STi-R Unpacked

I've had mine mounted both ways, and I found very little difference having it behind my plastic bumper. In fact, since I'm sure you're not using this for LIDAR detection *cough* *cough*, I would strongly recommend you protect it behind the bumper so it doesn't wear out from road damage.

We tested it at Alpine's event and I was still killing everyone elses detectors on sensitivity across all bands (except Languy's Uber V1 Rear antenna), so it can't be that big of a deal.

I'm sure there's a dozen people here that will argue with me, but a thin layer of plastic can't be any worse than a windshield in front of a regular unit.

Wanna trade for a blue display. prettty pretty pleeaaase.



And for reference, the SRX has a lot of parts too. Not close the 9500ci, I spread that thing out across the entire kitchen table.
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f1...x/IMG_2644.jpg

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Originally Posted by BLINDER-GUY

Does the antenna have to be mounted where it is not blocked or can it be mounted concealed behind the bumper?

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My 9500ci performed horribly when mounted behind my grille and fantastic once given a clear look at the road.

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Originally Posted by REBinc

Wanna trade for a blue display. prettty pretty pleeaaase.

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The Bel STi-R's red display the 9500ci's blue display are not interchangeable. RacerX tried it. No go.

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Originally Posted by djrams80

The Bel STi-R's red display the 9500ci's blue display are not interchangeable. RacerX tried it. No go.

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What if I physically desolder both, and then reattach to the boards? I really want red.

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Originally Posted by Aoshi

I've had mine mounted both ways, and I found very little difference having it behind my plastic bumper. In fact, since I'm sure you're not using this for LIDAR detection *cough* *cough*, I would strongly recommend you protect it behind the bumper so it doesn't wear out from road damage.

We tested it at Alpine's event and I was still killing everyone elses detectors on sensitivity across all bands (except Languy's Uber V1 Rear antenna), so it can't be that big of a deal.

I'm sure there's a dozen people here that will argue with me, but a thin layer of plastic can't be any worse than a windshield in front of a regular unit.

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Please kep in mind that all plastic is not created equal. "There are about 39 different types of basic plastics used to make an automobile today." - American Chemestry Council.

The majority of modern plastic car bumper system fascias are made of thermoplastic olefins (TPOs), polycarbonates, polyesters, polypropylene, polyurethanes, polyamides, or blends of these with, for instance, glass fibers, for strength and structural rigidity.

Different additives can absord different signals.

Some types of plastic will allow certain signals through better than other types.

My experience is similar to DJs. 1/8 of an inch bumper plastic made my STI-R
act like my STi on K and Ka Band. You should test this your self on your own car.

My receiver is almoist a year old and is about a foot off the ground. Weather has been nasty here and salt, little rocks and who knows what else has hit this thing and I have had no issues.

Is it in yet? Should have only been an hour :) I would have had that thing powered up and taped the receiver to my dash in the meantime.


One of the main reason I went with the STi-r was the red color. The blue was a deal breaker for my interior.

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Originally Posted by REBinc

What if I physically desolder both, and then reattach to the boards? I really want red.

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You'd be the first to try it.

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Originally Posted by REBinc

What if I physically desolder both, and then reattach to the boards? I really want red.

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Did you try calling Bel? They might be able to help and you cannot be th only person. Perhaps you can send yours in and hey can replace with Red LEDs. Seems like Escort has generally gone blue and Bel is mostly red.

I understand your angst. You try to get a nice car and install a remote and it sticks out because of the color.

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Originally Posted by samq45

Did you try calling Bel? They might be able to help and you cannot be th only person. Perhaps you can send yours in and hey can replace with Red LEDs. Seems like Escort has generally gone blue and Bel is mostly red.

I understand your angst. You try to get a nice car and install a remote and it sticks out because of the color.

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I have called them before, they want $180, which is ridiculous considering the LED display cost $30, a and the case may total another $15.

I'd rather trade with someone, blue LEDs are usually more expensive and all I want is an even trade. I will also handle the de-soldering and soldering with no problem.

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Originally Posted by REBinc

I have called them before, they want $180, which is ridiculous considering the LED display cost $30, a and the case may total another $15.

I'd rather trade with someone, blue LEDs are usually more expensive and all I want is an even trade. I will also handle the de-soldering and soldering with no problem.

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Why not just buy the red led's and change them out.

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Originally Posted by category4

Why not just buy the red led's and change them out.

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A couple of reasons.
One is that its not 1 LED, its 260 tiny LEDs that make up the display.
The second reason is I want the lens. I didn't have the a lens when I did my first SRX mod, and it looked like crap. I eventually bought a lens, but it wasn't as thick and didn't look as nice.
Last reason is they no long have off the shelf parts. I can buy new display in different colors for old 8500s and my SRX from Digikey, but not the ones they use in new Escort or Bel products.

I've thought about this a lot:rolleyes:


Someone please trade me!