Group Buy for the Passport 8500 X50 radar detector

[sgoat]

I've had my 8500 direct wired for over a year with no fuse blowing issues.

 

[skyway]

As far as hardwiring is concerned, I plan on having the power disconnected from the detector when running the starter. I will lock it up in a side or top case whenever I park the bike so I'll have to unplug the power anyway.

But if the fuse in in the direct wire, wouldn't the direct wire always be hooked up and susceptible to blow a fuse when starting? I had thought the same thing, that it's a simple fix to just unhook the detector from the power cord, but I'm not sure that will avoid the fuse in the line blowing.

I have had no issues with any hardwired electrical farkles from cranking the engine. My Garmin 2730 is wired directly to the battery with their hardwire accessory kit, which also has a fuse in line.

I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[deagle]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I'm going with the X50 model and direct wiring it to the battery (even "I" can handle that).

And thanks for the group buy. Nicely done.

 

[Geezer]

As far as hardwiring is concerned, I plan on having the power disconnected from the detector when running the starter. I will lock it up in a side or top case whenever I park the bike so I'll have to unplug the power anyway.

But if the fuse in in the direct wire, wouldn't the direct wire always be hooked up and susceptible to blow a fuse when starting? I had thought the same thing, that it's a simple fix to just unhook the detector from the power cord, but I'm not sure that will avoid the fuse in the line blowing.

Moot point now that others have already stated that they have direct wired devices with no problem, but:

We're not talking about putting the fuse in the starter circuit. The fuse would be only in the circuit to the device. The fuse would only have current flowing through it if the device was connected and, for most devices, switched on. The only reason the fuse might be in jeopardy of blowing when the starter is turned would be if the starter drew so much power that the voltage dropped significantly.

the device drawing a specific number of watts could concievably draw higher amps at lower volts and if the fuse is very sensutuve it could blow.

Rather than being concerned about blowing a fuse, I would be more concerned about the voltage drop having a negative effect on the electronics in the device.

 

[skyway]

Did any of you guys order the ground loop isolator if you are running the audio through an Autocom or Starcom?  Jack at Escort told me it would probably be necessary or I would pick up noise without it.

I just talked with the gadget guru Kieth. He tells me that in order to feed sound into the Autocom system, a ground loop isolator is needed. Instead of buying the accessory from Escort, I bought Item Number: 57 from Autocom. This has the ground loop circuit and splits into 2 lines, so my cell phone can also be wired at the same time.

 

[skyway]

Checks are being mailed today. I will contact Jack next week to make sure he got them.

 

[deagle]

Excellent.

For those that have mounted things to the clutch or brake reservoir, how did you do it for a removable item? I bought some velcro yesterday, but is that enough to trust with a $300 item?

Do these work in a tank bag? Didn't think it would be high enough.

 

[Toecutter]

For those that have mounted things to the clutch or brake reservoir, how did you do it for a removable item? I bought some velcro yesterday, but is that enough to trust with a $300 item?

I used some Extreme velcro, from a crafts store. It holds well enough. I occasionally press it down for insurance. You could also put some velcro hook material on the sides of the reservoir and make a strap to go over the top of the unit if you are concerned about it vibrating off. Industrial velcro is also available if desired.

 

[skyway]

Excellent.
For those that have mounted things to the clutch or brake reservoir, how did you do it for a removable item?  I bought some velcro yesterday, but is that enough to trust with a $300 item?

Do these work in a tank bag?  Didn't think it would be high enough.

I 'was' planning on going on the right side reservoir, but have now changed my mind and will mount on top of my tank bag. This will save me from connect/disconnect at every gas stop, as my Autocom is tag bag mounted.

 

[skyway]

Important information update:

Below is the reference number for each individuals purchase. In the future if you need to contact Escort for anything regarding your purchase, you will need this number as a reference. Please make a note of it, and keep it safe.

Chris Haerter S-1943741

Hal Risser S-1947346

Bill Brunell S-1947348

Greg Walters S-1947350

William Bauer S-1947351

Ken Franz S-1947355

Steven Wanko S-1947356

Bill Rowland S-1947358

Bob Firestine S-1947359

Mary Adachi S-1947383

Tim Bates S-1947391

John Victor S-1947393

Michael Krause S-1947395

James Duncan S-1947400

Don Carver S-1947407

Clay Schmidt S-1947410

I have also pinned this to the first page.

 

[skyway]

Extended date GB information for anyone who may still want a radar detector.

I have gotten email from people who still want in, even though I am no longer accepting funds for the GB. I called Jack at Escort, and he is willing to offer the discounted pricing for another month (April 20), for anyone who wants in. I will not be part of this, you must call him directly and work it out between yourselves.

Props to Escort for the extended GB discount!

The extended GB date will not impact the delivery schedule of the original GB players.

 

[evil_henchman]

Geeze I can't believe how much work goes into a group buy! Anybody else notice how much Skyway's worked on this?? Thanks Dude!

I've had an 8500 for some time now and it's saved me big bucks and probably jail time. Very seldom do I get hit with instant on radar or laser. They almost always just zap away nonstop. I think they do it on purpose just to keep people slowed down.

I'd highly recommend a H.A.R.D. so what if they go through batteries, they're dirt cheap on ebay. $10 for 24 or more. You won't see the detector light up and you won't hear it squack unless you have an earbud and then you can't use an Mp3 player. Just my 2 cents worth.

Chronic speed freak and ticket free for over 20 years

 

[skyway]

Geeze I can't believe how much work goes into a group buy!

Oh I can. :lol:

 

[Toecutter]

Paid for the new detector today with the old one on the bike. Got forewarned and avoided one for 80 in a 55! Sweeet!

 

[skyway]

Paid for the new detector today with the old one on the bike. Got forewarned and avoided one for 80 in a 55!  Sweeet!

So you have your bike back now?

 

[Toecutter]

Yeah, I got it Saturday late afternoon. Details. There is another possible problem but I'm not going public about it until after I talk to the dealer Thursday once I get another day off.

 

[krashdragon]

Geeze I can't believe how much work goes into a group buy!

Oh I can. :lol:

And Thank you very much!

Mary

 

[throttlejockeyTJ]

I don't see the direct contact information. I am interested. Thanks Skyway! TJ

 

[skyway]

I don't see the direct contact information. I am interested. Thanks Skyway! TJ

First page of the thread, scroll down there's a phone # for Escort.

"You need to call Escort direct at 800-433-3487 ex. 8532 and speak to Jack. He will be our point of contact for this GB."

 

[skyway]

Got the call today from Escort, all radar detectors from the GB have shipped out. Everyone keep an eye out for the nice brown man.