Uniden R4, R8, R9 Updates: K Blocks, Autolockouts

[@unvjustintime1]

To all the loyal R8 users out there, we at Uniden owe you an apology. We know you’ve been waiting, hoping, and trusting us to deliver on our promise of laser jammer support. You invested in the R8 based on our commitment, and we understand the frustration, disappointment, and sense of betrayal you’re feeling right now. We’ve been listening to your feedback, and it’s clear we didn’t just sell you a radar detector - we sold you our word. But hey, look on the bright side: instead of fulfilling that promise, we have a shiny new R8w! So, while we won’t be updating your R8 as promised, we’re sure you won’t mind paying again for something you should have had all along. After all, why honor commitments when we can charge you more? Thanks for your loyalty, everyone - just don’t expect it to be returned

[@spewp]

Had me in the first half. 😄

[@vegaswheeling3858]

So what a great video thank you for making this I really am disgusted with units approach on the laser. I will not upgrade I just bought my R4 and the laser support and knowing it was coming is the bulk of the reason. Disappointment at a big level!!

[@Kirby-jd9xi]

This seems like a huge false advertising scam. Uniden advertised there would eventually be LJ compatibilities. Especially since the r8 msrp is $700. I have strong feelings if this isn't addressed sooner, then a class action might be in the works.

[@Paul-oh4fe]

So much promise in that first paragraph only to be crushed in the second paragraph.

[@yourneighborhood]

All these bands, frequencies, and blocks are getting confusing. Maybe you can do an updated video explaining all of it. Thanks

[@ElCid_86]

Glad they included R4! Now I need to rewatch your how to update video…

[@fiehlsport]

Got this last night for my R4, tried to modify the K-Blocks on PC and the Uniden R-Tool still doesn't support it yet. But they do appear on the unit itself, had to go into the car and verify. Excited to finally have this feature!

[@traceelliot1360]

R8 just saved my butt coming around a corner fast. The arrows are a lifesaver!

[@CAMAROZ28_956]

Hope uniden gives regular r8 owners OTA updates through the app via bluetooth like the v1g2

[@JoshuaPlays99]

They wont even give R4 and R8 users something they already were promised, I wouldn't hold your breath.

[@oogabooga72]

They won't

[@tptrsn]

I can't wait to try the 1.35! The extra custom K notches in 1.34 got me all wound up. Lol

[@musicstreaming6525]

I remember Uniden said they would no longer support updates through Macbook and now I can't update my R8 with a Macbook.

[@danielcapizzano5805]

Thank you for the summary. Is that rumor of updates “not taking fully” for the R8 unless you do a factory reset of the settings true still? Would love to just update it and forget it instead of worrying things aren’t working right.

[@syoung20001]

I took a short video of all the settings in all menus on my pc so I could quickly get everything back how it was.

[@bgdogy]

Have they updated RDD on the R8 and R8w? The last I heard the RDD was iffy and varied between models.

[@FuturesBrizio]

I get a lot of MRCD alerts on my R8 at traffic lights in my area. I can see the cameras on the light pole. Is that real MRCD?

[@doctorsteve5838]

Do you live in FL? My R8 would alert to MRCD at certain red light cameras or past same area or light with no real threat or police. It was so annoying. Couldn't mute memory. I had to turn off MRCD alerts (on both R7 and R8). Hope that helps.

[@TumanWK]

From Vortex Radar website: MRCD/T Detect the MultaRadar CD and CT which are low powered radar guns in use in a few state and provinces in North America. MultaRadar guns are in use in Alberta, Quebec, Chicago, NYC, and in Maryland near Washington D.C. R9 MRCD Alert Display Enabling MRCD also helps to better filter out BSM falses from Mazda CX-5’s. However, turning this on will introduce additional MRCD falses so you may want to consider enabling MRCD GPS lockouts as well as MRCD Quiet Ride to help deal with the MRCD falses. On Off (Default) Note 1: Not every MRCD alert is actually a legitimate MultaRadar source. False MRCD alerts from BSM’s or auto door openers can and will happen. Note 2: The R8 will alert to both legit MRCD and MRCT sources as MRCD.

