The PNI Escort HP 8500 represents a revolutionary 2-in-1 hybrid innovation in vehicle communications, seamlessly combining a full-featured, multi-standard CB (Citizen Band) car radio with a high-fidelity MP3 digital media player and FM broadcast receiver. Engineered specifically to fit directly into a standard 1-DIN dashboard slot, this unique system is the ultimate space-saving dashboard upgrade for long-haul truck drivers, delivery operators, road-trippers, and daily commuters. Designed for dual-voltage compatibility, it runs flawlessly on both 12V and 24V vehicle electrical systems without requiring external voltage drops or converters.
When operating in CB Radio mode, the Escort HP 8500 delivers powerful, crystal-clear 4 Watt RF communications across both AM and FM bands (featuring 80 channels in FM and 40 channels in AM). To tackle harsh highway static, the station is equipped with a premium 5-level Automatic Squelch (ASQ) system alongside an ultra-precise 28-level manual squelch, ensuring you only hear clean voice transmissions. Additionally, it features advanced operating protocols like Dual Watch—allowing you to monitor two channels simultaneously—automatic channel scanning, built-in memory channels, standard keyboard lock, and an adjustable Automatic RF Gain (ARF) system with 6 selectable attenuation levels to fine-tune signal reception.
With a simple flick of the dedicated front-panel CB/MP3 toggle button, the device immediately transitions into a high-performance digital MP3 Media Player. In this mode, users can play high-fidelity audio from a massive variety of inputs. It features a built-in Bluetooth receiver with up to 10 meters of wireless range for seamless smartphone streaming, a front-panel USB port, and a MicroSD card slot supporting up to 32 GB storage. The internal DAC reads advanced lossless audio codecs including MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, MP4, M4A, WAV, and AIF. For private monitoring, the front panel includes a dedicated 1-pin headphone jack for MP3 playback, alongside a standard 2-pin PNI-K type jack for connecting professional hands-free headsets while operating the CB radio.
Physically measuring 180 x 160 x 52 mm and weighing only 900 grams, the PNI Escort HP 8500 features an extremely modern front panel accentuated by a customizable, multi-color illuminated LCD screen. Users can easily change the backlight color to perfectly match their vehicle’s dashboard cluster, choosing between vibrant blue, red, purple, green, cyan, yellow, or light blue. The rear panel is fully optimized for clean, professional vehicle integration, sporting standard ISO connections for speaker power routing, RCA outputs for external amplifier connection, and a robust SO-239 antenna connector. Complete with a 1-DIN mounting frame, a heavy-duty RJ45 hand microphone, and a supportive hands-free headphone set, this hybrid unit is the ultimate companion to stay entertained and connected on the road.
Key Features
- 2-in-1 Hybrid Innovation: Combines a standard multi-standard 4W CB radio with an advanced digital MP3 player.
- Multi-Input Media Player: Play audio via Bluetooth 5.0 (up to 10m), USB, MicroSD (up to 32GB), or FM broadcast radio.
- Dual-Voltage Compatibility: Operates natively on 12V and 24V power circuits, perfect for both cars and heavy trucks.
- 1-DIN Standard Size: Designed to fit directly into any standard dashboard slot for a clean, integrated aesthetic.
- Multi-Color Backlit Display: Customizable LCD backlight with 7 selectable colors (Blue, Red, Purple, Green, Cyan, Yellow, Light Blue).
- Advanced Squelch & RF Gain: Features 5-level Automatic Squelch (ASQ), 28 manual squelch levels, and 6 levels of RF Gain.
- Premium Connectivity Options: Includes front USB, SD slots, AUX inputs, 1-pin MP3 headphone jack, and a standard 2-pin Kenwood (PNI-K) port.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | PNI |
| Model Designation | Escort HP 8500 |
| Product Type | 1-DIN CB Radio Station & MP3 Media Player |
| Operating Voltage | 12V / 24V DC Auto-sensing |
| CB Band Modulation | AM / FM (Multi-Standard) |
| Channels | 80 FM / 40 AM |
| CB Frequency Range | 26.965 – 27.405 MHz |
| RF Transmit Power | 4 Watts (AM / FM) |
| Squelch & Gain Settings | 5-Level Automatic Squelch (ASQ) | 28-Level Manual Squelch | 6-Level RF Gain |
| Media Player Codec Support | MP3, WMA, APE, FLAC, AAC, MP4, M4A, WAV, AIF |
| Storage Slot Capacity | MicroSD / USB (Up to 32 GB max) |
| Bluetooth Connection Range | Up to 10 meters (approx. 33 feet) |
| Microphone Connector | RJ45 Multi-pin |
| Rear Ports & Outputs | ISO Connector, RCA Audio Outputs, PL-259 Antenna Jack |
| Operating Temperatures | -26 °C to +80 °C |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 180 x 160 x 52 mm |
| Net Weight | 900 g |
Package Content
- 1x PNI Escort HP 8500 Hybrid CB Radio & MP3 Player
- 1x RJ45 Dynamic Hand Microphone
- 1x 1-DIN Mounting Cage (with release keys)
- 1x Standard U-Type Mounting Bracket (with mounting screws)
- 1x PNI-K Dual-Pin Wired Headset with Microphone
- 1x Dedicated Microphone Holder Hook
- 1x ISO Cable Loom / Power Connection Cables Set
- 1x User Reference Manual
