STI Ramp Up Fix For Audio

[thetruth]

Does anyone know if the alert lamp now pulses with the audio alert after the newest (like since mid December) firmware flash? Or is it still just slow/fast like the audio was in 2 steps only?

I know Michael had said in a post fairly recent Bel says it's not an issue...it's 2 step audio and that's it, no fix required...just wondering if any of you might have recently had one flashed and by some miracle it was fixed.

Also, it seems a little confusing to some maybe...the ramp up discussion isn't about the meter display like the issue on the 9500i...to my understanding it's just audio...meter seems fine.

[specialchicken]

still crap...a rumor is going around that the ramp up is fixed with a new firmware...no one can confirm it tho

[Virion]

Bel is not acknowledging the ramp up problem. Here is the email I received today from Bel.

Thanks for your interest in Beltronics!
We do not have a ramp up problem with the STi. If yours is not performing properly we can certainly repair it. We have nothing like the 9500i had in regards to the ramp up. If you need to have us service your STi Driver, please call our Customer Service Department.
Regards,
Customer Service Department

I followed this up with an email to 4 links from different sites citing the problem and asked the rep to politely pass this email along to the appropriate tech support personnel.

[specialchicken]

Everyone should band together and complain to Beltronics about the crappy ramp up, if we all complain, they may do something about it...come on lets do this, email Beltronics:

belradarsupport@beltronics.com

[Julius_911]

What's the problem?

I searched the forums and found tons of hits on this ramp-up problem but I still don't know what it is..Are you saying that the audio and alert are not in sync? Meaning, a light comes on but the audio alerts you later?


Thanks

[Virion]

It only has 2 tone rates, alow and fast instead of a gradial climb.

[specialchicken]

yeah it goes K1 beep....beep....beep.....K6 Beep..beep..beep K9 beep..beep..beep.

It should go like the V1 or 9500i K1 beep....................beep...................... ....beep..........................K4 beep.............beep.............beep K7 beep...beep...beep K9 bbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppppppppp

I got a reply from bel, almost word for word on the above email!! terrible, just proves that Beltronics dont listen to us as consumers!

EMAIL THEM NOW

[thetruth]

yeah it goes K1 beep....beep....beep.....K6 Beep..beep..beep K9 beep..beep..beep.

It should go like the V1 or 9500i K1 beep....................beep...................... ....beep..........................K4 beep.............beep.............beep K7 beep...beep...beep K9 bbeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeppppppppppppppp

I got a reply from bel, almost word for word on the above email!! terrible, just proves that Beltronics dont listen to us as consumers!

EMAIL THEM NOW

I'm with ya specialchicken and Virion....if I'm running in dark mode the audio alert is especially lame, or tec mode...I wonder if it's like that because of the alert lamp?

Anyways...I will let ya know what Bel says.

[specialchicken]

ok yeah, dark mode is useless due to the ramp up!


EVERYONE MUST EMAIL THEM

[RW'07]

I live in Ontario and always keep it in low dim, day and night, also I have no issues with the audio ramp-up, I got used with how STI is working and alerting to radar threats and so far it's done a pretty damn good job :D 8) :wink: also 7/7 successful real police laser alerts so far :D

[specialchicken]

I live in Ontario and always keep it in low dim, day and night, also I have no issues with the audio ramp-up, I got used with how STI is working and alerting to radar threats and so far it's done a pretty *BEEP* good job :D 8) :wink: also 7/7 successful real police laser alerts so far :D

yeah but i bet if you had a real ramp up like the V1 or 95001 you would realise how crap your ramp up is!

[sti'er]

I'm also a fellow Ontarion with an STI. My previous detector, which I bought for the same reason; undetectability was an ancient Uniden. I can honestly say I would rather drive with the crappy Uniden as far as ramp up is concerned. For a $450 dollar detector the STI ramp up falls incredibly short.

On the bright side, I now OWN the OPP.

[RW'07]

yeah but i bet if you had a real ramp up like the V1 or 95001 you would realise how crap your ramp up is!

I know all about this issue as I used to run an Escort S2 for a year before I got the STI, of course STI's ramp up is pretty ugly in sound and lacks the medium beeps (it does the slow and the fast beeps only) but personally I can live with it, STEALTH and very good effectiveness is what I'm looking for in a very good RD...

[RW'07]

I'm also a fellow Ontarion with an STI. My previous detector, which I bought for the same reason; undetectability was an ancient Uniden. I can honestly say I would rather drive with the crappy Uniden as far as ramp up is concerned. For a $450 dollar detector the STI ramp up falls incredibly short.

On the bright side, I now OWN the OPP.

Use it wisely and drive safely... and welcome aboard :wink: :)

[thetruth]

MEM-TEK
Radar Fanatic
Radar Fanatic


Joined: 21 Feb 2007
Posts: 1569


PostPosted: Sat Dec 08, 2007 9:23 am Post subject: Reply with quote
During my online chat on Escort's web site a couple of days ago, Aaron walked over to the Bel service department and talked to their senior service tech. He came back and told me that there now is a fix for the STi's audio ramp-up issue and gave me a RMA number. I have to pay shipping to Bel since my STi isn't broken or displaying "service required", but that is no big deal.

The biggest issue which Redline would want to check is if his STi definitely has the 33.8 bugfix if his STi displays a version number of A4M9 rather than an earlier firmware version (as documented by stealthJamal) or the latest displayed firmware version of A7M9. I found out that the very slow automatic display dimmining/brightening change is the only obvious way to confirm that the A4M9 software is actually the new software which incorporates the 33.8 bugfix.

Redline, see my thread about the bugfix from a few months back and how to test your STi's display dimming if its firmware displays A4M9:

The STi's new firmware flash for the 33.8 bug...

If your STi's display dims/brightens really slowly and in steps as described, then rest assured that your STi has the 33.8 bugfix along with increased sensitivity on all radar bands due to new processing algorithms within the new firmware. I hope this helps and that you confirm that your STi has, at minimum, the 33.8 bugfix! Apparently the only very recent change to the STi firmware is a fix for the audio ramp-up to give it a true audio ramp-up instead of just either slow or fast beeps. Smile

Best regards, and welcome to the forum!

--Michael
_________________
In general, a Cobra radar detector is a cop's best friend -- mediocre to poor performance on various bands and frequencies, and easy to detect with the Spectre.

DISCLAIMER: Since 90% of my posts may be BS, and since my posts may be either insanely idiotic, incoherent, and/or not even close to a rational thought, please accord my posts no more than 10% of credibility. Smile
_______________________
Radar detectors which I use:
9500i, STi and V995.

Vintage radar detectors which I own:
Too many to mention. My Vintage Radar Detector collection.

Ok...IS there a audio ramp up fix or no???

In a post in this same thread from MeM-Tek Happya$$ says no there is not.

Did you get yours back with a fix Michael?.....You may have posted somewhere you did...I don't see it.

[specialchicken]

nope..BS, no ramp up fix, my firmware is way newer than that date and it still sucks!! this is the 2nd STi i had

[Virion]

All I ask is for everyone to email beltronic at belradarsupport@beltronics.com. There is no valid reason they shouldn't be able to fix the audio ramp up to an acceptable level through a firmware update. If they don't receive any complaints, they will not address the issue. For $450 the ramp up should be perfect. I have no problems with the STi other than this. There are of course features I would like to have, but those aren't complaints. I have no choice living in Virginia. I could stick my V1 back up in the windshield, but even though the chances of me getting caught are currently slim to none, I find myself always looking over my shoulder to see if a VA State Leo is following. I do not do this with my STi. I have the comfort of knowing it's not going to be detected. I have to run in dark mode at night. Even on min brightness, it's red glow is still very distinguishable at quite some distance. Memtek went out of his way to show everyone how to dim the brightness further, but opening up the STi to do this isn't something I wish to embark upon until it's out of warranty. That's along way off.

[thetruth]

Hi,

I bought my STI new and have been using it for about 3 weeks now. Recently I used my unit in dark mode and suddenly it become clear that audio is only 2 steps? slow or fast? My audio fails to Geiger in step with the visual meter...This makes it difficult to determine the threat proximity to my location.

My Mfg date code is 05-06 Version A2 M8. Should my unit be flashed to resolve this issue?

************************************************** *************

Sent Em that...try to be short, sweet and non-confrontational about it....hard things for me to do...let ya'll know what they say

[RW'07]

Hi,

I bought my STI new and have been using it for about 3 weeks now. Recently I used my unit in dark mode and suddenly it become clear that audio is only 2 steps? slow or fast? My audio fails to Geiger in step with the visual meter...This makes it difficult to determine the threat proximity to my location.

My Mfg date code is 05-06 Version A2 M8. Should my unit be flashed to resolve this issue?

A2M8 is a pretty old vers, mine bought from Roy in Sept. 06 is A4M9 so why do you think it was brand-new (sealed box) when you bought it, and from where?
Yes, if you want to bring it all up-to-date it will need the latest reflash done by Beltronics only...

[licamell]

I emailed belscort as well. Let's get all STi owners (and heck, even those who don't but might in the future) to email them and tell them how we feel!

[thetruth]

AND The ANswer IS:
************************************************** ****

Thank you for your interest in Beltronics.

There is no flash for this. Please call our Customer Service Department and they can help you with this.

Regards,

Customer Service Department

************************************************** ****

Ya Know...it WAS a quick response...

[thetruth]

Hi,

I bought my STI new and have been using it for about 3 weeks now. Recently I used my unit in dark mode and suddenly it become clear that audio is only 2 steps? slow or fast? My audio fails to Geiger in step with the visual meter...This makes it difficult to determine the threat proximity to my location.

My Mfg date code is 05-06 Version A2 M8. Should my unit be flashed to resolve this issue?

A2M8 is a pretty old vers, mine bought from Roy in Sept. 06 is A4M9 so why do you think it was brand-new (sealed box) when you bought it, and from where?
Yes, if you want to bring it all up-to-date it will need the latest reflash done by Beltronics only...

I bought it at a Pilot travel Plaza...I actually went to the back with the mgr there to get it...just because something is shrink wrapped does in NO WAY indicate to me it is NIB...I sell shrink wrap and equipment...MANY retailers (uhhh Best Buy>>>I didn't say that) have the ability to shrink wrap items for different intentions but if boxed properly it can fool ya.

