Escort MAX 4 - Radar Detector Manual

INTRODUCTION

Your new ESCORT MAX 4 is the most advanced radar/laser detector ever designed. MAX 4 includes 2 LNAs (low noise amplifi er) receivers using a dual core processor for exceptional radar detection range and industry-leading false alert fi ltering for a quieter ride with more accurate alerts. This booklet describes the simple steps for mounting and setting up your detector. It also provides helpful information about how radar and laser guns are used and how you can interpret the alerts you receive. Please drive safely.

MAX 4 FEATURES

• Exceptional Detection Range and Accuracy - MAX 4 includes 2 LNAs (Low Noise Amplifi er) receivers using a new dual-core processor for superior radar detection range and false alert fi ltering.
• Continuously Updated IVT Filter™ - Updatable IVT Filter automatically reduces false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology systems such as blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control.
• AutoLearn™ Intelligence- location-based intelligence automatically locks out false alerts and allows you to mark locations for future reference.
• Drive Smarter^® App - Built-In Bluetooth technology wirelessly connects to the Drive Smarter^® app for sharing and receiving radar and laser alerts, red light and speed camera locations, and crowdsourced alerts.
• Defender Database – MAX 4 includes the pre-loaded Defender Database, an updatable database of verifi ed speed traps, red light and speed camera locations, and more.
• Color OLED Display - Multiple selectable colors to match your vehicle's lighting.
• Dual Language - English and Spanish voice and text alerts.

Download Drive Smarter®

PRODUCT SERVICE AND SUPPORT

For any questions about operating or installing this new Escort product, please contact us fi rst so that we can answer your questions or resolve any issues. Our product support experts will do their best to ensure you are completely satisfi ed with your product. The contact information for Escort will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and utilize the product. For the latest contact information, please go to www.escortradar.com/support

WHAT'S IN THE BOX

CONTROLS & FEATURES

Over Speed Alert Setting	Bluetooth ® is connected to smartphone	Speed Limit data from Driver Smarter ®, "--" means no data is available

SENSITIVITY MODES
The SEN button selects radar sensitivity/range.
The choices are:
Highway – Full sensitivity.
Auto – Reduces X and K band sensitivity based on the speed of the vehicle.
AutoNoX – Same as Auto but without X band detection.
AutoLoK – Same as Auto but with lowered K band sensitivity at all times.

FALSE ALERT FILTERING
MAX 4 is designed to provide you with the most accurate alerts and to minimize the distraction of false alert signals from fi xed-location and moving sources.

• Adjustable Sensitivity: allows you to adjust detection sensitivity to your driving environment, reducing false alerts from fi xed location sources such as automatic door openers. Auto modes automatically adjust detection sensitivity based on your vehicle speed.
• IVT Filter: automatically reduces false alerts from moving In-Vehicle Technology sources such as collision avoidance systems and adaptive cruise control.

Using MAX 4

1. Plug small end of SmartCord into modular jack on MAX 4 and large end of SmartCord into your vehicle's 12V accessory port
2. MAX 4 should power on automatically. If not, press the device's PWR button.

Software Updates
MAX 4 can only be updated by connecting directly to Detector Tools Pro available at www.escortradar.com/pages/update-your-device. If an update is available, MAX 4 will prompt you to install the update. If you refuse to perform the update, or if the prompt times out, MAX 4 will check again when it connects to Bluetooth^®.
NOTE: The Defender Database updates require first registering MAX 4 to activate the free 90-day Defender subscription. Past the 90-day free trial, annual Defender subscriptions are available to purchase at www.escortradar.com/defender.

Using SmartCord USB

• Mute Button:
  • Press to mute the audio for a specific alert. - Press three times to lock out a false alert.
  • Press twice while receiving a locked-out alert to unlock.
  • When connected to the Drive Smarter^® app press and hold the mute button on unit or cord to manually report to other user a verified X or K-band alert, or police office observing traffic.
• Alert Light: Blinks red when receiving an alert.
• Power Light: Lights green when device is powered on.
• USB Charging Port: Charge smartphones, tablets and other USB-charged devices.

