My RX65 is useless :-(

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03-05-2006, 12:09 AM
KahneFan

My RX65 is useless :-(

Well, I purchsed the x50 and rx65 at the same time (both from Bel). As soon as I got them, as I've stated before, the x50 had technical issues and the laser signal sounded constant with not a threat in sight. So, I unplugged it and plugged in the RX65. The RX65 was good at doing it's job. Honestly, I wasn't $200 convinced over a Whistler, but that's just my opinion. However, I was going to go ahead and keep the RX65... until, the clouds rolled back and allowed the sun to shine through. With the angle of the RX65 display being cut up (still don't get that one), it allows the sun to shine right through the display and renders the display completely useless (to me anyway). Sure, it has the beeps and even the voice to notify you, but for $300, I would still like to be able to read the display. Especially if I have my music up and the RD on autoquite. After the first 3/4 warning beeps, it drops below my music level and I no longer have warning tones, or a display when it's sunny. Anywho, just my experience with the RX65. So, I will be sending both the RX65 and the X50 back since they are within the 30 trial period. I picked up a PRO 73 and hopefully I will be able to see it when it's nice and sunny out. Still not sold on the blue displays, but that's another story.
03-05-2006, 12:36 AM
crazyVOLVOrob

the Whistler pro 73 will have range much less than the Rx65
03-05-2006, 12:41 AM
Holla

DOnt forget to give the Mighty V-1 a try--you likey! :D
03-05-2006, 06:25 AM
AirMoore

Quote:

Originally Posted by crazyVOLVOrob

the Whistler pro 73 will have range much less than the Rx65

Range much less then both the X50 AND RX65, especially over elevation changes, and around corners.... This isnt to say the Pro73 isnt a good unit, but dont go comparing it to 2 of the Top 3(4) detectors in the world.
03-05-2006, 07:20 AM
amoney

Sorry to here your diapointment. I did not know that was an issue with the newer Bels, my older Bel is just fine, infact very bright and clear, its display is kinda of recest into a "hood".
03-05-2006, 07:23 AM
brick

If you mount it very high on the windshield you will probably pick up a little radar range and take care of the sun problem as well.
03-05-2006, 07:51 AM
cervan

i have the new rx65 and i can see the display with the sun shining on it sorry to here you cant
03-05-2006, 08:17 AM
AirMoore

Quote:

Originally Posted by cervan

i have the new rx65 and i can see the display with the sun shining on it sorry to here you cant

Well it does depend on how direct the sunlight is, and how intense... I can tell you any red(esk) display on a motorcycle will dissappear, no matter how 'bright' the display is... so its really all depending on circumstances.
03-05-2006, 08:29 AM
amoney

Quote:

Originally Posted by brick

If you mount it very high on the windshield you will probably pick up a little radar range and take care of the sun problem as well.

That is the quintessential solution!
03-05-2006, 09:26 AM
KahneFan

I have a truck, so the windshield is angled out to where the sun would hit the RD no matter where I mount it, unless it was in the tint area and that would be useless. I appreciate the suggestion though.

I do realize that the PRO 73 will have a lesser range, but I have not tested to see how much less yet. However, I used to have a Whistler 1740, and maybe it just had exeptional range for some reason, but I honestly did not notice a $200 range difference in the RX65 for the 20 days (or so), that I had it. I've only had the PRO 73 for about 2 days now, and neither while I am working, so I have not had a chance to see it's performace. But, as long as it's better than my old 1740 (which it should be), it will be acceptable for me.

Thanks to everyone for the input. Maybe I'll test a V1 in August when I get my next bonus. As well as re-ordering an X50 to try a non-faulty unit.
03-05-2006, 09:43 AM
RensoreK

Re: My RX65 is useless :-(

Quote:

Originally Posted by KahneFan

However, I was going to go ahead and keep the RX65... until, the clouds rolled back and allowed the sun to shine through. With the angle of the RX65 display being cut up (still don't get that one), it allows the sun to shine right through the display and renders the display completely useless (to me anyway).

Mount it high on your windshield, along your tint line. It won't make the detector "useless" because radar frequencies travel through many object, including the human body, they are reflected by metal and other strong solid objects, and your tint and windshield aren't enough to hold the signal back, so you will get equal detection range. As for laser, you drive a truck, so most likely you won't get any laser scatter because of your vehicles height.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KahneFan

After the first 3/4 warning beeps, it drops below my music level and I no longer have warning tones,

Hold the last two buttons on the RX65 for 3 seconds, enter the programming menu and disable automute.
03-05-2006, 10:05 AM
AirMoore

Quote:

Originally Posted by KahneFan

As well as re-ordering an X50 to try a non-faulty unit.

