The Escort M2 is a radar-mounted smart dash cam designed to provide peace of mind by continuously recording the road in beautiful HD video. It integrates cutting-edge features, phenomenal video quality, and a user-friendly experience to offer a comprehensive solution for recording your journeys.

Function Description

The primary function of the Escort M2 is to record video footage of the road ahead in 1080P Full HD quality with a 140° field of view. It features dual-band Wi-Fi for flawless connectivity, allowing for seamless interaction with its companion mobile application. An embedded GPS module provides location and speed information, which can be stamped onto the video footage.

The dash cam supports loop recordings, meaning that once the included 16GB SD card is full, the camera will continuously overwrite the oldest footage with recent recordings. To protect important clips from being overwritten, users can press the Multifunction button to move a clip into a locked content partition.

Emergency recordings are a crucial safety feature. These are triggered either by pressing the Multifunction button or when the G-Sensor detects a significant impact, such as hard braking or a collision. Emergency recordings create locked files that are not overwritten by continuous loop recording. To ensure no critical footage is lost, the video clip immediately preceding an incident is also locked if the event occurs within 30 seconds of the beginning or end of that clip.

The M2 also includes a Parking Mode and Motion Detection feature, which can be enabled via the Drive Smarter app. When the vehicle is parked, the dash cam enters a "sleeping" state but continues to monitor its surroundings for motion and G-Sensor impacts. If motion or an impact is detected, the unit wakes up and begins recording. This feature requires the dash cam to be connected to a constant power source, either through the cigarette lighter socket (if it remains on with the ignition off) or by hardwiring it to the fuse box using an optional Direct Wire SmartCord. The "Auto Surveillance Shutoff" setting can be used to prevent unnecessary recording in areas with high activity or to conserve battery if the vehicle is off for an extended period.

Usage Features

The Escort M2 is designed for easy installation and operation. It attaches to an EZ Mag Mount, which typically holds a radar/laser detector. The installation process involves removing the detector from the sticky mount, attaching the M2 to the mount using a longer carriage bolt, washers, and a sticky cup mount thumb screw, and then reattaching the radar/laser detector to the EZ Mag Mount with the M2 installed. Finally, the M2 power cable connects to the radar/laser detector. It is crucial to tighten the thumb screw firmly to ensure stable video recordings.

The device powers on automatically when plugged in, but can also be manually powered on by pressing and holding the Multifunction button until the LEDs activate.

Smartphone integration is a core aspect of the M2's usability, facilitated by a Bluetooth connection to the Drive Smarter app. This app offers several key functionalities:

Cloud Video Management: Users can view camera footage directly from their phone without needing to connect the camera or SD card to a computer. Videos can be downloaded and saved to the phone.
Live-View: Provides a live stream from the camera when within proximity of the camera's Wi-Fi network. This is particularly useful during initial mounting to ensure optimal camera angle.
MayDay: This feature allows users to create an emergency contact. In the event of a severe G-Sensor impact, the app can automatically upload the user's location and a MayDay notice to the emergency contact.
Over-The-Air Firmware Updates: Ensures the camera always has the latest features and bug fixes loaded via the mobile application.
Configure Camera Settings: Allows users to change video resolution, enable parking mode, set the date and time, and adjust other camera settings.

The M2 also provides voice announcements to inform users about important camera system information, such as a full SD card or detected impacts. Volume adjustment for notifications and voice announcements can be done through the Drive Smarter Mobile App.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance of the Escort M2.

Micro SD Memory Card Management: The device comes with a Micro SD card. To remove the card, press it firmly until it clicks and pops out. When inserting a new card, push it until it locks in place. The camera is compatible with Micro SD cards up to 128GB. It is recommended to format the card in-camera before use, and Class 10 high-endurance cards from reputable brands are recommended for continuous video recording.

The memory card storage is divided into two partitions: Loop Recording (66%) and Locked Content (34%). Photos are automatically saved in the Locked partition. When the Locked Content partition is full of Events, Favorites, and/or Photos, the camera will prompt the user to "Format the SD Card." This can be done on a PC or using the Drive Smarter App, which will delete locked content and free up space. Important footage should be saved by downloading it via the app or manually uploading it to a PC.

Firmware Updates: Ensuring the camera's firmware is up to date is vital for optimal performance and access to the latest features. Firmware updates can be performed using the Drive Smarter App or by connecting the dash cam to a computer (Mac or PC).

Using the Drive Smarter App: Connect the camera to a constant power source. The app will check for newer firmware updates. Users can then press 'Download' and follow the in-app instructions. The camera's LEDs will blink during installation.
Using a Mac or PC: Connect the dash cam to the computer using the included USB to Micro-USB cable. Download the update file (a .bin file) from www.drivesmarter.com and copy it to the root directory of the camera's SD card. After safely disconnecting the dash cam, plug it into a reliable power source, and it will automatically boot into the Firmware Update Menu.

General Settings (Configurable via Drive Smarter App):

Video Resolution: Adjusts video quality, impacting file size.
Loop Clip Time: Controls the duration of individual video clips (1, 2, or 3 minutes).
Wi-Fi: Enables/disables Wi-Fi connection and displays camera's Wi-Fi name and password.
GPS: Enables/disables GPS stamping on footage and allows tracking vehicle location.
Date/Time: Can be set automatically via GPS signal or manually.
Microphone: Enables/disables audio recording.
Motion Detection: Configures the camera to monitor movement around the vehicle when parked.
Parking Mode: Configures the camera to monitor for G-Sensor impacts when parked.
Surveillance Auto Shutoff: Sets a time limit for Motion Detection and Parking Mode to prevent battery drain.
G-Sensor Sensitivity: Adjusts the sensitivity of impact detection (levels 1-3 or off). Level 1 is easiest to activate, Level 3 for most severe impacts.
Watermark: Toggles date/time, speed, GPS coordinates, Escort logo, and custom Driver ID stamps on video.
Driver ID Watermark: Allows associating a custom ID with the camera.
Exposure: Adjusts video and image brightness.
Drive Smarter Services: Selects videos for auto-upload to the app, enables incident reports to insurance, and Mayday alerts to emergency contacts.
Speed Units: Chooses between miles/hour or kilometers/hour for the watermark.
Volume: Adjusts notification and button beep volume.
WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): Recommended for accurate footage capture in bright conditions.
GPS Format: Chooses between Decimals and Degrees for GPS stamping.
Frequency: Adjusts operating frequency (50Hz or 60Hz) to prevent flickering in video.
Format Reminder: Sets the recurrence for SD card formatting reminders.
Delete Videos Reminder: Periodically reminds to free up locked video content space.
Restore Defaults: Resets device to factory settings without erasing memory card data.
About: Displays camera's electronic serial number, manufacturer part number, and firmware version.

Troubleshooting steps include ensuring proper power cord connection, clean cigarette lighter socket, and updated firmware. For GPS lock issues, it's noted that GPS works best on the road, not in garages or indoors. If cabin recordings appear black and white, it's normal operation for the Infrared LED night-vision camera, which can be turned off in settings.

Escort M2 - Hardware Interface Overview; M2 Dash Cam Hardware Components

Table of Contents

Related product manuals