updating

**dabillzqb8** · 03-20-2007, 05:35 PM

how do i update the software on my passport 8500. i see evryone talking about have rev. 15 or 16 and i just won my radar on ebay and have no idea what rev. it is at?

**Orbital75** · 03-20-2007, 05:43 PM

Well, chances are you won't be able to upgrade it. Even though it states that it's upgradeable, Escort never really has upgrades. Most of the time they will change the hardware and that means you have to buy another detector. After the 8500 they came out with the 8500 X50 which has been out since 2004. Do you have a 8500 or an X50? If it's an X50 it will say it in blue on the top of the detector.

If you want to check the Rev, here is how to do it.

While the unit is off
Press and Hold the top two buttons and the Mute button on the front.
Now turn the unit on.
As the 8500 boots, it will display the Rev.

I hope your detector is ok......
Most of them have something wrong with them on ebay.
ask anyone on here.

**dabillzqb8** · 03-20-2007, 07:17 PM

so if i get it and it says rev. 11 i cant do anything about it to update it to rev. 15 or 16???

**Orbital75** · 03-20-2007, 08:26 PM

Originally Posted by dabillzqb8

so if i get it and it says rev. 11 i cant do anything about it to update it to rev. 15 or 16???

Yeah, that's probably the case. I spoke to Escort not to long ago and they keep assuring me that the Rev # had no performance gains. They told me that's how they label their hardware changes. If you can update it, your looking at about $50.00 if they still support it.

If you like give them a call.
Escort: 800-543-1608

I'm pretty sure they'll say the same..... Just be aware that you will need to ask for a tech. The person that will answer the phone will be a Customer Service Rep and pretty much reads off a sheet of paper that has been pre-written for support calls. It's funny but I believe we here on the forum know more about these detectors then their support people do....

Here's something you may be interested in.....

What is the difference between the original Passport 8500 and the new Passport 8500 X50?

The original Passport 8500 has been replaced by the new Passport 8500 X50. Taking advantage of a new antenna design and new circuitry, the Passport 8500 X50 provides an increase in K and Ka-band radar detection range of up to 50% over the original Passport 8500. The Passport 8500 X50 also adds a selectable POP mode to alert you of ultra-fast, instant-on POP radar signals. Due to the limited nationwide usage of the Safety Warning System (SWS), the Passport 8500 X50 does not spell out SWS messages, but will give a K-band alert if a Safety Warning Signal is encountered.

If you have any other questions about the escort, I would be glad to help you out..... I have heard that the original 8500 such as your picks up KA better...... :wink: