Escort ZR3 Laser Shifter

LinuxRacr

Contributor
:
2001 Mazda MP3
Got ticket, then got Shifter ZR3

That's right, I was cruising up Cooper Street in Arlington...all of a sudden, my Passport 8500 started going crazy, and said "Laser." Oh s***, too late to slow down. I wasn't even paying attention to how fast I was going, but a cop on a motorcycle was. :mad: After getting the ticket, I went straight to CarToys and picked up the Escort Shifter ZR3. The beauty of this unit is that it plugs directly into the Passport 8500, and can be controlled by it. For $399, not bad. You gotta remember though that the SRX includes a radar detection system too. In comparison the Escort Passport SRX is $1500. The combo mentioned above (Passport 8500 + ZR3 Shifter) does the same exact functions, but with more useful features in hand (such as the built-in volt meter on the Passport 8500), and costs about $800 less. The reason the SRX cost much more is that it is all remote mounted.


For those who don't know about the ZR3 shifter, here are the essential links:

Escort ZR3 Website
http://www.escortradar.com/zr3.htm
Radartest.com Laser shifter tests
http://radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=8502

Here are the specs on the ZR3:

http://www.escortradar.com/zr3.htm

What is LASER?

LASER technology used to measure speed is actually called LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging. This light is invisible to the human eye, and is very difficult to detect.

How do LASER Guns work?

LIDAR guns project a beam of invisible infrared light. This light, or signal, is transmitted in a series of very short pulses, which move in a straight and narrow line to the target v...ehicle. Once this signal hits your v...ehicle, the light bounces back to the LIDAR gun. Your speed is then calculated by measuring the change in distance over time.

How widespread is LIDAR?

It's estimated that over 25,000 LIDAR guns are in use today. This number is growing every day. In some areas it has become the standard issue for law enforcement.

How serious a threat is LIDAR?

LIDAR is a newer technology for measuring speed than conventional radar, therefore, you may not encounter it on a daily basis. However, LIDAR is much more accurate, and because the signal (beam of light) is much narrower, it is extremely difficult to detect. In fact, some of the best radar/laser detectors may not provide enough warning to adjust your speed.

How do I defend myself against LIDAR?

Introducing the new Laser Shifter ZR3 - the ultimate laser (LIDAR) defense system from Escort. The new Laser Shifter ZR3 is equipped with a total of three (2 front, 1 rear) laser "Shifters." These highly sensitive transceivers detect the presence of LIDAR, and respond with a pulsed laser signal in order to "Shift" or confuse the targeting LIDAR gun.

Do I need front and rear LIDAR protection?

YES! Law enforcement officers can target your vehicle from the front or the rear. Some speed traps are designed with the officer positioned on an entrance ramp, providing no visual indication of their presence. The rear sensor of the Laser Shifter ZR3 protects you from this kind of ambush.

Is Laser "Shifting" safe?

YES! The Food and D...rug Administration regulates the use of Laser. The Laser Shifter ZR3 is safe, and accurate against targeting laser guns. However, this type of product may be limited or prohibited in some jurisdictions. Check your local laws before using.

What control do I have over the Laser Shifter ZR3?

The Laser Shifter ZR3 is packed with useful features including front and rear indicators, volume control, mute, and manual "receive only" mode (patent pending). Since some of the LIDAR guns are equipped with "jamming codes," our exclusive "receive only" mode allows you to disarm the shifters during an alert - minimizing attention from the targeting officer.

Can I use the Laser Shifter ZR3 with my current radar/laser detector?

Yes. In fact, Escorts's exclusive design allows you to "link" the new Laser Shifter ZR3 to the award-winning Passport 8500 - providing the ultimate protection against all forms of radar and laser encounters. This combination of detection and "Laser Shifting" is the best protection available. Click here for more information about linking the Laser Shifter ZR3 and Passport 8500.

The Laser Shifter ZR3 may also be used to add laser shifting capability to the Cordless Solo S2, the Passport 7500S, or the custom-installed Passport SR7. For instructions on how to combine the Passport SR7 and the Laser Shifter ZR3, click here.

Comes Fully Equipped

srx_remote_mute.jpg
The Laser Shifter ZR3 comes complete with a comprehensive owner's manual, installation instructions, two front laser transceivers, one rear laser transceiver, in-car display controller, remote mute button, 12-volt interface with modular connections, complete wiring harnesses, mounting hardware, and Link Cable for connecting to the Passport 8500 or the Solo S2.
 
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damn, that sucks for the ticket, but that thing is awesome. what would you recommend? the solo s2 or the passport 8500?
 
The Solo 2 is has cordless capabilites, but you can plug it in I believe. You will get great performance with either. I accually have the new version of the Passport 8500 with the blue readout instead of red.
 
wow.. someones getting paid.. can I borrow some money? New camera for almost a grand.. a $400 splurge... and what else? Can I get a job where you work?

The ZR3 looks pretty interesting.. but I am going to stop reading as its more than a paycheck for me and I hate to keep adding things to the "I need to buy it" list.
 
If I had a job the ZR7 would probably be mine...but as is I've been really lucky and haven't been pulled over yet...(knock knock knock!) Ah the advantages of driving a Black car...sure...nobody notices me. And that's how I like it! :D
 
LinuxRacr said:
The Solo 2 is has cordless capabilites, but you can plug it in I believe. You will get great performance with either. I accually have the new version of the Passport 8500 with the blue readout instead of red.
The solo2 can use the ZR3 now I believe.
 
Anyone have any specific advice on where would be the best place to mount these on my MP3? The back sensor looks damn straight forward.
 
All I can say is that since my g/f got me my Valentine V1 last Christmas, I will NEVER be without it...friggin' amazing radar/laser scanner....
 
TampaBlackMSP said:
All I can say is that since my g/f got me my Valentine V1 last Christmas, I will NEVER be without it...friggin' amazing radar/laser scanner....
(nobody)....Just kidding!! In all seriousness, that is the only other detector I would consider getting.
 
Ok, I spent about 8 hours installing this system the day before yesterday (Wed). I should have pictures shortly of how I did it, and a general description of the routing of the wires. The hardest part was mounting the front sensors. I had to remove the bumper (of course). I chose to mount them under the metal bumper (behind the urathane one) so that the sensors are in the lower gril exposed, and on either side of where the license plate would be.
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I test-fitted the sensors, re-mount the bumper to check for clearance, mark the 1st pilot hole and drill it. I screwed in the 1st sensor, and remounted the bumper to check for clearance. I followed the same process for the other front sensor. Note: You will need some self-tapping metal screws. Get them before you start the install. You also have to put the car on a flat surface, and use a level to make sure that they are level to the ground. To make sure they were pointing straight, I used a metal ruler, and slid it along the straight edge of the car's under frame while watching a certain mark on the ruler trace along the sensor to make sure that it lined up all the way accross by adjusting the pivot of the sensor in relation. The rear sensor was easy to mount using the existing license plate screws.
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LinuxRacr said:
Yeah, I can't wait to see the look on the 1st officer's face that shoots me with Lidar. :D

Just dont drive through NYC with that s*** blocking laser guns. Cops have a detecors that you have jammer in NYC.
 

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