When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Escort Max 360 Radar Detector - Not ready for Prime Time!
Like many of you, I use a radar detector in my RC F, to avoid revenue generating speed traps, and to generally make sure I don't get points on my license with my RC F.
Escort has positioned their new Max 360 as an alternative to the Valentine 1, but it is not without its share of problems. I wanted to share these with the forum in case any of you are thinking about the Max 360.
I have owned this detector for nearly one month, and a software bug is occurring that puts the detector in locked up state where it reads "Shifting Off" and displays directional arrows pointing forward and to the sides. I have attached a shot of what this looks like. The only way to get the detector back to normal is to cycle power. This is occurring with Laser detection completely disabled.
Of course I called Escort for help and they advised me to update my detector the latest software. The only problem here is that the Mac version of their detector tools requires does not work with the Max 360 Radar Detector, and I am a Mac user.
As a design engineer who works in product development, I see the Max 360 as 75% ready for release, a product that was rushed into production to be ready for Christmas shopping season.
This is all rather disappointing considering this detector sells for $650, $250 more than the Valentine 1.
Bottom line, if you're thinking about picking up a top of the line detector, you should stick with the Valentine 1.
Ask a friend with Windows PC to update your Max360. So far, I haven't had that problem. I guess, it's not Mac Friendly like most softwares at the moment. Unless, you have that Mac to Windows conversion that may work.
Ask a friend with Windows PC to update your Max360. So far, I haven't had that problem. I guess, it's not Mac Friendly like most softwares at the moment. Unless, you have that Mac to Windows conversion that may work.
The windows version of detector tools requires the. Net framework 3.5, so it's not exactly trivial to install this software. Don't deel right asking a friend to go through with this, as it could cause other problems.
I am going to try a VM ware fusion VM that I have with windows 8, will let all of you know how it goes.
Mine is working perfectly and it has already paid for itself.
That's probably what I will end up doing. While I am not happy the issues it has had, it is still a great detector in terms of features, configuration options, and performance of the two radar antennas.
That's probably what I will end up doing. While I am not happy the issues it has had, it is still a great detector in terms of features, configuration options, and performance of the two radar antennas.
They are really good when it comes down to replacements.
I had another conversation with Escort support today, and they conceded that this problem has occurred on other customers detectors, bit it is not common. They claim it could be due to interference with adaptive cruise radar or other systems in the car. I don't support this conclusion, since I have also used it in my 2005 RX-330 and have seen the same issue.
Escort claims the Mac version of detector tools could be ready by the end of January, and this would be a version that supports the Max 360.
In other news, there is a new version of the iOS Escort app, and this updated is needed if you want to display the speed limit on the radar detector. If you have not updated, you will only get two dashes where the two digits for speed would normally appear.
While Escort support is trying to help, I would still recommend against anyone buying this detector until all of the bugs have been shaken out.
Sorry to hear about the issue. I understand your need for the Mac version. I am not a Mac guy. Here is my perspective for those not using a Mac.
The Max 360 on a scale of 1-10 gets a 9 from me. Nothing is perfect.
I am using Escort Live with my iPhone, and it quickly pairs with my unit. What is amazing is that it does not interfere will the pairing of other functions with the RC F, i.e., iPhone (for voice & music), Enform for autostart--they work without any interference.
The EscortLive product works extremely well with the Max 360, displaying critical information about threats which are either live or documented. I love how the speeds are displayed both on the Max 360 and on the iPhone. You must use EscortLive to have the current speed limit display. GPS data will not be up-to-date for construction zones, but otherwise it is quite nice and accurate. Your actual speed is displayed to the right of the posted speed limit shown on the device, and you can set various alerts/thresholds/warnings, if so desired.
I handle all of the programming for the Max 360 through my iPhone, and I am able to customize the settings with ease. I really like this feature. The directional arrows for various bands are great visual cues, and the unit is extremely sensitive. It sniffed out a state trooper who was well over a mile up the highway hiding behind a sign with a laser. The arrow lit up when I was that far out and saved me from making a contribution to the state. The extreme range, GPS auto-learn capability that weeds out false alerts, dual-antenna, and arrows that indicate the direction of threats are difficult not to like.
