ESCORT Passport MAX - Radar Detector Manual

Introduction

You've just purchased the first and only radar/laser detector to offer High Definition (HD) performance

• PASSPORT Max's HD Performance accurately identifies real threats sooner than any other detector, providing more advanced warning when you need it.
• PASSPORT Max's new multicolor OLED display features brilliant graphics and intuitive icons that help you identify threats at a glance.
• PASSPORT Max's GPS location-based intelligence automatically locks out false alerts and allows you to mark locations for future reference.
• PASSPORT Max gives you access to ESCORT's DEFENDER Database, which warns you of verified speed traps, speed cameras and red light cameras.
  
• Plus, it's compatible with ESCORT Live, our exclusive real-time ticket-protection network, which warns you of upcoming alerts received and reported by other users in the area, and gives you access to local speed limit data for over-speed alerts.*

*Requires optional SmartCord Live and app subscription.

Getting Started

What's Included

• Radar/laser detector unit
• StickyCup windshield mount
• SmartCord power adapter
• Quick Reference Guide
• Soft-shell case

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

To mount in your vehicle:

StickyCup Care Instructions
To clean StickyCup, simply rinse under warm water, gently wipe off any debris and allow to air dry.

To begin using PASSPORT Max:

1. Plug small end of SmartCord into modular jack on PASSPORT Max and large end of SmartCord into your car's lighter/accessory socket.
2. PASSPORT Max should power on automatically. If not, press the device's power button.
3. Upon initial power-up, PASSPORT Max will ask you to confirm some basic settings and preferences. Press MRK button to scroll through and OK these settings (or press VOLUME +

NOTE: You can easily access and customize all of your settings and preferences by pressing and holding the MRK and SEN buttons. See the Settings & Preferences section for details.

Controls & Features

SmartCord
The SmartCord is a special power cord that has a power-on indicator, a bright alert light that warns of radar or laser, and a convenient MUTE button right on the plug. It's perfect for any car where reaching the detector's MUTE button on the windshield is a stretch. For discreet night driving, put PASSPORT Max in Dark mode and use the SmartCord for your visual alerts. Other drivers won't know you have a detector.
For descriptions of features and functions available when connected to SmartCord Live with ESCORT Live, visit escortinc.com and download the SmartCord Live user manual for your iOS or Android OS smartphone.

AutoPower
This feature automatically turns off PASSPORT Max 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. See the Settings & Preferences section for details on how to customize the AutoPower feature.
NOTE: When AutoPower is ON, the display will go dark after the vehicle has been sitting still for 30 minutes, to save screen life. The screen will turn back on automatically once your vehicle reaches a speed of 10 mph.

Volume
To adjust PASSPORT Max to your preferred audio level for alerts, simply press and hold VOLUME + or –.
The audio will increase/decrease while it is depressed. Once you reach the desired audio level, simply release the button. PASSPORT Max will retain this setting in its memory, even if the system is turned off.

Mute
The MUTE button allows you to silence the audio during an alert. Simply press the button during the alert. Once the radar encounter has passed, the mute will disengage, and the audio will return to your pre-set level. You can also silence an alert by pressing the SmartCord MUTE button.

AutoMute
Your PASSPORT Max also includes ESCORT's patented AutoMute feature. Once PASSPORT Max alerts you to a radar encounter at your selected volume level, it automatically reduces the volume more than 50%. This keeps you informed without the annoyance of a continuous full-volume alert. If you prefer, you can turn the AutoMute feature off. See the Settings & Preferences section for details.

SmartMute
If AutoMute has already reduced the volume for one alert and a higher-priority band is detected, PASSPORT Max will sound an alert at your set volume for the second band before adjusting the volume back down to the AutoMute level.

User Mode
PASSPORT Max offers two unique user modes:

Advanced
In this mode, you can access and customize all of PASSPORT Max's settings and preferences.

Novice
In this mode, you can access and customize units (English or metric) and display color only. All other preferences are set to the factory defaults. To view all preferences, you must switch back to Advanced mode.

Display Color
Your detector screen can be displayed with blue, green, red or amber accents to match the dashboard lighting of various vehicles. See the Settings & Preferences section for details on how to change the display color.

