Beltronics STiR / AL Priority Custom Installation Radar Detector/Laser Jammer

inagua · 12-14-2014, 12:54 AM

I have owned or currently own several styles of RD and Laser jammers. here is a little input from my experience.
I live in a metropolitan area so my driving consists of LA freeway, streets and interstate highway. All my RD are detecting only Ka band to limit interference.
Currently own three systems.
Valentine V1 sun visor hard wire install- Tundra pickup
Escort 9500 ci-Mirror install in M3- Just uninstalled and lease returned vehicle
K40 with G5 laser jammers- Currently installed on M4, Prior install for 18 months on 2013 M6

Valentine V1 hard wired- currently mounted from the visor on my Tundra pickup. No laser jamming capabilities.
Observations-
- can detect radar from 360 degrees and will tell you in which direction it is coming from. Not sure if this is useful as any time it goes off, I slow down.
- Very sensitive detector but in my experience, does have some false positives that chirp for only a brief amount of time.
- Seems to always detect Radar from a far distance. As far as I know has not missed a radar episode.

Escort 9500 ci with Escort proprietary laser jammers
-Mounted in the mirror in two of my vehicles (e90 M3 and E63 M6)- definitely has the cool factor and mounted for very easy visibility.
-Main problem is that the laser jammers have way too many false positives especially from LED or headlights from the vehicles behind. Seem to be especially sensitive to the LED on Audi vehicles. Because of these problems, I no longer utilize this system.
Additionally, since the unit was mounted in the mirror, had to be without the mirror for 2 weeks while the LED unit was getting installed in the mirror.

K40 with G5 laser jammers- Bright blue LED lights mounted either on the bottom of the mirror OR currently inside the AC vents. With the blue lights mounted on the mirror, I felt it was to visible to law enforcement as the lights were very bright especially in the pm.
Can easily adjust the volume and light level with the remote control. In my experience has been the most accurate RD/Laser jammers I have owned.
-Not as sensitive at detecting Radar at far distances in my experience.
-Very clean install as the control unit is a remote control and can be placed in the ashtray hidden away.

The escort 9500 ci, and K40 were both installed by Sounds Good audio in Canoga Park, Ca.
Even though I leased each of my vehicles, I uninstalled the RD/LJ in every vehicle prior to lease turn in. This cost me about $600 and re-installed it in each new vehicle for roughly the same $600.
This saves me the cost of a whole new unit for every vehicle.
However, if you do the Mirror install , uninstall, this may add an additional $300 on each end.
My choice
1. K40 with G5 laser jamming system.
2. Escort 9500 ci mirror install, but I would use a different Laser jammer such as the laser Interceptor, not the escort laser jammers.
3. Valentine- no capability of "clean: high end install. Cumbersome unit works very well but appearance is very outdated.
Anyways, that's just my 2 cents worth

racsos · 12-14-2014, 11:26 AM

as far as laser jammers are concerned, watch this if you have time.

I believe what ELBWEB has is the best of the best.

3er · 12-14-2014, 11:26 AM

^^ Great video (above) and writeup (two above).

I really like that Escort's new Laser ShifterPro's are rebadged Laser Interceptors. The interwebs ranks ALP at the top, but given LI's great reputation and Escort's all-in-one approach, I think the newest 9500ci is a nice choice.

M42N8 · 01-29-2015, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

I recently has a Beltronics system installed in my 435i. I didn't go for the mirror integration because it's a leased car; the display actually tucks in nicely on the upper left dashboard.

I considered putting the controller in the storage cubby, but the installer recommended putting it next to the iDrive so it's more accessible. He mentioned that I would be using the mute and power buttons often. For some strange reason, Bel/Passport put the power button on top.

The cord to the controller is routed through the plastic surrounding the shift lever, so it will be easy to replace when I return the car in 28 months.

Exactly where I was thinking of putting the display. You liking it there? Mind if I ask what the install cost you?

Nice spot for controller too. Was considering putting it where the OP put theirs...but concerned it's a bit out of easy reach. I like the idea of being able to conceal it though.

Swancoat · 01-31-2015, 09:57 PM

Just another post for those doubting the usefulness of these setups.

