Escort Passport User Manual

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Designed in the USA
ESCORT Inc. 5440 West Chester Road West Chester OH 45069
800.433.3487 EscortRadar.com
©2014 ESCORT Inc. Escort®, Passport®, Escort Live!™, AFR®, TrueLock™, SmartShield®, SpecDisplay™, AutoSensitivity™, ExpertMeter™ and Cincinnati Microwave are trademarks of ESCORT Inc. Manufactured in Canada.
Manufactured and printed in Canada. Features, specifications, and prices subject to change without notice.
R A D A R
O u t s t a n d i n g P e r f o r m a n c e a n d V a l u e
Speed Trap Red
Pre-loaded DEFENDER Database
L A S E R•S A F E T Y C A M E R A•D E T E C T O R
Owner’s Manual
Light Camera
For Android
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Congratulations
®
PASSPORT Features
Table of Contents
You’ve purchased the all-new PASSPORT which is the one of the most advanced high-performance radar and laser detector on the market. The PASSPORT provides long-range warning on all radar bands and laser bands.
PASSPORT features
a new multi-color
OLED display.
Brilliant graphics
When connected to ESCORT Live
When connected to ESCORT Live
illuminate intuitive
icons that identify
the type of threat at
a glance.
The PASSPORT introduces the following state-of-the­art performance and features:
Long-range K and Ka-band radar performance,
including instant-on POP mode.
Exclusive AutoSensitivity intelligently filters out
annoying false alarms, plus Highway, Auto, and Auto No X settings.
Exclusive ExpertMeter tracks and displays up to 4
radar signals simultaneously.
Exclusive SpecDisplay provides actual numeric
frequency for any radar signal and alert bar.
The PASSPORT now with built in Bluetooth®
technology gives you access to ESCORT’s award­ winning app, ESCORT Live. Features when connected to ESCORT Live:
Our exclusive real-time ticket protection network, which warns you of upcoming alerts received by other users in the area.
Our DEFENDER Database, which warns you of verified speed traps, speed cameras, and red light cameras.
Our most popular GPS-powered features, including speed-limit data for over-speed alerts, live traffic data for your current location, and TrueLock™ to help eliminate false alerts. You can also Mark Locations for future reference.
Getting Started 4-6
Registration and Pairing 4-5
Installation 6
Controls & Features 7-9
PASSPORT Detector 7
SmartCord 7
Volume 8
Mute 8
Display Color 8
Display Brightness 8
Radar Sensitivity 8
Alert Tones 9
Voice Alerts 9
Signal-Strength Meter 9
Settings & Preferences 10-11
How to use Preferences 10
Overview of Preferences 10-11
Understanding Your Detector 12-16
Interpreting Alerts 12
How Radar Works 13
How Pop Works 13
How Laser Works 14
How TSR Works 14
Troubleshooting 15
Software Updates 16
Service 16
Parts & Accessories 17
Warranty 17
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Registration
Pairing with your Smartphone Downloading ESCORT Live!
Before downloading ESCORT Live, you must first register your PASSPORT device. Be sure to have your PASSPORT unit nearby, as you will need the serial number located on the bottom of the case.
1 Visit www.EscortRadar.com and click Product Registration.
2 Click the link for Escort Live Ready devices.
3 Follow the onscreen instructions to register
your device.
Be sure to write down the username and password you create, as you will need this information to access and download ESCORT Live. (You will also receive an e-mail with this information, once you have registered your device.)
1 Enter the iTunes App Store or Google play store on
your smartphone and search for ESCORT Live radar!
2 Follow the onscreen instructions to download.
3 When prompted, enter the username and password
you created when registering your PASSPORT device.
To pair your Smartphone with PASSPORT:
1 Ensure PASSPORT power is ON.
2 On your Smartphone go to Bluetooth Settings.
3 Ensure Bluetooth is ON.
4 Press Scan for devices and/or wait for the device list
to populate, PASSPORT should appear under devices.
