Why I will never buy a radar detector on Craigslist again - No sound

[ComputernerdBD]

Well my RX-65 didn't last 18 hours before the first problem and this is a big one. No audio coming from the speaker and very low audio when I plug in headphones. Still starts up fine. Beltronics refuses to warranty it and they want $80 to fix it. Should I just accept the fact that it is broken and crush it or should I open it and see if it is the speaker or headphone jack that is broken and try to get it fixed elsewhere? My 78SE is back in the truck indefinitely and even if I fix this Beltronics unit, I already lost my trust in the brand and I don't plan on ever using one it in my truck again. Could this be an easy fix or should I just write it off?

[Mandingo]

Well my RX-65 didn't last 18 hours before the first problem and this is a big one. No audio coming from the speaker and very low audio when I plug in headphones. Still starts up fine. Beltronics refuses to warranty it and they want $80 to fix it. Should I just accept the fact that it is broken and crush it or should I open it and see if it is the speaker or headphone jack that is broken and try to get it fixed elsewhere? My 78SE is back in the truck indefinitely and even if I fix this Beltronics unit, I already lost my trust in the brand and I don't plan on ever using one it in my truck again. Could this be an easy fix or should I just write it off?

Radio Shack has very small cheap speakers.

Maybe if you open it up and wire one of these speakers to the rd speaker wires and see if this helps.

almost sounds like a semi-short in the audio wiring or the audio amp has gone bad.

if it's just the speaker you could do that but the other would be a bi-tch to fix imo.

[Mandingo]

Bels seem to really have problems with their speakers for some reason.

[ComputernerdBD]

The Radioshack speaker appeared too big (1-1/4"), so I didn't get one, but maybe they have smaller ones at other locations?

How do I open it up? All I see is one screw. Should I open it up?

Oh no. What does that entail to fix?

I used the Aux out jack once before that to connect the detector to my radio, but not sure what that could have to do with this.

Oh really? I thought Whistlers are problematic, which is why I chose Beltronics. This one is allegedly only 6 months old. The guy who I bought it from is irate and said there is no history of speaker problems with Beltronics. I didn't accuse him of anything on the phone, but just asked for the paperwork on the detector and he became really really pissed and said I must have done something or my truck must have done something, but never have I had electrical problems with the truck or any electronics I put in it (plus the detector was the only thing on at the time).

[Mandingo]

The Radioshack speaker appeared too big (1-1/4"), so I didn't get one, but maybe they have smaller ones at other locations?

How do I open it up? All I see is one screw. Should I open it up?

Oh no. What does that entail to fix?

I used the Aux out jack once before that to connect the detector to my radio, but not sure what that could have to do with this.

Oh really? I thought Whistlers are problematic, which is why I chose Beltronics. This one is allegedly only 6 months old. The guy who I bought it from is irate and said there is no history of speaker problems with Beltronics. I didn't accuse him of anything on the phone, but just asked for the paperwork on the detector and he became really really pissed and said I must have done something or my truck must have done something, but never have I had electrical problems with the truck or any electronics I put in it (plus the detector was the only thing on at the time).

Yes that's very possible. What model is it exactly ? Some models are a real ***** to open.

Apparently he doesn't know about the well known bell speaker problem or is pretending he doesn't.

There is no way to know.

I have never seen a car electronics do anything to a Bell.

I have been very fortunate with my bells but a whole lot of people have not.

what I would do is any very very small speaker to check if that's the problem

If it is a internet electronics parts store I bet will have a similar one of that size for cheap.

[Mandingo]

Oh I see it's a RX-65. I have never personally taken apart one of those.

80 dollars for a fix ?

Ebay it and tell about the problem ? How much did it cost you?

[ComputernerdBD]

RX-65 Red Display

Well he want's to look at it for himself and was really irate on the phone and with texts, so that won't happen.

Well he was even concerned about it since I have a GPS, Radar detector, Sirius, computer with touchscreen (haven't used in MONTHS since I am trying to fix it) and a Pioneer aftermarket headunit (just put in 2 months ago. No amp, cheap aftermarket speakers) with a USB flash drive for my music and some LED lights. Never had an issue related to what I connect to my truck except that I had to replace the original alternator 2 years ago because the bearings were wearing out and the battery failed last year (only 3 months old at the time. Internal fault. New battery solved it). He was quick to blame my car and said the voltages must have been bad, but when it is off it is 12.6 and on it is around 14.

So what would be the best way to proceed without blowing $80 on sending it to Beltronics? If it is a bad speaker, quite frankly that is a bit much to spend and if there are further problems I don't want to keep spending money on this money pit.

[Mandingo]

RX-65 Red Display

Well he want's to look at it for himself and was really irate on the phone and with texts, so that won't happen.

Well he was even concerned about it since I have a GPS, Radar detector, Sirius, computer with touchscreen (haven't used in MONTHS since I am trying to fix it) and a Pioneer aftermarket headunit (just put in 2 months ago. No amp, cheap aftermarket speakers) with a USB flash drive for my music and some LED lights. Never had an issue related to what I connect to my truck except that I had to replace the original alternator 2 years ago because the bearings were wearing out and the battery failed last year (only 3 months old at the time. Internal fault. New battery solved it). He was quick to blame my car and said the voltages must have been bad, but when it is off it is 12.6 and on it is around 14.

So what would be the best way to proceed without blowing $80 on sending it to Beltronics? If it is a bad speaker, quite frankly that is a bit much to spend and if there are further problems I don't want to keep spending money on this money pit.

pretty much the 80 dollar route is your best option now sadly.

at least it will get fixed.

you could ask him to split the 80 dollar cost seeing as it went bad so fast after you got it.

[ComputernerdBD]

I got it open safely and found no loose wires, but the speaker isn't soldered to the board. It is a plug. I measured it and found it is 1-1/8" wide. Is this the right replacement? 8-Ohm Mini Speaker : Mini Speakers | RadioShack.com

Maybe I should try this first? What do I do? Cut the wires so I have alot left after the plug and solder the new speaker wires on?

But when I turn it on all I hear are faint pops where the initial startup noises are supposed to happen when I hold my ear to the speaker.

This thing is so new that Beltronics not warrantying it is beyond crazy. This thing passed quality control July 2011! It is less than a year old.

[Mandingo]

I got it open safely and found no loose wires, but the speaker isn't soldered to the board. It is a plug. I measured it and found it is 1-1/8" wide. Is this the right replacement? 8-Ohm Mini Speaker : Mini Speakers | RadioShack.com

Maybe I should try this first? What do I do? Cut the wires so I have alot left after the plug and solder the new speaker wires on?

But when I turn it on all I hear are faint pops where the initial startup noises are supposed to happen when I hold my ear to the speaker.

This thing is so new that Beltronics not warrantying it is beyond crazy. This thing passed quality control July 2011! It is less than a year old.

looks good.

desoldier the original speaker wires and then take the wires and hold them to the spots where the old ones were connected but on the new speakers same spots, Then hook it up and see if you get it to work.