Stereo & Electronics - Detector and "Shifter" questions

Is anyone running the Escort SRX or the Blinder M40? I'm finding scattered bits and pieces of imformation and reviews on these, was wondering if anyone had them and could tell me what they thought. Any information is appreciated!

I have the SR7 (which is the same detector without the ZR3 laser shifter) and have been very pleased with its performance. The head unit fits very nicely in the space between the bottom of the radio/AC trim and the leading edge of the console where it is easily visible by the driver without attracting unwanted attention.

Comparing it to the K40 SonarRadar unit I had before, it seems to be a little less sensitive but also produces fewer false warnings. It's almost like it has a warning "threshold" where it will detect a signal but not alarm until the signal reaches a certain strength. However, it has always given me enough warning to slow down in plenty of time.

Once I got used to the way it works, I switched the display to "expert" mode which indicates the number and relative strengths of multiple signals at the same time. This is particularly handy in the city where there are often multiple radar sources. On the highway I switch it back to normal mode for the larger display because multiple signals are less likely.

I could add the optional laser shifters that come with the SRX but laser (LIDAR) is not in use much around here and the added cost didn't seem worth it.

Wow thanks a bunch! How was the install, PITA? I've got a good question, just where did you install the radar recieving module? I thought about putting the laser transcievers in my lower snorkel holes and the radar reciever up on my dash, but was unsure about performance. Any pics or info is always appreciated, thanks!

The installation took several hours but it wasn't really difficult - just time consuming mounting everything and running the wires. I put the laser detector in the right hole under the turn signal and the radar receiver under the car fastened to the black plastic panel in front of the air dam. Don't put it on the dash - it kind of defeats the purpose of a remote system. Under the car works great for the radar receiver because radar signals reflect easily off the pavement.

Now when you say under the car, does the un it have a , hum-hum, "Clear view of the road."?Reason I'm asking is because I have a Wings West body kit, the lip and skirts. Plus I'd hate to hit a pot hole and lose my 625$ investment. My main concern is I don't want to place it in a location where it will seriously hinder the detection capabilities. Anybody have any ideas where to mount this thing on a 2002 Trans Am for optimal reception?

Quick questions for WhiteBird00, did you patch into an existing power line, like for your radio, or did you install another circuit? Do you ever pick up the laser warning? Any pointers from your install?

Yes, on a stock T/A it has a clear view forward from under the car. With a body kit you may have a little more difficulty finding an appropriate mounting location. Remember, the plastic front end is transparent to radar signals so mounting the receiver behind a piece of trim is not going to cause reception problems. However, the laser detector must have an unobstructed view of the road.

One of the first things I did when I got the car was run three power circuits from the fuse panel to a convenient spot behind the dash under the glove box. I knew I would be adding a number of electrical accessories so I figured it would be easier to have the wiring in an easy to reach location. The three circuits are battery (always live), ignition (live while car is running), and accessory (live when car is running, key is in accessory position, or during retained accessory power operation). I hooked up the radar detector to the ignition circuit since it's no use if the car isn't moving.

I have only had a laser warning once because it isn't that popular with police around here. It gave me a few seconds warning when it was triggered by them clocking the car in front of me. Luckily, I wasn't going too much over the limit so those few seconds were enough to slow down by the time they hit me with it.