Sunday, July 13, 2008

Escort Passport 9500ci Mounting Instructions & Professional Installation Video Guide


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Escort Passport 9500ci Mounting Instructions Video Guide in Four Chapters
Recorded 21,22 May 2008

Back in early May of 2008, I was very fortunate to be one of only three radar detector reviewers to receive an early production shipment of the new Escort Passport 9500ci remote radar detector directly from Escort.

On May 21st and 22nd of 2008 I had the Escort Passport 9500ci professionally installed in my personal 5 series BMW by a high-end automotive audio and electronics installer located in my area, World Wide Stereo. These guys of have been installing high-line home and automotive electronics for a very long time and were my natural choice for the new Escort Passport 9500ci remote for my Bimmer as I was interested in a high-end quality installation that would enhance the value of my vehicle, not diminish it.

This comprehensive video details a how to mount the Escort Passport 9500ci, what a correct professional installation looks like, and should serve as a detailed video instruction guideline for both high-end professional dealer/installers and DIY'ers alike.

For a product like the Escort Passport 9500ci, I would recommend that you select a specialized dealer who is not only intimately familiar with the particulars of this fascinating new remote radar detector, but who has intimate knowledge of your particular vehicle. If done properly, a clean factory-looking professional installation will serve to enhance the resell value of your vehicle as opposed to detracting from its value...So it's very important to choose wisely and price shouldn't be the primary driving factor.

As with many things in life, you get what you pay for...

I would like to thank both Escort and World Wide Stereo of Montgomeryville, PA for making this instructional video possible.

A professional Escort installer/dealer can be located in your area by visiting:

Escort Dealer/Installer Locator

...Keep it between the lines...

To see more related videos, visit Veil Guy Videos on YouTube.com at www.youtube.com/veilguy

Veil Guy

8 comments:

SojournerMoon said...

Nice video. Installation was almost exactly the same on my C6 Corvette, though without the drilling. Just two comments:

1. The video glazed over the fact that it's illegal in most (all?) states to cover up any part of a license plate's text, including the state name. In this video, a more police-friendly mount would have been on the lower 2 holes. Just a warning to those who are watching this. I know that was probably a "demo" plate.

2. I noticed that your trunk release button appears to be just above where the rear laser shifter is located. It's that way on a C6 Corvette, too. For some cars, there could be too little room between the shifter and the button to access it. You'd have to rely on the key fob or the internal release button on the dash to get in your trunk. I didn't have this problem on my Vette.

3. The radar detector portion probably should be mounted higher to be able to pick up stray signals in addition to direct hits as a) if you get a direct hit, you're speed is already clocked as this unit only jams laser, and b) the receiver is better able to pick up reflections and transmissions through the windshields of cars up ahead that are between you and the radar source if mounted high.

4. Despite the above, being mounted in the "open" and not behind a windshield makes the receiver that much more sensitive. I've noticed this helps compensate for the lower mounting position necessitated by the external unit (e.g., behind the grill).

5. Watch for heat-up of the GPS antenna if mounted in-cabin as it will disable the GPS portion of the system until the car cools down. Not an issue if you park in a garage. Big issue if you park in a parking lot and it's hot out.

Veil Guy said...

Thanks.

I really wanted to produce a high-quality and informative video guide for such a high-end radar detector and for their owners (of the cars that are going to get the 9500ci installed).

You've made some very good observations:

Mike did briefly touch on the state subject at 21:45 and had that not been a demo plate, we would have elected to move the rear 9500ci's zr4 laser shifter rear head to the bottom of the plate, instead.

The 9500ci's GPS antenna is mounted low on the interior-side of the windshield that is somewhat "shielded" by the lower part of the windscreen from direct sunlight. And things have been OK, so far, and this car definitely sees a lot of sun-shine.

I actually installed multiple remote radar detectors (the next video is coming soon) and I am experimenting with head placement.

