Escort C65 Radar Detector User Manual
Quick Reference Guide
To begin using your C65, just follow these simple steps
- Plug the small end of the power cord into the side jack of the detector, and plug the large end of the power cord into your car’s lighter socket.
- Mount your C65 on the windshield using the supplied windshield mount.
- Press the PWR button, located top left, to turn C65 on.
- Press and hold the Volume/Mute button to adjust the volume. Please read the manual to fully understand C65’s operation and features.
- QuickMount Slot
Insert C65’s adjustable Windshield mount into this slot. Page 7 - QuickMount Button
Press the button, and slide the Windshield mount into one of its four locking positions. Page 7 - City Button
Switches between AutoScan, City and Highway, settings. In general, we recommend AutoScan. Page 8 - Power Button
Press the PWR button to turn the C65 on or off. Page 8 - AutoMute
C65’s patented AutoMute automatically reduces the volume level of the audio alert after a brief period. Page 8. If you prefer, you can turn AutoMute off. Page 8 - Programming
C65 is ready to go, just plug it in and turn it on. But you can also easily change 7 features for your preferences. Page 12-16 - Radar Antenna and Laser Lens The rear panel of your C65 should have a clear view of the road ahead. For best performance, do not mount the C65 directly behind windshield wipers or tinted areas. Page 6
- Alphanumeric Matrix Display
C65’s display will show Highway, AutoScan, or City as its power-on indication. If you prefer, you can choose other power-on indications. Page 12-14 During an alert, the display will indicate radar band, and a precise bar graph of signal strength. Page 10
Note: In the Dark Mode the display will not light during an alert. Page 9 The display can also show Safety Radar text messages. Page 22-23 - Rear Laser Port
Receives laser signals from behind the vehicle. - Earphone Jack
Accepts standard 3.5mm earphone. - Brightness Button
Press to adjust display brightness. There are three brightness settings, plus Dark - Mode.
In the Dark Mode, the power-on indication will be changed to a dim “AD,” “HD,” or “CD” (indicating AutoScan, Dark, Highway Dark, or City Dark). In the Dark Mode, C65’s meter will not display during an alert, only the audio will alert you. Page 9 - Power Jack
Plug the SmartCord into this connector. Pages 6 - Volume / Mute Button
Press and hold to adjust the volume level. Briefly press this button (above the display) to silence the audio for a specific alert. Page 8
Installation
Power Connection
To power C65, plug the small end of the SmartCord, (telephone-type connector) into the modular jack on C65’s right side, and plug the lighter plug adapter into your vehicle’s lighter socket or accessory socket. C65 operates on 12 volts DC negative ground only. The lighter plug provided is a standard size and will work in most vehicles. However, some vehicles may require the optional European sleeve to ensure a snug fit. If so, simply call our service department to order one. This sleeve slides over the SmartCord’s lighter plug adapter. Of course, your lighter socket must be clean and properly connected for proper operation.
NOTE: Depending on your vehicle, the lighter socket power may either be continuously on, or it may be switched on and off with your ignition switch.
Optional power cords
See the Accessories section for details on our optional Direct-wire SmartCord.
Mounting Location
WARNING: ESCORT cannot anticipate the many ways the C65 can be mounted.
It is important that you mount C65 where it will not impair your view nor present a hazard in case of an accident. Where to mount C65 For optimum detection performance, we recommend the following:
- Using the Windshield QuickMount, mount your C65 level, and high enough on your front windshield to provide a clear view of the road from the front and rear.
- Mount C65 away from windshield wipers, other solid objects, and heavily tinted areas that might obstruct the radar antenna or laser lens.
Windshield QuickMount
C65’s QuickMount windshield bracket is designed for unobtrusive and hassle-free mounting.
- Depress the QuickMount button on the top of C65 (by the word ESCORT) and slide the QuickMount bracket into the slot until it is locked into the position which best fits the angle of your windshield (there are four settings available). For extremely horizontal or extremely sloped windshields, the QuickMount bracket can be bent. To ensure that the suction cups adhere to the windshield firmly, be sure to keep both your windshield and the suction cups clean.
- To adjust C65 on your windshield, use the QuickMount adjustment button located on the top of the C65, and slide C65 forward or backward to obtain a level horizontal position.