[@kaseykadinger1463]

I have the most current update, but I am not seeing the Kblock3 in the band settings

[@YoungGearld]

Tried to perform the update on my R8 and it said the bluetooth LE failed to update. I haven't been able to fully connect to highway radar for about 5 months but will halfway pair with my phone. Is my bluetooth chip damaged or is it something to do with my update software?

[@michaelsoto4156]

Hello! I was wondering if you have any recommendations for setting changes with this new update ? Thanks !

[@linuxsuperuser]

I was thinking about selling my R8 and getting my Escort 360c fixed but this update appears to fix some of the problems and the new filters appear to work without blocking the actually signals from the police you want to detect....

[@wellfleetion]

I just want to be able to run their updater software on my M3 Mac. Why is this taking so long to fix?

[@sirdook1]

That’s awesome thanks for the info Vortex .

[@saz5621]

If you’re having trouble adjusting the sensitivity levels on your Uniden R4 and it only lets you choose levels 3, 4.5, or 5, it’s likely due to a bug in the software. The workaround is simple: switch your detector to Highway mode first before attempting to change the sensitivity levels. Once in Highway mode, you’ll be able to select any level you want without restrictions.

[@Hash1985]

Sold my redline 360c and ordered the R8w

[@Vikg915]

Worse mistake

[@Hash1985]

@Vikg915 why is that?

[@Vikg915]

@ redline is way better than the R8 bud, my redline works perfect for me, it saves me a lot! And when I mean a lot I mean a lot!!! They already pulled my gf over and she has the r8

[@Hash1985]

@Vikg915 I've been running the 360 for over 5 yrs now. The latest software has been nothing but problems delayed alerts and a lot of false ka alerts. The ramp-up sucks on the 360 also compared to the R8w

[@Vikg915]

@@Hash1985 I haven’t had the chance to try the R8w, but to me Redline 360c is always gonna be my go to! I have a CDL and I can’t afford to get 1 speeding ticking, my redline is always on point. Just two days ago, a state trooper pulled me over cause I was going the speed limit, but before that I was driving 95mph, if it wasn’t for the redline, he would’ve gotten me good. The trooper had no other choice but to let me go cause he didn’t have my actual speed other than me going 68 on a 70 🤣🤣

[@ChugginAforte22]

Hello all, I live on Ohio. Is there anything I can to avoid x-band false alerts. I just bought an r8. I am brand new to radar detection world. Thanks for this channel! You’re awesome!

[@robertlelis3410]

Turn off the X Band...clev ohio here

[@jdagreek]

I have R4 and installed Firmware 1.36 and it not seems less sensative

[@DouglasB65]

Just got the R8 on sale now that the R8W is hitting the market. Purchased the Redline 360c a few weeks ago and hopefully they push a new update to fix the latest fw . Enjoy your videos and hopefully your getting back feeling better.👍

[@inspectorgadget346]

I owed both. I returned my r8. Not because it’s bad but because I returned it to check out the r360c. I definitely see the issues with the arrows not changing quick enough even after the firmware update they just rolled out. I know there’s supposedly a second one coming around the corner to work on the rest of the issues. Just out of curiosity m, which one do you like the most and why. I am really interested in your opinion. I love Vortex however it’s hard finding others that have experience like Vortex who can give an honest review. Need more opinions

[@DouglasB65]

@inspectorgadget346 I like em both, but like the Redline more for its build quality. It is solidly built unlike the cheap thin plastic feeling of the R8. But what matters is what's on the inside that counts. They both work fine in this regard for their intended purposes and they both have their quirks.

[@Hash1985]

Now that these updates are coming out along with the R8W, will you be updating the setup guide for R8 or doing a new one for the R8W? Thanks

[@VortexRadar]

That’s a good question. I’ve been thinking about that. They’re gonna be the same thing. Basically copy and paste and add the extra info for WiFi. Might be easier to just have one, but people might want their own to feel like it’s more specific for them. Thoughts?