I initially opted to go very low, with the hope of maximizing reception to the rear (by positioning the radar antenna below the motor and bonnet area. I also believe this positioning can help in forward reception since frontal radar can propagate under vehicles that may be directly ahead of me. So far, I have been extremely happy with the Passport 9500ci's performance (in its current position).

How's your Paspport 9500ci in your C6 doing?

Veil Guy

Anonymous said...

Good Video,
How is the effectiveness of the rear lidar when the cops are shooting from the outside in now?

Veil Guy said...

Here's some real-world rear police lasering action in Kentucky from a little while ago from the Speed Trap Hunter travel blog demonstrating the effectiveness of the Laser Shifter ZR4 (Escort Passport 9500ci) rear lidar head when used in combination with Veil G4 on a difficult to cloak silver metallic rear:

Speed Trap Hunting in Kentucky with a Shifter ZR4/9500ci & Veil G4

Plus I've got some video runs recently run against the rear in Hammonton, NJ of the Laser Shifter ZR4 and Veil G4 in combination together:

Laser Shifter ZR4 & Veil G4: A Most Effective Combination

Needless to say, I am very pleased with this setup.

Veil Guy

Anonymous said...

I have the STi-R and had it mounted behind the grill in my Lexus GS350. It is located on the passenger side next to the "L" emblem.

I get horrible radar detection from this spot. I will send it back to the shop and try where you mounted it (low, behind the bumper, near the driver side fog light).

Thanks for the video!

Unknown said...

Hey Guys I really enjoyed reading all this information regarding the 9500ci.
I just purchased a 2008 VW R32, and I’m currently looking to have the 9500ci installed in it.
My biggest concern is the quality of the installation itself. Was thinking of using World Wide Stereo, would love to here some more feedback on how the installation went.
Unfortunately there are not any places in South Jersey that have any experience with this particular product.
I live in the south Jersey area and the NSP have launched a massive laser enforcement program. To which I want to be prepared just incase!

Veil Guy said...

Richard,

Overall I am extremely satisfied with their installation.

I have to arrange a return, as I did not clearly articulate that my Blinder X-treme M-25 was not to be removed.

As a result, not only did they remove my K40 installation, they inadvertently pulled the internals to my Blinder M25...which is just as well, as I expect to be installing the new and more powerful M25 "J16" in its place.

Be advised, though, that my installation was not "inexpensive" and ran four figures (since I had multiple remotes installed and removal of the K40, as well).

But, like anything, you get what you pay for and these guys really deliver the know how and the craftsmanship that I wanted for a vehicle of that caliber.

Your R32 is a very nice ride, indeed, so it would be very fitting.

I know it is a little bit of a drive for you, but I can't recommend them enough.

I've known these "guys" for a very very long time (I am also a high-end audiophile [valve] junkie) and nobody (short of NYC) knows high-end like these guys do!

Tell 'em the Veil Guy sent ya...they'd probably get a kick out it.

BTW, the head of the custom installation department has joined our sister forum: SpeedStrapHunter.Net.

Veil Guy said...

Richard,

Overall I am extremely satisfied with their installation.

I have to arrange a return, as I did not clearly articulate that my Blinder X-treme M-25 was not to be removed.

As a result, not only did they remove my K40 installation, they inadvertently pulled the internals to my Blinder M25...which is just as well, as I expect to be installing the new and more powerful M25 "J16" in its place.

Be advised, though, that my installation was not "inexpensive" and ran four figures (since I had multiple remotes installed and removal of the K40, as well).

But, like anything, you get what you pay for and these guys really deliver the know how and the craftsmanship that I wanted for a vehicle of that caliber.

Your R32 is a very nice ride, indeed, so it would be very fitting.

I know it is a little bit of a drive for you, but I can't recommend them enough.

I've known these "guys" for a very very long time (I am also a high-end audiophile [valve] junkie) and nobody (short of NYC) knows high-end like these guys do!

Tell 'em the Veil Guy sent ya...they'd probably get a kick out it.

BTW, the head of the custom installation department has joined our sister forum: SpeedTrapHunter.Net.