5 Tap PASSPORT to pair the device to your phone.
6 Bluetooth icon on the PASSPORT display screen will
appear blue when paired to the phone.
7 Open the app, walk through the tutorial, and you’re ready to hit the road!
For Bluetooth pairing tips and more information on using ESCORT Live! visit: www.EscortRadar.com
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Installation
Controls & Features
What’s Included
PASSPORT’s EasyMount windshield bracket is designed for unobtrusive and hassle-free mounting.
Mounting Tips
Center of windshield between driver and passenger.
Ensure clear view of road ahead and sky above.
Avoid windshield wipers and heavily tinted areas.
PASSPORT Mounting Location:
WARNING: ESCORT cannot anticipate the many ways PASSPORT can be mounted. It is important that you mount PASSPORT where it will not impair your view nor present a hazard in case of an accident.
For optimum detection performance, we recommend the following:
Using the Windshield Mount, mount your
PASSPORT level, and high enough on your front windshield to provide a clear view of the road from the front and rear.
Mount PASSPORT away from windshield wipers,
other solid objects, and heavily tinted areas that might obstruct the radar antenna or laser lens.
1 Depress the adjustment button on the top of
PASSPORT (by the word ESCORT) and slide the EasyMount 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 EasyMount 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.
2 To adjust the PASSPORT on your windshield, use the EasyMount adjustment button located on the top of the PASSPORT, and slide PASSPORT forward or backward to obtain a level position. When installed and adjusted properly, the back top edge of the PASSPORT should rest solidly against your windshield.
User’s Tip: You can leave the EasyMount bracket in place on your windshield, and easily remove PASSPORT by pressing the adjustment button and sliding PASSPORT 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 at EscortRadar.com
Mount Release
Press to remove device
from mounting
bracket
Power
Press to turn PASSPORT
on or off
Sensitivity (SEN)
Press to adjust detector
sensitivity (Highway,
Auto, Auto NoX)
Display
Bluetooth icon appears in grey when not paired to phone and car
battery voltage appears to the right.
When paired to phone a Bluetooth
icon will appear on display screen in blue.
When connected to ESCORT Live,
the Speed limit data and actual speed will display on screen.
Important! Actual speed and live alerts will not be shown on your PASSPORT if your smart phone does not have good GPS reception.
Using SmartCord
Mute Button: Press to mute an alert. (When
connected to ESCORT Live!) Press mute button three times to lock out a false alert; press twice while receiving a locked-out alert to unlock. Press and hold mute button on unit or cord to manually report to other users a verified X or K-band alert, or a police officer observing traffic.
Alert Light: Blinks orange when receiving an alert.
Power Light: Lights blue when receiving power.
Display
Alert area
Brightness (BRT)
Press to adjust display brightness (Min, Med, Max, Dark)
Vol•Mute
Press to mute an alert; Press and hold + or − to adjust volume
Using PASSPORT:
1 Plug small end of SmartCord into modular jack on
PASSPORT and large end of SmartCord into your car’s lighter/accessory socket. 2 PASSPORT should power on automatically. If not, press the device’s power button.
NOTE: You can easily access and customize all of your Settings and Preferences by pressing and holding the SEN and BRT buttons. See Settings & Preferences for details.
Earphone Jack
Connects to optional 3.5 mm stereo earphone.
Modular Jack
Connects to SmartCord for powering your device
Mini USB Jack
Connects to your computer via USB A / Mini B cable for downloading software updates
Modular Connector
Plugs into detector jack
Lighter Adapter
Connects to lighter/accessory socket
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Controls & Features
Volume
To adjust PASSPORT to your preferred audio level for
alerts, simply press and hold VOLUME + or –.
The audio will increase/decrease while it is depressed.
Once you reach the desired audio level, simply release the button. PASSPORT will retain this setting in its memory, even if the system is turned off.
Mute
The MUTE button allows you to silence the audio
during an alert. Simply press the button during the alert. Once the radar encounter has passed, the mute will disengage, and the audio will return to your pre-set level. You can also silence an alert by pressing the SmartCord MUTE button.
