Solo 5 Needs Parts

[Sparky]

I have a Solo 5 (old school....) that is in need of parts, the front row buttons have broken off their plastic "stalk" retainer, internally. If anyone has a dead Solo 5 I could have for salvage, or the actual replacement part, I would be much obliged, and would pay for shipping plus a couple of movie tickets or Starbucks lattes.... Thanks!

[CJR238]

You would probably be better off trading it in for a new unit or sending it in for a tune up that will correct all the issues.

[Sparky]

I'd be happy to send it back to be repaired, but when I called a few years ago, I was told "....there were no parts available.." for this model, which is pretty disappointing. I know that radar technology marches on, but I like to keep my things running, and I'll live with the performance limitations of older gear for the benefit of pride of ownership and keeping things out of the landfills. I try to buy American, and one of the reasons is that I expect American-sourced equipment to have parts available for longer. Needless to say, I was disappointed that Escort did not have the plastic switch assembly on the shelf for my Solo 5.

So, I am hoping that perhaps someone has a dead Solo 5 that I could salvage this part out of, and keep in working into the sunset! Thanks!

[Sparky]

Two Fandango movie tickets to send me (I'll pay postage) their dead Escort 5 for parts scavanging (I need the buttons to be non-broken). Thanks!

[EscortRadar]

That is an old detector, probably about 18 years since we made them, which we no longer service. I recommend upgrading to a new corded model like the X50Black. You will be BLOWN away by the performance difference. Probably an order of magnitude!

[Butcher318]

Originally Posted by Sparky

I'd be happy to send it back to be repaired, but when I called a few years ago, I was told "....there were no parts available.." for this model, which is pretty disappointing. I know that radar technology marches on, but I like to keep my things running, and I'll live with the performance limitations of older gear for the benefit of pride of ownership and keeping things out of the landfills. I try to buy American, and one of the reasons is that I expect American-sourced equipment to have parts available for longer. Needless to say, I was disappointed that Escort did not have the plastic switch assembly on the shelf for my Solo 5.

So, I am hoping that perhaps someone has a dead Solo 5 that I could salvage this part out of, and keep in working into the sunset! Thanks!

With electronics 18 years is a very long time. I have some old VRC's and a computer that's about that old, there is no way I could get parts or service for either item. As far as detectors go your solo 5 is one small step above a dinosaur, there is no way ANY radar detector company will stock parts or service for that old of a unit.

Best bet is to watch E-bay. You can probably pick up a complete used unit for under 30 bucks.

[Sparky]

Originally Posted by EscortRadar

That is an old detector, probably about 18 years since we made them, which we no longer service. I recommend upgrading to a new corded model like the X50Black. You will be BLOWN away by the performance difference. Probably an order of magnitude!

OK, I give, time for a new RD. I've always had CM (Escort) models (except for the orginal Fuzzbuster...), so please advice as to which model I should consider, here are my requirements:
1. live in VA, so would want to have some way to do remote display and under hood mount.
2. have multiple cars so would like to move between vehicles (conflicts with item 1, above, I know...).
3. would like to participate in LIVE! network.
4. Oh, almost forgot- must be made in USA (or Canada). Absolutely no People's Republic of China!

Thanks!

[Butcher318]

I'm sure there will be plenty of suggestions but here is an idea, the Passport IQ.
http://www.escortradar.com/iq/ Maybe change the tag on the front to Tom Tom or Garmin. This way to can move from car to car and have it right there in the open.

[EscortRadar]

Originally Posted by Sparky

OK, I give, time for a new RD. I've always had CM (Escort) models (except for the orginal Fuzzbuster...), so please advice as to which model I should consider, here are my requirements:
1. live in VA, so would want to have some way to do remote display and under hood mount.
2. have multiple cars so would like to move between vehicles (conflicts with item 1, above, I know...).
3. would like to participate in LIVE! network.
4. Oh, almost forgot- must be made in USA (or Canada). Absolutely no People's Republic of China!

Thanks!

All of our radar detectors are made in our Canadian factory and distributed and supported by us in West Chester, OH. None are made in China.

If you want it undetectable to Spectre radar detector detectors (RDDs) then your options are limited to RedLine, 9500ci, or Beltronics STi-R Plus. These are the only electronically undetectable detectors. The 9500ci and STi-R Plus are installed systems so you will not be able to use them in multiple vehicles.

RedLine could be cleverly mounted to avoid being seen. It is compatible with Escort Live and offers the best detection performance in a windshield mount. RedLine with Escort Live will let you lock out and eliminate common false radar alerts.

The iQ is a navigation device with a 9500ix inside. It doesn't look like a detector but is electronically detectable. I use one regularly and love it. It is not, and may not be, Escort Live compatible.

Our upcoming SmartRadar could also fit your requests but it too can be detected by some RDDs. This detector should be on our website soon. It will have X50/9500ix-ish performance (great, a little under RedLine).