Should I update my original 8500?

[l3m]

I bought my Passport 8500 in Nov. 2003. I have never had it updated. It works fine. Should I have it updated by Escort? What are the advantages/disadvantages. Thanks.

BTW, I'm new. This is my first post. Hello to everyone.

[CJR238]

Welcome!
I had an old 8500 but mine required service so I sent it in. if you have $70 to burn go ahead, but otherwise there should be no difference in its performance. Just the last software update before they switched to the X50's.

[kgalvin131]

is that or only rd? i my self dont think you should bother to send it in unless you have to...

[l3m]

Thanks for your suggestions. I agree with both of you. As the saying goes, 'If it works, don't fix it'.

I only use my RD on long trips. I store it in its leather bag in my room when not in use. The only beating it got was twice it got yanked out of the windshield and fell on the car floor (suction cups are getting worn). When the X50 first came out, I was tempted to buy one but decided never got the time to research on it. I've been reading on some forums that the X50 has POP capability? Is that worth it? I also read that the 9500 has problems. Maybe it's worth keeping the 8500 for a few more years. It has saved my a$$ several times.

[CJR238]

POP is useless so don’t upgrade for just that. If you can upgrade/spend the $$$ the 9500I is a huge improvement over the 8500 & X50's. I would say a 15-25% increase in range + it falses so much less. 9500I didn’t have any real problems, some people didn’t like the ramp up so they updated it now.

I have the 9500I and feel it’s by far the quietest and best RD ever made. It’s as if the 9500I knows what’s a LEO and what’s a false.

[kgalvin131]

he pretty much sumed it all up, if you really felt like you need to upgrade then just go straight to the 9500i. pretty much wat i am doing, i need to send my x50 for service but there is not point if the new blue 9500i ramp up is fixed....any who welcome to the forum.

[fire65]

I sold my 8500, which in my opinion was the best detector I ever owned, and replaced it with the X50 blue in my truck, and I have the X50 red in my wifes Durango, I honestly cant say it was worth it. I also leave them in 24-7 in the Oklahoma sun and cant say that it is a problem. I know I will probably get slammed for that, but its all true.

[alpinestars_2002795]

Originally Posted by l3m

I bought my Passport 8500 in Nov. 2003. I have never had it updated. It works fine. Should I have it updated by Escort? What are the advantages/disadvantages. Thanks.

BTW, I'm new. This is my first post. Hello to everyone.

Welcome to the forum first of all~! Hope you enjoy this board! Your answer, first off if it's an x-50 i'd say check your rev. number if it's rev. 5 i'd say keep it and don't upgrade if you have a x-50 that is rev. 5 keep it at that rev. if you need to send in with a retune include a note/notify them to keep that rev. number don't get 6.1-6.3 unless city driving is a deep concern of yours, as rev. 6.1-6.3 filters K band alot more.


Now if it is a original 8500, it's like rev. 13 or rev. 15? Haven't got to fiddle with one YET. Although the concern has been broughten up between admins about this unit. It is looking to be tested. Infact I almost obtained one here recently.




AlPiNe~

[l3m]

I have the original 8500. How can I check what software rev is in my RD?

I would like to leave my RD in the car permanently but I'm so afraid of thieves. I've read so many stories of thieves busting into cars for GPS units or RDs. They advise not even to leave the mounting hardware in sight because thieves will know your GPS or RD is in the car somewhere. How do some of you cope with this fear?

I guess my next RD will be a 9500i. $425 is expensive. How much will a used excellent condition 8500 sell for?

Again, thanks to all your inputs.

[wilnevrbbiased]

To check the revision # on your 8500, unplug the unit while it is still on. Before you plug it back in, hold down the top two buttons and the mute button at the same time, and plug in the unit while doing this. This will show you the revision # on your unit. My guess is you have a rev 13 or rev 15. Please let us know which revision # you have since I only know so much about the Escort "original" 8500 non X50.