CES Update - Bel STi Driver

[Radar Roy]

Here is the latest from CES Vegas

Day one (01/06/2005)

Once the doors opened, met with Bel and Escort....

Was met immediately with some bad news. One of Escort's finest, Scott Munson, passed away last week. Scott and I met on several occasions over the past several years and he was one of the leaders in the industry, Scott, you will be missed!

As far as the news that Escort/Bel is coming out with a NEW detector, false!

They maybe replacing some parts that are no longer available from the suppliers that they use, but the detectors will be basically the same.

STi Driver

Ok, this is what everyone is waiting for, got my hands on one of the STi drivers from their last run

From the box that the STi comes in, to the unit and accessories themselves, you’ll immediately notice that this is NOT your average radar detector.

The packaging that the STi comes in is twice the size of ANY detector that I have ever seen. Once you open it you find out why. They include this really cool chrome carrying case, an external speaker, direct wire smart cord, the normal smart cord, windshield mount, and Velcro mounting strips.

The only thing missing is the visor clip!

The detector itself feels that it is twice the weight of the 8500 or RX65. The detector has a magnesium case. LED lights are adjustable and very easy to see and read.

We plugged it in for the test that everyone is waiting for, the STi vs the Specte

The STi was undetectable!

The STi alerted with a Ka alert if the Spectre III was closer then 24” away from the unit.

A nice feature is the three operating modes. Along with City, Highway and AutoScan, there is a City No X mode

On our return to Arizona on Sunday ( a 250 mile trip) we will be putting the unit through its paces on the Hwy.

Will post more in the next message regarding CES

[jimbonzzz]

As far as the news that Escort/Bel is coming out with a NEW detector, false!

They maybe replacing some parts that are no longer available from the suppliers that they use, but the detectors will be basically the same.

Dang it, that sucks!

Now we'll have to test two different versions of the RX-65 AND two different versions of the X50 to see if there are any significant performance differences due to the different RF receiver sections...

[Radar Roy]

Ok, continuing with CES

Got to play with Microsoft’s new operating system, Vista. I really like the new browser, Explorer seven was also very impressive with some nice features

Whistler:

Whistler has several new units coming out in the next few months, the Fuzion (pillar mounted detector), XTR-425, XTR 220, XTr 325

They appear to be very good, mid priced units. When they are available, we will put them to the test

Cobra:

Cobra also has a new line up, still advertising that they have Spectre I alerts (even though all Spectre I units were upgraded to Spectre II or III) and the 12 band protection. One of their new models will have Ku band (just incase that Kustom radar can figure out how to make their Ku gun work properly)

Was not impressed with the rep they had in the detectors section. Asked several (basic) technical questions that seemed over his head. It almost felt that I was dealing with a 16 year old sales rep at some discount electronics store that didn’t know his product

RMR:

They are at the show and waved at Mike Churchman as I walked by…

Mike has a “glazed” look on his face, but their booth was packed

Tomorrow (Saturday) will meet with Escort/Bel again and look at some other neat toys..

Reporting from CES, Radar Roy

[AirMoore]

As far as the news that Escort/Bel is coming out with a NEW detector, false!

They maybe replacing some parts that are no longer available from the suppliers that they use, but the detectors will be basically the same.

Dang it, that sucks!

Now we'll have to test two different versions of the RX-65 AND two different versions of the X50 to see if there are any significant performance differences due to the different RF receiver sections...

Yeah that does stink... not only for you guys....but for people hoping to see yet another detector from the Belscort crew. O' well you know you have fun during testing. :wink:

Can't wait to see what the STI can do under driving conditions.

Also Roy:
Will a Visor-Mount be availiable for the STI? (I would assume so...but maybe you talked to them about it).

[Radar Roy]

Maybe didn't explain it properly...

It is the same detector, same parts, just different suppliers of the parts???

The normal visor clip will work that they have for the 8500 and the RX65

[laserblaster]

your mike churchmans worst nightmare!

[AirMoore]

The normal visor clip will work that they have for the 8500 and the RX65

Alright...wasn't 100% sure because of the weight difference (seemingly double that of the RX65/X50) between the detectors. Thanks!

[AirMoore]

your mike churchmans worst nightmare!

[laserblaster]

its sad to hear of an electronic technician passing away... thoughts are with his family..

[jimbonzzz]

Also Roy:
Will a Visor-Mount be availiable for the STI? (I would assume so...but maybe you talked to them about it).

Yes, the same clip for the RX-65 etc works for the STi.

I have never used suction cup mounts. The new STI has the buttons on the front, making it MUCH more friendly for mounting high, instead of having buttons on the top surface of the unit, which IMHO is the wrong idea.

Belscort's reason for not including a visor clip is to discourage high mounting behind the tint strip because it might diminish your laser protection. But I think they should leave mounting decisions up to the customer.

The extra cost isn't much of a concern since they are only $4, but it does kind of suck that if I pay $450 for the detector, I'll have to be hassled with ordering extra mounting hardware, yet the unit comes with an external speaker I'll never use? IMHO they should include this $4 piece of metal as a standard feature with this $450 unit!

Jim