Page 1
S T E A L T H I N S T A L L E D
BELTRONICS
5442 West Chester Road
West Chester OH
45069 USA
USA 800-341-2288
www.beltronics.com
©2007 BELTRONICS
Made in Canada
Features, specifications and prices subject to change without notice.
Model: STi-R
D I G I T A L R A D A R•L A S E R•S A F E T Y D E T E C T O R
Owner
’s Manual
Page 2
Congratulations Quick Reference Card
The BELTRONICS STi-R is the most
advanced stealth-installed radar, laser and
safety detector ever designed.
The STi-R includes full X, K,
SuperWide Ka, and Safety Warning
System radar capability, front laser
detection, dual LNA (low noise amplifier)
microwave receivers, digital signal
processing (DSP) for superior range and
reduced false alarms, our patented Mute
and AutoMute, audible and visual band
alerts, and all the performance you’d
expect from BELTRONICS.
In addition, the BELTRONICS STi-R
contains the following revolutionary
features:
• Dual LNA (low noise amplifier)
receivers provide the longest
possible warning against all radar
threats.
• TotalShield* RF Technology
provides the ultimate in
undetectability.
• High and low voltage warning is
given any time the vehicle’s voltage
drops below 10.5 volts, or goes
above 16.5 volts.
• Easy-to-use Programming lets you
customize up to 7 features.
• Exclusive AutoScan mode
intelligently reduces unwanted
false alarms.
• Ultra-bright text-display provides
easy to read information from any
angle.
• Tech Display provides actual
numeric radar frequency for any
radar signal.
• Programmable Bands (on/off).
• Detects and decodes up to 64 Safety
Warning System messages
If you’ve used a radar detector before,
a review of the Quick Reference Guide on
pages 4 and 5, and the Programming
information on pages 12 and 13 will
briefly explain the new features.
If this is your first detector, please
read the manual in detail to get the most
out of your BELTRONICS STi-R’s
outstanding performance and innovative
features.
Please drive safely.
FCC Note: Modifications not expressly
approved by the manufacturer could
void the user’s FCC granted authority
to operate the equipment.
Remove card along perforations
BELTRONICS STi-R Quick Reference Card
There are 7 user-selectable options so
you can customize your STi-R for your
own preferences.
The buttons labeled VOL/MUTE and
SENS are also used to enter the Programming Mode, REVI EW your current
program settings, and to CHANGE any
settings as desired. The abbreviations
PGM, RVW and CHG are located on the
lower part of the display lens and are
highl ighted in graphics.
How to use Programming
1 To enter Program Mode, press and
hold both VOL/MUTE and SENS buttons
down for 2 seconds
twice, and display the word
2 Then press the VOL/MUTE button
to review the current settings. You can
either tap the button to change from item
to item, or hold the button to scroll
through the items.
3 Press the SENS button to change
any setting. You can either tap the button
to change from setting to setting, or hold
the button to scroll through all the options.
4 To leave Program Mode, simply wait
Remove card along perforations
8 seconds without pressing any button,
or mometarily press the PWR button.
The unit will display
times, and return to normal operation.
Factory Default Settings
To reset the STi-R to its original factor y
settings, press and hold the “VOL/
MUTE” and “SENS” buttons while
turning the power on. The STi-R’s
display will provide a
1
accompanied by an audible alert
acknowledgi ng the reset.
. The unit will beep
Program.
Complete, beep 4
Reset message,
An example
Here is how you would turn the STi-R’s
AutoMute feature off.
1 Enter the Program Mode by holding
both the VOL/MUTE and SENS buttons
down for 2 seconds. The STi-R will beep
twice and display Program.
2 Then hold the VOL/MUTE button
down. The STi-R will scroll through the
categories, starting with power-on
indication ( Pilot), Voice, Power-on
sequence, signal strength meter, and
then AutoMute.
3 Release the VOL/MUTE button when
the STi-R shows the AutoMute item.
Since the factory setting is for AutoMute
to be on, the STi-R will display
aMute ON.
If you accidentally don’t release the
Review button in time, and the STi-R
goes to the next category, hold the
VOL/MUTE button down again, and
scroll through the categories again until
aMute is displayed .
4 Press the SENS button to change from
aMute ON to aMute OFF.
5 To complete the Progra mming, simply
wait 8 seconds without pressing any
button, or press the PWR button.
