Escort Qi45 29256 Users Manual
Escort-Passport-Qi45-Owners-Manual escort-passport-qi45-owners-manual
QI45 29256 PASSPORT-Qi45Manual
29256 to the manual 6b1454a2-bb0c-4da3-9df1-a653a097a91b
2015-02-02
: Escort Escort-Qi45-29256-Users-Manual-426758 escort-qi45-29256-users-manual-426758 escort pdf
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Page Count: 16

Designed in the USA
ESCORT Inc.
5440 West Chester Road
West Chester OH 45069
Service 800.543.1608
www.EscortRadar.com
©2009 ESCORT Inc. Escort®, Passport®, AFR®, SmartShield®, AutoSensitivity™, MuteDisplay™, 
SpecDisplay™, and ExpertMeter™ are trademarks of ESCORT Inc. SWS is trademark of SWS, L.C.
Features, specifications and prices subject to change without notice.
Owner’s Manual
R A D A R •L A S E R •S A F E T Y •D E T E C T O R
S i m p l e .   E a s y .   I n s t a l l e d .
Q U I C K  I N S T A L L E D   P R O T E C T I O N
29256_Escort-Qi45 Manual.indd   1-2 10/7/09   4:02:56 PM

Your new PASSPORT Qi45 is a complete 
supercharged custom-installed radar/laser 
detector.
    The PASSPORT Qi45 includes full X, K, 
and SuperWide Ka radar capability, Digital 
Signal Processing for superior range and 
reduced false alarms, our patented Mute 
and AutoMute, audible and visual band 
alerts, and all the performance you’d 
expect from ESCORT.
    In addition, your new PASSPORT Qi45 
introduces a new level of Radar/Laser 
defense including:
  • Supercharged radar performance, for  
    superior K, and Ka-band sensitivity.
  • Advanced Preferences lets you  
    instantly set up to 6 customized  
    features
  • Exclusive AutoSensitivity™ mode  
    drastically reduces false alarms, plus  
    Highway and Auto NoX sensitivity  
    modes.
  • Ultra-bright alphanumeric display uses 
    280 LEDs for crystal clear information
  • Exclusive ExpertMeter™ tracks and  
    displays up to 8 radar signals
  • Exclusive SpecDisplay provides  
    numeric frequency for any radar signal
  • Detects and decodes up to 63 Safety  
    Warning Systems signals
  • High-Speed A/D converter dramatically 
    improves radar detection range
  • Miniature display controller allows  
    easy access to information and controls.
    If you’ve used a radar detector before, 
a review of the Quick Reference Guide on 
pages 4 and 5, and the Preferences section 
on pages 12 and 13 will briefly explain the 
new features.
    If this is your first detector, please read 
this manual in detail to get the most out of 
your PASSPORT’s performance and features.
  Please drive safely.
IMPORTANT  
INSTALLATION WARNING:
    Your new PASSPORT Qi45 
requires installation. Although we’ve 
made this the simplest product to 
install, we do recommend that you 
consult a 12-volt professional if you 
have no experience with 12-volt 
installations. If you would like 
professional installation, simply visit 
our web site.
    Attempting to install the 
PASSPORT Qi45 without expertise in 
automotive electronic installations 
can cause personal injury during the 
installation, or can damage your 
PASSPORT or your vehicle.
Factory Default Settings
To reset PASSPORT to its original factory 
settings, press and hold the “BRT,” “SENS,” 
and   buttons while turning the power 
on. PASSPORT’s display will provide a 
Reset message, accompanied by an 
audible tone, acknowledging the reset.
FCC NOTE:
Modifications not expressly 
approved by the manufacturer could 
void the user’s FCC granted 
authority to operate the equipment.
There are 6 user-selectable options so you 
can customize your PASSPORT Qi45  for 
your own preferences. 
  The buttons labeled BRT and SENS are 
also used to enter the PROGRAM Mode, 
REVIEW your current program settings, and 
to CHANGE any settings as desired. The 
words PGM, RVW, and CHG are located 
below the push buttons, and are labeled in 
light gray graphics.
How to use Preferences
1 To enter Preferences, press and hold 
both the BRT and SENS buttons down 
for 2 seconds. The unit will beep twice, 
and will display the word Prefs.
2 Then press the REVIEW button to 
review the current settings. You can 
either tap the button to change from item 
to item, or hold the button to scroll 
through the items.
3 Press the CHANGE button to change 
any setting. You can either tap the button 
to change from setting to setting, or hold 
the button to scroll through all the options.
4 To leave Preferences, simply wait 8 
seconds without pressing any button. 
The unit will display Complete, beep and 
return to normal operation.
An example
Here is how you would turn PASSPORT’s 
AutoMute feature off. 
1  Enter the Program Mode by holding 
both the BRT and SENS buttons down for 
2 seconds. PASSPORT will beep and 
display Prefs.