Get a X50 BLUE too, don't mess around with the red stuff if you dont have to, get the brightest there is if you often have problems with loosing visual in your truck.
03-05-2006, 10:15 AM
jimbonzzz

Quote:

Originally Posted by KahneFan

I have a truck, so the windshield is angled out to where the sun would hit the RD no matter where I mount it, unless it was in the tint area and that would be useless. I appreciate the suggestion though.

The tint area is usually just fine for radar, unless the happens to be metallic. Regular tint would definitely affect laser detection, but on the RX-65 you're not losing much.

If you want to see some comparitive numbers, check out our '05 results:
http://www.guysoflidar.com/shootout05/radartesting.html

The Whistler Pro58 is the same unit as the Pro73, without the voice alerts ot text display.

Jim
03-05-2006, 12:21 PM
KahneFan

Re: My RX65 is useless :-(

Quote:

Originally Posted by RensoreK

As for laser, you drive a truck, so most likely you won't get any laser scatter because of your vehicles height.

Actually, my 1740 picked up laser very well in every truck I've had it in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RensoreK

Hold the last two buttons on the RX65 for 3 seconds, enter the programming menu and disable automute.

I'm in sales, so I'm on the phone quite often as I'm driving, so I actually prefer autoquiet. Then, I would use my eyes to see the threat level on the display. But, without being able to see the display...

As for mounting it higher, I think I'm lucky to get the laser signals I've gotten, so I really wouldn't want to try any higher.

Overall, I think the RX65 is a good detector, if your vehicle is set up so that the light isn't a problem. I even have all 4 doors and the back window tinted as dark a possible.
03-05-2006, 12:27 PM
Iknox

hmm im sorry to hurry about ur experiance with ur X50 does you car have any range tracking insterments that could be setting of the x50?
03-05-2006, 12:30 PM
KahneFan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iknox

hmm im sorry to hurry about ur experiance with ur X50 does you car have any range tracking insterments that could be setting of the x50?

Actually, after I purchased the X50 from Bel (yes Bel, not Escort), I found an authorized rep in my area. One of the sales reps actually plugged his into my truck for about 10 minutes (blue one) and it worked fine, so I think I really did get a faulty unit originally. I debated about swapping out the unit, but I really would prefer a RD with the voice alerts since my eyes can't always be on the RD and my mind isn't always focused on picking out the sound.
03-05-2006, 12:33 PM
Iknox

ok well hmm the RX65 would be your best bet but if ur not going to be looking at it that cut screen shouldnt bother u much?
03-05-2006, 12:37 PM
KahneFan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iknox

ok well hmm the RX65 would be your best bet but if ur not going to be looking at it that cut screen shouldnt bother u much?

This is basically what I'm looking at...

RX65 -
No display at times - when sunny, which is often in Austin, TX

X50 -
No voice alert - which isn't a real big deal

PRO73 -
Less range - although my 1740 always seemed to get decent (enough)
03-05-2006, 02:00 PM
Iknox

guess what looks like the X50 is ur pick then

Quote:

X50 -
No voice alert - which isn't a real big deal
03-05-2006, 02:06 PM
RensoreK

Re: My RX65 is useless :-(

Quote:

Originally Posted by KahneFan

Overall, I think the RX65 is a good detector, if your vehicle is set up so that the light isn't a problem. I even have all 4 doors and the back window tinted as dark a possible.

I used my detector in El Paso, TX with 0% tint and never found a problem reading the display when set to BRT MAX, I now live in Florida, but my tint is %5 on all windows except the windshield and I am still able to read it, I have even tried flashing a LED (white) flashlight on the display at night and its still partially readable, so maybe if you could post a picture of your setup maybe we can help.
03-11-2006, 04:30 PM
KahneFan

My PRO 73 does this now as well. My old 1740 used to have a 1/4 inch lip or so all the way around the display and I think this was just enough to give shade. The PRO 73 and RX65 have either no lip, or extra clear plastic which allows the light right in.

I think I will have to try the X50 again in August when I get my next bonus. It appeared to have a slight lip around it which may prevent this glare.

And, I've tried moving my RD to different spots on my window. If my 06' Silverado has a glare strip along the top, it's extremely faint because I can't tell a difference at all.