STi-R will display
times, and return to normal operation.
Complete, beep 4
Programming Details
The
Page 3
Quick Reference Card
Table of Contents
Remove card along perforations
BELTRONICS STi-R Quick Reference Card
Press the VOL/MUTE button Press the SENS button
to go from one category to change your setting
to the next within a category
PILOT Pilot HWY * Full word: Highway, AutoScan, etc.
(Power-on indication) Pilot H Letter: H, A, C, or Cnx
Pilot V Vehicle voltage
VOICE Voice ON * Voice alerts on
Voice OFF Voice alerts off
POWER-ON SEQUENCE PwrOn STD * Standard power-on sequence
PwrOn FST Fast power-on sequence
SIGNAL STRENGTH METER Meter STD * Standard signal strength meter
Meter THT Threat Display
Meter TEC Tech Display
AUTOMUTE aMute ON * AutoMute on
aMute OFF AutoMute off
BRIGHTNESS Brt Auto * Automatic brightness
Brt Min Minimum brightness
Brt Med Medium brightness
Brt Max Maximum brightness
Brt Dark All dark
BANDS Bands DFT * Factory default settings
When KaSW is off,
Bands MOD Factory default settings modified
each Ka segment can be turned on or off
Ka1 (33.392 - 33.704) ON or OFF
Turn bands “ON” or “OFF” by press-
Ka2 (33.704 - 33.896) ON or OFF
Ka3 (33.886 - 34.198) ON or OFF
ing and holding the “SENS” button
Ka4 (34.184 - 34.592) ON or OFF
X ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka5 (34.592 - 34.808) ON or OFF
K ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka6 (34.806 - 35.166) ON or OFF
KaSW ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka7 (34.143 - 35.383) ON or OFF
LSR ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka8 (35.378 - 35.618) ON or OFF
SWS ON or OFF (default is off)
Ka9 (35.595 - 35.835) ON or OFF
POP ON or OFF (default is off)
Ka10 (35.830 - 35.998) ON or OFF
RDR ON or OFF (default is on)
* Factory Default Settings
Remove card along perforations
Quick Reference Card 1-2
Quick Reference Guide 4-5
Controls and Features
• Power 6
• Volume Control 6
• Power-on Indication 6
• Voice Alerts 6
• AutoMute 6
• Mute 6
• Sensitivity Button 7
• Brightness 7
• Audible Alerts
• Signal Strength Meter
• Threat Display
• Tech Display
6-9
Programming 10-14
• How to use Programming 10
• Example of Programming
• Overview of Programming
• Details of Programming
Technical Details 15-21
• Specifications 15
• Interpreting Alerts
• How Radar Works 18
• How “POP” Works 18
• How Laser Works 19
• How TotalShield
8
• How Safety Radar Works 20-
8
9
Service 22-28
9
• Troubleshooting 22-23
• Service 24
• Warranty 25
• Registration 27-28
32
™
Technology Works 20
10
11
12-14
16-17
21
Page 4
Quick Reference Guide
Once your STi-R has been installed,
just follow these simple steps
1 Press the PWR button, located on the
left side of the controller, to turn the
STi-R on/off. If installed to a switched
accessory, the Sti-R will turn on/off
with the vehicle’s ignition.
2 Press and hold the VOL/MUTE
button to adjust the volume level.
Please read the manual to fully understand
the STi-R’s operation and features.
AutoMute
STi-R’s patented AutoMute automatically
reduces the volume level of the audio alert
after a brief period. If you prefer, you can
turn AutoMute off.
Programming
You can also easily change 9 features for
your preferences.
Page 6
Pages 12-14
Power-on LED Indicator
Control Module
Display Module
Power
Press the PWR button to turn the STi-R on
or off.
VOL/MUTE Button
Press and hold the VOL/MUTE button to
adjust the alert volume level.
Briefly press this button to silence the
audio for a specific alert. (The audio will
alert you to the next encounter.) Page 6
Sensitivity Button (SENS)
Switches between Highway, AutoScan,
City and City NoX settings. In general, we
recommend the AutoScan mode. Page
Alphanumeric Display
The STi-R’s display will
show Highway, AutoScan, City,
or City NoX as its power-on indication.
If you prefer, you can choose other poweron indications. Pages
During an alert, the display will
indicate the radar or laser band, and a
precise bar graph of signal strength.