AutoMute
Your PASSPORT also includes ESCORT’s patented AutoMute feature. Once PASSPORT alerts you to a
radar encounter at your selected volume level, it automatically reduces the volume more than 50%.
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 Settings & Preferences section for details.
SmartMute
If AutoMute has already reduced the volume for one alert and a higher-priority band is detected, PASSPORT will sound an alert at your set volume for the second band before adjusting the volume back down to the AutoMute level.
Display Color
Your detector screen can be displayed with blue, green, red or amber accents to match the dashboard lighting of various vehicles. See the Settings & Preferences section for details on how to change the display color.
Blue
Green
Red
Amber
Display Brightness
PASSPORT’s display brightness is automatically adjusted to suit ambient lighting conditions in your car. (The light sensor is located inside the controller, so the display may dim momentarily when you access the buttons.) If you prefer, you can press the BRT button to set a fixed brightness level:
Dark Dark mode Minimum Minimum brightness Medium Medium brightness Maximum Maximum brightness
NOTE: If you select Dark mode, the display will not provide any indication that it is on. Therefore, only audible alerts will notify you of detected signals.
Radar Sensitivity
The SEN button allows you to select your preferred radar sensitivity: Highway, Auto or Auto No X. In general, ESCORT recommends Auto for everyday driving.
Alert Tones
Standard
PASSPORT Max’s factory default for alert tones is the ESCORT Standard mode, in which PASSPORT Max uses a Geiger counter-type sound to indicate the signal strength and type of radar signal being encountered. When you encounter radar, a distinct audible alert will sound and will increase as the signal gets stronger. This allows you to judge the distance from the signal source without taking your eyes off of the road. Each band has a distinct tone for easy identification:
X band K band = brap tone Ka band = double-brap tone Laser = solid brap tone Pop = solid brap tone
Mild
If you prefer, you can change your alert tone settings to Mild mode, which offers softer, simpler alert tones that are less obtrusive to the driving experience:
X band, K band, Ka band and Pop = Doorbell chime
Low signal strength
High signal strength = Triple chime
If alert remains in area more than 15 seconds
Laser
signals are a possible threat no matter how weak, PASSPORT Max alerts you to all laser signals with a full laser alert.)
See the Settings & Preferences section for details on switching your alert tones.
= beep tone
= Double chime
= Single chime (as a reminder)
= Solid brap tone (Since laser
Voice Alerts
PASSPORT Max provides digital voice announcements for alerts and selection feedback. If you prefer, you can turn off the voice feature. See the Settings & Preferences section for details.
Signal-Strength Meter
PASSPORT Max offers four different settings for displaying alerts:
Standard
The Standard option provides information on a
single radar signal. When PASSPORT Max detects radar, it displays the band of the radar (X, K or Ka) and a bar graph of the signal’s strength. When laser is detected, the display will simply read “Laser.” If there are multiple signals present, PASSPORT Max will determine which one is the most important threat to display.
SpecDisplay
The SpecDisplay option is an advanced display for
experienced detector users. In this mode, it will display the actual numeric radar frequency being received. Even long-time detector users will require some time to get familiar with this new level of information about detected signals. To use SpecDisplay instead of the Standard bar graph meter, you must select it (Spec) in Preferences.
ExpertMeter
ESCORT’s exclusive ExpertMeter option is also designed for the advanced detector user. To use the ExpertMeter instead of the Standard bar graph meter, you must select it (Expert) in Preferences.
Highway
In this setting, PASSPORT will detect all radar signals on all bands at maximum range.
Auto
In this setting, PASSPORT will continuously analyze all incoming signals and intelligently adjust the sensitivity circuits, providing long-range warning with minimal false alarms.
Auto No X
Auto No X works the same as Auto mode; however, X
band is completely turned off.
WARNING: Do not use PASSPORT in Auto No X unless you are absolutely certain that there are no traffic radar guns using X band in your area.