I pay very close attention to the box itself after the wrap is off...i look for a tear or just try to determine if a lock tab or box lid has been *worked* a time or two...then I look for finger prints, do a accessory inventory yada yada. Check to see if the binding on the owners manual has been worked and try to determine if it's ever been accessed. Mine was likely NIB...As for the date code....I was shocked...It was their last one however and who knows? Could have been selling new ones off the top of this one for a year or 2 I guess...Was on sale for $379 so I went for it...no regrets, awesome unit.

I am still tryin to decide if I even want a flash or not....Bel said on the phone it was no shame if I decided I did but performance would not improve except for a leakage issue around 38 Ghz which ain't FCC police radar anyways I don't think....I'm still playin with it. AZoneHits put me on a link that leads me to believe this unit had issues at the time. It just seems odd that Bel won't belly up to the bar on this like Escort did on the 9500i since it's all the same folks now.

[RW'07]

I bought it at a Pilot travel Plaza...I actually went to the back with the mgr there to get it...just because something is shrink wrapped does in NO WAY indicate to me it is NIB...I sell shrink wrap and equipment...MANY retailers (uhhh Best Buy>>>I didn't say that) have the ability to shrink wrap items for different intentions but if boxed properly it can fool ya.

I pay very close attention to the box itself after the wrap is off...i look for a tear or just try to determine if a lock tab or box lid has been *worked* a time or two...then I look for finger prints, do a accessory inventory yada yada. Check to see if the binding on the owners manual has been worked and try to determine if it's ever been accessed. Mine was likely NIB...As for the date code....I was shocked...It was their last one however and who knows? Could have been selling new ones off the top of this one for a year or 2 I guess...Was on sale for $379 so I went for it...no regrets, awesome unit.

I am still tryin to decide if I even want a flash or not....Bel said on the phone it was no shame if I decided I did but performance would not improve except for a leakage issue around 38 Ghz which ain't FCC police radar anyways I don't think....I'm still playin with it. AZoneHits put me on a link that leads me to believe this unit had issues at the time. It just seems odd that Bel won't belly up to the bar on this like Escort did on the 9500i since it's all the same folks now.

During my last Oct. trip to Talladega for the Nascar race, I wanted to see if I can find a place that sells a brand new STI built after the 33.8 bug flash, I already knew that Pilot and Love's truck stops carry the STI, so at one such gas stop I went inside the Pilot station and asked for the Manager, then I simply asked him the date when his STIs were built, the guy looked at me like I was talking mandarin, then I explained him about the bug and the latest software update and that I'm interested only in such STI, the guy went into his little warehouse and came back with an STI sealed box which he opened right in front of me and... the mfg date, on the back of the STI itself, was indeed way after the 33.8 bug fix was released, I think was a week of Aug '07, I thanked him very much, the guy then asked me "so is this an updated one?", I smiled, the guy knew nothing about RDs, I told him YES, and then I left, I had no intention on buying a 2nd STI, but before I left the station I asked the lady at the front about the return/refund policy, she said NO refunds, just straight exchange within some weeks (forgot the number), maybe 21 days, 30 days, 60 days, or credit for any products in their stores across US... SO, my advice to you, if any Pilot station is not too far from you, go back to the station and simply exchange it for an UPDATED one, in this way no more hassle with the Beltronics flash :wink:

[tactical22]

I hate the rampup on my STi, cant wait for a V1 or 9500CI spectre proof unit...ill sell the STi straight away!

[thetruth]

ok...I talked with Shelly at Bel today....She was very polite, sharp, knowledgeable ....all of it. Figgered I would jot down here what she said while it was still fresh in my mind.

My first question was PoP Mode operation...Pop or no Pop? (I'll get to audio...a surprise there) Shelly said enabling PoP increases sensitivity on KA band and for that reason you may experience more falses. It does not shorten range or overload the process scan/sweep of the bands...PoP stands alone in it's operational demands put on the unit and does not interfere with other functions. I know some of you will take exception and I will cover that below too. I also raised my eyebrows based on others comments but want to be open minded here. Like AZonehits had indicated there ain't much PoP out there. According to Shelly it's very expensive and not alot of demand for it....YET. That's why default is off...no other reason but to reduce false alerts. She recommended I run with it on if I was not getting a lot of false.

I then thought ok...I will throw out the 33.8 bug that never existed...Somewhat reluctantly she said yes...there was a time on some units there was an issue. i think everybody here knew that of course but rare to hear the acknowledgment from Bel...i got off that...apparently a dead horse..if it's not fixed on your unit it sure can be.

Audio......her comment was *WE CAN CHANGE IT* The audio was designed as it is based on their customer feedback. Shelly claimed they HAVE ACTUALLY CHANGED SEVERAL and are even now getting some request to CHANGE IT BACK...? interesting. SHe said it was yet another software change and she could give me an RA number that would detail what I want done.7-10 days I get it back.

So there ya go....Real world use of PoP might get different results...I did ask her if she ever used a STI and she said, Oh yes...loved it and had only 1 PoP false in a months time. Whatever....sounds good.

SHe could not give me a revision number for the audio ramp fix.....she just said they could change it and would note it on the RA along with 33.8 fix too...I need both. My opinion is a possibility exists that maybe they can selectively revise a flash on the unit by selecting what they want by definition as opposed to a particular *latest version* Make sense?

Shelly did recommend I send mine in...she was very honest and I enjoyed talking to her. I'm warm and fuzzy now till someone shoots me down. :shock:

[Cips]

I'm interested to see what the change in audio ramp up is; if it's any better because some people want it changed back. Weird.

I got this reply from them today, in regards to the audio ramp up:
Thank you for your interest in Beltronics.

Please call our Customer Service Department and describe the problem you're having with the ramp up. They can set up a repair for you.

Regards,

Customer Service Department

[thetruth]

I'm with ya Cips.......does make ya wonder what the fix is don't it? At least the tune has changed...

specialchicken? Virion? Mem-Tek? Happya$$? RW'07? Who's gonna be the rabbit here?...Mine needs to go in but I have to send my dead V1 in first and get it back so it could be a month or so for me...I HAVE to send my STI sooner or later cause I still don't even have the 33.8 fix but I don't wanna be without a RD so gotta do V1 first.

Funnie thing is V1 might just wind up being the back up....we'll see.....sorry Happya$$

[Ronin]

hey gang.

I sent in my STi last week to have it looked at for weak/short K/Ka detection. After reading this thread I call customer service and noted requested they look into and apply the ramp-up fix. I was told there is no ramp-up fix or issue with the STi but they had some solution for the 9500i. Since my RD knowledge and terminology is weak, I don't know if I expressed this point correctly though the CS rep noted he understood what I was inquiring about. He also put me on hold to review this with peers and came back noting the only ramp-up fix was with the 9500i and that there is no issue/fix for the Sti.

not sure if this is conflicting information or I was just blown off since I came across as the novice that I am.

The saga continues.

[Virion]

After sending Bel another email with links to a few different sites with several links, this is the response I received.

"Would it be possible for you to give me the serial number from your unit? We can certainly change the ramp up to a linear type if you prefer. Please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-341-2288 and they can help you with this."
Thanks!

[laswellbill]

"Would it be possible for you to give me the serial number from your unit? We can certainly change the ramp up to a linear type if you prefer. Please call our Customer Service Department at 1-800-341-2288 and they can help you with this."
Thanks!

Well congrats to everyone who sent them an email... looks like the good ship Beltronics is finally responding to the helm 8)

[GTO_04]

Here is the response I got from BEL:


Thank you for your interest in Beltronics.

Unfortunately, the only way we can change the ramp up is to bring in back to our factory. If you would be interested in doing so, please call our Customer Service Department and they can help you with this.

Regards,

Customer Service Department

So that at least looks encouraging. So who is going to be the first to send theirs in to see if they can/will fix it?

I can't send mine in just yet because I need to do some K and Ka band radar testing with it.

GTO_04

[Virion]

They probably had no idea a problem existed since few people complained. Putting something in writing usually has more merit for the techs to work on. This probably took them less than an hour to fix via firmware. I will make the call tomorrow if I get a chance and if it sounds credible, I will send mine in for the fix.

[thetruth]

They probably had no idea a problem existed since few people complained. Putting something in writing usually has more merit for the techs to work on. This probably took them less than an hour to fix via firmware. I will make the call tomorrow if I get a chance and if it sounds credible, I will send mine in for the fix.

You Da Man Virion....!!!!

[licamell]

Just got my response as well:


Thank you for your interest in Beltronics.

Unfortunately, the only way we can change the ramp up is to bring in back to our factory. If you would be interested in doing so, please call our Customer Service Department.

Regards,

Customer Service Department

Now to call them and see what they say and if it's free. And then to figure out a time that I can do without the STi for a week or two.

[Virion]

Just got my response as well:


Thank you for your interest in Beltronics.

Unfortunately, the only way we can change the ramp up is to bring in back to our factory. If you would be interested in doing so, please call our Customer Service Department.

Regards,

Customer Service Department

Now to call them and see what they say and if it's free. And then to figure out a time that I can do without the STi for a week or two.

I guess I'll just have to put my V1 back on the window for a week:-)

[blue dragon]

I'll definitely be sending mine back for the audio ramp up fix. Its a PITA to look up at the detector every time it goes off to see what the signal strength is

[laswellbill]

Its a PITA to look up at the detector every time it goes off to see what the signal strength is

My experience exactly :)

[Virion]

Email them and tell them what you think. The more the merrier.

[laswellbill]

Email them and tell them what you think. The more the merrier.

I mailed them about a week ago and just now got the same mail as licamel 8)

[tactical22]

hi guys, I also emailed them and shared my disgust at the ramp up, here is the reply;

Unfortunately, the only way we can change the ramp up is to bring in back to our factory. If you would be interested in doing so, please let me know. Would it be possible to give us the serial number from your STi Driver?

Regards,

Customer Service Department

So it looks like there is a fix...lets see

[Ronin]

OK, I continued to follow this thread and got frustrated with the positive email replies from Bel, more so since I called yesterday and the rep (forgot his name) noted that the only ramp-up fix was only for the 9500i.

I decided to call again this morning and spoke with a different CS rep and before I referenced this site/thread, I mentioned the ramp-up fix and she came out and said that the fix will be applied to my unit as a standard procedure on Bel's part. To expand on that point, the rep said that once a unit is in, whatever fix's are available at the time the unit goes in from the time it was built, will be applied automatically.