[@Hash1985]

@VortexRadar I'd just update it to the R8/R8W setup guide. Inside the guide, highlight the R8W setup instructions in addition to the R8

[@RicegumRicebum]

@@VortexRadarI don’t know if others agree but maybe just reposting the exact same R8 video but adding a section at the end for the WiFi capabilities and titling it “R8W” setup or something could work. Alternatively, you could just make a short R8W setup video that only covers the WiFi features and start the video off by linking the R8 video for all other standard features, stating it’s exactly the same. Up to you!

[@frediestax]

I have uniden r4, cannot figure how to change from miles to km, but will be great if you could show it pls. ​@@VortexRadar

[@nickvukovic1721]

Hello, love your channel you helped me out so much, are these available for the R7 as well

[@VortexRadar]

Yep. I even touched on that at the start of the video. ;) Here’s the R7 info: Uniden R7 Update: Mazda CX-5 Filter, Improved Muting, Gatso Detection, Firmware 1.46 kzbin.info/www/bejne/moOoiKmlhatjic0

[@alexb5286]

Question in regards to updating - when I upgrade to the newest firmware version, I always check the “recovery mode“ box. Is it still necessary to perform a “factory reset”after this step? My detector seems to be working perfectly and the updates are showing, but many people in the forums state that the factory reset is still necessary for it to function properly …

[@eddieryan63]

Im kinda glad stayed with my valentine one gen 2 love the easy updates

[@nosbusa1500]

The update took about min to do, and via the app took seconds to go through and implement.

[@alanfield735]

Interesting but I’m unlikely to switch from the R4 companion app or even bother to update the FW given my past experience with it

[@tac_r_usoutdoors8984]

When are the releasing the jammers for r8 compatibility??!

[@fattysco2960]

Do you have any recommended k band ranges?

[@terryreaka7111]

And this morning 1/3/2025, i took a trip from Santa Fe to Albuquerque passing 4 state troopers with radar active and not one hit. I have always been alerted miles from them. Either my settings have been changed or there is something wrong with the 1.36 firmware update.

[@JimBailey]

Thank you Vortex Radar. :)

[@devsurajpaul333]

Hi , I am from Canada I have a uniden R8 but can never detect a cop car evev if it right next to me, am I on the wrong frequency? I setup my R8 based on one of your videos.

[@RogerLaPointe-v3m]

Which model is the most user-friendly?

[@crdbr]

Would you keep the R7 International 159 or switch to the latest update from Uniden? Also, if I use R4 Companion, will this alter the functionality of the R4?

[@RoxUnlimited]

Stick with the international

[@tronydash]

Correct if I’m wrong, but the R7 does not have Bluetooth capabilities does it?

[@VortexRadar]

Nope, it doesn’t unfortunately

[@xriftyyt7477]

I just recently bought my first radar, uniden r4. I’m kinda confused on all these bands and stuff said lol but would you make a video on the best settings to have on or explaining all these bands

[@VortexRadar]

Here ya go: www.vortexradar.com/2021/11/how-to-setup-configure-uniden-r4/

[@ankitpatel471]

Have they added speed camera mute memory?

[@deebee68]

Any updates for the R7 or did they right that off?

[@JimMarshallUK]

I never owned a radar detector but I’m moving back to NJ and like to drive fast. Money isn’t an issue, what is the best you can get? I’m into ham radio so I understand bands/frequencies

[@Hash1985]

Uniden R8w

[@Dmarshmellow]

Can I block out and mute my specific parking garage gate k band? I’m underground so gps lockout doesn’t work.

[@VortexRadar]

Ah that’s a good use case for it, yeah. What frequencies is it? You could consider audibly muting instead of fully blocking in case police also happen to transmit those same frequencies and so you can still see the alerts.

[@Dmarshmellow]

My garage gate is 24.157Ghz. After updating my R8’s firmware, I set a front, side, and rear K block to mute between 24.156Ghz to 24.158Ghz. It seems to be working well after testing. Is this a good setup to use or would you recommend something different? Also, love all your videos, appreciate all your help!

