ESCORT Passport S55 - Radar Detector Manual

Introduction

You've purchased the all-new PASSPORT S55, one of the most advanced high-performance radar and laser detectors on the market. The PASSPORT S55 provides long-range warning on all radar and laser bands. And our patented Mute and AutoMute circuits keep the PASSPORT S55 quiet in even the most populated areas.

S55 Features

• Long-range warning on all radar, including POP, X- band, K-band and SuperWide Ka-band.
• Long-range warning on all radar, including POP, X- band, K-band and SuperWide Ka-band.
• Multiple high-performance laser sensors provide maximum laser warning with superior off-axis protection.
• Exclusive AutoSensitivity setting intelligently filters out annoying false alarms.
• Exclusive ExpertMeter tracks and displays up to four radar signals simultaneously.
• Exclusive SpecDisplay provides actual numeric frequency for any radar signal.
• Plus, it's compatible with ESCORT Live, the awardwinning ticket protection network that 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

• S55 Radar/laser Detector
• Windshield Mount
• SmartCord
• Quick Reference Guide
• Travel Case

Mounting Tips

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

PASSPORT S55 Mounting Location

ESCORT cannot anticipate the many ways PASSPORT S55 can be mounted. It is important that you mount PASSPORT S55 where it will not impair your view nor present a hazard in case of an accident.
For optimum detection performance, we recommend the following:

• Using the Windshield Mount, mount your PASSPORT S55 level, and high enough on your front windshield to provide a clear view of the road from the front and rear.
  
• Mount PASSPORT S55 away from windshield wipers, other solid objects, and heavily tinted areas that might obstruct the radar antenna or laser lens.
  

1. Depress the adjustment/release button on the top of PASSPORT S55 (by the logo S55) and slide the EasyMount Bracket into the slot until it is locked into the position which best fits the angle of your windshield (there are four settings available). For extremely horizontal or extremely sloped windshields, the EasyMount Bracket can be bent.
   To ensure that the suction cups adhere to the windshield firmly, be sure to keep both your windshield and the suction cups clean.
   
2. To adjust the PASSPORT S55 on your windshield, use the EasyMount adjustment button located on the top of the PASSPORT S55, and slide PASSPORT S55 forward or backward to obtain a level position. When installed and adjusted properly, the back top edge of the PASSPORT S55 should rest solidly against your windshield.

User's Tip: You can leave the EasyMount bracket in place on your windshield, and easily remove PASSPORT S55 by pressing the adjustment button and sliding PASSPORT S55 off the mount. Again, be sure to position the bracket where it won't present a hazard in the event of an accident.
Additional mounts are available at EscortRadar.com

To Begin Using PASSPORT S55

1. Plug small end of SmartCord into modular jack on PASSPORT S55 and large end of SmartCord into your car's lighter/accessory socket.
2. PASSPORT S55 should power on automatically. If not, press the device's power button.

NOTE: You can easily access and customize all of your Settings and Preferences by pressing and holding the VOL and BRT buttons. See Settings & Preferences for details.

Controls & Features

Using 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 S55 in Full Dark mode and use the SmartCord for your visual alerts. Other drivers won't know you have a detector.

• Mute Button: Press to mute an alert.
• Alert Light: Blinks red when receiving an alert.
• Power Light: Lights green when receiving power.

For descriptions of features and functions available when connected to SmartCord Live with ESCORT Live, visit EscortRadar.com and download the SmartCord Live user manual for your iOS or Android OS smartphone.

Power-On Indication
When you turn PASSPORT S55 on, it will go through a sequence of alerts. If any bands have been disabled, a tone and corresponding display message will alert you that one or more bands have been turned off. After the startup sequence is complete, the display will show Highway, Auto or Auto No X to indicate which sensitivity mode is selected. If you prefer, you may program your device for a faster power-on sequence. See the Settings & Preference section for details.

Volume
To adjust PASSPORT S55 to your preferred audio level for alerts, simply press and hold the VOL button. The audio will increase/decrease while it is depressed. Once you reach the desired audio level, simply release the button. PASSPORT S55 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 preset level. You can also silence an alert by pressing the SmartCord MUTE button.

AutoMute
Your PASSPORT S55 also includes ESCORT's patented AutoMute feature. Once PASSPORT S55 alerts you to a radar encounter at your selected volume level, it automatically reduces the volume to a lower level. 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.

Display Brightness
PASSPORT S55 offers four options for display brightness, as well as a Full Dark mode. Press the BRT button to set a fixed brightness level: Dark, Minimum, Medium, Maximum.

Full Dark Mode
Your device also includes a Full Dark mode in which the display will not provide any indication that it is on. Only audible alerts and SmartCord alerts will notify you of detected signals. See Settings & Preferences for details on how to activate Full Dark mode.

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 S55 will detect all radar signals on all bands at maximum range.

Auto

In this setting, PASSPORT S55 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 S55 in Auto No X unless you are absolutely certain that there are no traffic radar guns using X band in your area.

Alert Tones
PASSPORT S55 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
Since laser signals are a possible threat no matter how weak, PASSPORT S55 alerts you to all laser signals with a full laser alert.
See the Settings & Preferences section for details on switching your alert tones.

Signal-Strength Meter
PASSPORT S55 offers thtee different settings for displaying alerts:

The Standard option provides information on a single radar signal. When PASSPORT S55 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 S55 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 PASSPORT S55 in Spec meter mode, you must select it in Preferences.

ESCORT's exclusive ExpertMeter option is also designed for the advanced detector user. In this mode, PASSPORT S55 simultaneously tracks up to eight radar signals (two Ka-band, two K-band and four X-band) and shows each signal along with a bar graph of its strength. Expert meter mode 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). To use PASSPORT S55 in Expert meter mode, you must select it 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).
NOTE: PASSPORT S55'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.

Settings & Preferences

How to use Preferences
To enter Preferences press and hold the VOL and BRT buttons down for 2 seconds. To exit Preferences, simply wait a few seconds without pressing a button. The unit will display Complete to confirm your selection(s).

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

1. Enter Preferences by pressing and holding both the VOL and BRT buttons. PASSPORT S55 will display PROGRAM.
2. Then press the VOL button to scroll through categories to AutoMute.
3. Since the factory setting is for AutoMute to be on, PASSPORT S55 will show AutoMute as ON.
4. Press the BRT button to change from ON to OFF.
5. To complete this change simply wait a few seconds without pressing any button. The unit will display Complete and return to normal operation.

Restoring Detector Settings
To restore PASSPORT S55 to its original factory settings, press and hold VOL and BRT while turning the power on. A RESET message will display, acknowledging the reset.

Understanding Your Detector

Interpreting Alerts
Although PASSPORT S55 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 S55 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.

Service

Service Procedure
If your S55 ever needs service, call us at 1-800-5431608. We may be able to solve your problem over the phone. If the problem requires that you send your S55 to the factory for repair, we will provide you with a Service Order Number, which must be included on the outside of your shipping box. Ship the product prepaid insured, for your protection.
Properly pack your product and include:

• Your S55 and power cord
• Your Service Order Number
• Your name and complete return address
• Your daytime telephone number
• A description of the problem you are experiencing

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 S55:

• Coiled SmartCord
• DirectWire SmartCord
• Accessory Kit
• Visor Clip
• Zippered Travel Case

Visit EscortRadar.com for selection and pricing.
800.433.3487
EscortRadar.com