When installed and adjusted properly, the back top edge of the C65 should rest solidly against your windshield.
Caution!
A few vehicles (including some Porsches) have windshields with a soft anti-lacerative coating on the inside surface. Use of suction cups will permanently mar this coating. Consult your dealership or the vehicle owner’s manual to determine if your windshield has this coating.
User’s Tip
You can leave the QuickMount bracket in place on your windshield, and easily remove the C65 by pressing the adjustment button and sliding it off the mount. Again, be sure to position the bracket where it won’t present a hazard in the event of an accident. Additional mounts are available.
Controls and Features
Power On/Off
To turn the C65 on, press the PWR button on the left side of the top case. When you turn the C65 on, it goes through a sequence of alerts. If you prefer, you may program your C65 for a shorter power-on sequence. See the Programming section for details.
Voice
The C65 has our Digital Voice feature, which provides a digital voice announcement of the band being detecting. If you prefer, you can turn the Digital Voice feature off in programming. See Programming section for details.
Power-on indication
After C65’s start-up sequence is complete, the alphanumeric display will show Highway, City, or AutoScan to indicate which sensitivity mode is selected. If you prefer, you can select alternate power-on displays. See the Programming section for details.
AutoMute
Your C65 has our patented AutoMute feature. After C65 alerts you to a radar encounter at the volume you have selected, the AutoMute feature will automatically reduce the volume to a lower level. 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 Programming section for details.
Volume / Mute Button
To adjust the alert tone volume, press and hold the Volume/Mute bar located on the top case. The Mute button, located on C65’s top case, allows you to silence the audio alert during a radar encounter. To mute the audio for a single specific signal, briefly press the Volume/Mute button. After that radar encounter has passed, the mute will automatically reset and the audio will alert you to the next encounter.
Highway / AutoScan / City Switch
The City button selects C65’s sensitivity mode. We recommend the AutoScan mode for most driving. C65’s AutoScan mode provides longrange warning, with minimum false alarms. In this mode, C65’s internal computer continuously analyzes all incoming signals and intelligently adjusts the sensitivity. You can also select conventional Highway and City modes. When driving in urban areas where annoying X-band intrusion alarms and door openers are common, City mode can be engaged to lower X-band sensitivity and reduce Xband alerts. Full sensitivity is maintained on all other bands. You can customize C65’s City mode sensitivity. See the Programming section for details.
Brightness Button
C65’s BRT button selects the brightness of C65’s display. There are four settings: Maximum, Medium, Minimum, and Dark. Press the BRT button to select your preferred brightness.
Dark Mode
When you select the Dark mode with the BRT switch, C65 changes to a very inconspicuous power-on indication: a very BRT AD, HD, or CD. (In this display, the A, H, or C indicates AutoScan, Highway, or City, and the D indicates Dark.) When C65 is in the Dark mode, the display will not show visual alerts when C65 detects signals. Only the audible alert will tell you of detected signals.
Power Connector
C65’s power jack uses a telephone-type connector. This new 6-pin connector only works with the included coiled SmartCord, or the optional Direct-wire SmartCord. The coiled SmartCord is a special power cord that has a power-on indicator (which only lights up when the C65 is turned on), a bright alert light that warns of radar or laser, and a convenient mute button right on the plug. It’s perfect for any car where reaching the detector’s mute button on the windshield is a stretch. For discreet night driving, put C65 in the Dark mode, a nd use the SmartCord for your visual alerts. Other drivers won’t know you have a detector. An optional Direct-wire SmartCord is also available. This version includes a small display module, which can be wired directly into your electrical system, with a 10 foot straight cord to route to your C65. For more information or to order, call us toll-free at 1-800-341-2288.
Signal Strength Meter
C65’s alphanumeric display consists of 280 individual LEDs, to provide an intuitive ultra-bright display of signal strength and text messages. C65’s standard bar-graph signal strength meter only displays information on a single radar signal. If there are multiple signals present, C65’s internal computer determines which is the most important threat to show on the bar-graph meter. When C65 detects radar, it displays the band (X, K, or Ka), and a precise bar graph of the signal strength. When C65 detects a laser signal, the display will show “Laser.”