[@Justin-lc7rs]

Is the companion app still worth it?

[@VortexRadar]

The third party one? Yes definitely IMO.

[@takenusername]

Does this update fix 24.190 alerts? If not, is there any way to ignore all alerts of just one bar? I get 24.190 all the time over and over. It’s so bad that my R8 has blocked 24.190 in a part of the Main Street just because it keeps getting false alerts there. There’s no permanent 24.190 there. It just so happens that on 3 different days, it false alerted on 24.190 around that spot.

[@VortexRadar]

If it keeps getting triggered in the same location, there must be something transmitting there. It’s not voodoo. :) Maybe a traffic sensor or something. Who knows?

[@takenusername]

@ I think it’s just that 24.190 which always triggers at 1 bar all over town from other vehicles radar systems happened to be triggering in the same spot on 3 days. I haven’t played with lockouts. Can I specify 24.190 to be ignored? Can I tell it to ignore low strength 24.190 but anything over 3 bars give an alert?

[@mikebayer5823]

Thank You! 😀

[@ndmulp]

What are your k block settings

[@NonSophisticated]

How “stealthy” are the r4 and r8 for Virginia?

[@sirdook1]

I believe they are both undetectable unless they are literally using spectrum on the hood of your car .

[@RicegumRicebum]

From what I’ve seen they’re fairly hard to detect, but I live in VA too. My advice is don’t worry about being detectable, the ticket is only 40-100 bucks with no points on your license, and I’ve NEVER had one nor have I been pulled over for the detector even when cops saw it in my car as I was cruising. Most don’t care enough, or don’t know what it is. Additionally, if it saves you even just once, it will pay for itself, the ticket for speeding and the insurance increase twice over each time it saves you (the average ticket costs a total of $1,200 over time including the insurance increase). Also, when I am driving and I’m aware that there’s a cop nearby following me (if there’s a radar signal and it doesn’t get any weaker over time, or I just see them) I will unplug the detector and slide it into the passenger seat pouch on the back of the seat so they can’t prove I was driving with it on unless they got me on spectre, but even then it’s hard because they can’t prove it was MY car unless they find the detector. And if they ask to search it, you can say no, and unless they have probable cause they risk a 4th amendment violation that you can take them to court for that would invalidate the evidence of finding the detector due to unconstitutional search (again, only if they don’t have probable cause to search the car). So it’s a huge risk to search it for them, and probably not worth it for a $40 citation. In short, don’t worry about it too much and just be smart. If they’re on your tail unplug it, hide it and hope for the best. Better off being saved from a speeding ticket than paying a speeding ticket up here, especially when reckless is a misdemeanor at just 20 over or over 85

[@bishopgeorge1333]

Sweet, thank you for the update which over half of what you were talking about I would probably would never use it, I like to just plug it in and forget it, well to a point anyway.

[@VortexRadar]

lol

[@RSSLLWF4]

Will the new app work with the Uniden R4 that i have?

[@VortexRadar]

Yes. Update it to 1.36 and then use the app.

[@keithb223]

Android coming soon mind you

[@VortexRadar]

Android is now available!

[@keithb223]

@VortexRadar i tried looking for r tach nothing shows?

[@RSSLLWF4]

@@VortexRadar thanks did that did that. I use r4 in Charger and r3 in my Silverado both have saved my butt plenty

[@bluewolf5296]

Hi there, would you be willing to make a video for drivers who drive in Virginia or other places where RD's are illegal and make a test video of a radar detector's effective range behind tint stripes to hide the radar detector from cops or even theives? Specifically wanting to know if the redline 360c works just as good behind tint strips vs non metalic vs metalic vs no tint stripe.

[@VortexRadar]

I don’t have a metallic tint strip. Someone else can test performance impacts to range. I believe people have years ago. I have done multiple videos in the past talking about metallic tint strips being an issue and have shared clips of sensitivity being dramatically being cut behind heated metallic windshields. In short, we know it kills range. Don’t do it.

[@bluewolf5296]

@VortexRadar did they find that it does impact range? And what about non-metalic tint?