Pages 8 and 13
NOTE: In the Dark Mode the display will
not light during an alert. Pages 7, 14
10-14
7
4 5
Photocell Light Sensor
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Page 5
Controls and Features
Power
To turn STi-R on or off, press the PWR
button located on the front left side of the
controller. When you turn STi-R on, it goes
through a sequence of alerts.
If you prefer, you may program your
STi-R for a shorter power-on sequence. See
the Programming section for details.
Volume
Press and hold the VOL/MUTE button
located in the center of the controller to
adjust the STi-R’s alert volume level. The
audio will ramp up and down,
accompanied by a bar-graph on the display.
Once you’ve reached your preferred audio
level, simply release the button.
To change the direction of the audio
ramping (down instead of up or vice
versa) simply release the VOL/MUTE
button quickly press and hold it again to
change its direction.
Power-on indication
After STi-R’s start-up sequence is complete,
the alphanumeric display will show
Highway, AutoScan, City or City NoX to
indicate which sensitivity mode is
selected.
If you prefer, you can select alternate
power-on displays. See the Programming
section for details.
Voice Alerts
The STi-R provides digital voice
announcements (factory default) for alerts.
If you prefer, you can turn off the
voice announcement feature and have the
STi-R provide audible tones without the
voice announcement. See programming
section for details.
AutoMute
Your STi-R has our patented AutoMute
feature. After STi-R alerts you to a radar
encounter at the volume you have selected,
the AutoMute feature will automatically
reduce the volume to a lower level. This
keeps you informed without the
annoyance of a continuous full-volume
alert.
If you prefer, you can turn the
AutoMute feature off. See the
Programming section for details.
Mute
The VOL/MUTE button, located in the
center of the STi-R’s front panel, allows
you to silence the audio alert during a
radar encounter.
To mute the audio for a single specific
signal, briefly press the VOL/MUTE button.
After that radar encounter has passed, the
mute will automatically reset and the
audio will alert you to the next encounter.
Sensitivity Button (SENS)
The “SENS” button selects the STi-R’s
sensitivity mode. We recommend
AutoScan mode for most driving.
Highway Mode (Highway)
In this setting, the STi-R will detect all
signals at maximum range.
AutoScan Mode (AutoScan)
In this setting the STi-R’s internal
computer continuously analyzes all
incoming signals and intelligently filters
out unwanted X and K-band false alarms
from automatic door openers and motion
sensors. Full sensitivity is maintained on
all other bands.
City (City STD)
In this setting, X and K-band sensitivity is
further reduced to eliminate unwanted
false alarms in congested urban areas.
City NoX (City NoX)
In this setting, K-band sensitivity is the
same as City STD, however, X-band is
completely turned off.
WARNING: Do not use the STi-R City
NoX mode unless you are absolutely
certain that there are no traffic radar
guns using X-band in your area.
Brightness
The STi-R’s brightness is controlled by a
sensor located behind the display lens.
This sensor will automatically adjust the
display based on the ambient light in your
vehicle. If you prefer, you can select a
fixed brightness level, including Full Dark
Mode. See the programming section for
details.
Sensor location
6 7
Page 6
Controls and Features
Audible Alerts
For Radar signals:
The STi-R uses a geiger-counter-like
sound to indicate the signal strength and
type of radar signal being encountered.
When you encounter radar, a distinct
audible alert will sound and occur faster
as the signal gets stronger. This allows you
to judge the distance from the signal
source without taking your eyes from the
road.
X-band = chirping
K-band = buzzing
Ka-band = double-chirp
POP = full double-chirp
Laser = rapid fire chirping
SWS = double buzz
For Laser signals:
Since laser signals are a possible threat
no matter how weak, the STi-R alerts you
to these bands at full signal strength.
For POP signals:
Since POP signals are extremely fast K
or Ka bursts, and a possible threat no
matter how weak, the STi-R alerts you to
these bands at full signal strength.
For Safety signals:
The STi-R will alert you to these
signals with a double-beep tone, and a
corresponding text message. A complete
listing of the text messages is on page 21.
Signal Strength Meter
The STi-R’s alphanumeric display consists
of 280 individual LEDs, to provide an
intuitive ultra-bright display of signal
strength and text messages.
The STi-R’s standard bar-graph signal
strength meter displays band identification
on a single radar signal. If there are
multiple signals present, STi-R’s internal
computer determines which is the most
important threat to show on the bar-graph
meter.