Cruise Alert
The Cruise Alert feature allows you to modify your
alert tones when traveling below a specified speed (factory default is 20 mph; see Settings & Preferences for details). For all alerts received while traveling below the specified speed, PASSPORT Max will sound a simple double-beep alert.
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ExpertMeter simultaneously tracks up to four radar signals: Ka band, X band, K band and X band. It shows each signal along with a bar graph of its strength. ExpertMeter can help you spot a change in your normal driving environment (e.g., a traffic radar unit being operated in an area where there are normally other signals present).
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Settings & Preferences
How to use Preferences
To enter preferences Press and Hold SEN and BRT
button down for 2 seconds.
To exit Preferences, simply wait a few seconds
without pressing a button. The unit will display Completed to confirm your selections.
Overview of Preferences
To view serial number and software revision press
SEN and VOL
To restore PASSPORT to its original factory settings,
press and hold BRT and VOL detector. acknowledging the reset.
while powering on detector.
+
while powering on
Restored message will display,
Press SEN to go from Press VOL + or VOL – to change one category to the next your setting within a category
Pilot Scan Bar* Scanning Bar with Full Word Full Word Full Word: Auto*, Auto No X, or Highway
Display Color Blue*/Green/Red/Amber Set color to match your vehicle’s dash display. Adding brighter max screens and lower brightness setting during when user is in minimum bright setting
Meter Mode Standard* Single band with bar graph of signal strength Spec Single band with numeric frequency Expert Multiple bands with bar graph of signal strengths
Tones Standard* Standard ESCORT alert tones Mild Mild doorbell chime alert tones
AutoMute On* / Off Automatically reduces audio during alert
Language English* / Espanol Language for voice and text
Voice On* / Off Voice announcements
Band Enables Default* Default Settings for North America
Modified Customize the bands you want to monitor
Press BRT to go from one Press VOL + or VOL – to change band category to the next your setting within a category
X Band On* / Off Freq: 10.475 -10.575 GHz
K Band On* / Off Freq: 24.050 -24.250 GHz
Ka Band On* / Off Freq: 33.400-36.000 Ghz NOTE: When Ka Band is off, you can select separate segments of the
band to turn on or off
KaN1 On* / Off Freq: 33.660 - 33.900 GHz KaN2 On* / Off Freq: 34.200 - 34.400 GHz KaN3 On* / Off Freq: 34.600 - 34.800 GHz KaN4 On* / Off Freq: 35.400 – 35.600 GHz
Ka-POP On / Off*
Laser On* / Off Laser Detection
TSR On* / Off Automatically rejects traffic flow sensors-monitoring false alarms
RDR On* / Off Radar Detection Rejection
Additional Preference options within ESCORT Live App when connected to PASSPORT
Cruise Alert 20 mph* Offers double-beep alert tones below specified speed Off / 20-90 mph
Speed Display On* Displays current speed Default ON when connected to app Off Displays Battery Voltage when Speed Display is turned off
Units English* / Metric Units for distance and speed
*Default Setting
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Understanding Your Detector
Interpreting Alerts
Although PASSPORT has a comprehensive warning
system, only experience will teach you what to expect from your detector and how to interpret what it tells you. The specific type of radar being used, the type of transmission (continuous or instant-on) and the location of the radar source affect the alerts you receive.
The following examples will give you an introduction to understanding your detector’s warning system for radar and laser alerts.
Alert Explanation
Detector begins to sound slowly; rate of alert You are approaching a continuous radar source increases until it becomes a solid tone. The aimed in your direction. signal meter ramps accordingly.
Detector emits short alerts for a few seconds An instant-on radar source is being used ahead then falls silent, only to briefly alert and fall of you and out of your view. silent again.
Detector suddenly sounds a continuous tone An instant-on radar or laser source is being used for the appropriate band received. nearby. This kind of alert requires immediate attention.
Detector sends a brief laser alert. Laser is being used in the area. Because laser is inherently difficult to detect, any laser alert may indicate a source very close by.