Installation

Your new detector comes with our patented EZ Mag Mount™. Simply attach the detector onto the magnetic mounting bracket and ensure it's connected securely. To remove the detector from the mount, simply tilt the detector off of the magnetic mount.

Mounting Tips:

• Center of windshield between driver and passenger.
• Ensure clear view of road ahead and sky above.
• Avoid windshield wipers and heavily tinted areas.

To Mount the Detector in Your Vehicle:

1. Remove backing from EZ Mag Mount.
2. Firmly press the EZ Mag Mount onto the windshield and flip the locking clamp to secure.
3. Tilt the display end of the detector slightly upward and engage with the mounting bracket. The EZ Mag Mount magnet holds the detector firmly in place.
4. To adjust view, loosen thumb wheel and adjust angle of mounting bracket. Tighten thumb wheel to secure.
5. To remove the detector, simply lift the display end of the detector upward. The detector will from the mount.
6. To remove the mount from windshield, release the locking clamp and pull the tab on top of the EZ Mag Mount.

EZ Mag Mount Care Instructions:
To clean your EZ Mag Mount, simply rinse under warm water, gently wipe off any debris and allow to air dry.

1. Attach EZ Mag Mount ™ to MAX 4
   
2. Mount
   
3. Lock Mount
   
4. Connect and Power
   

DOWNLOAD AND CONNECT TO DRIVE SMARTER^®

1. Power on MAX 4.
2. Install and run the Drive Smarter^® app on your smartphone.
3. If you're using Drive Smarter^® for the fi rst time, you will be prompted to set up an account.
4. Fill in your account information within the "Create Account" screen and click "Register".
5. A message will be sent to the email address specifi ed in your account set up, which will verify your new account.
6. Be sure Bluetooth^® is actived on your smartphone. In the Drive Smarter^® app, press the Account button then select "Add devices".
7. Follow the prompts in the Drive Smarter^® app to c onnect MAX 4.

Download Drive Smarter®

DISPLAY AND MENU

• OSP/Speed Limit Indicator
  Over Speed alert setting, can be adjusted in the Programming menu. Bluetooth icon will appear here when paired to phone. Speed limit data will appear here when connected to the Drive Smarter app via Bluetooth ®.
• Signal Counter
  Displays the number of alerts being detected.
• Speed
  Displays the current speed. When Speed Display is off, displays the vehicle voltage.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR DETECTOR

How Radar Works
Traffic radar, which consists of microwaves, travels in straight lines and is easily reflected by objects such as cars, trucks, even guardrails and overpasses. Radar works by directing its microwave beam down the road. As your vehicle travels into range, the microwave beam bounces off your car, and the radar antenna looks for the reflections.
Using the Doppler Principle, the radar equipment then calculates your speed by comparing the frequency of the reflection of your car to the original frequency of the beam sent out.
Traffic radar has limitations, the most significant of these being that it typically can monitor only one target at a time. If there is more than one vehicle within range, it is up to the radar operator to decide which target is producing the strongest reflection. Since the strength of the reflection is affected by both the size of the vehicle and its proximity to the antenna, it is difficult for the radar operator to determine if the signal is from a sports car nearby or a semi-truck several hundred feet away.
Radar range also depends on the power of the radar equipment itself. The strength of the radar unit's beam diminishes with distance. The farther the radar has to travel, the less energy it has for speed detection.
Because intrusion alarms and motion sensors often operate on the same frequency as X, and K-band radar, your detector will occasionally receive non-police radar signals. These transmitters generally produce much weaker readings than will a true radar encounter. As you become familiar with the sources of these pseudo alarms in your daily driving, they will serve as confirmation that your device's radar detection abilities are fully operational.

