Abbotsford Porsche Enthusiast Adds Macan Custom Radar System

A client from Abbotsford recently dropped into Certified Autosound and Security to inquire about a Porsche Macan custom radar detector system. We’ve done some work for this client in the past on his orange GT3, and now he wanted radar and laser defense on his wife’s 2018 Macan Turbo. We had a look at the vehicle and discussed several options for sensor placement and control integration. With a plan in place, we scheduled an appointment with our fabrication team to perform the installation.

Laser Defense System Installation

The front laser shifters were precisely mounted for maximum performance.

The two front-mounted sensors are barely noticeable.

The rear of the vehicle is protected by a pair of laser shifters.

As with the front, the rear sensor were precisely aimed for top performance.

The client chose an Escort Max CI 360 solution to protect his wife against laser-based radar like the dreaded DragonEye. The laser defense system uses four transceivers mounted around the vehicle. We located two sensors in the upper portion of the front grille and two additional sensors on the rear of the vehicle on either side of the license plate. All of the sensors are aligned so that they are level with the ground to ensure optimal range and coverage.

Escort laser sensors are nearly impervious to false alarms, thanks to their In-Vehicle Technology (IVT) filter system that blocks signals from parking and blind spot detection systems and adaptive cruise control technologies.

Macan Custom Radar Detector Installation

The MAX CI 360 includes dedicated front and rear radar receivers. Because of the wavelength of radar signals, we can mount the receivers behind the plastic front fascia of the vehicle with almost no degradation in sensitivity.

Escort uses a dual antenna design that is optimized for X and K/Ka-band frequencies. The front receiver uses a dedicated digital signal processor to analyze the information and reduce false alarms.

System Control and Display Integration

The custom-fabricated trim plate for the Escort controller looks great.

Our technicians made sure to position the controller such that the door could still be closed.

The controller integration allowed for the continued use of the cigarette lighter.

The MAX CI 360 comes with a compact control panel and an OLED color display. We mounted the control panel in the center console on a custom acrylic plastic panel that fits behind the cigarette lighter power plug. Once contoured to fit the shape of the vehicle, we finished the panel with matte black paint to match the finish of the console trim pieces.

The client opted for an optional integration module that allows warnings from the radar system to be displayed on the factory LCD screen in the center of the dash. Information on the type of radar or laser signal being received and the direction it is coming from shows up on this small screen.

We mounted the Escort display in the glove box so that the client or we can make adjustments to the system quickly and easily.

Premium Dash Camera System

The Thinkware camera vigilantly records the activity in front of the vehicle.

Our technicians mounted the dash camera just under the rearview mirror.

While at the shop, the client asked about adding a dash camera system to the Porsche Macan. After looking at the options we had available, he chose a top-of-the-line Thinkware F800PRO. This camera system includes a high-quality Sony Exmore R Starvis image sensor to provide unparalleled image quality during the day and at night. The system records video at 1920 by 1080 resolution and support for a 128GB microSD card ensures that more than a week’s worth of video can be stored on the camera.

Thinkware also included a Wi-Fi radio in the F800PRO so that the client can download videos from the camera right to his smartphone without the need to remove the memory card.

We mounted the camera in the center of the windshield just below the rear-view mirror. The rear camera is mounted in the rear window to capture anything and everything that happens behind the vehicle. As with all of our installations, all the wiring in the vehicle is hidden and secured to factory wire harnessing to prevent buzzes or rattles as the vehicle travels down the road.

Vancouver’s Vehicle Accessory Experts

After working on the little SUV for three days, we had the Macan custom radar system installed and tested and the dash camera system configured. The client was thrilled with the installation of both solutions and appreciated the time our team took to explain the functionality of each device.

If you are in the Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Maple Ridge or Langley areas and are looking for accessories or upgrades for your vehicle, drop by any of the Certified Autosound and Security locations and speak to one of our product specialists. You can also reach us by e-mail using our contact page.