NickR-S4

Since it seems that most people install Valentine 1’s, I wanted to share my installation of the Escort Passport 9500ix in my 2011 S4. I used the DIY posting from "TAILS" (thank you TAILS!!) found here:

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho...25&highlight=v

I struggled with the decision between getting a Valentine 1 and the Passport 9500ix, but ultimately settled on the 9500ix due to its advanced technology such as GPS, location of traffic cameras and its ability to learn the location of false alarms. I believe the latter is key if you’re going to have a radar detector active most of the time you’re driving.

I also opted for the "SuperCup" mount from Escort instead of the small two suction cup mount it normally comes with, which brings the radar detector further into the cabin, making the buttons easier to use when mounted under the rear view mirror. It's a solid mount, unobtrusive and very nice looking.

The only problem I’m having is that I don’t have a good and easy place to mount the remote display, which is really just a mute button, an alarm light and a power light. Currently, I have it mounted on the steering column as you can see in the last picture below. I had an idea of taking the remote display apart and embedding it into one of the empty buttons on the center console. I did a quick photoshop of what that may look like (see second to last photo). I can probably remove the blank button and drill three holes in it for the mute button, alarm and power lights to poke through. I can either use the same sticker that’s on the remote display or somehow print my own. Though, not quite sure how to remove that blank button yet.


PS: The lights are the LED light bulbs from Tunerdomes. They are very nice and I would recommend them to everyone. Not only that, but there was a small problem with my order and the people at Tunerdomes responded very quickly and corrected it immediately. Fantastic customer service! (no I don’t work for them).

PPS: Happy New Year to everyone!!

-Nick

rktskicar

personally, I would skip the remote display and mount your detector on left side of the mirror. I run an Escort Solo S2 and that is where I mount it.

Bruce

DrVolkl

My V1 spends all it's time in my 997... I really need to get a detector for the S4.

Maybe I'll give the Escort a shot... especially now that I'm commuting.

Best place to get one?

legbend

Here's where I put mine:



That's the 8500. I'm looking to upgrade to the 9500, so I hope the remote display is the same. Looks like I'll be getting the supercup too.

growl2

Over the years I have had SR1, SRX, 9500 and now Qi45, all remote escort detectors. As I am not a smoker, I have always mounted the display in the ashtray in all my cars (in the Audi lineup, this included a 2004 S4, a 2005 A6, and now a 2011 S4). This way I can close the ashtray if I do not want to see the unit. Frankly, I rarely look at the display as the audible alert gives you all the info you really need. Just a thought.

tofuking

Anyone knows if this will work? The invisicord.

http://www.r8talk.com/forums/showthr...?t=4625&page=2

Tails

You're welcome! The install looks great & the large suction cup looks very stable.

Hmmm... Have you popped out the radio panel to inspect the back? If it's anything like the HVAC panel, I bet the backside will be obstructed... Personally I like legbend's location just under the drivers HVAC ****. Sticking your arm through the wheel to silence the alarm while driving seems like a bad idea...

Alternatively, maybe in the center console? This Laser Jammer DIY has some pictures of removing the console and routing wires to the cell phone slot next to the cup holders:

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2795909

Tails

I haven't used the product personally. It looks like it's just a short wire lead with two metal pins that you jam into an existing electrical connector for power/ground.

Pic from that thread:



You can see the black and yellow shrink wrap around two metal pins that are pushed into the connector.

If that's all it is, I would avoid the product. It looks like it might loosen the existing wires in the connector, and I don't see what securely holds the new wires in contact with power/ground. A spliced & soldered connection will be best, even a vampire tap would be better than jamming two leads in a connector. (Although you still shouldn't use one because it can vibrate loose over time.)

Vampire tap:

B6bydesign

Bingo. Exactly how I setup my passport:

Open



Closed

helix139

The supercup is great for about 6 months or so. I've been using one for about a year on my 9500 and it got to the point where the lever mechanism wouldn't actually lock down the cup anymore due to loosening and it ends up falling off the windshield. Escort sent me a new one and I'll be giving it a shot, but I'm not hopeful as there are numerous complaints about it on forums.