I was hit by laser in my E92 several days ago (car has 9500ci with laser Jammers, plus a set of Laser Interceptors). The cop jumped in his car and chased me down. First thing he said when he got to my window was "do you have a radar jammer installed?" (Yes, he said radar, even though he was shooting laser. Let's face it, if these guys were 'A' students, they'd have different jobs).

Anyway, he goes on to tell me I must be running them because his gun was working fine all day, until I got there and he was unable to get a reading. So, no speeding ticket was issued. I WAS issued a ticket for using an illegal device to interfere with speed measurement or some such, which carries a fine, but no points on my license.

I've had several other occasions where I clearly avoided a ticket, but this was notable as it came with the cop basically admitting that he was jammed (on the downside, it did cost me some cash though).

M42N8 · 01-31-2015, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlmesq

I considered putting the controller in the storage cubby, but the installer recommended putting it next to the iDrive so it's more accessible. He mentioned that I would be using the mute and power buttons often. For some strange reason, Bel/Passport put the power button on top.

With the escort 9500ci, or similar Bel Stir STI-r Plus, can you change which side the cord comes out of the control unit? Looks like in your pic it comes out of the left side. Possible to route it out of the other side?

KeepRightPassLeft · 02-01-2015, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swancoat

Just another post for those doubting the usefulness of these setups.

I was hit by laser in my E92 several days ago (car has 9500ci with laser Jammers, plus a set of Laser Interceptors). The cop jumped in his car and chased me down. First thing he said when he got to my window was "do you have a radar jammer installed?" (Yes, he said radar, even though he was shooting laser. Let's face it, if these guys were 'A' students, they'd have different jobs).

Anyway, he goes on to tell me I must be running them because his gun was working fine all day, until I got there and he was unable to get a reading. So, no speeding ticket was issued. I WAS issued a ticket for using an illegal device to interfere with speed measurement or some such, which carries a fine, but no points on my license.

I've had several other occasions where I clearly avoided a ticket, but this was notable as it came with the cop basically admitting that he was jammed (on the downside, it did cost me some cash though).

When you got hit with LIDAR, did you slow down and turn off the jammers?

Tanin · 02-02-2015, 12:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeepRightPassLeft

When you got hit with LIDAR, did you slow down and turn off the jammers?

+1

elbweb · 02-02-2015, 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swancoat

Anyway, he goes on to tell me I must be running them because his gun was working fine all day, until I got there and he was unable to get a reading. So, no speeding ticket was issued. I WAS issued a ticket for using an illegal device to interfere with speed measurement or some such, which carries a fine, but no points on my license.

I'm curious, where are you located? Do you know how often people get tickets/citations for running these systems there? Where I'm at (In Florida) they're legal, but I travel through South Carolina where there not semi-frequently.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M42N8

With the escort 9500ci, or similar Bel Stir STI-r Plus, can you change which side the cord comes out of the control unit? Looks like in your pic it comes out of the left side. Possible to route it out of the other side?

Depending on the installer, you could have them reroute the power button (as they did in my install) so that you can have it flush mounted and still accessible. I don't know why he would mention using the power button a lot (as it should turn on/off with the car, and remember it's last state) but the mute button isn't used that often for me - since you can press it twice more to store the location and it'll no longer warn you for those locations.

I will say though, I use the brightness button semi-regularly as the in mirror install I had doesn't allow the sensor to properly regulate it's brightness in automatic mode.

M42N8 · 02-02-2015, 05:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elbweb

Depending on the installer, you could have them reroute the power button (as they did in my install) so that you can have it flush mounted and still accessible. I don't know why he would mention using the power button a lot (as it should turn on/off with the car, and remember it's last state) but the mute button isn't used that often for me - since you can press it twice more to store the location and it'll no longer warn you for those locations.

Yeah...I've seen that. But I was talking about being able to control which side the wire comes out of the back of the control unit when not flush mounted. Flush mounted, yeah, it doesn't matter...and looks really clean. But I may just opt to do it right by the iDrive and not cut any holes (or have custom pieces made for flush mounting)...since it's a lease.

Swancoat · 02-03-2015, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KeepRightPassLeft

When you got hit with LIDAR, did you slow down and turn off the jammers?

