6-position 4-conductor modular connector at the Radar Detector
The ESCORT Solo S2 and Passport series (including the 8500, 8500 X50, 9500i, and Solo S3) share a proprietary power and control connector that ESCORT describes in its own documentation as a “telephone-type connector” and a “4-conductor connector”. The connector accepts the SmartCord accessory, which supplies 12 V DC from a vehicle lighter socket and routes control signals for the cord’s built-in alert indicator and mute button. Although the housing resembles a standard 6-position modular shell, only four conductor positions are occupied; pins 5 and 6 are absent from the plug. The Solo S2 is a cordless (battery-operated) detector for which the SmartCord is an optional accessory; the Passport 8500 includes a coiled SmartCord as standard. A separate 3.5 mm earphone jack is also present on the right front side of each detector and is electrically independent of this connector.
| Radar Detector Name | Radar Detector Pin | Direction | Wires Pin | Wires Name | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED | 1 | → | 1 | LED | 12VDC In > 470-Ohn > Power LED > Detector > Alert LED > 2N3904 > 680k > Ground and 10k > Pin 2 |
| 12+ | 2 | ← | 2 | 12+ | 12VDC Positive |
| GND | 3 | ← | 3 | GND | Ground |
| Mute | 4 | ← | 4 | Mute | Remote Mute - Use N/O Switch - Terminate after switch with 470-Ohm |
Signals
- LED — bidirectional alert-LED signal line; the SmartCord’s built-in indicator LED is driven via a 2N3904 transistor circuit with 680 kΩ and 10 kΩ resistors; a remote alert LED can be wired using the same circuit topology.
- 12+ — +12 V DC positive supply from the SmartCord; the detector requires 12 V DC negative-ground operation when powered via this connector.
- GND — negative ground return; common ground for power and control signals.
- Mute — remote mute input; activated by a normally-open switch in series with a 470 Ω resistor connected between this pin and GND (pin 3).
Notes
The connector housing is a 6-position modular shell but carries only 4 conductors; positions 5 and 6 are physically absent from the SmartCord plug. ESCORT’s own manuals do not use the designations “RJ11”, “RJ12”, or “6P6C” — the official term is “telephone-type connector” or “4-conductor connector”. The connector accepts 12 V DC negative-ground only; reverse polarity or positive-ground vehicles are not supported. The SmartCord is available in two variants: a coiled lighter-socket cord (included with Passport models) and an 8 ft Direct-wire SmartCord for concealed in-dash installation. No official ESCORT document has been published that specifies pin numbers, wire colours, or circuit timing for this connector.