Longer Vary & Higher False Alert Filtering, However Is This Excessive-Finish Radar Detector Value The Cash

Professionals

Vary Detection

False Alert Filtering

Customizable Show

Cons

Value

Studying Curve for First-Time Customers

Wi-Fi Characteristic Might or Might Not Profit You

Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Affiliate, Automoblog earns from qualifying purchases. The Escort MAX 360c MKII on this evaluation was provided by Cedar Electronics, an affiliate associate. Commissions from Amazon and different affiliate companions come to us at no extra value to you. Automoblog is a member of the Radar Detector and Countermeasures Forum to make sure reality and accountability when masking radar detectors. 

The Escort MAX 360c MKII is the successor to the model’s top-selling MAX 360c radar detector. When it debuted in September 2022, Escort stated the MAX 360c MKII would supply higher false alert filtering and a 50 % enchancment in detection vary versus the unique MAX 360c. After cautious analysis and greater than a month’s price of driving throughout the Detroit metro, I’m assured the Escort MAX 360c MKII is one sequel that’s higher than the unique. 

If you’re out there for a high-end radar detector, we’ll cowl the principle options and specs of the Escort MAX 360c MKII right here, together with the important thing variations between it and the unique MAX 360c. I may also share my expertise with the detector as we go alongside.

Escort MAX 360c MKII & MAX 360c Variations

At first look, the 2 radar detectors look precisely the identical, save for the darker grey hue of the MKII. The quick distinction you’ll seemingly discover is the worth, which is about $50 (not counting any gross sales or specials Escort may be operating). Usually, the unique MAX 360c retails for $650 on Amazon, whereas the MKII goes for $700 on Escort’s official website. Here’s what the additional $50 will get you. 

Extra Muscle

I set the Escort MAX 360c MKII and the unique MAX 360c on a small kitchen scale I exploit whereas making espresso. The unique MAX 360c weighs 9.87 ounces (simply shy of 280 grams), whereas the MKII weighs 10.05 ounces (about 285 grams). Even with this makeshift dwelling check whereas making espresso, it’s apparent the MKII has extra inner circuitry.  

Higher False Alert Filtering 

Escort is utilizing a brand new Blackfin DSP (digital sign processing) chip to extend the extent of false alert filtering. Equipped by semiconductor firm Analog Units, the Blackfin is a household of embedded microprocessors designed for a variety of functions. 

With regard to the Escort MAX 360c MKII, the embedded Blackfin DSP chip helps the unit higher decipher between any variety of completely different radar alerts in a given space, which of them are actual threats versus false alerts, and what must be prioritized on the show. When the MAX 360c MKII detects a radar supply, the Blackfin DSP chip analyzes and presents that info on the show display screen, displaying very important info like sign energy, band sorts, and frequency. The power of the MAX 360c MKII to rapidly analyze and type radar sources to this depth interprets to a quieter drive with fewer false alerts versus the unique MAX 360c, particularly on the Okay band frequencies. 

If you take a look at the spec sheet for the unique MAX 360c, you will note the time period “digital sign processing,” so it does have this functionality to some extent (and it’s among the many the explanation why it’s nonetheless a top-tier radar detector right now). Nonetheless, the MKII takes issues a step additional with the extra sturdy Blackfin DSP, placing it on par with different premium choices from Escort that additionally function the chip, just like the MAXcam 360c and Redline 360c. 

Digital sign processing is an interesting and in-depth subject, and Analog Units supplies this helpful beginner’s guide if you wish to study extra. Whereas no radar detector is totally immune from false alerts, Escort cuts them down tremendously with the combination of the Blackfin DSP. 

Extra false alert filtering comes from Escort’s proprietary IVT Filter, or “in-vehicle expertise” filter. The IVT Filter decreases the variety of false alerts brought on by collision avoidance and adaptive cruise management techniques of different automobiles, that are radar-based. A further Okay Notch filter will be activated within the settings menu for a similar cause, lowering false alerts brought on by sure automobiles and their radar-based collision avoidance techniques (between the frequency ranges of 24.190 and 24.210 GHz). Right here in Detroit, I’ve the Okay Notch filter on.

Vary Detection 

Whereas the Blackfin DSP supplies glorious discernment when separating actual threats from false alerts, Escort’s next-generation, dual-antenna platform interprets to elevated vary detection for the MAX 360c MKII. Like the unique MAX 360c, the MKII additionally has directional alert arrows because of the dual-antenna platform, which identifies if the risk is in entrance of or behind you. Nonetheless, the distinction in vary detection between the 2 detectors is noticeable whereas navigating high-traffic and well-patroled areas right here in Detroit, like I-696 and Telegraph Highway.  

