9500ci Custom Install Questions...

I'm considering a custom install on my Audi S4 Cabriolet but after spending some time on this forum I'm wondering if it makes sense to go with the 9500ci or maybe something like the 9500ix with separate laser h/w. Basic questions revolve around laser shifters and installation locations.

I live in Northern Cal (San jose/Silicon Valley area) so I think the ZR4's might be good enough for the job in terms of the guns I will likely run into but I'm not sure...any thoughts/comments?

Second major question involves placement. There really aren't a lot of (ideal) options with the grille on the S4 (see pic).

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...3-s4-front.jpg

Based on the manufacturer's suggestions and what I've read here you really don't want anything blocking the lasers (even just one thin vertical strip of plastic?) and based on a post by GOL you don't want to block the radar unit either :( If I go with position 2 for both laser and radar, it would be much more stealth and also better positioning period for the lasers, I believe (not sure about overall radar positioning in terms of performance). However, I'm looking at some serious chopping of Mr. Grille and I believe the units will also be very close to the radiator - not sure how much of a problem that is...

If I go with position 1 for both, no cutting for lasers but...are they too low?? As for radar in position 1, some cutting but not as much of a detraction from the overall vehicle aesthetic and...maybe performance is OK down that low??

Or, do I just give up on stealth for the radar, put in something like the 9500ix and then go stealth with the LI laser units? The LI units seem smaller so maybe I can get away with minimal (or no) grille cutting with these units which are better performance as well? I've also looked at the LPP units, which look to have even smaller dimensions than the LI units but...I haven't seen as much data on them and they look to be just getting started as far as US distribution and support. Comments, anyone??? TIA!!

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Originally Posted by Theopold

I'm considering a custom install on my Audi S4 Cabriolet but after spending some time on this forum I'm wondering if it makes sense to go with the 9500ci or maybe something like the 9500ix with separate laser h/w. Basic questions revolve around laser shifters and installation locations.

I live in Northern Cal (San jose/Silicon Valley area) so I think the ZR4's might be good enough for the job in terms of the guns I will likely run into but I'm not sure...any thoughts/comments?

Second major question involves placement. There really aren't a lot of (ideal) options with the grille on the S4 (see pic).

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...3-s4-front.jpg

Based on the manufacturer's suggestions and what I've read here you really don't want anything blocking the lasers (even just one thin vertical strip of plastic?) and based on a post by GOL you don't want to block the radar unit either :( If I go with position 2 for both laser and radar, it would be much more stealth and also better positioning period for the lasers, I believe (not sure about overall radar positioning in terms of performance). However, I'm looking at some serious chopping of Mr. Grille and I believe the units will also be very close to the radiator - not sure how much of a problem that is...

If I go with position 1 for both, no cutting for lasers but...are they too low?? As for radar in position 1, some cutting but not as much of a detraction from the overall vehicle aesthetic and...maybe performance is OK down that low??

Or, do I just give up on stealth for the radar, put in something like the 9500ix and then go stealth with the LI laser units? The LI units seem smaller so maybe I can get away with minimal (or no) grille cutting with these units which are better performance as well? I've also looked at the LPP units, which look to have even smaller dimensions than the LI units but...I haven't seen as much data on them and they look to be just getting started as far as US distribution and support. Comments, anyone??? TIA!!

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In order to get the best protection from the zr4 you would prob need to cut the upper grill area. As for the remote antenna it is best not to have anything in front of it if you can.

As for the ix and LI combo, that will work. You can mount the LI heads in the lower grill area at each corner of that area and you might need to cut the sensors are small.

As for LI support there are tons of posts, but ever since the Spring of this year LI support has turned around in the US, so you will have no problems.

The LPP has a history of decent support, I believe through mouse in Canada. As for its preformance against the Truspeed that is to be determined, but I have a feeling it will have problems.

I actually think the ZR4s will do a pretty good job on this car, since you live in the bay area. You will be up against 98+% radar, so the massive sensitivity of the 9500ci will be of much use. The laser guns you will be up against will be the PLIII, Ultralyte and the TruSpeed, all of which I think the ZR4s will do pretty good protecting this car. Here are the unofficial results of the 9500ci against a few laser guns. I think your results will be very similar.