2  Then hold the REVIEW button down. 
PASSPORT will scroll through the categories, 
starting with Pilot Light (Pilot), then 
Power-on sequence (PwrOn), then Signal 
strength meter (Meter), and then 
AutoMute (aMute).
3  Release the REVIEW button when 
PASSPORT shows the AutoMute item. Since 
the factory setting is for AutoMute to be 
on, PASSPORT will display aMute ON.
  If you accidentally don't release the 
Review button in time, and PASSPORT 
goes to the next category, hold the Review 
button down again, and after PASSPORT 
scrolls through all categories, it will begin 
again at the top of the list.
4  Press the CHANGE button to change 
from aMute ON to aMute OFF.
5  To exit the Preferences, simply wait 8 
seconds without pressing any button. 
PASSPORT will display Complete, 
accompanied by an audible tone or voice 
message, and return to normal operation.
  Congratulations   Quick Reference Card
1
  Remove card along perforations  
  Remove card along perforations  
PASSPORT Qi45 Quick Reference Card
Preferences Details  
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Introduction 
• Congratulations 
• IMPORTANT WARNING 
• Quick Reference Guide  4-5
Controls and Features  6-11
• Power  6
• Power-on indication  6
• Volume Adjust  6
• Mute  7
• Auto / Highway / Auto NoX  7
• Display Brightness  8
• Dark Mode  9
• Audible Alerts  9
• Signal Strength Meter  9
• ExpertMeter  10-11
• SpecDisplay  11
Preferences  12-15
• How to use Preferences  12
• Example of Preferences  12
• Overview of Preferences  13
• Details of Preferences  14-15
Technical Details  16-23
• Specifications  16
• Interpreting Alerts  17-18
• How Radar Works  19
• How POP Works  19
• How Laser Works  20
• How TSR Works  21
• How Safety Radar Works  22-23
Service  24-26
• Troubleshooting  24
• Service  26
• Warranty  26
• Accessories  29
* Factory Default Settings
Press the REVIEW button
to go from one category
to the next
PILOT LIGHT
(Power-on indication)
POWER-ON SEQUENCE
SIGNAL STRENGTH METER
AUTOMUTE
VOICE
BANDS
  Pilot HWY
  Pilot H
  Pilot H.>
  Pilot V
  PwrOn FST
  PwrOn STD
  Meter STD
  Meter EXP
  Meter SPC
  aMute ON
  aMute OFF
  Voice ON
  Voice OFF
  Bands DFT
  Bands MOD
   X  ON or OFF (default is on)
   Ku  ON or OFF (default is off)
   K  ON or OFF (default is on)
   Ka  ON or OFF (default is on)
   POP ON or OFF (default is off)
   SWS ON or OFF (default is off)
   LSR ON or OFF (default is on)
   TSR ON or OFF (default is off)
  Press the CHANGE button
  to change your setting
  within a category
* Full word: Highway or Auto or Auto NoX
  Letter: H or A or ANX
  Letter, with scanning dot
  Vehicle voltage
* Fast power-on sequence
  Standard power-on sequence
* Standard signal strength meter
  Expert Meter
  SpecDisplay
* AutoMute on
  AutoMute off
* Voice alerts on
  Voice alerts off
* Factory default settings
  One or more bands have been changed
    Turn bands “ON” or “OFF” by 
    pressing the V•MUTE button
  Quick Reference Card
  Remove card along perforations  
  Remove card along perforations  
2
PASSPORT Qi45 Quick Reference Card
  Table of Contents
3
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Power    
To turn the Qi45 on or off, simply press the 
power button located on the far left side of 
the display controller.
 NOTE: We recommend wiring the 
Qi45 to the vehicle’s ignition switch so 
it turns on and off with the key.
V•MUTE (Volume Control/Mute) Button
To set your volume level for alerts, press 
and hold the V•MUTE button located in the 
center of the display controller. Once 
you’ve reached your desired level of audio, 
simply release the button. Passport will 
remember this setting even when power is 
turned off.
   To mute an audible alert, briefly press 
this button on the display controller to 
silence the audio for a specific alert. (The 
audio will alert you to the next encounter.) 
Page 7
AutoMute 
Passport’s patented AutoMute automatically 
reduces the volume level of the audio alert. 
Page 7 
  If you prefer, you can turn AutoMute 
off. Page 12
Matrix Display
PASSPORT’s display will show  “Highway”, 
“Auto,” or “Auto NoX” as its standard power-
on indication. Page 6 
  If you prefer, you can choose other 
power-on indications. Page 14
  During an alert, the display will 
indicate radar band, and a precise bar graph 
for the signal strength. Page 9
  You can program PASSPORT for 
ExpertMeter, which displays up to 8 radar 
signals at once, or choose our new 
SpecDisplay mode, which provides the 
actual numeric radar frequency. Page 10-11
  The display can also show Safety Radar 
text messages. Pages 22-23
BRT Button
Press to adjust display brightness. There are 
three brightness settings, plus Dark Mode.