I pressed the ramp-up point again and stressed that I want the fix applied and the rep again noted that it will be applied automaticly. At this point I don't know what to expect as I have conflicting information. They noted that my unit should be completed today so I should have early next week. I can test it then.

Will update once I get the unit back and can test.

Ronin

[tactical22]

hey great news, please keep us informed and even the name of the fix they give it so they know what to do next time when others send it in.

[thetruth]

OK, I continued to follow this thread and got frustrated with the positive email replies from Bel, more so since I called yesterday and the rep (forgot his name) noted that the only ramp-up fix was only for the 9500i.

I decided to call again this morning and spoke with a different CS rep and before I referenced this site/thread, I mentioned the ramp-up fix and she came out and said that the fix will be applied to my unit as a standard procedure on Bel's part. To expand on that point, the rep said that once a unit is in, whatever fix's are available at the time the unit goes in from the time it was built, will be applied automatically.

I pressed the ramp-up point again and stressed that I want the fix applied and the rep again noted that it will be applied automaticly. At this point I don't know what to expect as I have conflicting information. They noted that my unit should be completed today so I should have early next week. I can test it then.

Will update once I get the unit back and can test.

Ronin

Ok Ronin.....Not trying to be a wise guy here but.......I don't see the word AUDIO anywhere....remember, the 9500 had a METER ramp up issue...I think the audio was following the meter but I know it was an issue with the VISUAL METER. This problem does not exist on the STI...in fact, Bel has debated for some time there is no audio issue, it's just designed that way.

I went over all this clearly in detail when I last talked to Shelly...The lingo was not about the ramp up....in fact I used the term audio Geiger out of sync with the visual meter....Shelly seemed to understand. She commented that they could CHANGE the audio to Geiger similar to the way the visual meter ramps up. She never said they could FIX it. She said CHANGE it.

I think some of you may have come away frustrated with the canned answers because your provided boxed questions? I don't know. But if you just say you don't like the ramp up on a STI they are gonna say it's fine.....it really does not have a ramp up issue like the 9500 did. If you say the audio ramp up is broken defective whatever...well, it's not, it was designed that way.

What you want is to get your audio response CHANGED to function in a multi stepped signal in sync with the visual meter rather than a two step audio response in sync with the alert lamp. BE SURE you get that across to you C/S rep.

Ronin...I don't have a clue if the newest firmware *fixes* your audio response...I seriously doubt it since it ain't broke. Get it? NOw...If you want it CHANGED...in Bel's eyes...that's a horse of another color. Shelly told me she would need to make a note of it on my RA number...(along with the fact I still need the 33.8 fix) According to Shelly there, She said they could do it and have done it...and even changed some back cause folks didn't like it.

Again, all my info is based on talking to Bel C/S. I haven't sent mine in to get it changed yet...untill the proofs in the pudding I can't truly say if they can/will change it or not...I am convinced they can if you insist.

:shock:

[Ronin]

theTruth, thanks for helping me better understand the "Audio" ramp-up topic/issue and Bel's position regarding this point. I now also understand Bel's response to my "canned" questions. Seems I have start taking my medicine to control my SRU (selective reading & understanding) syndrome
:oops:

[Virion]

I have to tell you, this sounds very shady to me. The customer support person I spoke to was great. He said that he was aware of the problem and the fix for it has been out for the last 5 months. I told him that people were complaining about new ones purchased this week. He said that by default it comes with a "slow to full alert beep". The CSR then said that 5 months or so ago, they received many calls asking for Bels traditional style audio ramp up so the programmers added the ability for the change back to the old style ramp up. I asked 3 times to confirm he knew exactly what I was talking about and he assured me that he understood. I've never owned another Beltronics detector so I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not. He also said that they would flash my STi with the newest code which they have recently tweaked to provide better detection across the Ka frequencies, especially 33.8. I was suprised he mentioned and talked in depth on the 33.8 problems. I am week 3307 which was supposedly fixed by that time, but I always like newer :wink:

[Offshore]

I just called Bell as well about the STI ramp up, she told me that I could send the STI back for the fix. But she said that some had sent it back again to be changed to original ramp up( slow beep or fast beep), has anyone done the change and felt it was better?

[Virion]

I just called Bell as well about the STI ramp up, she told me that I could send the STI back for the fix. But she said that some had sent it back again to be changed to original ramp up( slow beep or fast beep), has anyone done the change and felt it was better?

It can't possibly be worse. I find it hard to believe anyone who would send it in for this particular fix wouldn't be aware of this forum. It's not something a novice would think about.

[tactical22]

all I know is that I would want mine to ramp up like a X50 or even a RX65, the ramp up on that seems fine

[Offshore]

I Agree that the ramp-up could not be any worse than it is now, I called bel back and they e-mailed me a UPS label so that I can send in for the flash to change the ramp -up, said it would take 7-10 days. I will send it in ASAP and post the results when it is returned. We shall see!

[Virion]

I Agree that the ramp-up could not be any worse than it is now, I called bel back and they e-mailed me a UPS label so that I can send in for the flash to change the ramp -up, said it would take 7-10 days. I will send it in ASAP and post the results when it is returned. We shall see!

Lucky you. They didn't offer me free shipping back. I will take mine to the UPS Store tomorrow. What is everyone using to package their STi's up?

[licamell]

I Agree that the ramp-up could not be any worse than it is now, I called bel back and they e-mailed me a UPS label so that I can send in for the flash to change the ramp -up, said it would take 7-10 days. I will send it in ASAP and post the results when it is returned. We shall see!

Lucky you. They didn't offer me free shipping back. I will take mine to the UPS Store tomorrow. What is everyone using to package their STi's up?

I don't know if anyone else does this or not, but the one time I sent mine in I actually put it in the case it came with and then of course filled the rest of the box with appropriate packaging materials. I just figured... hey, it comes with this perfect case that can protect it... might as well use it right?

Edit- and yes, I was a little nervous after doing it that it would get lost and not sent back to me, but happily Bel did send it back to me in the case (with a new window mount thrown in :D )

[specialchicken]

nice work...a shame i sold my STi and v1 otherwise id send it back for a ramp up fix...

Im over using detectors now....unless we are testing and then i use borrowed detectors.

[RW'07]

nice work...a shame i sold my STi and v1 otherwise id send it back for a ramp up fix...

Im over using detectors now....unless we are testing and then i use borrowed detectors.

Around here everything goes directly to the Ohio address and then to their Mississauga, Ontario mfg plant (you cannot send it directly to Mississauga location), also you gotta pay for repair/fix as well as S & H, what about this issue when you are far away from US, Australia in your case, where are you sending it to and how much is the shipping (maybe also insurance :!: ) :?:

[CJR238]

Whats the STI's ramp up like?

x50 ramp up:
1-1-2-2-3-3-4-4-5-5-6-6-7-7.....

Bad 9500I ramp up:
1-1-2-7-7-8-8-9-9...

STI?

[Virion]

Whats the STI's ramp up like?

x50 ramp up:
1-1-2-2-3-3-4-4-5-5-6-6-7-7.....

Bad 9500I ramp up:
1-1-2-7-7-8-8-9-9...

STI?

2-2-2-2-2-9-9-9-9-9-9

[Virion]

Note to everyone: Pack your own crap up! I packaged the STi up in an old V1 repair box I had. It was small and had alot of foam for protection. I had other boxes and I had both popcorn foam and the plastic air packaging, but I thought the V1 box was sufficient. I took it to UPS and they said that they wouldn't insure it unless it was in larger packaging because my packaging wasn't sufficient. They charged me an additional $7 to package it. It wasn't worth my time to drive home to repackage it so I reluctantly paid it. $20 total for ground delivery. 2 day air was $30. Ground was only going to take 3 days to get there so I took the cheaper route. Of course the one thing going through my mind was, if it gets there in 2 days, they could possibly apply the fix and get it back by next friday. I wanna be the first to get the fix :wink: Oh well, we'll see how it turns out. I'll post as soon as I have a chance to test it out.

[MetalFlame]

Whats the STI's ramp up like?

x50 ramp up:
1-1-2-2-3-3-4-4-5-5-6-6-7-7.....

Bad 9500I ramp up:
1-1-2-7-7-8-8-9-9...

STI?

STi Driver has only 2 audio ramp-up speeds.
Detector display strength 1-4,audio ramp-up is fast
Detector display strength 5-7,audio ramp-up is very fast

[licamell]

Note to everyone: Pack your own crap up! I packaged the STi up in an old V1 repair box I had. It was small and had alot of foam for protection. I had other boxes and I had both popcorn foam and the plastic air packaging, but I thought the V1 box was sufficient. I took it to UPS and they said that they wouldn't insure it unless it was in larger packaging because my packaging wasn't sufficient. They charged me an additional $7 to package it. It wasn't worth my time to drive home to repackage it so I reluctantly paid it. $20 total for ground delivery. 2 day air was $30. Ground was only going to take 3 days to get there so I took the cheaper route. Of course the one thing going through my mind was, if it gets there in 2 days, they could possibly apply the fix and get it back by next friday. I wanna be the first to get the fix :wink: Oh well, we'll see how it turns out. I'll post as soon as I have a chance to test it out.

Yeah, UPS has been becoming more anal on their packaging, but they're mainly doing this on purpose to a) sell their overpriced packaging cost and b) deny your insurance claim if you didn't use them -- which most people don't.

Definitely keep us posted about the fix.

[kl]

Has anyone thought about just marching into their Mississauga office and demand them to reflash the STI? Years ago I dropped off a Bel for repair right there, but perhaps the new Bel-Escort restructuring no longer allows this.

As a minimum, someone can walk in and perhaps ask them to demonstrate an STI that had this audio ramp up changed? They must have a way to demonstrate this, wouldn't they?

[tactical22]

yeah they would have demo ones there for sure. Even a recently flashed one.

[Cips]

Note to everyone: Pack your own crap up! I packaged the STi up in an old V1 repair box I had. It was small and had alot of foam for protection. I had other boxes and I had both popcorn foam and the plastic air packaging, but I thought the V1 box was sufficient. I took it to UPS and they said that they wouldn't insure it unless it was in larger packaging because my packaging wasn't sufficient. They charged me an additional $7 to package it. It wasn't worth my time to drive home to repackage it so I reluctantly paid it. $20 total for ground delivery. 2 day air was $30. Ground was only going to take 3 days to get there so I took the cheaper route. Of course the one thing going through my mind was, if it gets there in 2 days, they could possibly apply the fix and get it back by next friday. I wanna be the first to get the fix :wink: Oh well, we'll see how it turns out. I'll post as soon as I have a chance to test it out.