Display Brightness
PASSPORT Max's display brightness is automatically adjusted to suit ambient lighting conditions in your car. (The light sensor is located inside the controller, so the display may dim momentarily when you access the buttons.) If you prefer, you can press the BRT button to set a fixed brightness level:

NOTE: If you select Dark mode, the display will not provide any indication that it is on. Therefore, only audible alerts will notify you of detected signals.

Speed Display
PASSPORT Max displays your current speed just to the right of the Over-Speed Alert setting (or posted speed limit for your current location, if connect to ESCORT Live). If you prefer, you can turn off the speed display feature (see Settings & Preferences section for details). If speed display is OFF, PASSPORT Max will simply display your battery voltage in this location.

Radar Sensitivity
The SEN button allows you to select your preferred radar sensitivity: Highway, Auto or Auto No X. In general, ESCORT recommends Auto for everyday driving.

Highway
In this setting, PASSPORT Max will detect all radar signals on all bands at maximum range.

Auto
In this setting, PASSPORT Max will continuously analyze all incoming signals and intelligently adjust the sensitivity circuits, providing long-range warning with minimal false alarms.

Auto No X
Auto No X works the same as Auto mode; however, X band is completely turned off.

Do not use PASSPORT Max in Auto No X unless you are absolutely certain that there are no traffic radar guns using X band in your area.

TrueLock/Locking Out False Alerts
PASSPORT Max is equipped with a TrueLock GPS Filter to lock out and store in its memory false alerts. To lock out a false alert (X band, K band or laser only), press the MUTE button on the detector or the SmartCord 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, PASSPORT Max will reject the signal the next time you approach this area and will display the locked-out alert.

To unlock a signal that has already been stored, simply press and hold the detector or SmartCord MUTE button while receiving the locked out alert.
The display will read "Unlock?" Press the detector or SmartCord MUTE button again to unlock it from memory. The display will then read "Unlocked" to confirm your action.
For details on how to turn the GPS Filter off, refer to the Settings & Preferences section.
NOTE: When the GPS Filter is set to OFF, you do not have access to PASSPORT Max's other GPSenabled features (e.g., DEFENDER Database alerts, marking locations, etc.).

AutoLearn
The AutoLearn feature analyzes (over time) the source of radar signals by location and frequency. This allows PASSPORT Max to determine if a 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. If you prefer, you can turn the AutoLearn feature off. See the Settings & Preferences section for details.
NOTE: AutoLearn typically 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. When AutoLearn is on, PASSPORT Max 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, PASSPORT Max will unlock that signal.

Marking Locations
The MRK button allows you to mark a specific location and label it for future reference. Once marked, PASSPORT Max will provide an alert when you reach this area again.

PASSPORT Max gives an advanced warning of upcoming markers at the following distances:

• Red light cameras: 250 ft or 10 seconds
• Red light & speed cameras: 250 ft or 10 seconds
• Speed cameras: 500 ft when traveling below 55 mph; 1,000 ft when traveling above 55 mph
• Speed traps: 0.3 mi or approximately 1,584 ft
• Other: 500 ft when traveling below 55 mph; 1,000 ft when traveling above 55 mph

To mark a location, press the MRK button. The display will read "Mark?" Press MRK again to bring up a menu of markers to choose from. Press VOLUME + or – to scroll through the markers, then press MRK to select the marker you wish to use at this location. The display will read "Marked!"
NOTE: When a location is marked the first 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 confirm. The display will read "Unmarked!" To customize the types of markers you want to be able to set and receive, see the Settings & Preferences section.

Over-Speed Alert
With PASSPORT Max, you can set the Over-Speed Alert to notify you when you are traveling over a specified speed (factory default is 70 mph; see Settings & Preferences for details). When you travel above the speed threshold you have set, the background display for your current speed will turn red to alert you that you have exceeded the specified speed.

Alert Tones
Standard
PASSPORT Max's factory default for alert tones is the ESCORT Standard mode, in which PASSPORT Max 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 identification:
X band = beep tone
K band = brap tone
Ka band = double-brap tone
Laser = solid brap tone
Pop = solid brap tone

Mild
If you prefer, you can change your alert tone settings to Mild mode, which offers 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, PASSPORT Max alerts you to all laser signals with a full laser alert.)
See the Settings & Preferences section for details on switching your alert tones.

Cruise Alert
The Cruise Alert feature allows you to modify your alert tones when traveling below a specified speed (factory default is 20 mph; see Settings & Preferences for details). For all alerts received while traveling below the specified speed, PASSPORT Max will sound a simple double-beep alert.