How Laser (Lidar) Works
Laser speed detection is actually light detection and ranging (LIDAR). Laser guns project a beam of invisible infrared light. The signal is a series of very short infrared light energy pulses that move in a straight line, reflecting off your car and returning to the gun. Laser uses these light pulses to measure the distance to a vehicle. Speed is then calculated by measuring how quickly these pulses are reflected, given the known speed of light.
Laser is a newer technology whose use is not as widespread as conventional radar; therefore, you may not encounter it on a daily basis. And unlike radar detection, laser is not prone to false alarms. Because laser transmits a much narrower beam than does radar, it is much more accurate in its ability to distinguish between targets and is also more difficult to detect. As a result, even the briefest laser alert should be taken seriously.
There are limitations to laser, however. Laser is much more sensitive to weather conditions than radar, and a laser gun's range will be decreased by anything affecting visibility, such as rain, fog or smoke. A laser gun cannot operate through glass, and it must be stationary to get an accurate reading. Because laser must have a clear line of sight and is subject to cosine error (an inaccuracy that increases as the angle between the gun and the vehicle increases), police typically use laser equipment parallel to the road or from an overpass. Laser can be used day or night.

TSR Signal Ranking Software
Your radar detector includes an optional boost in anti-falsing software to eliminate excessive alerts from erroneous K-band sources. One example of this is traffic flow monitoring systems. These systems, which are becoming more widely used in several countries, generate K-band signals to measure the flow of traffic on a given road. Unfortunately most detectors see this as a real threat and will alert you to it unnecessarily. Our proprietary TSR software, intelligently sorts, ranks and rejects this type of false alarm automatically. The result is ultimate protection without excessive false alarms.

PROGRAMMING MENU

Overview
To access the programming menu, press the SEN and MRK buttons. Press the MRK button to change the selected menu item. Use the - or + button to change the setting on the selected menu item. Press the MRK button again to return to the selected Menu item.
To exit Programming, simply wait a few seconds without pressing any buttons. A "Completed" message will display, confirming your selection(s).

Restore Factory Settings
To restore MAX 4 to its original factory settings:

• Press and hold SEN and BRT while turning the power on.
• Factory Settings Restored will display and MAX 4 will reboot.

The following is a list of all settings available in the Programming menu followed by detailed descriptions of each setting.

User Mode	Advanced* Novice	Access and customize all Settings and Preferences Access and customize Units and Display Color only, (all other Settings are set to factory defaults) NOTE: Switch back to Advanced Mode to view all Preferences.
Pilot Mode	Scanning* Full Word	Display scanning bar and the selected SEN mode Displays only the selected SEN mode
Display Color	Blue*/Green/Red/Amber	Set color to match your vehicle's dash display
Speed Display	On*	Displays current speed Displays battery voltage
Cruise Alert	20 mph* Off/20-160 mph	Offers only double beep alert tones below the specified speed
Over Speed	70 mph* Off/20-160 mph	Alerts when the specified speed is exceeded
Meter Mode	Standard*	Displays primary alert band with front signal strength bar graph
	Spec	Displays primary alert band with numeric frequency and only front signal strength bar graph
	Expert	Displays up to four alert bands with front and rear signal strength bar graphs for each
	Simple	Simple messages replace alert band and signal strength bar graphs: (if traveling below Cruise Alert limit) Slow Down (if traveling above Cruise Alert limit)
Tones	Standard*	Standard alert tones
	Standard+	Standard alert tones for primary alert plus a double-beep tone for additional alerts
	Mild	Mild doorbell chime alert tones
AutoMute	Low / Med* / High / Off	During an alert, automatically reduces audio to selected volume level
AutoLearn	On* / Off	Automatically stores and locks out false alerts
Units	English* / Metric	Units for distance and speed
Language	English* / Español	Language for voice and text
Voice	On* / Off	Voice announcements
GPS Filter	On* / Off	Enables GPS Filtering of stored false alerts
AutoPower	Off / 1 Hour / 2 Hours / 4 Hours*/ 8 Hours	Powers down unit after specified time NOTE: If AutoPower is enabled, to save screen life the display screen goes blank after 30 minutes without moving. Display screen will turn on automatically after you reach 10MPH
Band Enables	Default* Modified	Default Band Enables Band Enables have been modified from their default settings

Repeatedly press BRT to cycle through Band Enables. Press + or – to change the selected Band Enable on or off

Repeatedly press BRT to cycle through Marker Enables. Press + or – to change the selected Marker Enable on or off

Serial Number and Software Version
To view your MAX 4's serial number and software revision, press and hold the MRK and MUTE buttons while powering on the detector.

User Mode
Advanced
Access and customize all settings and preferences.