I understand Sagane's issue with his unit and suggestion that you might want to wait, but I have found the product to be highly reliable and accurate. I have executed software updates on my standard, everyday laptop with no difficulty or complexity.
If you are not in need of the Mac version, I recommend buying the unit. As stated, it's saved my hide several times. And if it doesn't do the job, you have ticket protection from Escort, who will pay the bill until January 31st, 2017. The offer ends January 31st, 2016 to my knowledge.
Originally Posted by Sagane
I had another conversation with Escort support today, and they conceded that this problem has occurred on other customers detectors, bit it is not common. They claim it could be due to interference with adaptive cruise radar or other systems in the car. I don't support this conclusion, since I have also used it in my 2005 RX-330 and have seen the same issue.
Escort claims the Mac version of detector tools could be ready by the end of January, and this would be a version that supports the Max 360.
In other news, there is a new version of the iOS Escort app, and this updated is needed if you want to display the speed limit on the radar detector. If you have not updated, you will only get two dashes where the two digits for speed would normally appear.
While Escort support is trying to help, I would still recommend against anyone buying this detector until all of the bugs have been shaken out.
Sorry to hear about the issue. I understand your need for the Mac version. I am not a Mac guy. Here is my perspective for those not using a Mac.
The Max 360 on a scale of 1-10 gets a 9 from me. Nothing is perfect.
I am using Escort Live with my iPhone, and it quickly pairs with my unit. What is amazing is that it does not interfere will the pairing of other functions with the RC F, i.e., iPhone (for voice & music), Enform for autostart--they work without any interference.
The EscortLive product works extremely well with the Max 360, displaying critical information about threats which are either live or documented. I love how the speeds are displayed both on the Max 360 and on the iPhone. You must use EscortLive to have the current speed limit display. GPS data will not be up-to-date for construction zones, but otherwise it is quite nice and accurate. Your actual speed is displayed to the right of the posted speed limit shown on the device, and you can set various alerts/thresholds/warnings, if so desired.
I handle all of the programming for the Max 360 through my iPhone, and I am able to customize the settings with ease. I really like this feature. The directional arrows for various bands are great visual cues, and the unit is extremely sensitive. It sniffed out a state trooper who was well over a mile up the highway hiding behind a sign with a laser. The arrow lit up when I was that far out and saved me from making a contribution to the state. The extreme range, GPS auto-learn capability that weeds out false alerts, dual-antenna, and arrows that indicate the direction of threats are difficult not to like.
I understand Sagane's issue with his unit and suggestion that you might want to wait, but I have found the product to be highly reliable and accurate. I have executed software updates on my standard, everyday laptop with no difficulty or complexity.
If you are not in need of the Mac version, I recommend buying the unit. As stated, it's saved my hide several times. And if it doesn't do the job, you have ticket protection from Escort, who will pay the bill until January 31st, 2017. The offer ends January 31st, 2016 to my knowledge.
Your experiences are consistent with my own. The ability to change the detector settings from an iPhone is a great feature, as is GPS false signal rejection.
Regarding the laser detection you experienced, I am surprised this worked at nearly one mile away, since what I have generally heard is that laser is very focused, and does not disperse to allow detection from great distances. Was the reading steady, or just a few blips?
I will stick with the Max 360, despite the issues with the Mac version of detector tools, which still has not been updated to support the Max360 despite Escort's claim it would be ready by Feb. 1.
Regarding the laser detection you experienced, I am surprised this worked at nearly one mile away, since what I have generally heard is that laser is very focused, and does not disperse to allow detection from great distances. Was the reading steady, or just a few blips?
At 1000 ft, the beam is 4 feet wide. The guns that use proprietary batteries, can shoot well over 1000 ft. I've shot cars at 4000 ft. Guns that use regular batteries perform at the 2000 ft range.
Detecting laser is useless and a waste of time. Take it from someone who owned 4 difference laser guns.
01-24-16, 05:41 AM
Escort Max 360 Radar Detector - Not ready for Prime Time!