Yeah, UPS has been becoming more anal on their packaging, but they're mainly doing this on purpose to a) sell their overpriced packaging cost and b) deny your insurance claim if you didn't use them -- which most people don't.

Definitely keep us posted about the fix.

If the UPS drivers gave one ounce of crap about what their jobs entail, handling and delivering people's stuff, then we wouldn't need all this trouble.

[vliou2173]

Well when anybody gets it back and its fixed, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post and I'll send it back!~ =)

[carboncopy]

I feel so old school now, but it is great to see Bel is addressing this issue, which so many of us have wanted fixed for so long. I love my STi and can't wait to hear about the new rampup!!

[Virion]

Now that I'm driving around with my V1 back in my windshield while the STi is getting the new firmware, I can definately say V1's rule. Perfect ramp up, amazing distance on alerts, alert tones and last but not least the arrows. I miss being able to run this thing day in and day out.

[Offshore]

Virion...Just left UPS,STI on the way to be up-dated. How long did they tell you it would take? Got the V1 back in action and it does rule...not perfect but close.

[lennyo3034]

My STi is still at Beltronics receiving an update so I just called CS. I asked if they could "change" or "modify" my STi so it ramps up in the way the escorts do. He said there was no such update and that that was not possible since they were "different companies". Also I should note that they received my detector two weeks ago and are still working on it. I expected rather shorter times from an upmarket company.

[Virion]

Virion...Just left UPS,STI on the way to be up-dated. How long did they tell you it would take? Got the V1 back in action and it does rule...not perfect but close.

STi left UPS this morning and will be in Beltronics hands on Wednesday. Bel said 7-10 days, but it's normally no more than 3-5.

[Virion]

My STi is still at Beltronics receiving an update so I just called CS. I asked if they could "change" or "modify" my STi so it ramps up in the way the escorts do. He said there was no such update and that that was not possible since they were "different companies". Also I should note that they received my detector two weeks ago and are still working on it. I expected rather shorter times from an upmarket company.

You need to convey the correct lingo. You just tell them you would like to have the audio ramp up changed to the traditional linear ramp up instead of the slow alert full alert.

[lennyo3034]

I will try again tomorrow. Im not sure but the CS rep I talked to was named Dan, and he did not seem to know what he was talking about. I had read the thread beforehand though and used the "change" lingo but it didn't seem to work. I will try a different rep when I call tomorrow.

[theliman]

I guess this is getting a bit redundant, and we're really just waiting for someone's to come back fixed, but I'll post this email I got from Bel sales today anyway (I sent an email last week to sales and cc'd service).

"Thank you for your interest in Beltronics.

If you want to purchase one, please call our Sales Line and tell them you prefer the linear type ramp up and it can be changed before it is shipped to you. Please call toll free 1-866-468-0322.

Regards,

Customer Service Department"

[kl]

That's great news, the sad part is how Bel had told countless people that there is a "hardware limitation, and cannot be changed", when in fact, or at least it appears to be, is only a simple firmware change.

[thetruth]

Well Hell.....update on my STI...some of you may be aware the one i had was mfg date code 0506 A2M8 and I just bought it 3 weeks ago. In any event, a gentleman on this forum suggested I simply return it for a current version since the one they sold me was so far out of date...I decided to check back and guess what....I now have a new unit mfg date code 4607 A7M9.

One of my primary concerns to get mine updated was the 33.8 fix...I still want the audio CHANGE but it's much less priority now that I have a current firmware on my unit. Heck.....I still want the audio gradient to match the visual meter (uhhh Duhhh) but now I can at least play around with it while I'm waiting on my V1 to get serviced.

Just FYI I drove 760 miles yesterday (AR, TX, OK) and ran with my V1 because the STI was returned and waiting on the replacement and I had 5 KA band hits...Guaranteed 2 saves on KA with that V1 even tho it's dead on K band.

Time now for the V1 to go get upgraded...meantime I will play around with the new STI and see how it compares........gotta go to MO tomorrow drive maybe 250 miles, so I'm sure I wil get some good hits...KA band.

I can hardly wait to find out how some of ya'll come out on the audio with Bel on the STI....

[RW'07]

Well Hell.....update on my STI...some of you may be aware the one i had was mfg date code 0506 A2M8 and I just bought it 3 weeks ago. In any event, a gentleman on this forum suggested I simply return it for a current version since the one they sold me was so far out of date...I decided to check back and guess what....I now have a new unit mfg date code 4607 A7M9...

People in this forum know me pretty well, I never ever give bad advice, just my own experience AND a lot of common sense... glad you went back to the truck stop and simply exchange it for a one with the LATEST rev 8) was it a PILOT truck gas stop?
Enjoy the new STI and drive safely :) :wink:

[licamell]

FYI, for those of you complaining about long wait times for getting your RD back from beltronics... do you have the extended warranty? I never knew this until last time I talked with them but they give priority to people who have the extended warranty... just one more reason to get it if you haven't yet.

[vliou2173]

When I sent mine in for the 33.8 fix (A4m9 second half), I got it back in 3 days...that should say a lot in regards to buying the extended warranty which I have...=|

I called Bel CS. He had no clue what I was talking to. He did mention something about engineers are accepting it to see if they can "change it back to the way it was supposed to" :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

[lennyo3034]

I also bought mine from a PILOT so it did not come with an option to buy the extended warranty. Is there a way I can still get one from Bel?

[licamell]

I also bought mine from a PILOT so it did not come with an option to buy the extended warranty. Is there a way I can still get one from Bel?

You can buy it direct from them even if you didn't buy the RD from them. I think you have until the normal year runs out... but I'm not 100% definite.

[RW'07]

There is no need for any extended warranty, this products are rock solid MADE IN CANADA 8) :wink: Running my STI since 09/06 and no technical issues at all :D

[kl]

The sad part is that the "Made in Canada" aspect is now well hidden......

I was going to stop by the Beltronics Mississauga plant / customer service to see if they would demonstrate the revised STi audio ramp up.

Turns out I can't even find Beltronics in the phone directory anymore!

I can probably still find the info from old user manual etc., but it is so sad that Beltronics is pretty much organized as an US entity now.

On the "Contact Us" page, there are Australia, US, Holland, Hong Kong, New Zealand, even Isaril offices, but NONE for Canada, that really upsetted me!

[kl]

Just did some more searching and came across

http://www.profilecanada.com/companydetail.cfm?company=133990_BEL-Tronics_Manufacturing_Mississauga_ON

Just for the hell of it, I called the number on this page, the automated message was "Thank you for calling the Escort Manufacturing Corporation"................

We've lost yet another Canadiana icon

[RW'07]

It's mandatory on any given product to mark the country where the product was made in, MADE IN CANADA is on the STI (back side) and in the manual (at least mine, built in 08/06)... also everybody (at least the veteran RD users) already knows that ALL BELL and ESCORT products are built at Beltronics' one and only mfg location, the one in Mississauga, Ontario... in 2005 when I was using the Solo S2 I went to that place and while waiting in the main lobby they tested it against laser, rules have changed lately, they don't do any of these any more, the front-desk lady told me, when I was there last year, that the local police warned them not to provide assistance to anybody stepping into their place...

[kl]

That's pretty sad too, when the local cops can initimidate a business to cease providing legitimate assistance to their customers.

The particular HTA relating to RD is against posseion and/or operation of a RD while in a motor vehicle, what if I rode my bicyle to Beltronics with a RD?

Here's an even funnier thought, what if I took a city operated bus to get to their office? Are the Peel Regional Police going to charge the transit bus driver? Because technically they have to, the RD is now in a motor vehicle!

:lol:

BTW, I do recognize the "country of origin" requirement, but it is still sad to not see any reference in Beltronics website of the Canadian origin of a company who came out with the undetectable RD, initially against VG-2 and now against Spectre.

[RW'07]

That's pretty sad too, when the local cops can initimidate a business to cease providing legitimate assistance to their customers.

The particular HTA relating to RD is against posseion and/or operation of a RD while in a motor vehicle, what if I rode my bicyle to Beltronics with a RD?

Here's an even funnier thought, what if I took a city operated bus to get to their office? Are the Peel Regional Police going to charge the transit bus driver? Because technically they have to, the RD is now in a motor vehicle!

:lol:

BTW, I do recognize the "country of origin" requirement, but it is still sad to not see any reference in Beltronics website of the Canadian origin of a company who came out with the undetectable RD, initially against VG-2 and now against Spectre.

Cops know that people buy RDs to use them exclusively in their MVs or on their bikes (that's motorcycles :) )

And about the MADE IN CANADA RDs, Beltronics knows about the very high quality standards of the Canadian workmanship, also they do not want to make it a big deal of having their one and only mfg facility located outside USA (their major market), you know, CNN's Lou Dobbs and his daily "Outsourcing" topics :wink: of course Canada is in no way China or Mexico but still for lots of nationalist closed minded Americans what's outside US is purely anti-American, end of story :roll: :lol:

And you're right, Beltronics was founded by Canadians on Canadian soil, so a Canadian comp with Canadian workers, of course now it's an American one but still Canada should be proud of making the vast majority (Bel and Escort) of all RDs sold around the world :D 8)

[tactical22]

so anyone got their detector back yet and what you think of the fix?

[kl]

Drove by the Beltronics facility on Dunwin yesterday, both the big sign outside facing the street, as well as the sign at customer service entrance still all said:

Beltronics

Maybe it's to prevent some tourist from walking in and looking for the wrong kind of "Escort".

:lol:

[Offshore]

Just call Beltronics about my STI, they have it on the bench for the audio fix. Should ship in the next two days, hope to be testing by the weekend.

[forM3an]

I ordered 1,5 week ago my STI driver directly by Beltronics.
At this moment i am very curious if my STI driver will have the latest firmware :?: (audio ramp up fix)
The STI is now on its way to our country.
Production date will be an important isue for this,i think....

Has someone bought recently a STI (latest productiondate) and can tell me if the ramp up problem already is fixed.... :?:

[Offshore]

From my understanding you would have to requist that the audio ramp up be changed from the slow beep fast beep to the more traditional gradiant type audio, may be wrong but belive this is correct!

[tactical22]

From my understanding you would have to requist that the audio ramp up be changed from the slow beep fast beep to the more traditional gradiant type audio, may be wrong but belive this is correct!

correct, it is only done by request.