  In the Dark Mode PASSPORT’s display 
will remain dark and only the audio will 
alert you. Page 9
SENS Button
The sensitivity button, (SENS) toggles 
between sensitivity modes including “auto” 
(AutoSensitivity), “Auto Nox”, and Highway 
settings. In general, we recommend the 
Auto mode. Page 7
Preferences
PASSPORT is preset at the factory and ready 
to go once it is installed—just turn it on. 
But you can also easily change 6 features for 
your preferences. Press both buttons to 
enter the Preferences, then easily Review or 
Change your settings. Pages 12-15
  Quick Reference Guide
4 5
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6 7
Power
The PASSPORT Qi45 was designed to turn 
on and off with the ignition once it is 
installed. This is accomplished by 
connecting the 12-volt Interface to a 
switched ACC connection at the fuse panel. 
(See installation manual for instructions.)
  If you prefer, you may also turn the 
Qi45 on and off by pressing the power 
button  located on the display controller.
Power-on indication
After PASSPORT’s start-up sequence is 
complete, the matrix display will show 
“Highway”, “Auto” or “Auto NoX” to show 
which sensitivity mode has been selected.
  If you prefer, you can select alternate 
power-on displays. See the Preferences 
section for details
Mute
The V•Mute button, located on the display 
controller, allows you to silence the audio 
during an alert.
  To mute the audio for a single specific 
signal, briefly press the V•MUTE button. 
After that radar encounter has passed, the 
audio will automatically reset and the Qi45 
will alert you to the next encounter.
AutoMute
Your Qi45 has our patented AutoMute 
feature. After the Qi45 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 Preferences 
section for details.
Auto / Highway / Auto NoX
The “SENS” button selects the Qi45’s 
sensitivity setting. We recommend the 
“Auto” (AutoSensitivity) mode for most 
driving.
  PASSPORT’s exclusive AutoSensitivity 
mode provides long-range warning,with 
minimum false alarms. In this mode, 
PASSPORT’s internal computer 
continuously analyzes all incoming signals 
and intelligently adjusts the sensitivity— 
eliminating the majority of false alarms.
You can also select conventional “Highway,” 
which provides the maximum sensitivity. 
Auto NoX provides the same sensitivity as 
“Auto” but turns off X-band completely. Full 
sensitivity is maintained on all other bands.
  NOTE: Before using the Qi45 in the 
“Auto NoX” mode, please make sure 
your area does not use X-band guns to 
measure speed.
Volume Adjust
To adjust the Qi45 to your preferred audio 
level for alerts, simply press and hold the 
V•Mute button located on the display 
controller. The audio will increase/decrease 
while it is depressed. Once you reach the 
desired audio level, simply release the 
button. The Qi45 will retain this setting in 
its memory, even if the system is turned off.
  When the optional Laser Shifters are 
connected, (see Accessories section) the  
V•Mute button can be used to manually 
stop “shifting” once you have corrected 
your speed. Simply press the V•Mute twice 
during the “Laser Shifting” message, and the 
Shifter’s will cease to transmit. The Shifters 
will remain in this state for approximately 
two minutes. Once this time has passed, the 
Shifters will automatically reset. A reset 
message will be displayed to verify and 
acknowledge this reset.
  Controls and Features
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Dark Mode
If you select Dark mode on the Qi45, the 
display will not provide any indication that 
it is on.
  NOTE: When the Qi45 is in the 
Dark Mode, the display will not show 
visual alerts when it detects signals. 
Only the audible alert will tell you of 
detected signals.
Audible Alerts
For Radar signals:
  The Qi45 uses a Geiger-counter-like 
sound or voice announcements 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 from the road.
  Each band has a distinct tone for easy 
identification. 
  X-band = beep tone
  Ku-band = rapid beep tone
  K-band = raspy brap tone
  Ka-band = double-brap tone
For Laser signals:
  Since Laser signals are a possible threat 
no matter how weak, the Qi45 alerts you to 
all laser signals with a full laser alert.
For Safety signals:
  If you have turned on the SWS 
detection in the Qi45’s Preferences section, 
the Qi45 will alert you to these signals with 
a double-beep tone, and a corresponding 
text message. A complete listing of the text 
messages is on page 23.
  If you haven’t turned on SWS in 
Preferences, the Qi45 will not decode these 
transmissions but will still detect them as  a 
K-band radar signal.
Signal Strength Meter 
The Qi45’s matrix display consists of 280 
individual LED’s, to provide an intuitive 
ultra-bright display of signal strength and 
text messages.