NOTE: If you are operating C65 in the Dark mode, the display will not light when a signal is detected—only the audio alert will be heard, and the flashing alert lamp on the SmartCord.
Threat Display
C65’s Threat Display option is an advanced display for experienced detector users. Please use C65 for a few weeks to get familiar with its other features before using Threat Display. To use the Threat Display instead of the bar graph signal strength meter, you must select Threat Display in C65’s Programming (see pages 12-16). C65’s Threat Display simultaneously tracks multiple radar signals and their relative signal strength. Threat Display can help you spot a change in your normal driving environment; for example, a traffic radar unit being operated in an area where there are normally other signals present. The Threat Display is actually a miniature spectrum analyzer. It shows what band each signal is and its signal strength. Ka9 K2 X1 Above is the Threat Display if the C65 was detecting a strong Ka-band, a weak K-band, and a weak X-band signal.
NOTE: If you use Threat Display, the brief signal shown in the power-on sequence when you turn on your C65 will also be in Threat Display: an X with a decaying numeric signal.
A few more examples will help you better see how the Threat Display works. K9 X1 Here Threat Display shows a strong K-band signal, and a weak X-band signal. Ka1 X9 Here Threat Display shows a weak Ka-band signal, and a strong X-band signal.
Threat Display Details
The band designators (X, K, Ka) will stay on the display for a few seconds after the signal has passed. This allows you to see what the unit detected, even on very brief signals.
Tech Display
ESCORT C65’s new Tech Display option is also for the experienced detector user. In this mode, C65 will display the actual numeric frequency of the radar signal being received. K 24.150 Tech Display shows one K-band signal at 24.150 gigahertz.
Note: Even long-time detector users will require a significant amount of time to get familiar with this new level of information about detected signals.
Programming
There are 7 user-selectable options so you can customize your C65 for your own preferences. The buttons labeled CITY and BRT are also used to enter the Program Mode, REVIEW your current program settings, and to CHANGE any settings as desired. The words PROGRAM, RVW, and CHG are located on the top of the detector, and are highlighted in colored graphics. Pages 14-16 explain each option in more detail.
How to use Programming
- To enter Program Mode, press and hold the CITY and BRT buttons for 2 seconds. The unit will beep twice, and will display the word Program.
- Then press the RVW button to review the current settings. You can either tap the button to change from item to item, or hold the button to scroll through the items.
- Press the CHG button to change any setting. You can either tap the button to change from setting to setting, or hold the button to scroll through all the options.
- To leave the Program Mode, simply wait 8 seconds without pressing any button. The unit will display Complete, beep 4 times, and return to normal operation.
An example
Here is how you would turn C65’s AutoMute feature off.
- Enter the Program Mode by holding both the CITY and BRT buttons down for 2 seconds. The C65 will beep twice and display Program.
- Then hold the RVW button down. The C65 will scroll through the categories, starting with Pilot (Pilot), then Voice (Voice), then Power on sequence (PwrOn), then Signal strength meter (Meter), and then AutoMute (aMute).
- Release the RVW button when C65 shows the AutoMute item. Since the factory setting is for AutoMute to be on, C65 will display aMute ON. If you accidentally don’t release the RVW button in time, and the C65 goes to the next category, hold the RVW button down again, and after C65 scrolls through all categories, it will begin again at the top of the list.
- Press the CHG button to change from aMute ON to aMute OFF.
- To complete the Programming, simply wait 8 seconds without pressing any button. The C65 will display Complete, beep 4 times, and return to normal operation.
Details of Programming
Pilot (Power-on indication)
NOTE: When you are using the Dark mode, the display will only show HD, AD, or CD, (Highway-Dark, AutoScan-Dark, or City-Dark).
Pilot HWY (Full description) In this setting, C65 will display “Highway,” “City,” or “Auto” as its power-on indication. (factory default)
Pilot H (Letter) In this setting, C65 will display “H” for Highway, “C” for City, and “A” for AutoScan.
Pilot V (Vehicle voltage) In this setting, C65 will continually display “H” for Highway, “C” for City, and “A” for AutoScan, and the vehicle’s voltage. If the vehicle’s voltage drops below 10.5 volts, a low voltage warning is displayed, followed by an audible alert. A high voltage warning is also given if the voltage goes above 16.0 volts. The high-voltage warning is also followed by an audible alert.
