Escort Laser Shifter ZR4 Radar Laser Detector Review

Escort Laser Shifter ZR4 Radar Laser Detector Review

Cincinnati Microwave, Escort’s parent company, has a commitment to preventing speeding tickets that goes back to the ’70’s. With the advent of LIDAR, laser speed detection, they began to confront a new technology. The problem is that LIDAR isn’t like radar. Radar units give off microwave radiation the whole time they are turned on. This makes it possible to detect their presence before the trooper aims the gun at you. The laser unit doesn’t come on until the officer pushes the button. In a few seconds the reading is in and the red lights come on. The Escort ZR4 laser shifter is designed to prevent that. And, at $449.00, cheaper than many speeding tickets. Escort-Laser-Shifter-ZR4-Radar-Laser-Detector

The ZR4 has several unique features. The transceivers which pick up the incoming laser beam are mounted above the front and rear license plates. Officers aim their LIDAR at the license plate because it is very effective at returning the laser signal. The ZR4, upon detection of an incoming laser, transmits a frequency-shifted beam back towards the LIDAR gun. This prevents the officer from getting a reading. Some LIDAR units can detect that they are being jammed so the ZR4 has a “receive only” switch which can turn off the transceivers after the alarm has sounded. This gives the driver time to slow down while the trooper is trying to figure it out. The ZR4 will also interface with Escort’s 8500 detector. This gives the option of jamming lasers and detecting radar.

The ZR4 is illegal in states that prohibit radar detectors. The laser beam returned to the trooper’s LIDAR gun is harmless. We live in a world where the state generates revenue by preying on those who won’t drive slowly. Use of the ZR4 is merely an act of civil disobedience. Anyone who lives in an area where laser speed guns are being used would benefit from owning one of these units. Escort’s ZR4 is simply a very smart buy.