Project Shark Attack now will...
Project Shark Attack now will be invisible to all radar/laser attacks.
We recently ran a press release for the new K40 Electronics Calibre Radar and Laser Defuser protection. Due to the ever-present threat of speed traps and the tendency for Corvettes to exceed the speed limit, we decided to try this new product out on Project Shark Attack. K40 promptly sent us their Calibre SL with the Front Laser Defuser system. On a basic level, the K40 protection system is minimally invasive as it uses the new Blue Tooth technology to ease your installation woes. This saves quite a bit of time during the install. There are no holes to cut or drill for cabling, plus there is less wiring to conceal. The K40 interior network module is easy to place, and we all know how limited the interior compartment and underdash area of Corvettes are. The Blue Tooth technology not only saves wiring time under the dash and externally, but the K40 Blue Tooth signature is unique so it won't interfere with the multitude of RF signals occurring under the C4, C5, and C6 Corvette dashes. That is a huge plus when compared to competing systems.
1 Our K40 Electronics Calibre...
1 Our K40 Electronics Calibre SL with Front Laser Defuser comes complete and ready to install.
Installation can be completed in one day depending on how fancy you get with the receiver installation. The front and rear radar receivers use a 12-volt battery or ignition power so there's flexibility in the wiring, and the only other wire to install on the car itself is the ground wire. We decided to use ignition power from the cooling fan relays to power our radar receivers. If battery power is easier to access on your project, you can use that. Wherever you decide to mount the receivers, keep in mind that although they're not heavy, a good sturdy mounting point ensures long, dependable receiver life. If the radar receivers or laser defuser move out of position, erroneous info will be given, and you may not get the radar info you need.
After the K40 system was installed, a road test was in order. We first began with the system start-up, and the initial wakeup sequence went into action. We made our initial system selections and then headed out for the testing. The very cool K40 Calibre remote control allows you to switch from low to high volume (or mute if you prefer) along with voice and tone modes. The remote is simple to operate and easy to understand with its voice prompts. The first thing we noticed was the Calibre's city mode was quiet heading to the highway, as very few false signals were triggered. We switched over to the highway mode, and Calibre verbally announced "highway." We then picked up speed and cruised with the rest of the pack on the interstate.
2 We're going to remove the...
2 We're going to remove the instrument cluster lens from PSA so we can route the LED wiring. The other concern is where we want to mount the LEDs. There are three Phillips head screws across the top and one on each side that retain the lens. Be careful the screwdriver you're using doesn't hit the lens and scratch it.
Although the K40 Electronics Calibre system is relatively new to PSA, we're impressed with the few false alerts and the many warnings on the open road that proved we were under radar surveillance. We'll be testing the system extensively during the upcoming show season, as you all know how it is when you're on the open road. Speeds tend to creep up, and you can get zapped when you least expect it. As we learn more about the Calibre system, updates will be forthcoming.
K40 Electronics feels so strongly about their Calibre system that a speeding ticket warranty comes with the product. Obviously, the parameters are limited somewhat as K40 will not pay a speeding ticket issued for excessive speed in a school zone, construction zone, or if a DWI/DUI is involved. We all realize that no one ever goes over the posted speed limit, but out in the real world try going 65 mph on the interstate. If you're not cruising at 80 mph, you'll be run over. You got to go with the flow, and the Calibre system helps you do just that!
 3 Next, we remove the gauge...  3 Next, we remove the gauge bezel to install the LEDs. If we decide to install the LEDs behind the cluster lens, we'll drill into the gauge bezel. Before drilling into the gauge bezel or any panel for that matter, it's a good idea to check the area behind the panel to be drilled to avoid unnecessary damage. |  4 If we decided to install...  4 If we decided to install the LEDs in the gauge bezel, a Unibit drill bit is used on the first step or 1/4-inch. Unibits drill round holes unlike a standard drill bit, which leaves a triangulated hole. Once the hole is drilled in the gauge bezel, another hole would be drilled in the gauge panel for the wires to pass through. |  5 The LEDs should push through...  5 The LEDs should push through the drilled hole and fit tight without any adhesives if done properly. We opted to use the pods that are provided because of the gauge panel recess. If the sound system is cranked up (so you cannot hear the sound warning), the LEDs provide another warning. we felt placing the LEDs in the gauge cluster would limit their view. There are two LEDs: one for the front radar and one for the rear radar notification. |