Voice Alerts
PASSPORT Max provides digital voice announcements for alerts and selection feedback. If you prefer, you can turn off the voice feature. See the Settings & Preferences section for details.

Signal-Strength Meter
PASSPORT Max offers four different settings for displaying alerts:

The Standard option provides information on a single radar signal. When PASSPORT Max detects radar, it displays the band of the radar (X, K or Ka) and a bar graph of the signal's strength. When laser is detected, the display will simply read "Laser." If there are multiple signals present, PASSPORT Max will determine which one is the most important threat to display.

The SpecDisplay 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 SpecDisplay instead of the Standard bar graph meter, you must select it (Spec) in Preferences.

ESCORT's exclusive ExpertMeter option is also designed for the advanced detector user. To use the ExpertMeter instead of the Standard bar graph meter, you must select it (Expert) in Preferences.
ExpertMeter simultaneously tracks up to four radar signals: Ka band, X band, K band and X band. It shows each signal along with a bar graph of its strength. ExpertMeter can help you spot a change in your normal driving environment (e.g., a traffic radar unit being operated in an area where there are normally other signals present).

In this mode, Simple messages replace actual bands and signal strengths or frequencies. "Caution" is used when an alert is received while you are traveling below your current Cruise Alert setting (or posted speed limit for current location, when connected to ESCORT Live). "Slow Down" is displayed when an alert is received while you are traveling above the current Cruise Alert setting (or posted speed limit for current location, when connected to ESCORT Live).
NOTE: PASSPORT Max's selectable bands feature allows you to customize which bands are monitored. For details on modifying your band detection, see the Settings & Preferences section. For details on the various radar/laser bands and how they work, see the Understanding Your Detector section.

Clearing the Database
At some point, you may wish to clear some of the data in PASSPORT Max's database. This may include any of the following: DEFENDER Database data, marked locations or locked-out locations. For details on how to clear, see the Settings & Preferences section.

Restoring Detector Settings
To restore PASSPORT Max to its original factory settings, press and hold the SEN and BRT buttons while powering on the detector. A "Restored" message will display, acknowledging the reset.

ESCORT Live!
PASSPORT Max is fully compatible with the new SmartCord Live and ESCORT Live smartphone application. For comprehensive information on these options and all of ESCORT Live's features and functions, visit escortinc.com.

Settings & Preferences

How to use Preferences
To access Preferences, press and hold both the MRK and SEN buttons. PASSPORT Max will display "Preferences," indicating it is in program mode.
Once the unit is in Preferences mode, the MRK button is used to review the preference categories, and the VOLUME + AND − buttons are used to change the individual settings within the selected option.
To exit Preferences, simply wait a few seconds without pressing a button. The unit will display "Completed" and return to normal operation.

Example:
Here's how you would turn the AutoMute feature off:

1. Enter Preferences by pressing and holding both the MRK and SEN buttons. PASSPORT Max will display "Preferences."
2. Press the MRK button to scroll through the categories to "AutoMute."
3. Since the factory setting is for AutoMute to be on, PASSPORT Max will show AutoMute as ON.
4. Press the VOLUME + or − button to change from ON to OFF.
5. To complete this change, simply wait a few seconds without pressing a button. The unit will display "Completed" to confirm your selection.

NOTE: You can only access and customize the AutoMute feature while in the Advanced user mode. See Overview of Preferences below for details on how to switch user modes.

Overview of Preferences
Press and hold the MRK and SEN buttons to access Preferences. To exit Preferences, simply wait a few seconds without pressing a button. The unit will display Completed to confirm your selections.
NOTE: AutoPower works only with constant-power ignitions.
NOTE: When AutoPower is ON, the display will go dark after the vehicle has been sitting still for 30 minutes, to save screen life. The screen will turn back on automatically once your vehicle reaches a speed of 10 mph.
To restore PASSPORT Max to its original factory settings, press and hold the SEN and BRT buttons while powering on the detector. A "Restored" message will display, acknowledging the reset.
To view your device's serial number and software version, press and hold the MRK and MUTE buttons while powering on the detector.

*Default Setting

Understanding Your Detector

Interpreting Alerts
Although PASSPORT Max has a comprehensive warning system, only experience will teach you what to expect from your detector and how to interpret what it tells you. The specific type of radar being used, the type of transmission (continuous or instant-on) and the location of the radar source affect the alerts you receive.
The following examples will give you an introduction to understanding your detector's warning system for radar and laser alerts.

