).

[Blaze9]

A Defender subscription is only for Defender database updates (using the "merge" button on Detector Tools). Without a Defender subscription you will still be able to use Detector Tools to update the operating software/firmware of your detector.

A subscription is tied to a single detector. You cannot share a subscription with other detectors.

If you travel in unfamiliar territory regularly then I recommend getting a three year subscription. Many red light cameras will ticket you for not coming to a complete stop when turning right on red. Some will also cite you for speeding through the intersection when the light is green (these alert as speed cameras, not red light cameras).

I think I'll get a subscription for my detector for now, and see how useful the new databases are. Both of us do lots of traveling for business so we're always in new terrain. We were thinking of getting the Android version of Escort Live, but that would not be effective due to both our cars having factory BT audio/call streaming. I believe you can only connect the phone to one BT source at a time. (So either Live, or the car).

Also, I would like to thank you guys (a female rep, rather) for helping me fix my issue with my 9500ix rather quickly (TIL: the 9500ix's have a bootloader mode where you can update the firmware/software from a bad firmware/software flash.)

[EscortRadar]

We were thinking of getting the Android version of Escort Live, but that would not be effective due to both our cars having factory BT audio/call streaming. I believe you can only connect the phone to one BT source at a time. (So either Live, or the car).

Also, I would like to thank you guys (a female rep, rather) for helping me fix my issue with my 9500ix rather quickly (TIL: the 9500ix's have a bootloader mode where you can update the firmware/software from a bad firmware/software flash.)

You can connect to multiple bluetooth devices while using Escort Live on both Android and iPhone.

It's great to hear that our service department was able to solve your issue. Thank you for the feedback!

[sgtm8411]

I purchased the three year subscription to the defender database (desiring to use it immediately for a trip). What I didn't know was that you have to wait for them to mail you a code via snail mail so you can activate it. I was told I would get an emailed code within 24 to 48 hours after purchase according to their website but here I am now FOUR days later and still I have no code and they have my money. It is frustrating because its not like they are mailing me a widget that is at the mercy of the postal service. This is digital information and should be able to be delivered immediately after purchase. I sure expected more from their customer service department. Everytime I would call they would simply tell me to wait for it. Apparently, we can put a man on the moon but we can't fix something simple like this.... Sorry for venting here but had high hopes for this and it has been a let down so far..

Mike

[Veil Guy]

I purchased the three year subscription to the defender database (desiring to use it immediately for a trip). What I didn't know was that you have to wait for them to mail you a code via snail mail so you can activate it. I was told I would get an emailed code within 24 to 48 hours after purchase according to their website but here I am now FOUR days later and still I have no code and they have my money. It is frustrating because its not like they are mailing me a widget that is at the mercy of the postal service. This is digital information and should be able to be delivered immediately after purchase. I sure expected more from their customer service department. Everytime I would call they would simply tell me to wait for it. Apparently, we can put a man on the moon but we can't fix something simple like this.... Sorry for venting here but had high hopes for this and it has been a let down so far..

Mike

Sorry to hear that. PM Larry (EscortRadar) here and perhaps he can hook you up.

In the meantime, there's always WAZE (my preferred solution), which is free, immediate, and has oodles and oodles of more users.

VG

[sgtm8411]

Does WAZE also do speed traps and red light cameras?? I thought it was just for traffic and such.. Thanks

Mike

I purchased the three year subscription to the defender database (desiring to use it immediately for a trip). What I didn't know was that you have to wait for them to mail you a code via snail mail so you can activate it. I was told I would get an emailed code within 24 to 48 hours after purchase according to their website but here I am now FOUR days later and still I have no code and they have my money. It is frustrating because its not like they are mailing me a widget that is at the mercy of the postal service. This is digital information and should be able to be delivered immediately after purchase. I sure expected more from their customer service department. Everytime I would call they would simply tell me to wait for it. Apparently, we can put a man on the moon but we can't fix something simple like this.... Sorry for venting here but had high hopes for this and it has been a let down so far..

Mike

Sorry to hear that. PM Larry (EscortRadar) here and perhaps he can hook you up.

In the meantime, there's always WAZE (my preferred solution), which is free, immediate, and has oodles and oodles of more users.

VG

[yellowcab]

Does WAZE also do speed traps and red light cameras?? I thought it was just for traffic and such.. Thanks

Mike

I purchased the three year subscription to the defender database (desiring to use it immediately for a trip). What I didn't know was that you have to wait for them to mail you a code via snail mail so you can activate it. I was told I would get an emailed code within 24 to 48 hours after purchase according to their website but here I am now FOUR days later and still I have no code and they have my money. It is frustrating because its not like they are mailing me a widget that is at the mercy of the postal service. This is digital information and should be able to be delivered immediately after purchase. I sure expected more from their customer service department. Everytime I would call they would simply tell me to wait for it. Apparently, we can put a man on the moon but we can't fix something simple like this.... Sorry for venting here but had high hopes for this and it has been a let down so far..

Mike

Sorry to hear that. PM Larry (EscortRadar) here and perhaps he can hook you up.

In the meantime, there's always WAZE (my preferred solution), which is free, immediate, and has oodles and oodles of more users.

VG

waze does have red light camera and active speed trap alerts.