[@gphilpot1]

Annoying thing for me... When the R8 announces a User Auto Mute. I muted this alarm for a reason, why does the R8 have to tell me as I approach.

[@terryreaka7111]

I updated my R8 to the 1.36 firmware and now I'm uncomfortable using it as it doesn't seem to alert me as much. But this could be due to the new settings and I may not have them set correctly now. Can we get a new tutorial on these new added setting features. I travel all over the states and live in NM. Maybe its just doing its job better. HELP!

[@terryreaka7111]

Today, 1/3/2025 i took it on highway from Santa Fe to Albuquerque passing 4 State troopers. Not one alert. Something is wrong either with my settings or new 1.36 update.

[@nickvukovic1721]

Thank you so much

[@NavashreeRamnarine]

Hello can you please provide or update the link to download the latest R8 update? The link you have is not currently working

[@VortexRadar]

Which link? I just checked the R8 one and it’s working. They’re all just pointing to Uniden’s website.

[@ajc3731]

Can you give us a heads up when they fix the issue with MAC computers so we can go and download the new installer?

[@opulan]

damn, r8NZ users are still sitting on 1.27 or some old kind of firmware, did uniden forget about us?

[@arkhurdler7308]

Hey there, what difference does it make if you can adjust the detector through the app anyway? or has there been some significant firmware tweaking since 1.27?

[@elib6393]

(I sent a message to uniden) Would you have an idea why for the past 3 days when I go into a certain block radius I get a GPS ERROR 1 on my R7. This only started happening 3 days ago and when I’m not in that area the gps works fine. I need a fix!!

[@VortexRadar]

The upcoming R7 update should fix that. Keep an eye out for it.

[@jaredandersen82]

If I’m coming from a V1 and want to get a new Uniden Dectector what would you suggest?? R4 or R7???

[@deej628]

Do you want arrows for hundreds more?

[@jaredandersen82]

@ is that the only main difference?? Love the arrows but not for hundreds more!!

[@deej628]

@ r4 has Bluetooth. R7 might have slightly better range

[@jaredandersen82]

@@deej628 would love to know what you'd choose ... if you could find R4 for $235 or R7 for $340 what would you take??

[@deej628]

@@jaredandersen82 for that little of a price difference? R7. I currently have the r4. Got it for 300 on sale shortly after it came out. I’ve had the r7 and r3 prior. Unless you need the Bluetooth for the available apps I would get the arrows/slightly better range for not much more!

[@eliarguelles4426]

So New update 1.35 on R8 has autolock outs 🤔

[@VortexRadar]

Its always had them. They just work better now with this update.

[@ajama-_-4647]

how do you update ?

[@VortexRadar]

Download Uniden’s update software from their website.

[@inertia314]

Just put this update on my R8 and no K block 3? Weird.

[@kirbykish6501]

same

[@uberstriker4332]

Hey man! Was wondering if your settings on the page was up to date w this firmware or should we wait a bit longer till the MacOS Uniden app is updated? Thanks!

[@G37.]

Here i am w my lil ole r3 😢

[@TylerOlson1]

things still a beast

[@vdubnu]

Is the app available on Android

[@CAMAROZ28_956]

@@vdubnu yes it is

[@vdubnu]

@CAMAROZ28_956 what's it called

[@vdubnu]

@CAMAROZ28_956 found it

[@vedder10]

I know this won’t be a popular take but I refuse to purchase another detector until these companies get out of the 80/90’s and realize we are in the 21st century. Our phones do 100 different things well. Detectors have literally one thing to do and charge you the price of a high end iPad for it. Love this channel but not so much the radar companies.