Im keen to see how everyone goes when they get them back.

[Virion]

Bel shipped my STi out yesterday with the Audio ramp up fix. It should be here either tomorrow or Thursday.

[Offshore]

That's good news, please post your thoughts on the fix. Mine should ship in the next day or two....The V1 has been back in action and did an outstanding job today on a road trip, KA all over the place the V1 was traking 3 at one time during the trip...no problems.

[specialchicken]

Hey nice work, I guess sending all those emails paid off eh!

[Virion]

Hey nice work, I guess sending all those emails paid off eh!

We'll certainly see. I hope I didn't waste $20 shipping it to them. I too have my V1 back on the window and I had to drive in a known area where there is a Spectre IV+. I have certainly missed my V1. It has been spectacular over the last week. Arrows are priceless. I can now spot the radar source. I must say though, my STi's definately picks up 35.5 ka better than my V1 from straight ahead. The V1 is definately better on off axis 35.5 ka. My STi just has incredible distance on this frequency.

[thetruth]

Hey nice work, I guess sending all those emails paid off eh!

We'll certainly see. I hope I didn't waste $20 shipping it to them. I too have my V1 back on the window and I had to drive in a known area where there is a Spectre IV+. I have certainly missed my V1. It has been spectacular over the last week. Arrows are priceless. I can now spot the radar source. I must say though, my STi's definately picks up 35.5 ka better than my V1 from straight ahead. The V1 is definately better on off axis 35.5 ka. My STi just has incredible distance on this frequency.

I noticed the exAct same thing Virion....My STI is better on 35.5 KA regarding range (Decatur Radar here I think) than my V1 but off axis the V1 is actually better.

[Virion]

Hey nice work, I guess sending all those emails paid off eh!

We'll certainly see. I hope I didn't waste $20 shipping it to them. I too have my V1 back on the window and I had to drive in a known area where there is a Spectre IV+. I have certainly missed my V1. It has been spectacular over the last week. Arrows are priceless. I can now spot the radar source. I must say though, my STi's definately picks up 35.5 ka better than my V1 from straight ahead. The V1 is definately better on off axis 35.5 ka. My STi just has incredible distance on this frequency.

I noticed the exAct same thing Virion....My STI is better on 35.5 KA regarding range (Decatur Radar here I think) than my V1 but off axis the V1 is actually better.

I have to say I was shocked when I was testing it out. I was able to find a long straightaway near me in the city. A local officer was running 35.5 ka pointed straight down the road. I tested them both together and apart numerous times. The STi picked up first every single time. The margin was not a huge one, but I was stunned. I was also able to test off axis with this same officer. I can't believe he didn't stop me to ask why I was driving back and forth. The V1 is great off axis. K band is another story. I was also able to perform this same testing in the same area with a I/O k band speed sign. Both detectors gave tremendous distance, but the V1's k band detection is scary. The V1's off axis to K band is unreal. However, this great off axis detection creates a tremendous amount of false alerts to k band auto doors. I truly believe the STi's narrower field of view was a deliberate attempt by Bel to help reduce false alarms. When real radar is present, the STi seems to have no problems picking it up.

[forM3an]

Bel shipped my STi out yesterday with the Audio ramp up fix. It should be here either tomorrow or Thursday.

I received mine last week......it has production nr. 4807
Tested it yesterday and everything seems to work good with the ramp up audio signal.

[Offshore]

Well I just got the STi back and there is no change on the audio ramp-up that I can hear, Already called Bel to find out what the deal is, got a guy on the phone he said there is no problem with the audio ramp-up thats just the way it is...WTF...this guy was a total ass. I am pissed!!!!!!!

[tactical22]

oh man what an idiot! keep us posted

[Virion]

My wife called and said it just arrived. I will try to write a mini review tonight or tomorrow morning. That's if anything has changed.

[Virion]

Well, the wait is officially over. Upon arriving at home I immediately unboxed and installed my "fixed" Beltronics STi Driver. Bel was nice enough to send the STi back with a new cigarette lighter adapter and new suction cups and mount. The repair tag said, "I performed the following repair on your unit: update software, repaired antenna." "Ramp up", was listed on the repair card under the professionally tuned section and under the, "May we be of any further assistance?" section X, CVC, SW was hand written.

I then proceeded to go out for a test drive. I was able to find an officer running 35.5 ka and several k band auto door sensors. I wish that I had another STi to compare with or at least taken a video of my STi before sending it in for repair. My returned unit seems less sensitive overall, but only time will tell if this is indeed true. While testing k band door sensors, I suddenly picked up 35.5 ka and it was strong. I noticed an officer sitting at the end of the shopping centers parking lot. She was filling out paperwork and not paying any attention to her surroundings. Unfortunately, I just couldn't get enough distance to properly assess the newly "fixed" STi.

Impressions: K band appeared worse than before. Instead of a slow/fast alert, I am now getting a really slow/medium alert. Ka I have mixed feelings about. As I mentioned before, this will take some time to fully assess and I need to find more officers running radar. Ka appears to have 3 speeds now, but the maximum alert appears much slower than before. Before sending it in, I remember two distinct alert speeds. Slow was beep-beep and fast was beep-beep-beep-beep. Now it's more like beep, beep-beep and beep-beep-beep, but absolutely no really fast alerts. It's actually much more difficult to gauge the threat than before. With the officer not paying attention I was able to visually assess the alerts with audio. On K band, it beeps slow until 6 and medium above that. With Ka, it appeared to not start alerting semi quickly until around 7.

In conclusion, I am extremely disappointed with my returned unit. In all fairness however, I have been riding with my V1 for a week now and my results could be a little off. The V1 has the absolute perfect audio and visual ramp up. I will keep everyone informed after I spend some seat time with my "fixed" STi.

[djrams80]

Is it just me, or shouldn't this be easy? I mean, each extra bar on the visual display should equal a slightly faster audio signal. Horrible!

[Jabomb9]

Is it just me, or shouldn't this be easy? I mean, each extra bar on the visual display should equal a slightly faster audio signal. Horrible!

I was thinking the same thing. It doesn't seem like that hard of a concept to perfect, although I'm no engineer (working to be one though!). I never paid that much attention to my V995's visual ramp up because I ran it in tech mode, but even for that, it was so jumpy. I adopted the technique of slowing down at the first alert, because it could go full tone in two seconds. Very frustrating. With my V1, I feel that I can actually use the ramp up to effectively determine the distance, which is REALLY nice.

[Virion]

Is it just me, or shouldn't this be easy? I mean, each extra bar on the visual display should equal a slightly faster audio signal. Horrible!

I was thinking the same thing. It doesn't seem like that hard of a concept to perfect, although I'm no engineer (working to be one though!). I never paid that much attention to my V995's visual ramp up because I ran it in tech mode, but even for that, it was so jumpy. I adopted the technique of slowing down at the first alert, because it could go full tone in two seconds. Very frustrating. With my V1, I feel that I can actually use the ramp up to effectively determine the distance, which is REALLY nice.

Mike Valentine got this perfect. I too find it easy to gauge when I have to slow down with my V1. Many times you can continue your current speed for much longer.

[specialchicken]

well these idiots at beltronics obviously know nothing about ramp up or how it should operate. Maybe they should take a leaf out of escorts book!

can anyone with the ramp up fix do a quick video and show us?

[Virion]

well these idiots at beltronics obviously know nothing about ramp up or how it should operate. Maybe they should take a leaf out of escorts book!

can anyone with the ramp up fix do a quick video and show us?

I will try when I get time. It's hard with a 6 and 4 year old and the wifes due date is in a couple weeks for our third.

[Offshore]

Well, I have calmed down some since my last post. Heres the deal: Bel said they could change the audio ramp-up to match the visual display, so I sent mine in...what I got back seems worse some how...it seems to alert in slow motion...does not at all match the visual display...in all a BIG wast of time, and the icing on the cake is I call these guys and they say "there is no audio ramp change, we dont know what you are talking about" I just dont know what to think about the Beltronics company, still in shock!

[Virion]

Well, I have calmed down some since my last post. Heres the deal: Bel said they could change the audio ramp-up to match the visual display, so I sent mine in...what I got back seems worse some how...it seems to alert in slow motion...does not at all match the visual display...in all a BIG wast of time, and the icing on the cake is I call these guys and they say "there is no audio ramp change, we dont know what you are talking about" I just dont know what to think about the Beltronics company, still in shock!

Yeah, I don't know how to quite explain how this could possibly be worse than before but it is. At least before it was slow to 5 and fast 6-10. Now I have no idea if the leo is close or not. Very strange. It just doesn't seem like that difficult of a concept to me.

[thetruth]

Seems odd.....I just would not think audio gradient with regard to threat proximity would be rocket science...Radio Shack had this right 20 years ago

I'm beginning to think the nice gentlemen at Bel that have insisted there was no fix were correct. I too still have my V1 handy and really have taken it for granted the last 3 or 4 years.

[MEM-TEK]

I suspect that the reason why the STi only has two distinct audio rates is that this is hardwired into its electronics and is by design. Around two months ago I asked Bel if there was an audio ramp-up fix for the STi which would give it an audio ramp-up profile which would follow the visual ramp-up profile. I was told that there was a ramp-up fix, and I quickly requested an RMA number. Yet after inquiring further, I was told that the ramp-up fix was not for the audio portion of the ramp-up and was also told that there was no available fix for the audio portion of the ramp-up.

Anyway, that was around two months ago. It still sounds (excuse me for this horrible pun) like there still isn't a real fix for the audio ramp-up. Like I said, I suspect that the audio ramp-up is hardwired and is simply based on producing either a slow or fast set of audio beeps depending on how strong the signal from the antenna is.

[tactical22]

I told Beltronics to look at this thread and they said they monitor the forums but it is plain to see that they either dont watch here or their techs are complete dumba$$es, im guessing the latter.

I have lost all faith in Beltronics and i really dont see Beltronics in my future purchase of RD,s. For the price we pay for out detectors you think they could hire more than monkeys in there!

Lets hope a real fix can be done.

I hope one of you guys can post a video of the ramp up please, I would like to see it before i send mine in if at all.

