Believe me when I tell you I read and read and read about these high-end RDs before making my choice. After reading the reviews on Amazon, I was very uncertain. But after looking at reviews by people in the tech biz, I decided to take the plunge and so far I am very glad I did.
After very limited usage, this is what I have found (all I can do is speak for the unit I own):
1. the suction cups that came with the unit adhere to my windshield. The connection seems strong and tight. I left the cups on the windshield in 20-degree weather -- they have not budged. So far I see no need to buy a more deluxe suction device. I do remove the unit itself when I am out of the vehicle;
2. the manual indicates that the RD is to be positioned flush against the windshield. So far I do not see a problem with that position. As I drive I have been keeping an eye on the unit. It remains steady, it shows no signs of movement on local streets (not the smoothest on God's earth, either);
3. I was able to update the database of cameras by downloading the detector tools from the mfg. website. Since mine is a newer unit, I connected the unit via USB to a netbook, powered up the RD, clicked on the icons in the downloaded software, and was finished this process in about 15-20 mins. I did NOT have to do this download in my vehicle. The USB connection (netbook-to-RD) was all that was necessary; Note: until I turned the unit ON during the software update installation, the detector tools could not verify my serial number and the install would not proceed. (See my review of the AmazonBasics cable, which is the one you want for this RD.)
4. so far the unit has functioned as described in the manual: it has very, very few false alarms, it stores detected points as I drive, I have it set on AUTO as recommended for the best hiway-city setting;
5. compared to other detectors I have owned, which have all been in the $150 range, the Passport is by far the best at this early stage;
I have yet to see how this baby behaves when I am on turnpikes and other places under surveillance by the good folks in blue. I am not a lead-foot particularly, I just love electronics; but there are times when the lull of the road will cause excessive speed. I like to be prepared.
As I get more experience with this unit on the road, I will update this review. For now, I can honestly say this unit deserves the very high marks it has received on tech review websites. It looks and feels very well made.
I am glad I made the move upward. I encourage you to do the same!
First Update:
So far I have had no problems with the windshield suction cups adhering to the glass. The temperatures here have been between 20 and 50 degrees. From time to time I will press on the nubs to check the strength of the grip, and sometimes I will hear a "clicking" sound which "resets" the cups to full strength.
I have been doing local driving only and there is very little "chatter" from the unit. I can only assume it is doing its job. It goes through the power up sequence just fine. I have not passed any stationary police vehicles. Another update will follow when I have somethinbg significant to report.
Second Update: (April 21)
I finally had a chance to drive on the open road on a 4-hour round-trip. I can only assume that this detector is doing its job. True, I did not eyeball ANY police vehicles on my trip. The detector did not report any, either. So, is it working? As I say, I can only assume so. It did fire off several K-band alerts along the route, but nothing more.
In my home area there are many speed cameras installed. My detector would have me believe than none are operative, since I have yet to receive a single camera alert. BTW, I am current on all updates via USB. I have nothing else to report, other than the fact that the unit powers up and self-tests as it should.
Third Update May 14, 2013
For the first time since purchasing this detector it identified red light camera locations. I am now satisfied that this function is working properly.
Fourth Update July 14, 2013
Even in extremely hot vehicle interior temperatures, the windshield suction cups have remained in place. As a matter of fact, the clip has not moved since I first attached it back in February.
| Item Weight | 0.634 ounces |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 5.35 x 1.4 x 2.9 inches |
| Item model number | 0109500-6 |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Display Type | LED |
| Warranty | 1 year |