Overconfidence in an unfamiliar area can be dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in a commonly traveled area is suddenly stronger or on a different band than usual, speed radar may be set up nearby.

How Radar Works
Traffic radar, which consists of microwaves, travels in straight lines and is easily reflected by objects such as cars, trucks, and 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 nonpolice radar signals. Since these X band transmitters are usually contained inside of a building or aimed toward the ground, they will 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 the device's radar detection abilities are fully operational.

How POP Works
POP works by transmitting an extremely short burst, within the allocated band, to identify speeding vehicles in traffic. Once the target is identified, or "popped," the gun is then turned to its normal operating mode to provide a vehicle tracking history (required by law).
NOTE: According to radar gun manufacturers, tickets should not be issued in pop mode.

How Laser 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.

How TSR Works
PASSPORT Max includes a new boost in anti-falsing software to eliminate excessive alerts from erroneous X and K band sources, such as 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 new proprietary software, TSR, intelligently sorts, ranks and rejects these types of false alarms automatically. The result is ultimate protection without excessive false alarms.

How Red Light Cameras Work
Red light cameras use three basic things: a camera, a device to trigger the camera and a computer. An intersection may have more than one camera to monitor traffic from multiple directions. The trigger is typically a series of wires buried just beneath the surface of the road. These wires are separated by a pre-set distance to create a magnetic field or induction loop. Once a vehicle is in the intersection, the loop or circuit becomes closed and alerts the computer to take a picture.
In some states, tickets are issued to the car's owner, no matter who's actually driving. In this case, the red light camera only needs to photograph the vehicle's rear license plate. In other states, the actual driver is responsible for paying the ticket. In this case, the system needs a second camera in front of the car to get a shot of the driver's face.

How Speed Cameras Work
There are several types of fixed position speed cameras used, including radar, laser, induction-loop and photo-based. Radar and laser based cameras are typically mounted near the road and transmit a short range signal across the lanes monitored. Since this signal is transmitted across the road instead of down the road like with many handheld systems, detecting them in time is critical.
Another technology used is an induction loop system. This type of system utilizes wires buried just beneath the surface of the road to trigger a computer that calculates speed between the two points. Photo based systems take two sets of pictures of all passing vehicles between two separate fixed locations. Both sets of photographs are date and time stamped, which enables the system to calculate average speed between the two locations.
Fixed speed cameras can also be set up to monitor one to four lanes of traffic in the same direction. To achieve this, a sensor is installed in each lane, and a wide angle camera lens is used to photograph the vehicle that is speeding.

How GPS Works
Developed by the U.S. military, the global positioning system (GPS) is made up of 24 orbiting satellites. There are at least four satellites visible at any given time every day. A GPS receiver is designed to locate and receive data from four of these satellites. These data include the distance to your location from each of the satellites. Once the distance from each satellite is known, the receiver can calculate and pinpoint your exact location.

Software Updates

You can easily update the DEFENDER Database and operating software for your detector by visiting our website. To access updates, you must first register your device at escortinc.com. Once registered, you will receive e-mail notifications that updates are available.
To update your software, follow these simple steps:

1. Connect the mini USB end of the USB data cable to PASSPORT Max.
2. Plug the standard USB connector end of the cable into your computer.
3. Log on to www.escortinc.com/download.
4. Follow the instructions online.

Service

To obtain service, contact ESCORT (800-543-1608) to obtain a Return Authorization Number. Properly pack your product and include: your name, complete return address, written description of the problem with your product, daytime telephone number and a copy of the original purchase receipt.
Label the outside of the package clearly with your Return Authorization Number.
Ship the product prepaid (insured, for your protection) to:
ESCORT Inc.
Customer Service Department
Return Authorization Number
5440 West Chester Road West Chester OH 45069

ESCORT Extended Service Plan
ESCORT offers an optional extended service plan.
Contact ESCORT Sales for details at 800-433-3487.

Parts & Accessories

The following accessories and replacement parts are available for PASSPORT Max:

• Coiled SmartCord
• DirectWire SmartCord
• SmartCord Live
• SmartCord Live DirectWire
• SHIFTER ZR4™ Laser Shifting System
• Replacement detector cases

Visit EscortInc.com for selection and pricing.