[Offshore]

tactical22...I just got off the road today, used my STi only. The audio ramp change is not worth sending your STi in for, the only change that I can tell so far is a slower ramp up, but same slow beep fast beep with no inbetween...I will say the STi did a great job today on KA, had no problems sniffing it out...if Bel would have done what we had talked about in the first place CHANGE THE AUDIO TO MATCH THE VISUAL this would be one awsome RD. But they didn't....I will have a hard time ever buying another Bel or Escort product because of this mess.

[tactical22]

ok thanks, I am looking for a slower initial ramp up like what you described but i want an in between ramp up too....is it so hard?? Why dont these idiots at Beltronics take some pips from Escort, they have it perfected.

Remember when the 9500ci first came out, it sucked at ramp up and they released a fix and now it is perfect....

[happya$$]

ok thanks, I am looking for a slower initial ramp up like what you described but i want an in between ramp up too....is it so hard?? Why dont these idiots at Beltronics take some pips from Escort, they have it perfected.

Remember when the 9500ci first came out, it sucked at ramp up and they released a fix and now it is perfect....

Actually Staton can tell you that the ramp up on the 9500I is still far from perfect

[djrams80]

ok thanks, I am looking for a slower initial ramp up like what you described but i want an in between ramp up too....is it so hard?? Why dont these idiots at Beltronics take some pips from Escort, they have it perfected.

Remember when the 9500ci first came out, it sucked at ramp up and they released a fix and now it is perfect....

Actually Staton can tell you that the ramp up on the 9500I is still far from perfect
I disagree, the ramp up om my 9500i is perfect. It matches the display perfectly.

[Virion]

ok thanks, I am looking for a slower initial ramp up like what you described but i want an in between ramp up too....is it so hard?? Why dont these idiots at Beltronics take some pips from Escort, they have it perfected.

Remember when the 9500ci first came out, it sucked at ramp up and they released a fix and now it is perfect....

You'll just have to trust me when I say it's actually worse than before. The only thing I've noticed better is the Autoscan. It does seem to do a slightly better job filtering after the new firmware was installed. The audio doesn't ramp up to the faster beep until it hits 6-7. You might be toast by that point.

[Cips]

I guess that's why some guys had it changed back.

[tactical22]

ok thanks, I am looking for a slower initial ramp up like what you described but i want an in between ramp up too....is it so hard?? Why dont these idiots at Beltronics take some pips from Escort, they have it perfected.

Remember when the 9500ci first came out, it sucked at ramp up and they released a fix and now it is perfect....

Actually Staton can tell you that the ramp up on the 9500I is still far from perfect

my 9500i is perfect, it has the latest firmware.

The guys at Bell said they have a more linear rampup, I wonder why they didnt do it??

we want a nice progressive ramp up, as each number rises then so does the sound..IDIOTS

[djrams80]

I wonder how many sales they lose over this seemingly "easy to fix" issue. I also wonder if they know that no one on this board, or probably most anywhere else, mentions the STi without mentioning the horrific ramp-up. Basically, the only people that buy the STi are those that have basically no choice. Maybe that's why, because they know most of their customers have no other choice.

[Virion]

I doubt they lose many customers at all over this. Most people will not return the STi once it's purchased. I find it funny that nobodies review of the STi mentioned this problem.

[MEM-TEK]

While I don't like the STi's simple two tier audio ramp-up profile, I certainly don't plan on selling it just because of this issue. I've got my STi mounted above my RVM so that I merely have to quickly glance up when getting an alert in order to see how strong the signal is. I can do this while my foot is already going for the brake pedal as necessary. Aside from the audio issue, the STi is just too good of a radar detector for me to possibly consider parting with it. Besides, now that I have custom dimmed its display so that I and nobody else more than 30 feet behind me can see it at night, I truly feel "stealthy" even though my STi is in plain view during the day. :)

[Offshore]

Well I agree that the STi is a keeper, however Bel needs to do a better job of informing use of what they can do, or in this case cant do...still can not understand why they had me send in the STi when they knew there was no fix for the audio, they should have just said live with it.

[MEM-TEK]

Well I agree that the STi is a keeper, however Bel needs to do a better job of informing use of what they can do, or in this case cant do...still can not understand why they had me send in the STi when they knew there was no fix for the audio, they should have just said live with it.

I think that it is a lack of full communication between their engineering department and their customer service department. I too was told that there was a audio ramp-up fix, but after my CS representative talked to engineering he told me that the fix did NOT allow the STi to have a gradual slow to fast ramp-up like their other radar detectors. It seems obvious that the current "fix" merely uses a slower set of beeps which can more readily be distinguished from the faster set of beeps. BEEP! :lol:

Ya'll gonna flame me for my horrible BEEP pun instead of saying SH%T? :D

[vliou2173]

While I don't like the STi's simple two tier audio ramp-up profile, I certainly don't plan on selling it just because of this issue. I've got my STi mounted above my RVM so that I merely have to quickly glance up when getting an alert in order to see how strong the signal is. I can do this while my foot is already going for the brake pedal as necessary. Aside from the audio issue, the STi is just too good of a radar detector for me to possibly consider parting with it. Besides, now that I have custom dimmed its display so that I and nobody else more than 30 feet behind me can see it at night, I truly feel "stealthy" even though my STi is in plain view during the day. :)

While I have been wanting to extend my display so I can see it on my dash, I don't have the skills of Mem-tek.

Therefore, I shall use an elaborate system of mirrors in my vehicle to make this work. 8)

[Virion]

I think Mem-Tek is correct. I believe it's a communication breakdown at Bel. I talked to 3 different CSR's and each of them new exactly what I was talking about and each of them ensured me that the audio ramp up would be linear and would provide a gradual slow to fast audio tone. Definitely did not work, but the STi is my only safe choice in a detector where I live and it is fantastic detector. Autoscan is definitely much quieter than when i sent it in. I'm not sure why, but detection of real radar sources has been stellar.

[Offshore]

Virion...I agree that the Autoscan is doing a better job, what do you think they did? is it a firm wear change or what? I have been using the STi around town and then switch to the V1 for the road trips, did a test last night on a KA band stationary REDFLEX has moved into my area and they have 4-vans they set up on the side of the road, then take a snap shot of your car as you go by, they shoot 34.2 KA. Did solo runs and it was a toss up between the STi & V1, both were great at the detection of that band, seems before the change the V1 would win hands down every time on the same band 34.2...just might have a better STi with the slow motion audio??????

[MEM-TEK]

I am definitely most interested in the changes to Autoscan's filtering of door openers since you guys are saying that it is much quieter around town. In particular I am interested in how strong the signal strength needs to be from a pair of K band door openers in order to override Autoscan's filtering and produce an alert.

Autoscan on my 2207 STi (flashed for the 33.8 bugfix) only filters out extremely weakly detected pairs of K band door openers. I would love it if my STi in Autoscan mode would automatically filter out detected pairs of K band door openers until the signal strength just hits 3 bars. Can you guys test and let me know what you get?

[vliou2173]

Any way we can keep the our dumb ramp up but get the new autoscan change?

[tactical22]

Ok we need to get a few different email addys for the bel guys, if we send to all the emails then they might know ;) Anyone got more addresses for Beltronivcs/??

As for a remote display...man itd kill for it! If it can gbe done drop me a PM cause I am a bit of a tech head and might be able to do it ;)

[Offshore]

Guys, looks to me like they did more than change the audio ramp at the factory. My work ticket was the same as Virion's, (he has already posted that info) same tech worked on it as well. But when I called Bell they said that no firm ware change was made...keep in mind this was CS dept and they don't seem to know anything about radar detectors, I think I have a better STi, Autoscan works better and seems to be detecting KA sooner(34.2) for sure! This will take sometime to sort out, would be good if someone could talk to the tech that did the work and ask him "What changes were made to these STi's"...just a thought! My vote is for MEM-TEK to make the call and post the results!!!!!!!!!!

[djrams80]

I think I have a better STi, Autoscan works better and seems to be detecting KA sooner(34.2) for sure!
Where is 34.2 Ka used?

[Offshore]

I live in Lafayette, La...a company called REDFLEX shoots 34.2 from the vans that are located around town, if your over posted speed they take your picture and mail you a ticket!!!!

[djrams80]

I live in Lafayette, La...a company called REDFLEX shoots 34.2 from the vans that are located around town, if your over posted speed they take your picture and mail you a ticket!!!!
Hmmm, never heard of them. I suppose these are constant on and are easy to detect?

[Offshore]

Well.. I wont say that it is easy to pick-up..seems to be a low power KA gun, this is not A KA signal you pick-up a mile or two away...more like .2-.3 miles from the van...so you dont have alot of time.

[Virion]

I wish I would have monitored the autoscan info more closely before sending it in. There are 2 places I know for sure where my STi would always alert before sending it in and now it never alerts. One is a CVS and the other is a Blooms grocery store. The CVS is across 3-4 lanes, with a 15ft median and the store is approximately 40-50 yards back from the highway. The Blooms is approximately 50-70 yards from the town road. It still goes off on strong K sources, but I'm uncertain at what reading. I believe it goes off around 3, but if it goes to 2 or just displays k it will still respond with a beep. With exception of the first night, I haven't been able to accurately test 35.5 Ka. Before sending my STi into Bel, my STi was at least as strong as my V1 on this frequency, but most times it was slightly better. When I originally tested both of these RD's, I was able to thoroughly test each of these units separately on both K and 35.5 Ka. My STi was slightly better on 35.5 Ka on a mostly straight road with a ever so slight hill. My V1 is definitely better on off axis 35.5 Ka, but the extreme nature of the off axis I tested could never result in a ticket. I was able to test both RD's with a K band street sign that also had I/O. The V1 was better than my STi on k band by approximately 20-25 yards. In the real world, this distance really wouldn't be cause for alarm. The V1's off axis on K band is nothing short of scary. It just sniffs out K band like a bloodhound from any direction or angle. With my STi being quieter and the lack of finding any 35.5 Ka sources has me worried that my STi isn't as sensitive.

[vliou2173]

WHAT THE HELL? The STI-r has PERFECT ramp up????
YouTube - Beltronics STi-R (horizontal) test 4 vs Multanova 6F (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SglAkN6xolE)

GRR. It can be done?

[Offshore]

WHAT THE HELL? The STI-r has PERFECT ramp up????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SglAkN6xolE

GRR. It can be done?



Wow, that is alot different than what I have.

[MEM-TEK]

...It still goes off on strong K sources, but I'm uncertain at what reading. I believe it goes off around 3, but if it goes to 2 or just displays k it will still respond with a beep...

