Escort iX - Understanding Your Detector; Interpreting Alerts

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Understanding Your Detector
Interpreting Alerts
Although ESCORT iX has a comprehensive warning
system, only experience will teach you what to expect
from your detector and how to interpret what it tells
you.
CAUTION: Overcondence in an unfamiliar area can be
dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in a commonly
traveled area is suddenly stronger or on a dierent band
than usual, speed radar may be set up nearby.
Alert Explanation
Detector begins to sound slowly; rate of alert You are approaching a continuous radar source
increases until it becomes a solid tone. aimed in your direction.
The signal meter ramps accordingly.
Detector emits short alerts for a few seconds then An instant-on radar source is being used ahead
falls silent, only to briey alert and fall silent again. of you and out of your view.
Detector suddenly sounds a continuous tone for the An instant-on radar or laser source is being used
appropriate band received. nearby. This kind of alert requires immediate
attention.
Detector sends a brief laser alert. Laser is being used in the area. Because laser is
inherently dicult to detect, any laser alert may
indicate a source very close by
Detector receives weak signals. Signals may be a little A moving patrol car with continuous radar is
stronger as you pass large, roadside objects. Signals overtaking you from behind. Because these
increase in frequency. signals are reected (reections 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.
Detector alerts slowly for a while then abruptly jumps You are approaching a radar unit concealed by a hill
to a strong alert. or an obstructed curve
Detector alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a
alerts may be consistent or vary wildly. radar source aimed forward. Because signals are
sometimes reected o of large objects and
sometimes not, the alerts may seem inconsistent.
Detector alerts intermittently; rate and strength of A patrol car is approaching from the other
signal increases with each alert. direction, sampling trac with instant-on radar.
Such alerts should be taken seriously.
Detector gives an X band alert intermittently. You are driving through an area populated with
radar motion sensors (e.g., door openers or
burglar alarms). 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.
The specic type of radar being used, the type of
transmission (continuous or instant-on) and the
location of the radar source aect the alerts you
receive. The following examples will give you an
introduction to understanding your detector’s
warning system for radar and laser alerts.