Not that we had any complaints within the vary division with our unique MAX 360c, however our new MKII picks up Michigan State Police and Wayne County Sheriff Deputies operating constant-on Ka band from a bit farther out, which has been a pleasing however welcome shock. 

On Telegraph Highway particularly, regulation enforcement will keep within the far left lanes, so it’s straightforward for them to whip round via a Michigan Left and catch speeders heading in the direction of them. With the broader expanses, hills, and activates Telegraph Highway, it’s comparatively straightforward for regulation enforcement to cover in plain sight in heavy site visitors with a non-descript Ford Explorer or Chevy Tahoe patrol car. The upgraded dual-antenna platform of the Escort MAX 360c MKII makes it well-suited for areas like this, offering extra superior discover versus older Escort radar detectors if an officer is touring towards you. 

Escort MAX 360c MKII & MAX 360c Similarities

Maybe essentially the most vital similarity is the “linked” facet of those two radar detectors, which is what the “c” stands for. Basically, the unique MAX 360c and the newer MKII can hook up with Wi-Fi through your private home router or cellular hotspot for 2 main causes: firmware updates and accessing the accompanying Drive Smarter app with out turning on Bluetooth. When paired to Drive Smarter, your cellphone will obtain real-time risk notifications in your space, be it a radar supply, purple gentle digicam, or police patrol, as reported by different Escort house owners utilizing the app (i.e., shared alerts).

I’ve all the time seen the Wi-Fi functionality (and Drive Smarter app) of the MAX 360c detectors as a useful, peace-of-mind companion if you wish to squeeze each ounce of juice out of your countermeasure setup. For instance, every time the Escort MAX 360c MKII connects to a Wi-Fi hotspot, it routinely checks for firmware updates, which will be advantageous in case you are on the highway and driving in an space you aren’t accustomed to.

Along with efficiency tweaks, firmware updates from Escort will typically embody updates to its ongoing purple gentle and pace digicam database, which can also be useful in case you are driving for just a few days in a brand new space. If a firmware replace is out there, the MAX 360c MKII can do it routinely as soon as the Wi-Fi connection is established.   

I nonetheless choose to carry out firmware updates on my desktop through the Detector Tools Portal on Escort’s web site. Firmware updates take much less time with a hardwired connection to your laptop than over Wi-Fi. Nonetheless, I lose the benefit of real-time, on-the-fly firmware updates if I’m not at my laptop for no matter cause (I’ve finished firmware updates whereas ready within the cellphone lot on the airport for household to reach, for instance, once I know I’ve some further time on my palms).

If you wish to experiment with the Wi-Fi connection for firmware updates and the Drive Smarter app, flip the Wi-Fi possibility on through the detector’s settings menu and allow your hotspot, both in your car or in your cellphone.

Escort MAX 360c MKII In-Depth: What It Gives

The MAX 360c MKII comes with a 12V energy wire, a suction cup windshield mount (Escort calls it an “EZ Magazine Mount”), a carrying case, and a fast begin information (you obtain the whole proprietor’s guide from Escort’s web site). The 12V energy wire has a USB port on the bottom, so you possibly can nonetheless cost your cellphone. It’s a pleasant function in case your car doesn’t have a wi-fi charging pad.

Together with elevated vary detection and higher false alert filtering, here’s a summarized checklist of another high options of the Escort MAX 360c MKII.

Band Detection: Ka, lidar, Mesta Fusion

The Escort MAX 360c MKII will provide you with a warning to X, Okay, and Ka radar bands and laser (lidar) weapons. Likewise, the unit detects MultaRadar CD and CT, typically written as MRCD and MRCT for brief. MultaRadar is often related to site visitors gentle cameras and different photograph enforcement gadgets. Not like a normal radar gun, MultaRadar modifications frequency, making it more durable to catch, particularly for older radar detectors. The default setting for MRCD and MRCT is off, however each will be switched on through the settings menu underneath the “Band Allows” tab. 

The Escort MAX 360c MKII additionally detects Mesta Fusion, a long-range, multi-lane, and multi-target enforcement technique provided by French expertise firm IDEMIA. Mesta Fusion towers, which mix a Doppler radar and high-resolution digicam, have been deployed in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, after metropolis officers received a demonstration from IDEMIA in 2017. Escort enabled Mesta Fusion detection on the MAX 360c MKII because the expertise has the potential to even be utilized in the USA.   