Novice
Access and customize only Units (English or metric) and Display Color. All other preferences are set to factory defaults. To view all settings and preferences, you must switch to Advanced mode.

Display Color
The display graphics can be changed to blue, green, red or orange to match the instrument lighting of your vehicle.

Speed Display
Turns Speed Display off or on. When Speed Display is off, the vehicle's voltage is displayed.

Cruise Alert
While traveling below the set Cruise Alert speed, all alerts sound a short double beep. The alert will fully sound when you exceed the Cruise Alert speed.

Over Speed
You can set the Over Speed alert to notify you when you are traveling over a specified speed. When you travel above the speed that you have set, the background display for your current speed will turn red and a voice prompt will announce "Over Speed".
When connected to the Drive Smarter app, the Over Speed setting is automatically set to the speed limit showing on the display. If no speed limit data is available and the display shows --, the Over Speed setting is used.

Over Speed Limit
NOTE: this setting only applies when MAX 4 is connected to Bluetooth^® with internet connectivity. When the speed limit is exceeded by the set speed, the background for your current speed will change to red and a voice prompt will announce "Over Speed". If no speed limit data is available and the display shows --, the Over Speed setting is used.

Meter Mode
MAX 4 offers five different settings for displaying information about alerts.

Standard

The Standard meter mode provides only the band information and front signal strength information of a single alert. When radar is detected, the band (X, K or Ka) and a bar graph of the signal's strength are displayed. When laser is detected, the display will simply read "Laser." If there are multiple alerts present, only the highest priority threat is displayed. Laser is the highest priority threat, followed by Ka, K, then X band radar.

Spec

The Spec meter option is an advanced display for experienced detector users. In this mode, it will display the actual numeric radar frequency being received. Even long-time detector users will require some time to get familiar with this new level of information about detected signals. To use Spec instead of the Standard bar graph meter, you must select it (Spec) in Preferences.

Expert

ESCORT's exclusive Expert meter option is designed for the advanced detector user. In this mode, MAX 3 simultaneously tracks up to four radar signals. It shows each band along with a bar graph of its signal strength. In the image above, a Ka band, K band and two X bands are being detected with the greyedout X band being a locked out false. Expert meter mode can help you spot a change in your normal driving environment (e.g., a traffi c radar unit being operated in an area where there are normally other signals present).

Simple

Simple messages replace bands and signal strengths or frequencies:

used when an alert is received while you are traveling below your current Cruise Alert setting (or posted speed limit for your current location when connected to Drive Smarter).

Slow Down
displayed when an alert is received while you are traveling above the current Cruise Alert setting (or posted speed limit of your current location, when connected to Drive Smarter).

Tones
Standard
The factory default Standard alert tones uses a Geiger counter-type sound to indicate the signal strength and type of radar signal being encountered. When you encounter radar, a distinct audible alert will sound and will increase as the signal gets stronger. This allows you to judge the distance from the signal source without taking your eyes off of the road. Each band has a distinct tone for easy identifi cation: X band = beep tone
K band = brap tone
Ka band = double-brap tone Laser = solid brap tone
POP = solid brap tone

Standard Plus
Features the Standard alert tones outlined above for the primary alert, plus double-beep tones for additional alerts.

Mild
Mild alert tones off er softer, simpler alert tones that are less obtrusive to the driving experience:
X band, K band, Ka band and POP = Doorbell chime
Low signal strength = Double chime
High signal strength = Triple chime
If alert remains in area more than 15 seconds = Single chime (as a reminder)
Laser = Solid brap tone
Since laser signals are a possible threat no matter how weak, laser alerts are always full strength.

AutoMute
Your MAX 4 also includes ESCORT's patented AutoMute feature. Once MAX 4 alerts you to a radar encounter at your selected volume level, it automatically reduces the volume to the selected AutoMute level. This keeps you informed without the annoyance of a continuous full-volume alert. If you prefer, you can turn the AutoMute feature off.

