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Thread: STI question(s)

  1. #1
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    Default STI question(s)

    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.

  2. #2
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    Default Re: STI question(s)

    Quote Originally Posted by Asa
    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?.
    Yes but as with the V1 you are trading a headache for an upset stomach as you have to hide the extra wire from the RD to the remote unit. The STI has dark modes which shuts off all or some of the indicators at your discretion and just uses the audio alerts. After you use it for a little while this should be sufficient if you can't put the RD in a place where it is not visible from the outside. If not you can use the supplied box with the Led and the mute button and hide the extra cord somewhere.

    Quote Originally Posted by Asa
    Concern #2:

    Heat -- a bad sign in any piece of electronics. So hot that error codes start popping up?.
    Not in my experience but it hasn't been over 80 or so yet this year. If you have it decently hidden inside the car it probably shouldn't be exposed to direct sunlight. In any event so far so good with the car sitting for hours in the sun at the golf course.


    Quote Originally Posted by Asa
    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).
    I don't know where this comes from. The people on this board who have had both seem to think the STI is as good or better then the V1. Since I don't have a V1 I really can't say. I can say the STI has always given me plenty of warning in the encounters I have been personally involved in.

    Quote Originally Posted by Asa
    Concern #4

    Beltronics. This company seems shady as far as customer support, zero upgradability (planned obsolescence), and untruth as to firmware bugs..
    Your on your own on this one.

    Quote Originally Posted by Asa
    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.
    I don't know about the less range, gets hot or for that matter the laser detection as I have mine high in the windshield (C6 Corvette) to maximize radar detection. Actually I haven't come across a Lidar unit anywhere around here or if I did I certainly didn't see it and the operator certainly didn't get me.


    Hope this helps with your decision.

  3. #3
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    Living in Virginia I would say your best bet would be the STi. Anywhere else I would opt for the V1.

  4. #4
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    Default Re: STI question(s)

    Quote Originally Posted by ronsc1985
    Yes but as with the V1 you are trading a headache for an upset stomach as you have to hide the extra wire from the RD to the remote unit. The STI has dark modes which shuts off all or some of the indicators at your discretion and just uses the audio alerts. After you use it for a little while this should be sufficient if you can't put the RD in a place where it is not visible from the outside. If not you can use the supplied box with the Led and the mute button and hide the extra cord somewhere.
    I see your point about the V1 and wiring, but that's really not a big deal for any competent installer -- the expense comes with the custom mounting of the remote unit and the kill switch (bondo, plexi, etc) in the ashtray.

    I am curious about the following:

    1) Do you have a kill switch installed?

    2) Does the STI have rearward facing radar & laser antennas like the V1?

    Roy seems to be the best STI ordering option to ensure current firmware -- Anyone know what Roy's waiting list looks like now?.

    As far as detection range, here's what VR had to say on the subject (STI vs V1):

    We have purchased several STi's. While they are an improvement over the previous BEL unit, we still beat them in range.

  5. #5
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    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?
    either one can be wired and the remote display placed where you want.
    the STI is a blinking light and the V1 has a display that matches the information of the main unit.



    Concern #2:

    Heat -- a bad sign in any piece of electronics. So hot that error codes start popping up?
    So far no problems like that have been reported with the STI, but summer is just approaching, so the jury's still out on that one.
    all detectors get hot. my V1 would be "burning" to the touch and still worked. the STI can get very hot too. i suspect the casing has a lot to do with it. if it's acting like a heatsink, then it's doing its job.


    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)
    none.
    the STI can easily hang with the V1. i've seen the STI beat out a V1 and it can hang with my SR7's which are about on par with my V1 that i had.
    both V1 and STI will perform very well.


    Concern #4

    Beltronics. This company seems shady as far as customer support, zero upgradability (planned obsolescence), and untruth as to firmware bugs.
    don't know what to tell you here. some people have good and bad to say about Bel and V1 support and firmware issues.

    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?
    he also has an X50 and he seems to like the STI better at this point.

    I would consider the STI, V1 , X50, and Rx65 to all be good detectors with different features and very good performance. you will find people that have these and love them and others who have had them and didn't.