Detector receives weak signals. Signals may be A moving patrol car with continuous radar is a little stronger as you pass large, roadside overtaking you from behind. Because these objects. Signals increase in frequency. signals are reflected (reflections are increased by large objects), they may or may not eventually melt into a solid point, even when the patrol car is directly behind you.
Detector alerts slowly for a while then abruptly You are approaching a radar unit concealed by a jumps to a strong alert. hill or an obstructed curve.
Detector alerts intermittently. Rate and A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a strength of alerts may be consistent or vary radar source aimed forward. Because signals are wildly. sometimes reflected off of large objects and sometimes not, the alerts may seem inconsistent.
Detector alerts intermittently; rate and A patrol car is approaching from the other strength of signal increases with each alert. direction, sampling traffic with instant-on radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.
Detector gives an X band alert intermittently. You are driving through an area populated with radar motion sensors (e.g., door openers or burglar alarms). Since these transmitters are usually contained inside buildings or aimed toward or away from you, they are typically not as strong or lasting as a real radar encounter.
How Radar Works
Traffic radar, which consists of microwaves, travels in
straight lines and is easily reflected by objects such as cars, trucks, and even guardrails and overpasses. Radar works by directing its microwave beam down the road. As your vehicle travels into range, the microwave beam bounces off your car, and the radar antenna looks for the reflections. Using the Doppler principle, the radar equipment then calculates your
speed by comparing the frequency of the
reflection of your car to the original frequency of the beam sent out.
Traffic radar has limitations, the most significant of these being that it typically can monitor only one target at a time. If there is more than one
vehicle within range, it is up to the radar operator
to decide which target is producing the strongest reflection. Since the strength of the reflection is affected by both the size of the vehicle and its proximity to the antenna, it is difficult for the radar operator to determine if the signal is from a sports car nearby or a semi truck several hundred feet away.
Radar range also depends on the power of the radar equipment itself. The strength of the radar unit’s beam diminishes with distance. The farther the radar has to travel, the less energy it has for speed detection.
Because intrusion alarms and motion sensors often operate on the same frequency as X and K band radar, your detector will occasionally receive non­police radar signals. Since these X band transmitters are usually contained inside of a building or aimed toward the ground, they will generally produce much weaker readings than will a true radar encounter. As
you become familiar with the sources
of these pseudo alarms in your daily
driving, they will serve as
confirmation that the device’s radar
detection abilities are fully
operational.
How POP Works
POP works by transmitting an extremely short burst, within the allocated band, to identify speeding vehicles in traffic. Once the target is identified, or
“popped,” the gun is then turned to its normal
operating mode to provide a vehicle tracking history (required by law).
NOTE: According to radar gun manufacturers, tickets should not be issued in pop mode.
CAUTION: Overconfidence in an unfamiliar area can be dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in a commonly traveled area is suddenly stronger or on a different band than usual, speed radar may be set up nearby.
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Understanding Your Detector
Troubleshooting
How Laser Works
Laser speed detection is actually light detection and ranging (LIDAR). Laser guns project a beam of invisible infrared light. The signal is a series of very short infrared light energy pulses that move in a straight line, reflecting off your car and returning to the gun. Laser uses these light pulses to measure the distance to a vehicle. Speed is then calculated by measuring how quickly these pulses are reflected, given the known speed of light.
Laser is a newer technology whose use is not as widespread as conventional radar; therefore, you may not encounter it on a daily basis. And unlike radar detection, laser is not prone to false alarms. Because laser transmits a much narrower beam than does
radar, it is much more accurate in its ability to distinguish between targets and is also more difficult to detect. As a result, even the briefest laser alert should be taken seriously.
There are limitations to laser, however.
Laser is much more sensitive to weather conditions than radar, and a laser gun’s range will be decreased
by anything affecting visibility, such as
rain, fog or smoke. A laser gun cannot operate through glass, and it must be stationary to get an accurate reading. Because laser must have a clear line of sight and is subject to cosine error (an inaccuracy that increases as the angle between the gun and the vehicle increases), police typically use laser equipment parallel to the road or from an overpass. Laser can be used day or night.