AutoLearn™ Intelligence
The AutoLearn feature analyzes (over time) the source of radar signals by location and frequency. This allows MAX 4 to determine if a fixed location signal is a real threat or a false one. If it determines that the signal is an automatic door opener, motion sensor, etc., it automatically locks out this source at this particular location. A "Stored" message will appear on the display when a signal has been automatically locked out. AutoLearn needs to encounter the exact frequency in the same location approximately three times to lock it out. Since some door openers are turned on and off routinely, some variations may occur. Variations may also occur with seasonal temperature changes that can affects the frequency that these radar sources transmit.
MAX 4 will also unlearn signals to protect you from locking out real threats. If a particular signal is no longer present at a location that was previously locked out, MAX 4 will unlock that signal. If you prefer, you can turn the AutoLearn feature off.

GPS Filter (TrueLock)
MAX 4 is equipped with a TrueLock GPS Filter to store and lock out, or ignore, fixed location false alerts in its memory. Common sources of fixed location false alerts are storefront automatic door openers and motion sensors. The TrueLock GPS Filter will not lock out moving false alerts that are commonly caused by vehicle's blind spot monitoring and collision avoidance systems.

Locking Out False Alerts
To manually lock out a fixed location false alert (X band, K band or laser only), press the MUTE button three times during an alert. Pressing the first time will silence the audio. Pressing a second time will generate a prompt on the display that will read "Lockout?" Press a third time to confirm you want to lock this signal out by location and frequency. A "Stored" message will be displayed. Once a signal has been stored, MAX 4 will not audibly alert the next time you approach this area but will display the locked-out alert in grey.

Locked Out Alert

To unlock a signal that has already been stored, simply press the MUTE button twice while receiving the locked out alert. The display will read "Unlock?" when pressing MUTE the first time. Press the MUTE button again to unlock it from memory. The display will read "Unlocked" to confirm your action.
NOTE: When the GPS Filter is set to OFF, you do not have access to MAX 4's other GPS- enabled features (e.g., Defender Database alerts, marking locations, etc.).

AutoPower
This feature automatically turns off MAX 4 after a set period of time to save unnecessary drain on your battery. This is especially useful if your vehicle has a constant-power ignition. To turn MAX 4 on again you must press the power button.
NOTE: If AutoPower is on, to save screen life the display screen goes blank after 30 minutes without moving. The display screen will turn on automatically after you reach 10MPH.

Band Enables
In the factory default setting the suggested radar and laser bands for North America are monitored and sources of some common false alerts are rejected. It is highly recommended that you use your MAX 4 in this mode.
If you modify Band Enables then this setting will show Modified. The MAX 4 will also notify you during the startup sequence with an audible alert.

Do not turn off any Band Enables unless you are absolutely certain there are no traffic radar guns in your area using that specific band.

K Notch
Reduces sensitivity of K band in the frequency range of 24.190 – 24.210 GHz. This is effective at reducing alerts to certain vehicle collision avoidance systems.
Shifters (only available when optional ZR5 or ZW5 laser shifters are connected)
Sets the shifter mode of operation. Receive = receive-only mode. Shift4/6/8/10 puts the laser shifters into receive-only mode after 4/6/8/10 seconds from receiving an alert. After 30 seconds of not receiving a Laser alert, the shifters automatically return to shift mode. You can also manually put the laser shifters into receive-only mode by double tapping the Mute button on the detector or SmartCord.

Marker Enables
MAX 4 gives advanced warning of upcoming markers at the following distances:

To Mark A Location

• Press MRK. The display will read "Mark?" Press MRK again to bring up a menu of markers to choose from.
• Use the plus and minus buttons to scroll through the markers then press MRK to select the marker that you wish to use at this location.
• The display will read "Marked!"

Air Patrol locations cannot be marked by the user.
NOTE: When a location is marked the fi rst time, you must travel at least 1 mile away from that location to receive an alert when you return to the area.

To Unmark A Location
Touch the MRK button when you are receiving a marked-location alert. The display will read "Unmark?" Touch the MRK button again to confi rm. The display will read "Unmarked!"

Clear Locations
At some point, you may wish to clear some of the data in MAX 4's database. This may include any of the following: Defender Database data, Marked locations or false alert Lockouts.
To clear locations in the selected database, select the database then press MUTE to confi rm. Format clears locations in all databases.

Troubleshooting