Refurb 8500 DOA?

[GarretNYC]

I just received my refurb 8500 today from Escort and plugged it in. On plugging it in, there was sound but no LED display whatsoever. I tried pressing the dim button but nothing. Pressed the Program buttons again, nothing but some beeping and then some very very brief LED (maybe 1/4 second) for the various menu items. Then, without explanation, it worked for a few minutes. I unplugged it and plugged it back in a few minutes later and again, no LEDs at all even though it clearly powered on based on the beeping. I then tried a factory reset but this had no change on the unit.

So...am I doing something wrong here or is this a DOA unit that needs to go back? If it's DOA, needless to say I'm highly disappointed and have to question quality control.

[KaPro]

Unfortunately a bad one gets by every so often. Contact Escort and they will send you a pre paid label. They will make it right.

[kpatz]

Probably a weak solder joint that got knocked loose somewhere between the time it went through QA testing and the time it reached your hands.

Those things happen sometimes when shippers use packages as footballs for pick-up games in the warehouse.

[GarretNYC]

Alright. Good to know. I'll call them first thing in the AM.

I was one of the original Escort owners back when the company was Cincinnati Microwave. I owned one of the original Escorts (big black metal box with the yellow light and needle gauge) back in the mid-80's and then a SOLO back in the late 80s for a motorcycle. Those have long since gone. Last year, I bought a Whistler Pro-78 and with the idea of buying a new RD, eBayed the Pro78 last week. Was debating between the Pro78SE and the Beltronics V955 when a few people on these forums suggested the Refurb 8500. I hemmed and hawed for a while before actually pulling the trigger to buy this unit. Dumb luck I guess.

I know from prior experience with my Whistler, Michael B was always on top of the Whistler forums and gave some truly outstanding customer service and most impressive responsiveness. If there's an Escort Rep monitoring these threads, some encouraging words would be appreciated at this time.


I'm using it on my drive from NYC to FL at the beginning of next month. Anybody have any suggestions on settings or things to look out for along the way?

[KaPro]

All bands enabled, highway mode. You may run into X band.

[GarretNYC]

Thanks!

[KaPro]

You probably already know this but don't outdrive your detector. Keep your eyes open (watch your 6) and let a few others lead the way.

[GarretNYC]

Thanks. That helps too. What's "outdriving" my detector though? I've done the drive before using the Whistler Pro 78 without incident by sticking with traffic and keeping my eyes in front/back/side the whole time. Heck, a few years back my GPS recorded a triple digit top speed.

[Nick]

I think he is trying to say don't rely only on your detector maybe? Correct me if I am wrong.

Anyways I'm buying a refurb 8500 next week when I get back from a trip. I'm very excited upon receiving it! I would be pretty disappointed if something went wrong with it too when I first got it. But escort is really good about this as from what Ive heard around these forums. When you get your fixed one returned please let us know how everything worked out! =)

[EscortRadar]

GarretNYC,
I'm sorry to hear that you received what definitely sounds to be a defective Passport. We will promptly replace the Passport and pay for all of the expedited shipping involved. To get the replacement process going, the quickest method is to call our customer service department. The number is also in your owners manual. You can also send an eBay message to eBay member: EscortRadar. For the quickest service have the invoice that came with your Passport with you when you call.

My apologies for this inconvenience.