Hi Virion,

Please try to confirm (when you get a chance) this new Autoscan behavior when Autoscan is filtering out pairs of K band door openers. That would be really cool if the Autoscan filter isn't being overridden until the signal strength reaches a 2 or possibly a 3. This new Autoscan behavior against multiple K band door openers, if confirmed, will definitely make me want to pay for this new firmware flash!

A while back when Roy visited the Escort factory, they admitted that they were very conservative when applying the same Autoscan X band door opener filtering technology for K band as well within the STi. That makes sense since if they overdid it then people potentially could get speeding tickets since a weak K band instant-on in the distance could have been missed while the STi was filtering out nearby K band door openers. On the other hand, I never speed in town (no point since I would only get to my destination a half minute sooner). So this new Autoscan K band filtering algorithm might just be perfect for me. I can say that it probably is not for everyone though.

[Virion]

I will try to take notes. I spent the entire day looking at strollers, car seats and other stuff trying to prepare for the new one. Painting, new carpet, new washer and dryers. Everything seems to be coming at once :roll: Too bad I can't turn the STi on at night or I could do some testing when everyone else is in bed :wink:

[Virion]

This video shows the STi-R having a decent audio ramp up.

YouTube - Beltronics Bel STi-R (vertical) test 1 vs Multanova 6F (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP6YmavUFOs&NR=1)

Especially this one.

YouTube - K-Band V1 against bel sti-r (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSG1_Mu-78U)

[Virion]

I can confirm at this time that so far autoscan comes on with a signal strength of 2. I should be able to run in highway mode either tonight or tomorrow morning to test some previous locations.

[Offshore]

This video shows the STi-R having a decent audio ramp up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OP6YmavUFOs&NR=1

Especially this one.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSG1_Mu-78U


I keep watching the second video.... that is the audio ramp that I won't on my STi...why can't it be done...I am sure there is a reason?

[Cips]

My old STI alerted me at 4 strength K-Band in Autoscan. Build date 2407 with the 33.8 fix. :?:

[Virion]

I was able to test some today in a parking lot that had a week k band signal. When in Highway mode, the radar stayed on constantly. It never stopped alerting and switched back and forth between k1 and k2. When I switch over to Autoscan it will alert for a few seconds and then stop alerting and go silent. Autoscan starts on K2, but if the signal continually switches back and forth between k, k1 and k2, Autoscan will mute everything within a few seconds. My STi is definitely quieter than before the firmware upgrade.

[MEM-TEK]

I was able to test some today in a parking lot that had a week k band signal. When in Highway mode, the radar stayed on constantly. It never stopped alerting and switched back and forth between k1 and k2. When I switch over to Autoscan it will alert for a few seconds and then stop alerting and go silent. Autoscan starts on K2, but if the signal continually switches back and forth between k, k1 and k2, Autoscan will mute everything within a few seconds. My STi is definitely quieter than before the firmware upgrade.

Virion, a million thanks for testing your newly reflashed STi for me. You just made my day after what was a long and rather hard day.

Your news is exactly what I was looking for -- the Autoscan filtering of multiple K band door openers to be overridden when the signal strength reached a solid 2. Presently my STi's Autoscan K band filtering is overridden when it reaches a solid 1 signal strength (very weak Autoscan filtering of multiple K band sources). It sounds like you are quite pleased that your STi is now quieter around town when in Autoscan mode.

Regardless of the audio ramp-up issue, the tweaked K band Autoscan filtering is worth it to me to pay this time to have my STi reflashed with this update.

Best Regards,

--Michael

[Virion]

I tested against a couple of sources this evening that used to make my STi alert. One of them was a K1 and the other was K1-K2. In highway mode I received an alert, but in Autoscan mode it was completely silent. Normally it does alert on K2, but quickly quiets when it switches back and forth to anything lower than a K2. I haven't found a solid K2 source that's constantly on K2 so I cannot reliable state that autoscan will go silent when it hits a solid K2. I really would like someone else to test and verify the exact same results I have experienced before everyone starts spending their hard earned money sending their STi's in. This "new" autoscan is far from perfect, but I can say that there are 3 different locations that my STi use to alert at and it no longer alerts at these spots.

On a side note, I ran into both K and Ka bands today from officers and I got incredible range. I actually ran into 2 seperate Ka sources today. One was around a fairly large curve and I received over a mile range. I would really love to see GOL perform another test with the current model STi, Whistler Pro 78 rev. C, 9500i and V1. The STi-R and 9500ci would also be a nice bonus. I think Bel tweaked it's firmware fairly well at this point and I'm hoping to see good gains like the 9500i did.

[tactical22]

nope that is not perfect ramp up, it is the same as m STi fast beeps from K1-K5 then faster beeps K6- K9

[Virion]

nope that is not perfect ramp up, it is the same as m STi fast beeps from K1-K5 then faster beeps K6- K9

Mine is comlpletely different and worse. I would be completely happy with the 2nd videos audio ramp up. Mine only has 2 distinct tones.

[tactical22]

you will find the one in the video also only has 2 tones on Ka, it was a multanova and the alert was erratic so thats why it sounded like different tones.

[Offshore]

I have been spending alot of time with my STi, have not used the V1 for about a week now. I have logged in quite a few miles and here is what I see.

1. Autoscan is a little more quite, not much..dont know if it would be worth sending in just for the little difference.

2. The main difference to me is the KA detection is much better all the way around, I have been picking up KA at a much longer range. The STi that was sent back to me seems to be as good as the V1 on KA, where as before the V1 smoked the STi. Of course this is just a week of living with the newly flashed STi, the audio ramp is still worthless but the increase in the KA band has helped me live with it.

[Virion]

On a suprising note, I ran into k band today on my way to work. I got almost 2 miles in range over a slight curve and a very small hill.

[specialchicken]

yep, that ramp up is crap in the first video, the 2nd video is what we want... WHY CANT BELTRONICS GIVE IT TO US!!

[Offshore]

yep, that ramp up is crap in the first video, the 2nd video is what we want... WHY CANT BELTRONICS GIVE IT TO US!!

Its funny when you call Bel to complain about the audio ramp-up, which I have done three (3) times now. They keep saying " we have sold that STi for 2-3 years now and had no compalints at all about the audio ramp until recently...I told him (Dan) it was because more people are buying the unit now because the reviews show it to perform quite well (even if you dont need the "TotalShield" undetectable part, which I do not)

They just dont get it.

[CJR238]

You guys are almost there, the 9500I ramp up was fixed in 16 pages of the ramp up problem thread.
Are we being over critical of ramp up? it sounds like the ramp up is more active?

[vliou2173]

I've spoken to Dan before. He has issues. He clearly hates his job. :shock:

[MEM-TEK]

I've spoken to Dan before. He has issues. He clearly hates his job. :shock:

Maybe you caught him on a bad day or just after being chewed out by an irate customer? Dan has always been very helpful to me -- long before Escort became aware that I am MEM-TEK here on this forum. Dan is a radar detector fanatic like the rest of us. :)

[Offshore]

I've spoken to Dan before. He has issues. He clearly hates his job. :shock:

I have to agree, he was was a total a$$, have gotten him on the phone at least twice now.

[specialchicken]

I might have to call him all the way from down here!

[thetruth]

I've spoken to Dan before. He has issues. He clearly hates his job. :shock:

Maybe you caught him on a bad day or just after being chewed out by an irate customer? Dan has always been very helpful to me -- long before Escort became aware that I am MEM-TEK here on this forum. Dan is a radar detector fanatic like the rest of us. :)

Just a note before I get totally off subject...I have noticed my *new* STI that replaced my first one last month is quieter on Autoscan...almost as good as *city* filters to me. I just leave mine in Autoscan now as a result. I haven't had any really good KA encounters lately so not sure about range difference but I am going to go for a drive today and report back.

I am certainly a radar enthusiast but I like just about any exotic gadget. Just thought I would throw this out there>>>>>I recently got into FLASHLIGHTS! yes flashlights...I dig candlepower man. I know alot of you guys are gadget freaks too....that's WHY you got into radar (some of you maybe REAlLY hardcore here...HA) but if you need something else to waste money on you should check out flashlights...some really cool stuff out there like the HID light I bought a year ago...I know this isn't the forum for flashlights and certainly not the thread for it so I'm done....just had to throw it out there. PM me if you're even curious about a device the size of a Maglight that will throw enough light for people to read a book 1/4 mile away.

[carboncopy]

Any updates for this thread? So there was no real ramp-up fix? What is the deal?

[GTO_04]

Any updates for this thread? So there was no real ramp-up fix? What is the deal?

Nope. There is no ramp-up fix, period. It's either take it or leave it.

Hopefully VR will be able to stealth the V1 at some time in the future. For now, STi owners are stuck with a lousy ramp up and very mediocre K band reception. I don't see what is so difficult about a nice linear ramp-up. It is not rocket science for a company that has successfully stealthed a radar detector.

GTO_04

[MEM-TEK]

Any updates for this thread? So there was no real ramp-up fix? What is the deal?

Nope. There is no ramp-up fix, period. It's either take it or leave it.

Hopefully VR will be able to stealth the V1 at some time in the future. For now, STi owners are stuck with a lousy ramp up and very mediocre K band reception. I don't see what is so difficult about a nice linear ramp-up. It is not rocket science for a company that has successfully stealthed a radar detector.

GTO_04

I would hardly call the -117dBm average STi K band sensitivity mediocre! :D

[carboncopy]

And actually even though I can't say I like the ramp-up on my STi, I do love the detector overall. It hangs with my V1 and is very user friendly! K band isn't as sensitive as my V1, but it isn't that far off either. The STi will eat X and Ka band for breakfast!!

[Offshore]

And actually even though I can't say I like the ramp-up on my STi, I do love the detector overall. It hangs with my V1 and is very user friendly! K band isn't as sensitive as my V1, but it isn't that far off either. The STi will eat X and Ka band for breakfast!!

I agree the STi is a great detector with a not so great audio ramp-up, that being said...it does hang with the V1 over all, real world may even beat the V1 on some Ka bands...not by much...I have enjoyed the STi so far, have been using it now for about three weeks solid and alot of miles ...have seen all types of radar and traps...performance is great...I run in autoscan...which I also like :lol:

[Virion]

And to add to the k band saga, I have noticed since I received my STi back that k band sensitivity has increased significantly.

[carboncopy]

And to add to the k band saga, I have noticed since I received my STi back that k band sensitivity has increased significantly.

