Will the 9500ix have bugs??

Hello everyone! This is my first post here on this board. I've been lurking around this board for the last couple of days. I found so much useful information here, especially from the very experienced ones. I'll try to share my knowledge, if any (LOL), with the rest of the board. But basically, I'm here to learn! Im glad I stumbled across this forum while searching for radar detectors on the net. I'm glad to be here.

Anyways, on to my question/situation. I bought a blue 8500 x50 at best buy about a year ago. I also purchased the 3 year warranty plan for it. Well, about a month ago, I took my blue 8500 x50 back to bestbuy because I notice the detection range had significantly decreased over the period I owned it. I originaly wanted to exchange it for another x50, but then I noticed they had the 9500i. I ask bestbuy if I could exchange the x50 for the 9500i and I'll pay the difference. They said no problem. So I took home a 9500i and used it for about a 3 weeks. It was a great detector but I experienced two problems with it. First, it would display on its screen the words, "power reset. It would display that every time I drive about 20-30 miles. Then I'll have to unplug it, then plug it in, and it'll work fine for the next 20 miles or so. It became a pain because my commute is about 180 miles round trip! My second problem, I would receive X band radar even though I had it disabled. So that eventually got annoying when I would pass garage openers and the like. Well, I revisited bestbuy and ask if I could exchange for another 9500i. They gave me another one after I explained the problems I had. So now I have a 9500i again. I haven't open the box yet because now I hear that the 9500ix is coming out soon.

I really want the new 9500ix. Today, I asked escort if I could send in my 9500i (unopened) for the 9500ix and I'll pay the difference. They said I could send it in for an upgrade for a charge of 129.99 whether its open or not. Now I'm wondering if I should try bestbuy to get a refund? Do you think they can do that? I might try tommorrow. If I could get a refund from bestbuy, that would be cool because I could then purchase directly from escort.

But then it just hit me today. I wonder if the 9500ix will have bugs. I wouldnt want to purchase one if I'm gonna have problems with it. I might be happier with my 9500i. I really want the new one just because its new (LOL), and also like the red light cameras. They are popping up all over here in Southern California. Its really nice to be reminded of all the cameras as you are passing through them. I also like the fact that the USB feature will be used.

What would you do? Keep the 9500i or buy the 9500ix (possible bugs). If the 9500ix has bugs, will escort fix the problem for free if I purchased it from bestbuy? Or do they charge to fix their problems? I haven't opened my 9500i for the reason that I thought it would be easily exchanged for another model, but that doesnt seem to be the case. I'm really tempted to open it becuase I feel naked when I drive without a rd, especially when I commute. I would like to hear about what you think.

Again its great to be here...and thanks in advance! :)

I highly doubt that the 9500ix will have any bugs, because it sounds like it sounds a lot like my 9500ci, which is pretty bug free.

^ Overall, I agree with djrams's view of the ix stand-alone unit, however, certainly, it also wouldn't be the first time in Escort's history that what should be trouble-free, turns out to be somewhat buggy.

Look at the "blue" 9500i's display. Look at the rear ZR4 head's leakage/weatherproofing issues. Both should, by past-history standards, have been resolved, yet were bugs that filtered out to the production units.

It may still prove prudent, particularly if you're not a "detector enthusiast" who must have the latest and greatest, to at least let "those freaks" ( er....hey, I resemble that remark! :p) be the beta-testers. ;)

BTW, DRS, welcome to RD.net. :)

Oh, and as a "welcome to the community" tip -

It is very likely that there's something awry with either your 12V accessory plug or your vehicle hardwire installation, based on what your 9500i is doing with the "Powering off, please unplug" warning.

I do believe that your X-band issue may be a true fault (or could be related to the former), but the power issue will likely resume itself with both your current, replacement, 9500i unit or with the ix.

The 9500i is very voltage sensitive - much more so than the x50. It has been said by some here that this is due to the requirements of the GPS chip, but regardless of what is causing it, it is definitely true that the 9500i requires more consistent power input.

The first problem to eliminate would be the SmartCord, by trying it in another vehicle. The next problem to tackle would be to trace down potential faults in your vehicle's 12V accessory plug and/or your hardwiring setup - as well as, if it comes to that, your vehicle's charging system.

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Originally Posted by djrams80

I highly doubt that the 9500ix will have any bugs, because it sounds like it sounds a lot like my 9500ci, which is pretty bug free.