    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.

    well this last part sounds like an ad for a V1.
    remember, sometimes they won't have radar on and if you don't see them first they will detect the V1 from much further away.
    that and a new RDD is coming out with directional indicators which would make things worse for detector owners, including V1 owners.


    i would install a killswitch.

    Sti has rearward laser but not rearward radar.

    i think Roy just got some STI's in. PM him if you want one.

    As for quoting VR, well everyone company advertises they are the best.

    they also bought those from the very first batch of STIs.

    good luck and enjoy whatever you get.

  6. #6
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    RacerX:

    is rearward laser of any use? Can it be disabled on the STI? I'm thinking of a stealth install that would obscure the rear antenna's line of sight is why I ask.

    BTW, this is one example of the apparently heat-related error code that has been reported on this forum:

    http://www.radardetector.net/new-sti...age-11999t.php

  7. #7
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    I don't believe it can be disabled (short of disabling LIDAR reception) but in any case, who cares, if it is obstructed it simply won't alert.

  8. #8
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    Default Re: STI question(s)

    Quote Originally Posted by Asa
    I am curious about the following:

    1) Do you have a kill switch installed?

    2) Does the STI have rearward facing radar & laser antennas like the V1?

    Roy seems to be the best STI ordering option to ensure current firmware -- Anyone know what Roy's waiting list looks like now?.
    No I do not have a kill switch installed as there is no need for one. If you want it off just use the pwr switch on the STI. The detector is powered whenever the ignition is on. The connection is from a power source in the rear view mirror which was an easy 30 second wiring job using a small length hunk of the supplied wires. I actually have a similar setup in another car and I switch the detector if I am making a trip.

    The rear facing laser is probably not effective at all in the Vette since it is mounted high on the windshield and is not even visible from the rear of the car. Possibly the beam might bounce off something in the car but I wouldn't bet on it.

  9. #9
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    Quote Originally Posted by Asa
    RacerX:

    is rearward laser of any use? Can it be disabled on the STI? I'm thinking of a stealth install that would obscure the rear antenna's line of sight is why I ask.

    BTW, this is one example of the apparently heat-related error code that has been reported on this forum:

    http://www.radardetector.net/new-sti...age-11999t.php
    for most detectors, not really. the only detector i've seen that is pretty consistent at rear laser is a V1, since it has a dedicated rear laser antenna. on the STI it's tied into the front laser antenna like Escorts are. if you have a stealth install it won't pick up anything anyway. you could always put a small piece of black elec tape over it and you would be guaranteed to not pick up anything. ( it's at the upper front corner on top.)

    as for the heat issue, i wouldn't consider one case to be cause for concern "just yet."
    i let mine sit on the lower bottom of the windshield all day to really bake and it worked fine. it's approaching 100 here and the car is at least that until the AC is cranked.

    one thing to remember is that the STI came out in the winter, that's why i said the jury's still out on heat related issues. i will continue to test mine out as i'm sure others will.
    when they designed it they tested it against extreme heat and cold, but i don't remember the temp ranges off hand.( they use a machine for it)


    also, i got to see it perform in a real world scenario today. i was the lead vehicle and the wife was behind me in her car. she had the STI mounted low and i have my SR7's. (mounted high)
    we were headed home when i called her up to ask if it had falsed at all during the drive and it didn't (neither did my SR7's) i was getting ready to point my laser/radar tester behind me to see if the STI would detect it when i got a k band blip to the front. at the same time she got a k band blip on the STI. about 1/4 mile down the road was a Deputy running k band pointing at traffic coming towards us (the gun was pointed away from us). (instant on)
    so it performed very well in this instance.
    however, to the rear is a different story. as we continued maybe 3/4-1 mile i picked up a rear k blip from the rear antenna. the STI had stayed quiet. the rear performance isn't quite a fair comparison, but nonetheless that's what happened.

    i was several car lengths ahead, and yes it did also detect my tester on k and ka. (we were still on the phone, since we were going to stop for some laser tests, but that's a different thread.)

  10. #10
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    One more question. My car doesn't have a tint strip, rather it has a roughly 6x4" patch of windshield glass in front of the rear view mirror covered with a dark, perforated film (picture: painted sheet with holes like a sieve) -- will this material occlude radar & laser signals to the detector?

 

 

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