Voice
Voice On (Voice alerts on) In this setting, all radar, laser, and SWS (if programmed on) alerts will be accompanied by a digital voice.
Voice Off (Voice alerts off) In this setting, only the audio tones will be heard during an alert or SWS message.
Power-on Sequence
PwrOnSTD (Standard) In this setting, each time you turn on the C65, it will display “C65,” “Laser,” “Kaband,” “K-band,” “X-band,” “Safety,” and any changes to factory settings. (factory default)
PwrOnFST (Fast power-on) In this setting, the C65 will only provide a brief audible tone, and will display any non-factory settings.
Signal Strength Meter
MeterSTD (Standard meter) In this setting, the meter displays the band of the received signal, and a bar graph shows the relative signal strength. (factory default)
MeterTHT (Threat Display)
In this setting, the meter simultaneously tracks multiple radar signals, including relative signal strength for each.
NOTE: The Threat Display feature is explained in more detail on pages 10-11.
MeterTEC (Tech Display meter) In this setting, the meter displays the actual numeric frequency of the radar signal received.
Note: The Tech Display feature is explained in more detail on page 11.
AutoMute
aMute ON (AutoMute on) In this setting, C65’s audio alerts will initially be at the volume you set, but after a few seconds, the C65 will automatically reduce the volume level, to keep you informed, but not annoyed. (factory default) aMuteOFF (AutoMute off) With AutoMute off, C65’s audio alerts will remain at the volume you set for the duration of the radar encounter.
City Mode Sensitivity
City STD (Standard) In this setting, when you put C65 in the City mode, X-band sensitivity is significantly reduced, to reduce annoyance from X-band intrusion alarms and motion sensors. (factory default)
City LoX (Low X band sensitivity) In this setting, when you put C65 in the City mode, X-band sensitivity is reduced more than the standard setting. This will reduce X band alarms from other sources even further, but also significantly reduces range to X band traffic radar.
City NoX (No X band sensitivity) In this setting, when you put C65 in the City mode, it will not respond to any X band signals.
WARNING: Only choose this setting if you are absolutely certain that there are no X band traffic radar units where you drive.
NOTE: These settings only apply when C65 is operated in City mode. X-band sensitivity is not affected when used in “AutoScan,” or “Highway” modes.
Troubleshooting
Problem
C65 beeps briefly at the same location every day, but no radar source is in sight.
C65 does not seem sensitive to radar or laser.
C65 did not alert when a police car was in view.
C65 did not provide a Safety signal while within range of an emergency vehicle.
C65’s display is not working.
C65’s audible alerts are less loud after the first few alerts.
C65 bounces or sags on windshield.
C65’s power-on sequence reoccurs while you are driving.
Solution
- An X-band motion sensor or intrusion alarm is located within range of your route. With time, you will learn predictable patterns of these signals.
- Make sure that windshield wipers do not block C65’s radar antenna and that the laser lens is not behind tinted areas.
- Determine if your vehicle has an Instaclear®, ElectriClear® or solar reflective windshield which may deflect radar or laser signals.
- C65 may be in City Mode.
- VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) a stopwatch method of speed detection, may be in use.
- Officer may not have radar or laser unit turned on.
- Safety transmitters may not be commonly used in your area.
- Press the BRT button to deactivate Dark Mode.
- C65 is in AutoMute Mode. See page 8 for details.
- C65 is not making contact with the windshield to provide stability. While holding down C65’s QuickMount button, slide C65 toward the windshield so that the back top edge makes firm contact.
- A loose power connection or dirty lighter socket can cause C65 to be briefly disconnected.
Problem
Your 14-year old son has changed
all 7 of the Programming options.
C65 will not turn on.
C65 feels very warm.
Solution
You can return all of the programming options to the factory defaults by holding down the CITY and BRT buttons while you turn C65 on.
- Check that the power is ON.
- Check that vehicle ignition is ON.
- Check that vehicle lighter socket is functional.
- Try C65 in another vehicle.
- It is normal for C65 to feel warm.
REFRENCE LINK