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Escorts don't have bugs. :Banane42:

I feel a little more confident to buy the 9500ix. So, is the 'ix' more closely related to the 'ci' or the 'i' model. Although the 'ci' was pretty much bug free, the 'i' had a few bugs of its own, with ramp-up, and...

Let's say I buy a 9500ix and be the beta-tester. Then let's say I notice is has poor ramp-up, Will escort fix the problem free of charge?

Thanks guys for your feedback!

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Originally Posted by DRS

I feel a little more confident to buy the 9500ix. So, is the 'ix' more closely related to the 'ci' or the 'i' model. Although the 'ci' was pretty much bug free, the 'i' had a few bugs of its own, with ramp-up, and...

Let's say I buy a 9500ix and be the beta-tester. Then let's say I notice is has poor ramp-up, Will escort fix the problem free of charge?

Thanks guys for your feedback!

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Closer to the "i" than "ix" in my opinion.

It's the ci minus the extra recevers/shifters, external antenna, speaker, and conceiled displays. Its the i with added AutoLearn, and a built in upgradable GPS database of cameras.

The 9500ix should be completely bug free since blue LED display issues have already been addressed with the blue 9500i models. Other than that, the only real change in the ix is the switch to a 32bit processor versus the 16bit processor used in the original 9500i model. The 32bit processor is already in use in the 9500ci, and I encountered no issues whatsoever while testing the 9500ci at SML and while having fun driving around town in El Paso and to the various test sites with the 9500ci. In other words, I had a lot of fun putting the 32bit processor 9500ci through its paces when it wasn't being tested at SML without anything weird being observed. I powered the 9500ci by attaching a Radio Shack lighter socket plug. SML testing required that I immediately killed power to the 9500ci dozens of times by simply pulling the cigarette lighter power plug from the lighter socket and then plugging it back in when my car was up again for the next test. I noted that there were no blue LED display problems nor any lockups or other issues with saved settings. All in all, the 9500ci's operation seemed to be bullet-proof. So, my best guess is that the new 9500ix simply borrows the 9500ci's 32bit processor technology which, hopefully, has been tested six ways from Sunday in the 9500ci.

^ Very good points.

Let's just say that, based on Escort's past history, although I'm an optimist and would like to remain optimistic on this one, I'm still not going to hold my breath. :)

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Originally Posted by TSi+WRX

^ Very good points.

Let's just say that, based on Escort's past history, although I'm an optimist and would like to remain optimistic on this one, I'm still not going to hold my breath. :)

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:laugh:

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Originally Posted by TSi+WRX

^ Very good points.

Let's just say that, based on Escort's past history, although I'm an optimist and would like to remain optimistic on this one, I'm still not going to hold my breath. :)

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X2, especially with Upgrading. I have had 3 9500I's and not one issue but anything can happen.

Bestbuy quoting you 129.99 to upgrade is BS, since Escort has not even set a real price yet. Since you have the extended warranty, they will prob not give you a refund, just keep replacing units, the only other option is to wait it out until BB gets the ix in stock then exchange it maybe.

I am just "winging it" (may peg out my BS meter) but it occurs to me that it might be simpler for Escort to simply replace the 9500i motherboard with the new 9500ix motherboard which includes the new 32bit processor? Anyway, that plus flashing the upgraded RD with the GPS camera database would seem to explain the upgrade price since I bet that it must be a bit time consuming. This makes me think that Escort may be doing this "at cost" for 9500i owners since they must also assure a full solder bead horn ridge to LO board contact and test the upgraded RD against all radar bands.

Just a thought (again, I don't know and this may be incorrect), but I suspect that the upgrade costs factors in both the new components plus testing. I wonder if the upgrade will feature a new top case cover which is labeled 9500ix rather than 9500i. Hmm...

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Originally Posted by MEM-TEK

I wonder if the upgrade will feature a new top case cover which is labeled 9500ix rather than 9500i. Hmm...

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Probably just a sticker, or maybe a white paint pen crossing out the i and overweighting xi. :D

Its kind of interesting that everyone seems to think this xi upgrade should be free and easy to do like a V1 update. When in fact it sounds like it will be allot more than that.

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Originally Posted by MEM-TEK

I am just "winging it" (may peg out my BS meter) but it occurs to me that it might be simpler for Escort to simply replace the 9500i motherboard with the new 9500ix motherboard which includes the new 32bit processor? Anyway, that plus flashing the upgraded RD with the GPS camera database would seem to explain the upgrade price since I bet that it must be a bit time consuming. This makes me think that Escort may be doing this "at cost" for 9500i owners since they must also assure a full solder bead horn ridge to LO board contact and test the upgraded RD against all radar bands.

