Strange Issue - Escort 8500

[ST_John]

Need to ask a question to other Escort 8500 X50 users. Anyone ever have an issue with false Ka alerts when only using the rd on the bike? I just hooked up the detector a week ago, and once riding it seems to max out on a Ka alert and stay there until I turn it off. If I turn it on again it does the same thing again after a few minutes.

I checked the wiring, I'm only providing a hot and ground and I checked my wiring against the stock cable. I will try removing the iphone as it is on the same side - use TC Right Mount, iphone usually in right fairing pocket.

Funny thing is - I never have this problem in my truck??? Any ideas??

 

[wjbertrand]

I know where I live they have installed a bunch of those K band drones to monitor traffic speeds. This causes frequent repeated false alerts but they aren't continuous like you describe. I also have the same problem whether the RD is on the bike or in the car. Is it possible that your truck has one of those metalized windscreens that reduces the sensitivity? What happens if you hold it out the window?

In the end I just turned off the K band as the cops around here all use Ka band pretty exclusively.

 

[ST_John]

Thanks for the replies - I've only seen the issue when it is mounted on the motorcycle. After reading the other post I went out and tested it without my phone nearby and it did not go off - so that might be the issue. Although it did not alert when I moved the phone close either. I'll have to ride with it to really check it properly.

So far, it works perfectly in my truck. In my area we have a bunch of speed cameras and sensors, but they are all K band. My issue has been only on Ka alerts. I'll keep testing and post results.

Also, just to clarify I am not using anything extra like a Visual Alert, just the stock detector with a + and ground through a telephone cord to switched fuseblock.

 

[uptoblackwood]

I haven't had this problem....even with my phone nearby....

Forest

 

[ST_John]

I haven't had this problem....even with my phone nearby....

Forest

Do you have use the escort cable for power, or just a modified telephone cable?

I'm wondering if simply using the two center wires of the telephone cable is enough? I would think it should function fine...

 

[uptoblackwood]

I have the escort RJ11 connector. As long as you know the pinout...any RJ11 cable will work. I've changed out the head of the connector several times now, due to oxidation on the connectors.

Forest

 

[1129VLD]

I have the escort RJ11 connector. As long as you know the pinout...any RJ11 cable will work. I've changed out the head of the connector several times now, due to oxidation on the connectors.

Forest

Would smearing the connector with dielectric grease assist with this?

 

[1129VLD]

If somebody knows, will you share the pin out.

 

[ST_John]

Good idea, I searched here originally and couldn't find it. Here it is for the escort 8500: Note I found this on another site.

 

[wjbertrand]

Do you have use the escort cable for power, or just a modified telephone cable?

I'm wondering if simply using the two center wires of the telephone cable is enough? I would think it should function fine...

I have connected both my 8500 and 9500ix using a self-fabricated "telephone" cable without any problems, I don't think there's anything special about the Escort cable.

Good idea, I searched here originally and couldn't find it. Here it is for the escort 8500: Note I found this on another site.

It's easy enough to figure out the power connections using the smart cord that comes with these detectors plugged in to a cig socket and a volt meter. The outer two conductors are only for communication to the smart cord's warning lights and mute button and aren't needed for basic function.

 

[ST_John]

That's what I figured - the connection seemed simple enough. Just trying to eliminate operator error from the equation.

I'll keep toying with it. The other thing I thought might have happened was a ground loop from the audio cable I have going to the Autocom. Not even sure if that is possible but I doubt it. I have a GLI in-line between the two already making it even less likely.

I should have my bike back together tonight after a front fork seal replacement and will take it out for a ride.

 

[uptoblackwood]

Would smearing the connector with dielectric grease assist with this?

Well....to some degree...but it would make a mess out of the RD input. I just need to cover this connector while it's not in use.

 

[Uncle Phil]

ST. JOHN - I just use a standard RJ11 plug (with 2 wires - hot and ground) to power mine (I have 1 on each of the 3 ST1100s). No issues so far and they've been in use for quite a while. I do have them in a Radio Shack project box under the headlight and just use the audio.

 

[1129VLD]

He mentioned the the Ka alert activates, goes to max and stays there while he is riding. Even with the auto mute "off" that shouldn't happen unless he is receiving a continuous constant maximum Ka signal the entire time he has it on.

 

[BC Rider]

Any ideas??

FWIW - can you turn off the bluetooth and wifi function of the iphone and try to see if the problem goes away?

We are getting into the age where wireless devices try to establish communications with each other - I saw WALL-E with my kid. Maybe your RD is trying to pickup your Iphone.

Seriously though, I understand that superheterodyne (sp?) units like the escort send out signals and I've seen mine go off because of other radar detectors in the area. Not sure what kind of signals the iphone send off but I'd guess it would be a pretty wide spectrum.

 

[ST_John]

I just went out and checked the program settings and the AutoMute was "on", thank you for the idea - I'm willing to try anything.

I did manage to find some interesting things riding around tonight. First, the problem is not due to the iphone, I left it at home and the issue happened again.

I also checked each of the modes: Auto, Highway, and City and it didn't matter.

I think I did finally find the source of the problem - it's something with the headphone connection to the Autocom. As soon as I removed that I rode 25 miles past normal X band speed checks on the side of the road and it worked fine. Plugged it back in, and within 3 minutes the problem returned.

So, why would the audio cable cause the RD to signal false Ka readings? It's a simple connection - just use a ratshack stereo 3.5mm male-to-male to a ground loop isolator (Crutchfield type) then into Aux 2 on the Autocom (non-powered input). I'm getting closer at least.

Thank you for all your suggestions!