   When it detects radar, it displays the 
band of the radar (X, K, or Ka), and a precise 
bar graph of signal strength.
Display Brightness
The Qi45’s display brightness is 
automatically adjusted to suit ambient 
lighting conditions in your car. (The light 
sensor is located inside the display 
controller and may dim the display 
momentarily when accessing the buttons).
  If you prefer, you can press the “BRT” 
button located on the display controller to 
set your Qi45 for a fixed brightness level 
(Maximum, Medium, Minimum, or Dark).
  Controls and Features
8 9
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ExpertMeter
PASSPORT’s exclusive ExpertMeter option 
is an advanced display for experienced 
detector users. Please use the Qi45 for a 
few weeks to get fully familiar with its 
other features before using ExpertMeter.
  To use the ExpertMeter instead of the 
standard bar graph signal strength meter, 
you must select MeterEXP in the Qi45’s 
Preferences (see pages 12-15).
  ExpertMeter simultaneously tracks up 
to 8 radar signals. It shows you detailed 
information on up to 2 Ka-band, 2 K-band, 
and 4 X-band signals.
  ExpertMeter can help you spot a 
change in your normal driving 
environment; for example, a traffic radar 
unit being operated in an area where there 
are normally other signals present.
  A few more examples will help you 
better see how the ExpertMeter works.
     K
| X
||
'
Here ExpertMeter shows 1 strong K-band 
signal, and three X-band signals, two 
strong and one weak.
KA
'    X
'''
Here ExpertMeter shows 1 weak Ka-band 
signal, and three weak X-band signals.
     X
On very weak signals, there will not be a 
vertical line at all. This shows a very weak 
X-band signal.
ExpertMeter Details
  The band designators (X, K, Ka) will 
stay on the display for a few seconds after 
the signal has passed. This allows you to see 
what the unit detected, even on very brief 
signals.
  However, the vertical lines 
representing individual signals continuously 
change (several times a second) to give you 
a continuous view of the signal strength of 
all radar signals present.
SpecDisplay
The Qi45’s SpecDisplay option is also 
designed for the advanced detector user. In 
this mode, it will display the actual numeric 
radar frequency being received
 K 24.150
Display shows a K-band signal at 24.150 
GhZ.
 Ka 34.700
Display shows a Ka-band signal at 34.700 
GhZ.
 X 10.525
Display shows a X-band signal at 10.525 
GhZ.
  NOTE: Even long-time detector 
users will require a significant 
amount of time to get familiar with 
this new level of information about 
detected signals.
  The ExpertMeter is actually a 
miniature spectrum analyzer. It shows what 
band each signal is, and its signal strength. 
KA|| K|| X||||
Above is the ExpertMeter Display if 
PASSPORT was detecting 2 strong Ka-band, 
2 strong K-band, and 4 strong X-band 
signals.
  As you can see, there are vertical lines 
after each band designator.  Each line 
shows a signal being detected. The height 
of each line shows the relative signal 
strength of that signal. The position of the 
line shows the relative frequency of the 
signal within the band.
 NOTE: If you use ExpertMeter, the 
brief signal shown in the power-on 
sequence when you turn on your 
PASSPORT will also be in ExpertMeter: 
an X with a single vertical line.
  Controls and Features
10 11
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There are 6 user-selectable options in the 
Qi45’s Preferences. This allows you to set it 
up the way you prefer. 
  To access Preferences, simply press the 
buttons that are normally used for brightness 
(BRT) and sensitivity (SENS) at the same 
time. Once you access Preferences, the BRT 
button is used to review (RVW) the categories 
and the SENS button is used to change 
(CHG) items within the category. Pages 14-
15 explain each option in more detail.
How to use Preferences
To enter Preferences, press both 
buttons and hold for 2 seconds. The Qi45 
will beep and display Prefs.  (Brightness 
is at maximum during this process.)
Then press the RVW button to review 
the current settings. You can either tap 
the button to change from item to item, or 
hold the button to scroll through the items.
Press the CHG button to change any 
setting. You can either tap the button to 
change from setting to setting, or hold the 
button to scroll through all the options.
To leave the Preferences, simply wait 8 
seconds without pressing any button. 
The unit will display Complete, beep and 
return to normal operation.
  To quickly return to all of the factory 
defaults, press and hold the BRT and SENS 
buttons while turning on the unit.
Press the REVIEW button
to go from one category
to the next
PILOT LIGHT
(Power-on indication)
POWER-ON SEQUENCE
SIGNAL STRENGTH METER
AUTOMUTE
VOICE
BANDS
* Factory Default Settings
To reset the Qi45 to its original 
factory settings, press and hold 
the “BRT” and “SENS” buttons 
while turning the power   on.  
The display will provide a 
Reset message, accompanied 
by an audible tone, 
acknowledging the reset.
1
2
3
4
An example
Here’s how you would turn the Qi45’s 
AutoMute feature off. 