What all did you have done to your STi Virion?

[Virion]

And to add to the k band saga, I have noticed since I received my STi back that k band sensitivity has increased significantly.

What all did you have done to your STi Virion?

I sent it in for the "audio ramp up fix". They updated my firmware and it says they repaired my antenna. Not sure what they actually did, but Autoscan is much better now as is sensitivity on k band. 35.5 ka has always been stellar. It's actually slightly more sensitive on 35.5 ka in comparison to my V1.

[carboncopy]

And to add to the k band saga, I have noticed since I received my STi back that k band sensitivity has increased significantly.

What all did you have done to your STi Virion?

I sent it in for the "audio ramp up fix". They updated my firmware and it says they repaired my antenna. Not sure what they actually did, but Autoscan is much better now as is sensitivity on k band. 35.5 ka has always been stellar. It's actually slightly more sensitive on 35.5 ka in comparison to my V1.

But the ramp up wasn't really "fixed"? It still doesn't ramp up smoothly (V1 or X50 style) correct? As for the firmware, does that mean they did the 33.8 firmware upgrade?

This thread almost reads as if Belscort misunderstood what you wanted done in the first place, which was to improve the ramp up of your STi.

[djrams80]

4 pages to go! :lol:

[MEM-TEK]

From what I can gather, Bel has "improved" the audio ramp-up by simply changing the slow beeps to slower beeps in order for the user to more clearly distinguish the slow beeps from the fast beeps once the signal strength passes a certain threshold. I'm not sure if I would call that an improvement since the driver could easily miss the new slower beep rate due to ambient noise.

As far as I am aware (and communicated to me by a Escort CS representative) there currently is no audio ramp-up fix for the STi which will give it an audio ramp-up which linearly increases to match the visual ramp-up. My understanding is that the STi's audio ramp-up is hardwired into the electronics. I guess this would make it beyond the control of a firmware update, aside from adjusting the beep rates for the slow and fast beep rates.

The above is just my own theory, but I am pretty sure that I am right. If I am wrong and Bel is simply being hard nosed about this after the infamous 33.8 bug, then perhaps they should consider offering a true ramp-up fix for $15 if the customer pays to ship their STi to them. That way the return shipping cost is covered and the tech's 10 minutes of time is covered as well for reflashing the STi. Obviously this service would consist simply of a reflash and would not include bench testing the STi for performance or any other issue.

This sounds like a simple solution to me if a true linear audio ramp-up can be achieved with a simple firmware flash. Fifteen bucks? Heck, I would pay that plus the shipping costs to Bel in a heartbeat in order to have a "perfect" STi in all respects. I'd even be willing to schedule when I sent in my STi so that Belscort's repair techs don't get swamped either. :)

[GTO_04]

From what I can gather, Bel has "improved" the audio ramp-up by simply changing the slow beeps to slower beeps in order for the user to more clearly distinguish the slow beeps from the fast beeps once the signal strength passes a certain threshold. I'm not sure if I would call that an improvement since the driver could easily miss the new slower beep rate due to ambient noise.

As far as I am aware (and communicated to me by a Escort CS representative) there currently is no audio ramp-up fix for the STi which will give it an audio ramp-up which linearly increases to match the visual ramp-up. My understanding is that the STi's audio ramp-up is hardwired into the electronics. I guess this would make it beyond the control of a firmware update, aside from adjusting the beep rates for the slow and fast beep rates.

The above is just my own theory, but I am pretty sure that I am right. If I am wrong and Bel is simply being hard nosed about this after the infamous 33.8 bug, then perhaps they should consider offering a true ramp-up fix for $15 if the customer pays to ship their STi to them. That way the return shipping cost is covered and the tech's 10 minutes of time is covered as well for reflashing the STi. Obviously this service would consist simply of a reflash and would not include bench testing the STi for performance or any other issue.

This sounds like a simple solution to me if a true linear audio ramp-up can be achieved with a simple firmware flash. Fifteen bucks? Heck, I would pay that plus the shipping costs to Bel in a heartbeat in order to have a "perfect" STi in all respects. I'd even be willing to schedule when I sent in my STi so that Belscort's repair techs don't get swamped either. :)

Maybe it's just me, but I think a $499 radar detector should come with a linear ramp up standard, one shouldn't have to pay extra for that. If the ramp up rate is hardware based and they chose to have only two audio beep rates, that is poor design. It takes away from what is otherwise a pretty good RD.

GTO_04

[Offshore]

Just wondering how many sent in the STi for what they thought was an audio ramp fix, I know Virion did......anyone else?

[sk911]

I sent one in yesterday for the 33.8 fix. While I was on the phone with them they mentioned the audio ramp fix!?

The CS rep said the ramp up issue wasn't a bug. It was just different from their other models.

[djrams80]

I sent one in yesterday for the 33.8 fix. While I was on the phone with them they mentioned the audio ramp fix!?

The CS rep said the ramp up issue wasn't a bug. It was just different from their other models.
That's a true statement. It's not a bug. It's just different. Different meaning the STi's rampup sucks while others do not! :lol:

[Virion]

And to add to the k band saga, I have noticed since I received my STi back that k band sensitivity has increased significantly.

What all did you have done to your STi Virion?

I sent it in for the "audio ramp up fix". They updated my firmware and it says they repaired my antenna. Not sure what they actually did, but Autoscan is much better now as is sensitivity on k band. 35.5 ka has always been stellar. It's actually slightly more sensitive on 35.5 ka in comparison to my V1.

But the ramp up wasn't really "fixed"? It still doesn't ramp up smoothly (V1 or X50 style) correct? As for the firmware, does that mean they did the 33.8 firmware upgrade?

This thread almost reads as if Belscort misunderstood what you wanted done in the first place, which was to improve the ramp up of your STi.

If you would take the time to read this entire thread you will see that I spoke with several CSR's and every single one of them was very clear what was meant by audio ramp up and each of them knew exactly what I was talking about. The ramp up was changed, but it's still horrible. No where near a V1 or X50's ramp up.

[vliou2173]

Sigh, now I'm at a loss.

I would love the new AUTOSCAN enhancement, 35.5 sensitivity (which is all they use in Kitchener / Waterloo for some freakin reason), but the new "ramp up fix" sounds dumb.

I'd rather have 2 sounds than go ??? when it goes off....any advice?

[thetruth]

Sigh, now I'm at a loss.

I would love the new AUTOSCAN enhancement, 35.5 sensitivity (which is all they use in Kitchener / Waterloo for some freakin reason), but the new "ramp up fix" sounds dumb.

I'd rather have 2 sounds than go ??? when it goes off....any advice?


I think you can get the firmware flash without any mod to the audio...if I'm understanding MeM-Tek correctly. Go for it.

[tactical22]

I have also emailed Bel and clearly explained what we want...they are just ignoring what their customers want!

They have ignored my last 3 emails.

I officially will never buy another BELTRONICS ever again...they have the worst customer service in the world, pigheaded and downright arrogant.

[Offshore]

I have also emailed Bel and clearly explained what we want...they are just ignoring what their customers want!

They have ignored my last 3 emails.

I officially will never buy another BELTRONICS ever again...they have the worst customer service in the world, pigheaded and downright arrogant.

Bel does seem to have a CS problem, not sure why they are so arrogant..this is the first Bel product that I have ever purchased(STi), and after calling them four (4) times i have given up :cry:

[Cips]

Did anyone email them with a link to the thread? That may get some more attention?

[shafar23]

Just received my sti a few days ago. Seems like my rd ramps up in reverse. It goes from 7 and then back down. So either I am driving too fast or something is wrong with this thing. i previously had an x50 and a 9500i, so i think i know how it is supposed too sound. any suggestions?

[jdong]

I don't think they care to hear from existing customers. An email along the lines of "I am looking towards buying detectors, but from my research at (radardetector.net link here) existing owners are very dissatisfied with (rampup bug description here). Based on this information, I do not want to buy your product until this bug is fixed."

would probably have more effect on Bel.

[Freebird]

I think Bel feels that their 2 stage tone ramp up works fine. Its been the same since STI came out and only till recently did anyone start complaining. I think bel sees your complaints as being too picky and anal about a non issue in their eyes. They are probably thinking its a never ending domino affect, if we change the audio what will they complain and want changed next... Bel feels the audio ramp up is not Broken, its a personal deal, some like it and some hate it, and until it prevents them from making sales its a non issue to them... I dont see it being changed, especially when it takes time and $$$ labor to change. I also think when you call and mention you are in anyway associated with this forum they get defensive and less willing to work with you, ie ignoring you.
Im not taking anyones side here, just sharing my observations.

[Cips]

Just received my sti a few days ago. Seems like my rd ramps up in reverse. It goes from 7 and then back down. So either I am driving too fast or something is wrong with this thing. i previously had an x50 and a 9500i, so i think i know how it is supposed too sound. any suggestions?

Send it back. Either ask for a replacement or ask them to fix it.

[CJR238]

4 pages to go! :lol:

Now only 3.


Just received my sti a few days ago. Seems like my rd ramps up in reverse. It goes from 7 and then back down. So either I am driving too fast or something is wrong with this thing. i previously had an x50 and a 9500i, so i think i know how it is supposed too sound. any suggestions?
your driving backwards...

[tactical22]

I think Bel feels that their 2 stage tone ramp up works fine. Its been the same since STI came out and only till recently did anyone start complaining. I think bel sees your complaints as being too picky and anal about a non issue in their eyes.

Actually NO, we started complaining about this from DAY 1 but only in the last couple months have people started doing something about it.

Bel should listen to what we want. Take a ticket from Escorts book!

[RW'07]

Just to play devil's advocate, technologically what Bel should have done to make the STI's ramp up go in multiple stages (and not just 2 as it's been all the time)?, would it have been a major overhaul of the STI's platform, maybe increasing the overhead on the production line so giving them a way to increase the price right from the beginning, so would anybody be happy buying the STI with an Escort kind of ramp up BUT at least $50 more expensive than its (the STI) regular price, $450 before, $500 now, so $500 and $550 respectively?
Can you make the case that bringing its ramp up to the exact level Escort RDs are doesn't involve any reasonable grounds for a specific price increase (just for the ramp up)?

Personally I have no beef with the ramp up, still running its A4M7 with no 33.8 fix, and :D :D :D with its performance, also I have no issues with people demanding more (the best) out of a product but let's discuss the affordability ($$$) issue as well...