[@slipspectrum9253]

I work in RF electronics (defense, not radar detectors and I don’t have any association with RD companies). I know first hand it’s not so easy. First, these detectors do not sell as much as a high end iPad. The highest end iPads are actually about twice as much money. Also you have to consider volume of sales. Radar detector are actually not near as popular as iPads and other like devices. Apple is one of the highest earning companies in the world. Uniden and Cedar electronics aren’t even close. They sell less product, so the money they put into design and testing just doesn’t go as far, and that ends up being passed on to you. Then you have to factor in things like RF certification, which is not cheap. iPads and other like devices use a lot modules that are already certified, so the end device doesn’t require as much regulatory red tape to get to market. As well as being in a band that is common, like Wi-Fi or cellular. The hardware for radar detectors faces more scrutiny because it’s not within the common bandwidths of consumer electronics like cell phones Wi-Fi routers. Radar detectors have changed, a lot actually. Police radar really hasn’t outside of systems that Europe and Canada are using. Radar detectors have firmware now, when in the old days it was all just a simple RF power detector with a buzzer attached. Now they scan large swaths of bandwidth. RDs have lidar detection now. They have a lot more software and hardware filters to prevent falsing from all manner of radar based sensing, like BSM and TSR. They have GPS lockouts and Wi-Fi and on and on. Some of those things can interfere with the detector if not well designed. That’s another huge factor. These are very sensitive devices, and leakage from other circuitry can cause problems inside the same detector meant to keep you from getting a ticket. The Redline is designed to prevent it from being detected from radar detector-detectors! That’s no easy thing either. So there is a bit of cat and mouse going on there. I get people are frustrated and want these things to alert instantly to police radar while completely ignoring the Honda CRV and the Chevy equinox right in the lane next to you. But the spectrum is crowded now more than ever. I think the issue is people don’t understand how difficult the challenges are vs. the ROI for designing and producing these amazing feats of engineering! I honestly think if the redline performed as well as it was originally marketed to, it should probably be twice as expensive as it goes for today.

[@reesetrels8925]

Radar detectors are designed to do ONE thing very very well. iPhones not so much.

[@LiddleBobbyFinns]

@@slipspectrum9253well said! On a side note, if we could just move all CRV drivers to parking lots and off any road occupied by drivers, I would pay double the price of the highest iPad imaginable. Perhaps an “in app” purchase/upgrade to negate out of state drivers (specifically NY and PA) from being able to enter any left lane. And no I don’t care if they have to make multiple rights to go left, that’s their punishment.

[@serg2523]

My biggest frustration is updating uniden on a Mac paying that much for a rader and they have a crappy update system pls can you make a more recent video of how to update the Uniden

[@brentmalin8053]

I ended up breaking down and buying a mini pc with windows11. It shouldn’t be like that.

[@ocr1040]

Has there been any update on support for doing updates on a Mac?

[@VortexRadar]

We’re still waiting

[@ocr1040]

@ Thanks. Is it worth buying the R8W to avoid the hassle of using a Mac for updates?

[@VortexRadar]

I suppose, but on principle it stinks having to do that, you know?

[@roberthicks686]

Wow I'd love these features but I have a mac and can't update.

[@ScottJordanSeVCEO]

Trying desperately to install but seems my Mac (most recent software Sequoia 15.2) will not run the Uniden tool. Any help is appreciated.

[@VortexRadar]

Yep, discussed at the end of the video

[@ScottJordanSeVCEO]

@@VortexRadar That should have been the headline! Spend 3 hours on 3 separate machines trying to update...

[@RadLink-xr3to]

Mac support sucks!!! Like mentioned above Uniden needs to get with the 21st century and allow Bluetooth updates via app

[@drivebossllc1310]

They (Uniden) should fix the Mac update tool first - honestly, this is getting ridiculous

[@michaelkirkman1899]

I was all excited to update and then you broke the news about Mac

[@2Fly17]

I refuse to buy another Uniden after their intentions were for them to allow us to use Radar jammers with the R8 . Truly bad business decision by them to not keep their word

[@lynnlittle8671]

Unfortunately, since Uniden’s support for Mac users is basically nonexistent, I can’t update my R8 to this firmware. Pitiful, Uniden…

[@terryhopkins5048]

I hav a Mac

[@IronBlockChef]

R4 abandoned as usual, everyone else updated

[@VortexRadar]

lol uhhh

[@kennykedits]

1:51