Yes, but he had me dead to rights coming around a curve. I shut them off, but he was already jumping into his car.

ersin · 02-04-2015, 02:19 PM

This may not be too helpful but I will tell of my experiences with laser. I have a V1 and it has saved me in the past several times by alerting to scatter from cars ahead of me that have been targeted. At least that is what it seems like. I got the alert before seeing the LEO shooting lidar and before the LEO has had a chance to see me. If they don't see you to target you then they cannot give you a ticket.

Having said that, I am in no way endorsing a detector alone as an effective countermeasure for lidar. I am only dispelling the myth that a detector is useless. It is a bit better than useless.

Here are a few other points:

o The V1 is likely one of the best lidar detectors you can get.

o I have optimized the placement of the detector so that it does not false from the sun. Other sources of falsing are negligible.

o Lidar usage in Maryland has been on the decline for a few years now. I rarely come across lidar enforcement anymore.

o If lidar is used where you drive your best defense is a jammer.

o Educate yourself about laws regulating laser jammers in your state and weigh the benefits and liabilities before acquiring one. Also, acquire an effective jammer (not all jammers are made equal), install it correctly, have an enthusiast test it, and use it correctly.

Cheers.

Evil///M · 06-05-2015, 12:29 PM

Great thread. Very nice clean install, but very expensive! I'll get a jammer eventually...

igagjan · 06-06-2015, 10:47 AM

Very neat job, I have the same car in LA, California. In a research of a right system for my location.

igagjan · 06-07-2015, 11:26 AM

Nice install, anyone know who does a great job on installing Radar/Laser J. in Los Angeles CA?

te37 · 11-14-2015, 08:51 PM

How are those front heads installed? Is it an epoxy or something?