How TSR Works
PASSPORT includes a new boost in anti-falsing software to eliminate excessive alerts from erroneous X and K band sources, such as traffic flow monitoring systems. These systems, which are becoming more widely used in several countries, generate K band signals to measure the flow of traffic on a given road. Unfortunately, most detectors see this as a real threat and will alert you to it unnecessarily. Our new proprietary software, TSR, intelligently sorts, ranks and rejects these types of false alarms automatically. The result is ultimate protection without excessive false alarms.
Problem Explanation/Solution
Detector beeps briefly at the same An X band motion sensor or intrusion alarm is located location every day, but no radar within range of your route. source is in sight.
Detector did not alert when a VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and police car was in view. Recorder), a may be in use.
Officer may not have radar or laser unit turned on.
Detector’s audible alerts become Detector is in AutoMute mode. See “AutoMute” in the softer after the first few alerts. Settings &
The power-on sequence reoccurs A loose power connection can cause PASSPORT
while you are driving. to be briefly power-on sequence. Check all connections.
You wish to restore the factory Press and hold the SEN and BRT buttons while
default settings. powering on the detector. A “Restored” message will display, acknowledging the reset.
The device will not turn on. Check that vehicle ignition is on.
Check all connections.
The display feels warm. It is normal for the device to feel warm.
The display is blank. PASSPORT is in Dark mode. Press the BRT
button to adjust the brightness.
stopwatch method of speed detection,
Preferences section for details.
disconnected and will retrigger the
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Software Updates
Service
Parts & Accessories
Warranty
PASSPORT is easily updated using our exclusive detector software tools found on our web site. Firmware, or the operating software for the detector, can be updated using these tools.
In order to have access to these updates, please register your PASSPORT at www.EscortRadar.com. Once registered, you will receive email notifications that updates are now available for your firmware. To handle your software you need to connect your PASSPORT to a computer first. You can connect PASSPORT to a computer via USB A / Mini B cable (not included).
To update your software, follow these simple steps: 1 Connect the mini USB end of the USB data cable to
PASSPORT. 2 Plug the standard USB connector end of the cable into your computer.
3 Log on to www.EscortRadar.com/download. 4 Follow the instructions online.
Service
To obtain service, contact ESCORT (800-543-1608) to obtain a Return Authorization Number. Properly pack your product and include: your name, complete return address, written description of the problem with your product, daytime telephone number and a copy of the original purchase receipt.
Label the outside of the package clearly with your Return Authorization Number.
Ship the product prepaid (insured, for your protection) to:
ESCORT Inc. Customer Service Department Return Authorization Number __________________ 5440 West Chester Road West Chester OH 45069
ESCORT Extended Service Plan
ESCORT offers an optional extended service plan. Contact ESCORT Sales for details at 800-433-3487.
The following accessories and replacement parts are
available for PASSPORT:
Coiled SmartCord
DirectWire SmartCord
Visit EscortRadar.com for selection and pricing.
ESCORT One-Year Limited Warranty
ESCORT warrants your PASSPORT device against all defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of the original purchase, subject to the following terms and conditions:
The sole responsibility of ESCORT under this warranty is limited to either repair or, at the option of ESCORT, replacement of PASSPORT. There are no expressed or implied warranties, including those of fitness for a particular purpose or merchantability, which extend beyond the face hereof. Some states do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.
This warranty does not cover installation, removal or
reinstallation charges. ESCORT is not liable for any incidental or consequential damages arising from the use, misuse, installation or mounting of PASSPORT. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific rights. You may have
other legal rights, which vary from state to state. This warranty does not apply if the serial number on the PASSPORT housing has been removed or if your PASSPORT device has been subjected to physical abuse, improper installation or modification.
FCC NOTE: Modifications not e xpressly approved by the manufacturer could void the user’s FCC granted authorit y to operate the equipment. FCC ID: QKLM4BT. Contains FCC ID: QKLBT1. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following t wo conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received
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including inter ference that may cause undesired operation.
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