Escort 8500 X50 - Manual (Page 11)

Interpreting Alerts
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Although Passport has a comprehensive
warning system and this handbook is as
complete as we can make it, only experi-
ence will teach you what to expect from
your Passport 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 radar alerts you receive.
The following examples will give you
an introduction to understanding Passport’s
warning system for radar and laser alerts.
Explanation
You are approaching a continuous radar
source aimed in your direction.
An instant-on radar source is being used ahead
of you and out of your view.
An instant-on radar source or laser source is
being used nearby. This kind of alert requires
immediate attention!
Laser is being used in the area. Because laser is
inherently difficult to detect, any laser alert
may indicate a source very close by.
A moving patrol car with continuous radar is
overtaking you from behind. Because these
signals are reflected (reflections are increased
by large objects), they may or may not eventu-
ally melt into a solid point even when the
patrol car is directly behind you.
You are approaching a radar unit concealed by
a hill or an obstructed curve.
Explanation
A patrol car is travelling in front of you with a
radar source aimed forward. Because signals
are sometimes reflected off of large objects and
sometimes not, the alerts may seem inconsistent.
A patrol car is approaching from the other
direction, sampling traffic with instant-on
radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.
You are driving through an area populated
with radar motion sensors (door openers,
burglar alarms, etc.). Since these transmitters
are usually contained inside buildings or aimed
toward OR away from you, they are typically
not as strong or lasting as a real radar encounter.
CAUTION: Since the characteristics of these
alerts may be similar to some of the preceding
examples, over confidence 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.
Alert
Passport begins to sound slowly, then the rate
of alert increases until the alert becomes a
solid tone. The Signal Meter ramps accordingly.
Passport emits short alerts for a few seconds
and then falls silent only to briefly alert and fall
silent again.
Passport suddenly sounds a continuous tone
for the appropriate band received. All
segments in the Signal Strength Meter are lit.
A brief laser alert.
Passport receives weak signals. These signals
may be a little stronger as you
pass large, roadside objects. The signals
increase in frequency.
Passport alerts slowly for awhile and then
abruptly jumps to a strong alert.
Alert
Passport alerts intermittently. Rate and
strength of alerts may be consistent or vary
wildly.
Passport alerts intermittently. Rate and
strength of signal increases with each alert.
Passport gives an X-band alert intermittently.