1  Enter Preferences by holding both 
buttons down for 2 seconds. The Qi45 will 
beep and display Prefs.
2  Then hold the RVW button down. 
The Qi45 will scroll through the categories, 
starting with Display (Disp), then Pilot 
Light (Pilot), then Power-on sequence 
(PwrOn), then Signal strength meter 
(Meter), then AutoMute (aMute).
3  Release the RVW button when the 
display shows AutoMute. Since the 
factory setting is for AutoMute to be on, 
the Qi45will display aMute ON.
  If you accidentally don’t release the 
RVW button in time and it goes to the 
next category, simply hold the RVW button 
down again until aMute is displayed.
4  Press the CHG button to change  from 
aMute ON to aMute OFF.
5  To complete this change, simply wait 8 
seconds without pressing any button. The 
display will provide a Complete message, 
accompanied by an audible tone or voice 
announcement. This is an indication that 
the Qi45 has returned to its normal 
operation.
  Pilot HWY
  Pilot H
  Pilot H.>
  Pilot V
  PwrOn FST
  PwrOn STD
  Meter STD
  Meter EXP
  Meter SPC
  aMute ON
  aMute OFF
  Voice ON
  Voice OFF
  Bands DFT           
  Bands MOD
   X  ON or OFF (default is on)
   Ku  ON or OFF (default is off)
   K  ON or OFF (default is on)
   Ka  ON or OFF (default is on)
   POP  ON or OFF (default is off)
   SWS  ON or OFF (default is off)
   LSR  ON or OFF (default is on)
   TSR  ON or OFF (default is off)
  Press the CHANGE button
  to change your setting
  within a category
* Full word: Highway or Auto or AutoNoX
  Letter: H or A or ANX
  Letter, with scanning dot
  Vehicle voltage
* Fast power-on sequence
  Standard power-on sequence
* Standard signal strength meter
  Expert Meter
  SpecDisplay
* AutoMute on
  AutoMute off
* Voice alerts on
  Voice alerts off
* Factory default settings
  One or more bands have been changed
    Turn bands on or off by pressing
    and holding the V•MUTE button
  How to use Preferences
12
  Overview of Preferences
13
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Pilot Light (Power-on indication)
NOTE: When you are using the Dark 
Mode, the display will be completely 
dark.
PilotHWY  (Full description) 
In this setting, the Qi45 will display 
Highway, Auto, or Auto NoX as its 
power-on indication. (factory default)
Pilot H  (Letter) 
In this setting, the Qi45 will display H for 
Highway, A for Auto and Anx for Auto NoX. 
Pilot H.>  (Letter with scanning dot) 
In this setting, the Qi45 will display H for 
Highway, A for Auto, and Anx for Auto NoX. 
In addition, a single dot will continuously 
scroll across the display.
Pilot V  (Vehicle voltage)
In this setting, the Qi45 will continually 
display H for Highway,  A for Auto, and  Anx 
for Auto NoX, plus the vehicle’s voltage.
 NOTE: If the vehicle’s voltage 
drops below 10.5 volts, a low voltage 
warning will be displayed, followed by 
an audible alert. A high voltage 
warning is also given when the 
vehicle’s voltage goes above 16.5 volts.
AutoMute
aMute ON  (AutoMute on) 
In this setting, the Qi45’s audio alerts will 
initially be set to the volume level you 
selected. However, after a few seconds, the 
audio level will automatically be reduced to 
keep you informed, but not annoyed. 
(factory default)
aMuteOFF  (AutoMute off) 
With AutoMute off, the audio alerts will 
remain at the volume you set for the 
duration of the encounter.
Voice Announcements
VoiceON  (Voice announcements on) 
In this setting, all alerts and instructions 
are communicated using a voice 
announcement. (factory default)
VoiceOFF  (Voice announcements off) 
With voice off, normal tones will be used 
for alerts.
Bands
BandsDFT
In this setting, all radar and laser bands are 
covered for North America. These are the 
factory settings, and it is highly 
recommended that you use your Qi45 in 
this mode.
BandsMOD
If the bands are changed from the factory 
default settings, the Qi45 will warn you 
with an audible alert, and associated text 
message, that one or more bands have been 
changed in Preferences (i.e.”X-Band OFF”). 
This warning is displayed during the start-
up sequence (standard or fast).
 WARNING: Only modify bands if 
you are absolutely certain that there 
are no traffic radar guns using that 
specific band in your area.
Power-on Sequence
PwrOnFST  (Fast power-on) 
This setting shortens the Qi45’s start up 
sequence to a single beep. (factory default)
PwrOnSTD  (Standard) 
In this setting, each time you turn on the 
Qi45, it will display Passport, QI45,   
LASER, Ka-band, K-band, X-band, 
followed by a brief X-band alert.
