A repeat client from Westminster, Maryland, came to WSS Westminster Speed and Sound for a 2015 Porsche Boxster S backup camera and custom installed laser and radar system. We have worked on many of his vehicles in the past, and he was excited to start a new project with us. His requests for this vehicle were very clear. He wanted a backup camera that would show its image on the factory navigation screen, and a custom-installed laser and radar detector. He wanted to accomplish both goals with minimal intrusion, so everything still looked factory to the untrained eye. We presented him with a proposal that we thought best fit his needs, and he liked the idea, so we scheduled an installation appointment for him.
Boxster S Backup Camera With NavTV Interface For Greater Safety
His Porsche navigation system did not come with a factory-installed backup camera. To make things more interesting, there was no backup camera input to the factory screen. Fortunately, we work with suppliers that make interfaces that allow a backup camera to work seamlessly in a vehicle not factory-equipped with one. We chose an interface designed and manufactured by NavTV right here in the USA. The team at WSS Westminster Speed and Sound chose a backup camera also made by NavTV, picking it for the combination of picture quality, low-light visibility and cosmetics. As you can see in the pictures, the camera was designed to be mounted on the lip directly above the rear license plate, keeping the factory look the client desired.
Backup Camera Installation For Professionals Only
The installation of a camera on this Porsche Boxster is much more difficult than on an average vehicle such as a Camry, but it was not a problem for the team at WSS! When working on more-exotic vehicles, the installer has to understand how the vehicle was designed. Most shops remove the rear bumper on the Boxster S when servicing the engine, so the camera has to have a waterproof quick-disconnect designed into its harness. We are intimately familiar with Porsche vehicles, so we knew this to be the case. We even go as far as to put the quick-disconnect near the factory rear bumper harness, so the repair technician will see it quickly upon disassembly. Imagine the problem that would arise if a shop didn’t know to install the quick-disconnect. The harness would have to be cut, and then the client would have to go back to the retailer to have that problem addressed. This is why it is important to use a shop that is familiar with your type of vehicle, and will perform work that meets car-maker standards.
Once we completed our installation of the backup camera, the system worked just like factory, turning on quickly whenever the vehicle was put into reverse.
Escort Radar/Laser System Offers Superior Protection
When the customer asked us for a laser and radar detector for this Porsche, we instantly knew which system would work best. He wanted it to be a custom-installed package that was discreet, so we chose the 9500ci made by Escort. This package gave him everything he was looking for. We were able to install the display for the laser and radar detector inside the factory rearview mirror, giving him line-of-sight visibility for the display while keeping the factory theme going. This is, by far, the most convenient location for the detector as far as seeing the information it displays in a split second. While driving, you want to keep your focus on the road ahead, and every second counts.
Stealth Controller Mount
We then mounted the controller in the glovebox so it would be accessible from the driver’s seat if needed.
Front Radar Sensor Hidden From View
When it comes to installing front sensors, we always aim to maximize the performance of the system while minimizing any cosmetic changes to the vehicle. We removed the front bumper on this Boxster S so we could mount the radar receiver securely to metal in the vehicle. Radar will go right through plastic, so no loss of performance comes from putting it behind the bumper cover. Many shops will cut corners on the mounting and placement of sensors, because this can take considerable time. WSS Westminster Speed and Sound believes that, if you are going to make the sizable investment in a custom-installed laser and radar detector, you should get all of the performance you paid for. We will never cut corners to speed up an install. That is not the WSS way of doing things.
Laser Shifters Offer The Ultimate Defense Against Tickets
The Escort 9500ci also comes with front laser shifters. This is one of the biggest differences between a portable detector and a custom-installed system. Portable detectors use laser sensors. Imagine this scenario: You are driving up the road, and your portable detector goes off, telling you that laser was just shot at your car. At this point, you might as well pull over because you just got confirmation that you are getting a speeding ticket. Now, imagine you had a custom-installed system with laser shifters. You are alerted that your vehicle was just shot with laser, but now, the laser shifters fire back beams of light at the laser gun, so it can’t get a reading on your speed. You simply slow down and cruise right on by, free of a ticket. Do you see the difference? With more and more municipalities using laser, you definitely want a custom-installed system with laser shifters.
Since laser is a beam of light, everything in a laser detector involves line of sight. What that means to you is that placement of the laser shifters is critical. If they are not mounted parallel to the ground and in plain view of the road ahead, their performance will be severely handicapped. You also want them mounted securely. Many shops will place sensors where they will vibrate a lot when you are driving, or use double-sided tape for mounting. These methods will speed up the installation, but will lower the performance. Again, this is not something you have to worry about when choosing WSS Westminster Speed and Sound.
Our Quality Work Keeps This Client Coming Back
This Porsche Boxster S client was very pleased with the outcome of the upgrades we made for him. We have completed other projects for him to his liking, such as an Audi S6 and a 1968 Firebird, so he will continue to see WSS for other projects in the future!
Our goal is to exceed expectations and prove to you that WSS Westminster Speed and Sound is a topnotch facility with very high standards. We are honored to be chosen as one of the Top Mobile Electronics Retailers in the Nation for five years running by Mobile Electronics magazine.
Stop By To Discuss Your Backup Camera and Radar Options Today
If you are interested in a backup camera or custom-installed laser and radar detector system, we invite you to stop by our state-of-the-art facility with your vehicle. Let’s get to know one another better. We would love to give you a tour and show you our installation department and the projects we are working on. One of our team members will take all the time needed to help you design and install the best solution for your unique needs.
You can also contact us here for more information about any of our products and services.
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