Beneath the Band Allows tab, you possibly can experiment with 4 completely different Okay Slender and 10 completely different Ka Slender segmentation choices or customized sweeps to actually dial within the detector’s response time. Right here in Michigan, Escort’s default Ka Slender settings work for me, which permits my MAX 360c MKII to scan from 33.700 to 35.600 GHz. That appears to fall proper in keeping with regulation enforcement radar weapons right here in Michigan, however your space may be completely different. If you wish to experiment with completely different segmentation filters and customized sweeps based mostly on the place you drive, Vortex Radar has an excellent guide on the topic. 

Sensitivity Modes

The Escort MAX 360c MKII gives 4 sensitivity modes: Freeway, Auto, Auto No X, and Auto Lo Okay, the latter being my desire right here in Detroit. Freeway is the utmost sensitivity mode, which basically “opens the radar detector up,” so it’s extra more likely to alert to potential threats. I exploit this setting, however solely on the open highway, often on an extended journey. Auto sensitivity is handy because it reduces X and Okay band sensitivity in line with your pace, whereas Auto No X does the identical for Okay bands however shuts off the X bands.  

I run my Escort MAX 360c MKII in Auto Lo Okay sensitivity mode, which lowers Okay band sensitivity always. I flip the X bands off individually by the settings menu underneath Band Allows, so I have a tendency to not use Auto No X. Nonetheless, if you happen to purchase a MAX 360c MKII, experiment and see what works greatest for you and what your preferences are.  

AutoLearn Expertise (Auto Lock Outs)

AutoLearn analyzes fixed-location radar over time to find out if such alerts are respectable or false. Ought to the MAX 360c MKII encounter the precise frequency in the identical location roughly 3 times – and that frequency is deemed false – it routinely locks it out and flashes a “Saved” message.

Though you possibly can nonetheless manually lock out false alerts, Escort’s AutoLearn function has grow to be synonymous with its MAX household of radar detectors, and it may be a handy instrument whereas driving. To lock out a false alert manually, faucet the Mute button on the 12V energy wire. When encountering a beforehand locked-out location, it can show in grey however not audibly alert.

Mark Places

The “MRK” button on high of the unit will flag a location, then notify you from a couple of mile out the following time you might be about to move it. Not like the lockouts (guide or computerized), the Mark Location function is meant for areas with respectable threats. When marking a location for the primary time with the Escort MAX 360c MKII, you possibly can specify what it’s, from purple gentle and pace cameras to hurry traps. You even have an “different” possibility if it is advisable mark a location for one more cause.

Is The Escort MAX 360c MKII Value It?

If you’re a radar detector fanatic, like Escort merchandise generally, or need the most recent and best stuff in your car, the MAX 360c MKII is well worth the cash. If you’re operating an older radar detector and need to improve to one thing with extra options, the MAX 360c MKII received’t disappoint. Escort has additionally overhauled the Drive Smarter app, resolving lots of the connection and crashing points present in prior variations of the app. Drive Smarter is extra user-friendly than earlier than and will make enjoying round with the settings on the Escort MAX 360c MKII extra intuitive and satisfying.

Against this, if you happen to nonetheless want a strong radar detector however don’t essentially want all the additional options, take into account one thing extra easy just like the Uniden R4, Radenso DS1, or Escort MAX 3. I proudly personal all three of these radar detectors, they usually get the job finished. Once I need a good “seize and go” radar detector for my drives round Detroit, I choose a type of three (often, the R4 is my first alternative). Given the extra sturdy inner circuity of the Escort MAX 360c MKII, it can present higher false alert filtering than the R4, DS1, or MAX 3, however which may not be a deal breaker in order for you one thing at a lower cost level. 

On the time of this writing, the MAX 360c MKII is available for $700 on Escort’s official website. If you buy a brand new MKII and have questions, join us on the forum, and we are able to level you in the correct path. 

Carl Anthony is the Managing Editor of Automoblog and the host of AutoVision Information Radio and AutoSens Insights. As a revered automotive business thought chief, Carl has appeared on quite a few podcasts and radio exhibits, together with Wrench Nation, Vehicles Yeah, The Automobile Physician, and Brains Byte Again, along with showing as an everyday contributor on MotorMouth Radio on WHPC 90.3 FM. His work can be seen and heard 24/7 on the Automoblog YouTube channel.

Pictures: Danielle Anthony.