Signal Strength Meter
MeterSTD  (Standard meter) 
The meter displays the band, and bar graph 
showing signal strength. (factory default)
MeterEXP  (ExpertMeter) 
The meter simultaneously tracks up to 2 
Ka-band, 2 K-band, and 4 X-band signals.
MeterSPC  (SpecDisplay)
The meter displays the actual numeric 
frequency of the radar signal being 
received.  
 NOTE: See more details on  
pages 10-11.
  Details of Preferences Options
14 15
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Features and Specifications
Operating Bands
• X-band 10.525 GHz ±25 MHz
• Ku-band 13.450 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, GaAs FET VCO
• Scanning Frequency Discriminator
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
• 4-bit high-resolution A-to-D converter
Laser Detection
• Quantum Limited Video Receiver 
Display Type
• HP AlGaAs 280 LED Matrix/Text
• Bar Graph or ExpertMeter   
• Automatic brightness control
Power Requirement
• 12VDC, Negative Ground
User Preferences
• Power-On Indication
• Power-On Sequence
• Signal Strength Meter
• AutoMute
• Voice
• Bands
Sensitivity Control
• AutoSensitivity, Highway and Auto NoX
• Auto Calibration Circuitry
• Complete VG2 Immunity
Dimensions (Inches)
• Display/Controller
  1.00 H x 2.00 W x 0.50 D
• Receiver Unit
  5.40 x 3.70 x 1.05 inches
Patented Technology
PASSPORT is covered by one or more of 
the following U.S. patents: 
7,576,679 7,397,416 7,388,537 7,098,844 
6,836,238 6,779,765 6,693,578 6,670,905 
6,614,385 6,587,068 6,400,305 6,249,218 
6,127,962 6,069,580 5,668,554 5,600,132 
5,587,916 5,559,508 5,446,923 5,402,087 
5,365,055 5,347,120 5,305,007 5,206,500 
5,164,729 5,134,406 5,111,207 5,079,553 
5,049,885 5,049,884 4,961,074 4,954,828 
4,952,937 4,952,936 4,939,521 4,896,855 
4,887,753 4,862,175 4,750,215 4,686,499 
4,631,542 4,630,054 4,625,210 4,613,989 
4,604,529 4,583,057 4,581,769 4,571,593 
4,313,216 D314,178  D313,365  D310,167 
D308,837  D296,771  D288,418  D253,752  
Canadian patents:
2,337,077 2,330,964 1,295,715 1,295,714 
1,187,602 1,187,586
European patents: 
1,145,030 1,090,456
Other Patents Pending.
16 17
  Specications
Although PASSPORT has a comprehensive 
warning system and this handbook is as 
complete as we can make it, only 
experience will teach you what to expect 
from your PASSPORT and how to interpret 
what it “tells” you. The radar alerts you 
receive are affected by the specific type of 
radar being used, the type of transmission 
(continuous or instant-on) and the location 
of the radar source.
  The following examples will give you 
an introduction to understanding
PASSPORT’s warning system for radar, laser 
and safety 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 
eventually 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.
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.
  Interpreting Alerts
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Explanation
A patrol car is traveling 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 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.         
18 19
  Interpreting Alerts
How Radar Works
Traffic radar, which consists of microwaves, 
travels in straight lines and is easily 
reflected by objects such as cars, trucks, 
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-Band radar, your PASSPORT 
will occasionally receive non-police 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 your 
PASSPORT’s radar detection abilities are 
fully operational.
How “POP” Works
“POP” mode is a relatively new feature for 
radar gun manufacturers. It 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 the operator’s 
manual from the radar gun 
manufacturer, tickets should not be 
issued in this mode.
  How Radar Works   How POP Works
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20 21
How Laser (Lidar) Works
Laser speed detection is actually LIDAR 
(Light Detection and Ranging). LIDAR guns 
project a beam of invisible infrared light. 
The signal is a series of very short infrared 
light energy pulses, which move, in a 
straight line, reflecting off your car and 
returning to the gun. LIDAR 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. 
  LIDAR (or laser) is a newer technology 
and is not as widespread as conventional 
radar, therefore, you may not encounter 
laser on a daily basis. And unlike radar 
detection, laser detection is not prone to 
false alarms. Because LIDAR 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 LIDAR  
equipment. LIDAR is much more sensitive 
to weather conditions than RADAR, and a 
LIDAR gun’s range will be decreased by
anything affecting visibility such as rain, fog, 
or smoke. A LIDAR gun cannot operate 
through glass and it must be stationary in 
order to get an accurate reading. 
  Because LIDAR must have a clear line 
of sight and is subject to cosine error (an 
inaccuracy, which increases as the angle 
between the gun and the vehicle, increases) 
police typically use LIDAR equipment 
parallel to the road or from an overpass. 