Just a thought (again, I don't know and this may be incorrect), but I suspect that the upgrade costs factors in both the new components plus testing. I wonder if the upgrade will feature a new top case cover which is labeled 9500ix rather than 9500i. Hmm...

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I would think the lettering the on case might be the same but a new revised serial number sticker or, when you do a reset a firmware code to reflect the ix?

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Originally Posted by focalcivic

I would think the lettering the on case might be the same but a new revised serial number sticker or, when you do a reset a firmware code to reflect the ix?

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When you send in an old unit to be fixed/updated they usually give you a new incasing, so my guess is they will also do with the i to xi conversion.

focalcivic, bestbuy didn't quote me 129.99. it was escort. I was talking to a rep yesterday and he qouted me that price. I dont remember his name.

Earlier in my post, I mentioned I had a power problem with my 9500i. I had it plugged in my cig lighter. Do u think if I hardwire my rd, it'll solve my problem? Or is it a more serious problem that I need to have a auto electrician checkout? I dont have any electrical problems as far as I know.

well, I decided to keep the 9500i I currently have. I'll unwrap it tonight. :D
also, as soon as the 9500ix is available, I'll send my unit in for a upgrade. Does anyone know the turn-around time for sending in a unit for upgrade? Also, will the 129.99 include shipping?

I also wanna say that djrams80 made a good point in another thread. It only sounds right for escort (or anyone) to charge for upgrading a 9500i to a 9500ix. The upgrade includes hardware and software changes. Nothings free! If you dont want it, dont get it. Plain and simple. So thanks to you and anyone else for helping out.

I got a low voltage/powering off message when I used a cheap direct wire I bought on Ebay. My cigarette lighter worked fine. When I took apart my hard wire it was made of a wire as thin as a hair. I have hardwired it with a escort smart wire and it works fine. Maybe your cigarette lighter is not putting out enough voltage or it could be a defective cord or detector. If you still have the problem with your new cord and detector assume its your car and fix it or hard wire it.

Roy has confirmed the 129.99 with 3 years of updates. As for power problems, you said it hardwired? I would check the power connection if you used the 3m connector make sure it is pushed down hard and closed tight so it is making a solid connection. Also make sure you have a good ground and it is screwed down to metal.

DRS, I have no idea how long the 9500i to 9500ix upgrade will take. Anyone, please do post the turn-around time if you get a quote from an Escort CS rep.

Alanek brings up a really good point about the direct wire cords being sold on eBay. I have stayed away from those, but it is interesting that Alanek notes that the cords sold on eBay are really cheap and use extremely thin wires.

DRS, try re-crimping the RJ-11 plug on the end of your Smartcord. Internally the wires in the Smartcord are very well soldered. So, if re-crimping the RJ-11 plug doesn't solve your power problem, then a hardwire setup should completely solve your power issues. After you hardwire and if you get laser falses when you rev your engine or honk your horn, a Radio Shack snap-on choke installed around the hardwire cord will solve that problem since some car electrical systems are noisier than others.

He did say he got a new unit, so use the smartcord for awhile and see if there are power problems, if there are then it is the car or lighter etc.

No, its not hardwired yet. I hope Alanek is right. I rather have the smart cord go bad than my car wiring. I have a brand new 9500i. Ill drive around with that for a while and see if it still gives me a power reset message. If it does, I'll try to hardwire my unit. If that fails, then obvisouly something wrong with my car's electrical system.

Im new to hardwiring rd's, so I'll try to use the search button to find out the best method to use. I'm sure its been discussed tons of times here. If I have trouble, I might ask bestbuy to take care of the job.

I got some great ideas here and on the Acura MDX forum. Search for a forum on your car and maybe someone hardwired a radar detector. The best advice I got was to buy an "Add a Circuit" at Pep Boys it made hard wiring a no brainer.

thanks Alan. I'll try searching. I drive a Honda, so maybe I can find some info on the acura forum. I will also try searching here for the 'Add A Circuit' hardwiring setup.

the "add a circuit" really is a no brainer. just pick the fuse you want to tap and buy the same Amp rated "add a circuit". when you see them you will understand why we say they are a no brainer.