8500 x50 quirks - transition from Bel 985

**metroplex** · 01-08-2007, 04:43 AM

I'm having some difficulty transitioning to the Escort 8500 x50 from the Bel 985 and Bel series of detectors.

The x50 uses a "brap" tone to signify K-band, and a "brap brap" tone for Ka band. Maybe it is just me, but I'm having a hard time distinguishing between K and Ka band using the 8500. On the Bel, the K band and Ka band sound different enough that even if the Voice was shut off, I'd be able to tell if it was K or Ka immediately.

There are lots of false alerts with the x50. It's more sensitive than the 985, but I know there are false K alerts at certain points on my route. Due to how the x50 plays the K/Ka tones, I'm having a hard time filtering it out myself.

Is there a setting I can use that will make the Ka alert sound different from the K alert on the x50?

**stealthJamal** · 01-08-2007, 07:45 AM

I have no problem hearing the difference between the 2, but everyone is different.

Is there a setting I can use that will make the Ka alert sound different from the K alert on the x50?

Go into program mode and changing the tones to LOUD setting. This will change the way the alert sounds making it a lot easier to hear the difference between K and Ka alerts.

**metroplex** · 01-08-2007, 08:00 AM

Thanks Stealth Jamal.

I'll try the loud tones. The x50 is definitely much more sensitive in the K-band department. A constant-on K-band source at a rail road crossing was pegging out my x50 (I got a straight tone), whereas the 985 would just beep fast but not at full strength.

**Qui-Gon** · 01-08-2007, 08:52 AM

Originally Posted by stealthJamal

Go into program mode and changing the tones to LOUD setting. This will change the way the alert sounds making it a lot easier to hear the difference between K and Ka alerts.

X2. I also found it hard to distinguish the Ka alert without setting the tones to LOUD.

**metroplex** · 01-09-2007, 09:07 AM

The loud tones still didn't help things much. In dark mode, I don't know if it is X, K, or Ka band. I prefer Bel's voice alert system.

**AirMoore** · 01-09-2007, 09:30 AM

Wow, the tones on the X50 in 'LOUD' are outstanding, I think maybe you just need some time getting used to it, because I can assure you the tones are very different.

I guess its all in the ear of the beholder though.