LIDAR can be used day or night.
  How Laser Works
  Some of the markets where these 
sensors are located include:
Omaha NE
Raleigh-Durham NC
San Francisco CA
San Jose CA
Santa Barbara CA
Ventura CA
Washington DC 
Dayton OH
Denver CO
Everett WA
Lincoln NE
New York NY
Oakland CA
Olympia WA
  Our exclusive TSR anti-falsing software 
rejects these unwanted signals. Since not all 
markets have this type of traffic flow 
system, your detector has been pre-set with 
TSR turned off. 
  To turn TSR on, simply visit the 
Preferences section. Under “Bands”, select 
TSR “on”.
How TSR Works
Several manufacturers of traffic flow 
monitoring systems use K-band 
transmitters to sense traffic movement. 
Unfortunately these sensors are 
transmitting in an “instant on” mode, which 
creates a false alert. These sensors are 
positioned approximately 1 mile apart and 
turn on and off approximately every 
minute.
  These sensors are fully self-contained 
and roadside-mounted.
  How TSR Works
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22 23
  How SWS Works
SWS Text Messages
 Highway Construction or Maintenance
1  Work Zone Ahead
2  Road Closed Ahead/Follow Detour
3  Bridge Closed Ahead/Follow Detour
4  Highway Work Crews Ahead
5  Utility Work Crews Ahead
6   All Traffic Follow Detour Ahead
7  All Trucks Follow Detour Ahead
8  All Traffic Exit Ahead
9  Right Lane Closed Ahead
10  Center Lane Closed Ahead
11  Left Lane Closed Ahead
12  For future use
  Highway Hazard Zone Advisory
13  Stationary Police Vehicle Ahead
14  Train Approaching/At Crossing
15  Low Overpass Ahead
16  Drawbridge Up
17  Observe Drawbridge Weight Limit
18  Rock Slide Area Ahead
19  School Zone Ahead
20  Road Narrows Ahead
21  Sharp Curve Ahead
22  Pedestrian Crossing Ahead
23  Deer/Moose Crossing
24  Blind/Deaf Child Area
25  Steep Grade Ahead/Truck Use Low Gear
26  Accident Ahead
27  Poor Road Surface Ahead
28  School Bus Loading/Unloading
29  No Passing Zone
30  Dangerous Intersection Ahead
31  Stationary Emergency Vehicle Ahead
32  For future use
  Weather Related Hazards
33  High Wind Ahead
34  Severe Weather Ahead
35  Heavy Fog Ahead
36  High Water/Flooding Ahead
37  Ice On Bridge Ahead
38  Ice On Road Ahead
39  Blowing Dust Ahead
40  Blowing Sand Ahead
41  Blinding Snow Whiteout Ahead
42  For future use
  Travel Information/Convenience
43  Rest Area Ahead
44  Rest Area With Service Ahead
45  24 Hour Fuel Service Ahead
46  Inspection Station Open
47  Inspection Station Closed
48  Reduced Speed Area Ahead
49  Speed Limit Enforced
50  Hazardous Materials Exit Ahead
51  Congestion Ahead/Expect Delay
52  Expect 10 Minute Delay
53  Expect 20 Minute Delay
54  Expect 30 Minute Delay
55  Expect 1 Hour Delay
56  Traffic Alert/Tune AM Radio
57  Pay Toll Ahead
58  Trucks Exit Right
59  Trucks Exit Left
60  For future use
  Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles
61  Emergency Vehicle In Transit
62  Police In Pursuit
63  Oversize Vehicle In Transit
64  Slow Moving Vehicle
How SWS Works
There are two separate Safety Radar 
systems in limited use today: Safety Alert, 
and Safety Warning System (SWS). Both 
systems use modified K-band radar signals.
  From the factory, your PASSPORT is 
programmed with safety radar decoding 
OFF.  If Safety Radar is used in your area, 
your PASSPORT will display these signals 
as K-band radar signals instead of safety 
radar unless you use the Preferences to 
turn PASSPORT’s safety radar decoding ON.
  The Safety Alert safety radar system 
has three possible alerts:
• Safety Vehicle
• Road Hazard
• Train Nearby
  The SWS safety radar system has 64 
possible messages (60 currently allocated). 
The SWS messages your PASSPORT can 
display are listed on the facing page.
 NOTE: Some of the safety 
messages have been condensed, so 
that each message can be displayed 
on one or two screens on PASSPORT’s 
eight-character display.
  Since Safety radar technology is 
relatively new and the number of 
transmitters in operation is not yet 
widespread, you will not receive Safety 
signals on a daily basis and should not be 
surprised to encounter emergency 
vehicles, road hazards and railroad 
crossings that are unequipped with these 
transmitters and, therefore, fail to provide 
a signal.
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Problem
PASSPORT beeps briefly at the 
same location every day, but no 
radar source is in sight.
