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Key Features
- Fastest Response & Remarkable Accuracy – Our all-new receiver incorporates advanced military technology called Digital Signal Processing (DSP). This unique method of scanning enables the PASSPORT Max to identify real threats faster and more accurately than any other detector. Quicker response time means more advanced warning against instant on radar threats.
- New Multi-Color OLED Display – The new multi-color graphic display is stunning. Brilliant new graphics illuminate intuitive icons that identify the type of threat at a glance. In addition, user-selectable backlit colors allow you to choose a color that works best with your vehicle’s interior gauges.
- AutoLearn: Artificial Intelligence Protection – Intelligence is also packed into this ticket-protecting marvel. Our patented AutoLearn technology uses the power of GPS and the exact frequency to learn and automatically reject unwanted door openers and other fixed position false alarms. The result is the most accurate long-range protection in the industry and a permanent solution to false alarms.
- DEFENDER® Database – Speed traps and camera locations are everywhere! We’ve addressed the increasing number of “safety” cameras installed throughout the U.S. and Canada by pre-loading the PASSPORT Max with our exclusive DEFENDER® Database of active red light and speed camera locations throughout North America. As you approach these locations, the MAX will alert you in advance, you can even add your own “hot spots” using our exclusive Mark Location feature.
- High-Performance Laser Protection – PASSPORT Max’s multiple high-performance laser sensors provide maximum laser warning, with superior off-axis protection.
- Variable Speed Sensitivity – On Demand Performance – Our patented GPS technology allows the detector to provide alerts based on what the vehicle is actually doing. At highway speeds you need the best long range sensitivity you can get. At slower speeds, the sensitivity can be adjusted to further reduce unneeded alerts, especially when you’re not at risk. We’ve even changed the actual alert to a short double-tone when your vehicle is moving less than 20 mph.
- Crystal-Clear Voice Alerts – PASSPORT’s unique voice alerts provide clear communications for alerts and menu options. Now you can keep your eyes on the road without unnecessary distractions.
Specifications
| Operating Bands | X-band 10.525 GHz ± 25 MHz K-band 24.150 GHz ± 100 MHz Ka-band 34.700 GHz ± 1300 MHz Laser 904nm, 33 MHz Bandwidth |
| Radar Receiver / Detector Type | Superheterodyne, Varactor-Tuned VCO Digital Signal Processing (DSP) |
| Laser Detection | Quantum Limited Video Receiver Multiple Laser Sensor Diodes |
| GPS Reciever | SiRFstar III |
| Display Type | Graphic OLED |
| Power Requirement | 12VDC, Negative Ground Escort SmartCord® Included |
| Sensitivity Control | Highway, Auto, and Auto No X |
| Dimensions | 1.3″ H x 3.2″ W x 5.3″ L |
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Packaging and Accessories
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The Max’s box includes a wealth of information on the back, listing virtually every feature and spec you could possibly need.
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Aside from the unit itself Escort includes a small soft carrying case so that you can easily stow away the detector and all of its accessories when you travel.
The “SmartCord” included with the detector does a little bit more than just provide power by also lighting up when you are receiving an alert and also providing an easy to reach mute button. You also get a sticky cup windshield mount.
The primary function of a Radar Detector is to alert you to potential threats, and that is where the new Passport Max disappoints. Here is a link to a video where the author demonstrates how Escort Autolearn can inadvertently lock out a legitimate K band speed trap: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIoVVSmuAdA&feature=c4-overview&list=UUgLr7xoTU3XgAeLrEYp51sw. The detector in the video is an Escort Redline, but it has the same flawed feature as the Max. You can read for yourself the other problems with this detector on an unbiased forum: http://www.radardetectorforum.org, or even browse the Escort Radar Forum.
For the price, this detector should be perfect. Yet there are numerous complaints of the Max “locking up” and having to be reset, Ka band false alerts in the middle of nowhere, oscillating mount, hard to read OLED display, inconsistent sensitivity to radar amongst similar units, etc. It really seems to be hit or miss if you get a “good” one, with forum members having to send theirs in for service 2 or 3 times to get the problems fixed. Most recently, a software glitch caused all the radar bands to be turned off after an update with the result that you had a “sleeping beauty” not detecting anything. It was only after several forum members received speeding tickets that Escort sent out an email to registered owners warning them of this problem. Bottom line here is not to be taken in by the marketing hype. Do your homework before you spend this much money as the Passport Max is most definitely not the best radar detector money can buy. If you do not need the most sensitive detector out there and do mostly city driving, buy a Whistler CR90. If you want the best, the Escort Redline and the Valentine V1 are the 2 top rated windshield detectors in the world. Given Escort’s problems with quality assurance of late, I would recommend the Valentine V1.
When combined with the Valentine V1C Bluetooth dongle and a new free app on Google Play called “YAV1”, GPS capability to lock out false alerts is added to the Valentine V1. It is so effective at locking out false alerts yet not blocking genuine Police Radar at the same time that most experts are starting to call the V1 + YAV1 the detector of choice in Metro areas. You can read more about YAV1 on http://www.radardetectorforum.org in the Valentine section, or on Google Play. It will not lock out a genuine K band speed trap, and it will not disappoint you.
I wrote my review based on my experiences with the product and I have to say that I never had any of the issues you mentioned (aside from the mount which I went over extensively).
During testing and in the months I have been using it after the review I have not once had a legitimate signal locked out.
I unfortunately don’t have another Max and a radar gun to test the inconsistencies you mention. Obviously if the differences are large then it is a serious problem, but I have had no issues with my unit yet.
I received an email from Escort about the software glitch you mentioned and that is clearly a huge flaw, though it was only an issue in very specific circumstances. Fortunately for me I had been pretty lazy about updates and wasn’t affected.
From other Max owners that I have spoken to since the time of this review, there seem to be some quality control issues where the outer shell starts to separate. I don’t have this problem on mine but those who did sent it off to Escort and had a replacement back in just a few days.
I have a feeling that it’s not that I have a “good” unit per say, just that the people with the “bad” units are the outspoken minority.
For anyone looking to buy this detector I would urge you to do your research and come to your own conclusion, but I still stand by my recommendation as I believe this is still an amazing detector.
All this has been fixed. that is what’s so great about the max you can upgrade it. all is good with v1.6!