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...t-summary.html

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6...2212098xh9.jpg

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Originally Posted by djrams80

I actually think the ZR4s will do a pretty good job on this car, since you live in the bay area. You will be up against 98+% radar, so the massive sensitivity of the 9500ci will be of much use. The laser guns you will be up against will be the PLIII, Ultralyte and the TruSpeed, all of which I think the ZR4s will do pretty good protecting this car. Here are the unofficial results of the 9500ci against a few laser guns. I think your results will be very similar.

http://www.radardetector.net/forums/...t-summary.html

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6...2212098xh9.jpg

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I agree with DJ on this one..Moved my RX75 antenna down to the lower grill area right about where the green is and it's been more sensitive than ever.Lower on these remote antennas is mos def better!!!I'm only sorry i didn't do this sooner..If you don't mind trimming your grill you'll be good.

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Originally Posted by mrcllusb

I agree with DJ on this one..Moved my RX75 antenna down to the lower grill area right about where the green is and it's been more sensitive than ever.Lower on these remote antennas is mos def better!!!

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That's kinda counter-intuitive... After all, your line of sight is usually better from a higher vantage point. What do you suppose accounts for the better performance down low?

The key is that the radar signal comes out the gun in sorta a v or circle-shape . As it gets further from the gun it spreads.Once the lower half of the signal hits the asphalt or pavement,it basically bounces down the surface under vehicles and all..traveling further.The way these antennas are engineered,they just work better this way.Since i've moved it,i get my normal falses and actual k,ka detection alot further than before when i had it behind my grill.Even off axis detection has improved.

I'm of the opinion that having nothing between the radar antenna and the road is the key to maximum sensitivity. Escort says it's OK to mount their radar antennas behind things for stealthnicity purposes, but the truth seems to be that while it will still work well enough behind the grille or whatever to save the user tickets, you will lose some sensitivity. The question then becomes, "How much?". The answer to this question seems to vary greatly. Mounting your 9500ci's radar antenna high, as in happya$$'s setup is the best for maximum sensitivity. However, mounting the radar antenna somewhere lower, but with no obstructions is almost as good.

I'm with you on the signal shape and the reflections but...was the antenna obstructed at all when it was behind the grille higher up? If so, maybe that also contributed to the improved performance when you moved it down lower??

I think maybe I could live with DJ's ZR4 placement suggestions - one "vertical" grille cut for each laser down at the bottom corners of the grille (least noticeable). For the antenna unit, however, not sure I can get away with a just a single vertical cut as I believe that unit is larger :confused: BTW, thanks for the test summary DJ! I actually saw that info previously when I was researching all the useful info on this site and your tests are what led me to believe the ZR4's might just do the job in my location...

So, just to confirm...Is it safe to assume that the stronger LI's could take the lower positioning (Laser Position 1) if I went that route? And, has anyone had any heat issues with laser or antenna positioning? I swear if I place the lasers as DJ suggests the units will be at most 2-3 inches from the radiator!! Maybe heat dissipation is reduced/non-issue due to wind flow direction??

The front part of the 9500ci's radar antenna is 3" wide by 1 " tall. I just walked out to my car and measured it. And just about everyone's laser jammer heads are in the grille area with no problems. You should be fine.

Here is my recommendation, if you want to get a 9500CI. Install the radar unit in the lower grill in between the gaps, and see how it does. I would not cut your grill, unless you can verify the replacement cost before hand. On something exotic like the audi, it might be fairly expensive. For my Impala it was 25 dollars for the upper & lower grill used off of eBay.

The ZR4's are going to offer you, little to no protection without VEIL. My good friend has a S4, and has his dual blinder m20 mounted by the fogs and they don't do much without VEIL. Once he added VEIL he is getting almost JTG. However, I would not even mess around with VEIL on your vehicle, IMO for something this expensive it's not worth the risk.

So, if you want laser jammers go with the Laser Interceptor and that is the only thing I feel comfortable recommending for that mounting situation.

So realistically, I would pick up a V1, 9500ix (blue display), or the bel gx65 (red display). Try those out for 30 days and keep the one you like, return the other. Then finally get your LI installed and you will be good to go! Beautiful Audi, makes me jealous!

edit: on second thought it looks like you could maybe cut one bar at the bottom for the antenna so it can get a clear road and be flush with the grill. That would be a very stealth install, and the performance should be amazing.