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Escort - Passport 8500 Radar Detector
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SHC-Rahul's Review
Rating Summary
SHC-Rahul
Schaumburg, IL
“Escort 8500 - Simple, Reliable, Better Safe Than Sorry.”
- flirting with the Amendments.., twenty something, a gadget freak, practical
- Pros
- Audio/Visual Options, Travel Case, Dependable, Mute Control on 12V Plug, Easy to Setup/Install/Operate
- Cons
- Highly Sensitive to Airport Radars, Pricey, but pays for itself! :)
Escort - Passport 8500 Radar Detector —
During my strictly 'educational' use of the 8500 to monitor its reactions to CVS Pharmacy's automated doors, my study was repeatedly and consistently interrupted by law enforcement vehicles equipped with Radar devices. Frustrated, I tried to voice my concerns at the local police department, only to be informed that the Radar-guns were being used by cops to trap speeding drivers and issue them tickets. :-(Till date, these WMTs (Weapons of Mass Taxation) have interfered with, and skewed the results of my ongoing research. :-)I bought the Escort - Passport 8500 Radar Detector in September 2008 from BestBuy, with a 2-year Service Contract. It was the best deal I could find at the time, since 'deal' websites were offering a discount, but charging more for shipping.The friendly associate asked me if I would like to 'upgrade' to an 8500 with a Blue LED display, instead of the standard Red, for 'only' $50. Strangely, he refused my counter-offer of beach-front property in Nevada. I don't recommend the upgrade unless flashing red lights make your head spin. :-SThe 8500 is very simple to setup and operate, and the product manual comes with a tear-out card for quick reference. With 3 driving options of City, Highway and Automatic, it is recommended that you leave the device on Automatic and pay attention to the road.Brightness can be digitally set to 1 of 4 levels, the lowest (Dark mode) eliminating visual alerts. Audio levels are set by using an analog wheel, and a 3.5mm headphone jack is also provided (so everyone else in the car can still enjoy their music/conversation/sleep while your device beeps like crazy).The placement of the 12V outlet in your car can be an issue, since the plug comes with a 'Mute' button, which can be used to silence an alert once you have heard it and acted accordingly. The plug also has an LED-light that provides a visual alert if you are operating the device in Dark mode. However, this can be overcome by using Voltage-splitters (as low as $5) or 12V extension cords. I drive an automatic transmission with the 12V jack in front of the center-console armrest; the cord doesn't get in the way and muting alerts merely requires a tap of the finger.The built-in memory function remembers your settings between the time that your unit is turned off and on again. This means that daily setup (including mounting) should not take you more than 25-40 seconds, otherwise you are being extremely scientific and need to chill out. :-/The windshield mount is included, and can be adjusted to match the tilt of your car's windshield. And don't get frustrated by the suction-cups - they actually work (minimal licking required). A Visor-clip can be purchased separately, but is not required. You should experiment with various placements of the device on your windshield, but avoid placements that block your view or may cause the device to fly into your face in the event of airbag deployment. It probably hurts.. a LOT. :-@There are several other tweak-able options, which I suggest you refrain from messing around with, unless you have actually read the whole manual (Yeah, right..).It comes with a travel case (see image), to accompany you through all your personal research. Cheaper than other radar devices like the Valentine One (V1), and much more expensive than the average Cobra detectors, the 8500 seems to be the top value-for-money radar-detector in the market. Every time my 8500 beeps, I brake gently and grin broadly.. ;-)p.s. If you set your device to highest volume but value your sanity, try not to drive anywhere remotely close to an airport.. (nails on chalkboard \\\ )Escort - Passport 8500 Radar Detector
is recommended
by SHC-Rahul
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