12-14-2014, 12:54 AM	#45
inagua Lieutenant 17 Rep 433 Posts Drives: F82 M4, X5 35d, m235 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Thousand Oaks, CA iTrader: (1)	I have owned or currently own several styles of RD and Laser jammers. here is a little input from my experience. I live in a metropolitan area so my driving consists of LA freeway, streets and interstate highway. All my RD are detecting only Ka band to limit interference. Currently own three systems. Valentine V1 sun visor hard wire install- Tundra pickup Escort 9500 ci-Mirror install in M3- Just uninstalled and lease returned vehicle K40 with G5 laser jammers- Currently installed on M4, Prior install for 18 months on 2013 M6 Valentine V1 hard wired- currently mounted from the visor on my Tundra pickup. No laser jamming capabilities. Observations- - can detect radar from 360 degrees and will tell you in which direction it is coming from. Not sure if this is useful as any time it goes off, I slow down. - Very sensitive detector but in my experience, does have some false positives that chirp for only a brief amount of time. - Seems to always detect Radar from a far distance. As far as I know has not missed a radar episode. Escort 9500 ci with Escort proprietary laser jammers -Mounted in the mirror in two of my vehicles (e90 M3 and E63 M6)- definitely has the cool factor and mounted for very easy visibility. -Main problem is that the laser jammers have way too many false positives especially from LED or headlights from the vehicles behind. Seem to be especially sensitive to the LED on Audi vehicles. Because of these problems, I no longer utilize this system. Additionally, since the unit was mounted in the mirror, had to be without the mirror for 2 weeks while the LED unit was getting installed in the mirror. K40 with G5 laser jammers- Bright blue LED lights mounted either on the bottom of the mirror OR currently inside the AC vents. With the blue lights mounted on the mirror, I felt it was to visible to law enforcement as the lights were very bright especially in the pm. Can easily adjust the volume and light level with the remote control. In my experience has been the most accurate RD/Laser jammers I have owned. -Not as sensitive at detecting Radar at far distances in my experience. -Very clean install as the control unit is a remote control and can be placed in the ashtray hidden away. The escort 9500 ci, and K40 were both installed by Sounds Good audio in Canoga Park, Ca. Even though I leased each of my vehicles, I uninstalled the RD/LJ in every vehicle prior to lease turn in. This cost me about $600 and re-installed it in each new vehicle for roughly the same $600. This saves me the cost of a whole new unit for every vehicle. However, if you do the Mirror install , uninstall, this may add an additional $300 on each end. My choice 1. K40 with G5 laser jamming system. 2. Escort 9500 ci mirror install, but I would use a different Laser jammer such as the laser Interceptor, not the escort laser jammers. 3. Valentine- no capability of "clean: high end install. Cumbersome unit works very well but appearance is very outdated. Anyways, that's just my 2 cents worth
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12-14-2014, 11:26 AM	#46
racsos Second Lieutenant 72 Rep 230 Posts Drives: bmw m3 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: chicago, il iTrader: (0)	as far as laser jammers are concerned, watch this if you have time. I believe what ELBWEB has is the best of the best.
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12-14-2014, 11:26 AM	#47
3er Major 946 Rep 1,275 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M5 Competition Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Katy, TX iTrader: (0)	^^ Great video (above) and writeup (two above). I really like that Escort's new Laser ShifterPro's are rebadged Laser Interceptors. The interwebs ranks ALP at the top, but given LI's great reputation and Escort's all-in-one approach, I think the newest 9500ci is a nice choice. __________________ *2019 ///M5 Competition* On Order: 2023 ///M3 Competition xDrive
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01-31-2015, 09:57 PM	#49
Swancoat Lieutenant 136 Rep 504 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	Just another post for those doubting the usefulness of these setups. I was hit by laser in my E92 several days ago (car has 9500ci with laser Jammers, plus a set of Laser Interceptors). The cop jumped in his car and chased me down. First thing he said when he got to my window was "do you have a radar jammer installed?" (Yes, he said radar, even though he was shooting laser. Let's face it, if these guys were 'A' students, they'd have different jobs). Anyway, he goes on to tell me I must be running them because his gun was working fine all day, until I got there and he was unable to get a reading. So, no speeding ticket was issued. I WAS issued a ticket for using an illegal device to interfere with speed measurement or some such, which carries a fine, but no points on my license. I've had several other occasions where I clearly avoided a ticket, but this was notable as it came with the cop basically admitting that he was jammed (on the downside, it did cost me some cash though).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2015, 02:19 PM	#56
ersin Brigadier General 126 Rep 4,144 Posts Drives: 17 YMB F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (1)	This may not be too helpful but I will tell of my experiences with laser. I have a V1 and it has saved me in the past several times by alerting to scatter from cars ahead of me that have been targeted. At least that is what it seems like. I got the alert before seeing the LEO shooting lidar and before the LEO has had a chance to see me. If they don't see you to target you then they cannot give you a ticket. Having said that, I am in no way endorsing a detector alone as an effective countermeasure for lidar. I am only dispelling the myth that a detector is useless. It is a bit better than useless. Here are a few other points: o The V1 is likely one of the best lidar detectors you can get. o I have optimized the placement of the detector so that it does not false from the sun. Other sources of falsing are negligible. o Lidar usage in Maryland has been on the decline for a few years now. I rarely come across lidar enforcement anymore. o If lidar is used where you drive your best defense is a jammer. o Educate yourself about laws regulating laser jammers in your state and weigh the benefits and liabilities before acquiring one. Also, acquire an effective jammer (not all jammers are made equal), install it correctly, have an enthusiast test it, and use it correctly. Cheers. __________________ 2017 F80 YMB.
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06-05-2015, 12:29 PM	#57
Evil///M Professional Hitman 162 Rep 995 Posts Drives: R8 V10+ \| Colorado Z71 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: 602 iTrader: (12) Garage List 2014 Audi R8 v10+ [10.00] 2021 Ford Ranger Tr ... [0.00] 2019 BMW M2 Competi ... [9.50]	Great thread. Very nice clean install, but very expensive! I'll get a jammer eventually... __________________
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06-06-2015, 10:47 AM	#58
igagjan Private 31 Rep 76 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Coupe Join Date: May 2015 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Very neat job, I have the same car in LA, California. In a research of a right system for my location. __________________ Enjoy your car! Double -GagJan
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06-07-2015, 11:26 AM	#59
igagjan Private 31 Rep 76 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Coupe Join Date: May 2015 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0)	Nice install, anyone know who does a great job on installing Radar/Laser J. in Los Angeles CA? __________________ Enjoy your car! Double -GagJan
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11-14-2015, 08:51 PM	#60
te37 Major 545 Rep 1,132 Posts Drives: F80 SS/SO 6MT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: ATL iTrader: (3)	How are those front heads installed? Is it an epoxy or something?
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