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Power
The 8500ci Plus 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
8500ci Plus 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
Display Brightness
The 8500ci Plus’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 while you are accessing the
buttons). (Maximum, Medium, Minimum, or
Dark).
Dark Mode
If you select Dark mode on the 8500ci Plus,
the display will not provide any indication
that it is on.
NOTE: When the 8500ci Plus is in
Dark mode, the display will not show
visual alerts when it detects signals.
Only the audible alert will notify you
of detected signals.
Radar Sensitivity
The SEN button allows you to select the
8500ci Plus’s radar sensitivity: Highway,
Auto, or Auto NoX. In general, ESCORT
recommends Auto for everyday driving.
Highway
In this setting, the 8500ci Plus will detect
all radar signals on all bands at maximum
range.
Auto
In this setting, the 8500ci Plus will
automatically adjust its radar sensitivity
based on the speed of your vehicle. At
slower speeds (<25 mph), X- and K-band
sensitivity is reduced to minimize alerts
caused by automatic door openers, etc. At
higher speeds (>45 mph), X- and K-band
sensitivity is increased to maximum.
Auto NoX
Auto NoX works the same as Auto mode;
however, X band is completely turned off.
WARNING: Do not use the 8500ci
Plus in Auto NoX unless you are
absolutely certain that there are no
traffic radar guns using X band in
your area.
Cruise Alert
The Cruise Alert feature allows you to
minimize audio alerts received while
traveling within a selected speed. To set the
warning speed, simply press the CRU
button. The display will read “Cruise 30.” To
change, simply hold the CRU button down
to scroll through your choices. The range is
30–95 mph, in 5 mph increments. Once
you reach your desired setting, simply
release the button. To turn the Cruise Alert
feature off, simply select “Cru-off” using the
same process.
Volume Adjust/Mute
To adjust the 8500ci Plus to your preferred
audio level for alerts, simply press and hold
the VOL•MUTE button. The audio will
increase/decrease while it is depressed.
Once you reach the desired audio level,
simply release the button. The 8500ci Plus
will retain this setting in its memory, even if
the system is turned off.
The VOL•MUTE button can also be
used for:
• Muting the audio during a single
alert.
Press the VOL•MUTE button during
the alert. After the radar encounter has
passed, the mute will disengage, and the
audio will return to your preset level.
• Locking out false alarms. See TrueLock
feature for details page 9.
AutoMute
Your 8500ci Plus includes ESCORT’s
patented AutoMute feature. After the 8500ci
Plus alerts you to a radar encounter at your
selected volume level, it automatically
reduces the volume more than 50%. 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 pages 12-13.
Controls and Features