I'm debating between an STI and a V1. I live in N. Va.
The V1 is a known quantity to me, however I fear the VA po pos now have some spectres.
So the question becomes, "is a STI a viable replacement"?
A search of this forum did not render adequate information. Please forgive me if this has already been addressed...
Concern #1:
Due to Beltronics seeming inability to write advertising copy, I am unsure if this accessory is analogous to a V1 remote unit:
https://www.beltronics.com/cp/cgi-bi...pg=prod&ref=50
Specifically in the sense that:
a) It has a mute button, and
b) the STI main unit goes dark (no LED activity) while this accessory is connected.
Ultimately, can a V1-style stealth install be achieved with an STI, or will relentless blinking lights broadcast its presence to the curious?
Concern #2:
Heat -- a bad sign in any piece of electronics. So hot that error codes start popping up?
Concern #3:
Range -- What percentage of diminished range is there in contrast to a V1 (which can routinely spot VSP always on radar traps with time to spare) -- a percentage # (e.g., the STI will report K/Ka radar with 75% less range than a V1)
Concern #4
Beltronics. This company seems shady as far as customer support, zero upgradability (planned obsolescence), and untruth as to firmware bugs.
Concern #5
Not too many vocal STI users on this forum aside from Jamal. Not sure what Jamal might have used before, but STI is good compared to what?
So on one hand we have the V1, which aside from the "j" bug is the best detector available for range, laser detection and stealth installs, all vital for people in VA -- the only drawback is the VA cops getting (or having) spectres.
Then we have the STI, a new piece of hardware produced by a shady company, that gets hot, has less range, lower laser detection, and unknown stealthability.
All this aside, if the STI can be installed with a remote unit in an identical fasion to the V1, it's a clear winner in VA should the worst be true about RDDs.
I'll be enternally grateful for the answers to these questions.
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