PASSPORT does not seem sensitive 
to radar or laser.
PASSPORT did not alert when a 
police car was in view.
PASSPORT did not provide a Safety 
signal while within range of an 
emergency vehicle.
PASSPORT’s audible alerts are less 
loud after the first few alerts.
PASSPORT’s power-on sequence 
reoccurs while you are driving. 
Your 14-year old son has changed 
all 6 of the User Preferences 
options.
PASSPORT will not turn on.
PASSPORT feels very warm. 
Solution
• An X-band motion sensor or intrusion alarm is located 
within range of your route. With time, you will learn 
predictable patterns of these signals.
• PASSPORT may be in City Mode.
• VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) a 
stopwatch method of speed detection, may be in use.
• Officer may not have radar or laser unit turned on.
• Safety transmitters may not be commonly used in your area.
• PASSPORT is in AutoMute Mode. See page 4 for details.
• A loose power connection can cause PASSPORT to be 
briefly disconnected, and will retrigger the power-on 
sequence.
You can return all of the User Preferences to the factory 
defaults by holding down the City and Mute buttons while 
you turn PASSPORT on.
• Check that volume control is ON.
• Check that vehicle ignition is ON.
• Check all connections.
• It is normal for PASSPORT to feel warm.
Explanation of Displays
Check  There is a problem with the front receiver (it could be an unplugged  
Receiver  connection, damaged wiring, or a problem within the front receiver itself).  
Wiring  PASSPORT will continue to display this message, and will not operate until  
  the problem has been repaired.
PilotHWY  One of the many options in Preferences  (pages 12-15)
WorkZone  One of the many Safety Radar messages (pages 22-23)
Caution  PASSPORT has detected a Safety Radar Signal, but the signal isn’t yet strong  
  enough to decode the specific safety message (page 22-23)
X|, or  K|,  PASSPORT has been programmed in the ExpertMeter Mode (pages 10-11)
or  KA| etc.  
24
  Troubleshooting
25
29256_Escort-Qi45 Manual.indd   27-28 10/7/09   4:03:10 PM

ESCORT 
One Year Limited Warranty
ESCORT warrants your PASSPORT against 
all defects in materials and workmanship 
for a period of one (1) year from the date of 
the original purchase, subject to the 
following terms and conditions:
  The sole responsibility of ESCORT 
under this Warranty is limited to either 
repair or, at the option of ESCORT, replace-
ment of the PASSPORT detector. There are 
no expressed or implied warranties, 
including those of fitness for a particular 
purpose or merchantability, which extend 
beyond the face hereof. Some states do not 
allow limitations on how long an implied 
warranty lasts, so the above limitations may 
not apply to you.
  This warranty does not cover installa-
tion, removal or reinstallation charges.
  ESCORT is not liable for any incidental 
or consequential damages arising from the 
use, misuse, installation, or mounting of the 
PASSPORT. Some states do not allow the 
exclusion or limitation of incidental or 
consequential damages, so the above limita-
tion or exclusion may not apply to you.
  This Warranty gives you specific rights.
You may have other legal rights which vary 
from state to state. This Warranty does not 
apply if the serial number on the housing 
of the PASSPORT has been removed, or if 
your PASSPORT has been subjected to
physical abuse, improper  installation, or 
modification.
26 27
  Warranty
  Register
  online:
 @www
EscortRadar.com
  Remove card along perforations  
ESCORT PRODUCT REGISTRATION CARD 
  If you purchased your detector directly from ESCORT, you do not need to fill this out.
  If you did not purchase your detector directly from ESCORT, please fill out this section and return to us, or 
  register online at our web address: www.EscortRadar.com
1.  First Name:___________________  Middle Initial____  Last Name__________________________
  Address__________________________________________________________________
  City_________________________________________  State_____________  Zip_________
  E-mail (In case we have a question)__________________________________________________
2.  Product Purchased___________________________  Model___________  Serial Number_________
3.  Place of Purchase____________________________________  Date___________  Price_______
4.  Primary reason for purchasing this ESCORT product_________________________________________
  _______________________________________________________________________
  _______________________________________________________________________
5.  Would you like to be added to our mailing list?   Yes    No 
6.  Would you like us to e-mail you with updates?   Yes    No
  Service
Service Procedure
If Your PASSPORT ever needs service, 
please follow these simple steps:
1  Check the troubleshooting section of 
this manual. It may have a solution to your 
problem.
2  Contact your installing dealer. They 
will evaluate your unit and arrange repairs 
if necessary. If you installed it yourself, 
please contact our customer service team 
at 800-543-1608.
29256_Escort-Qi45 Manual.indd   29-30 10/7/09   4:03:10 PM

28
  Remove card along perforations  
Shifter Pack .....................................$249.95
SHIFTER PACK
  Accessories
29
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