When STi detects radar, it displays the
band (X, K, Ka), and a precise bar-graph of
the signal strength. When the STi-R
detects a laser signal, the display will show
“LASER.” When it detects a POP signal, the
display will show “POP.”
NOTE: If you are operating the STi-R in
the Dark mode, the display will not
display anything when a signal is
detected. Only the audio will be heard.
8 9
Threat Display
Your STi-R’s Threat Display option is an
advanced display for experienced detector
users. Please use the STi-R for a few weeks
to get familiar with its other features
before using Threat Display.
To use the Threat Display instead of
the bar graph signal strength meter, you
must select Threat Display in the STi-R’s
Programming (see pages 10-14).
The STi-R’s Threat Display
simultaneously tracks multiple radar
signals and their relative signal strength.
Threat Display can help you spot a
change in your normal driving
environment; for example, a traffic radar
unit being operated in an area where
there are normally other signals present.
The Threat Display is actually a
miniature spectrum analyzer. It shows
what band each signal is and its signal
strength.
Ka9 K2 X1
Above is the Threat Display if the
STi-R was detecting a strong Ka-band, a
weak K-band, and a weak X-band signal.
A few more examples will help you
better see how the Threat Display works.
K9 X1
Here Threat Display shows a strong
K-band signal, and a weak X-band signal.
Ka1 X9
Here Threat Display shows a weak
Ka-band signal, and a strong X-band
signal.
Threat Display Details
The band designators (X, K, Ka) will
stay on the display for a few seconds after
the signal has passed. This allows you to
see what the unit detected, even on very
brief signals.
Tech Display
The STi-R’s Tech Display option is for the
experienced detector user. In this mode,
the STi-R will display the actual numeric
frequency of the radar signal being
received.
K 24.150
Tech Display shows one K-band
signal at 24.150 gigahertz.
Even long-time detector users will
require a significant amount of time to get
familiar with this new level of information
about detected signals.
Page 7
Programming
There are 7 user-selectable options so you
can customize your STi-R for your own
preferences. The buttons labeled
VOL/MUTE and SENS are also used to
enter the Programming Mode, REVIEW
your current program settings, and to
CHANGE any settings as desired. Pages 12-
14 explain each option in more detail.
How to use Programming
1 To enter Program Mode, press and
hold both the VOL/MUTE and SENS
buttons down for 2 seconds. (The unit
will beep twice, and will display the word
Program).
2 Then press the VOL/MUTE button
to review the current settings. (You can
either tap the button to change from item
to item, or hold the button to scroll
through the items).
3 Press the SENS button to change
any setting. (You can either tap the
button to change from setting to setting,
or hold the button to scroll through all the
options).
4 To leave the Program Mode,
simply wait 8 seconds without
pressing any button, or press the PWR
button. (The unit will display Complete,
beep 4 times, and return to normal
operation).
Overview of Programming
An example
Here is how you would turn STi-R’s
AutoMute feature off.
1 Enter the Program Mode by holding
both the VOL/MUTE and SENS buttons
down for 2 seconds. The STi-R will beep
twice and display Program.
2 Then hold the VOL/MUTE button
down. The STi-R will scroll through the
categories,
Voice
(PwrOn), signal strength meter (Meter),
AutoMute (
and Bands (
3 Release the VOL/MUTE button when
the STi-R shows the AutoMute item. Since
the factory setting is for AutoMute to be
on, STi-R will display aMute ON.
(If you accidentally don't release the
RVW button in time, and STi-R goes to
the next category, simply hold the RVW
button down again, the STi-R will scroll
through all of the categories.)
4 Press the SENS button to change from
starting with Pilot (Pilot),
(Voice), Power-on sequence
aMute), Brightness (Brt),
Bands).
aMute ON to aMute OFF.
5 To complete the Programming, simply
wait 8 seconds without pressing any
button, or press the PWR button. The STi-R
will display
return to normal operation.
10 11
Complete, beep 4 times, and
Press the VOL/MUTE button Press the SENS button
to go from one category to change your setting
to the next within a category
PILOT Pilot HWY * Full word: Highway, AutoScan, etc.
(Power-on indication) Pilot H Letter: H, A, C, or Cnx
Pilot V Vehicle voltage
VOICE Voice ON * Voice alerts on
Voice OFF Voice alerts off
POWER-ON SEQUENCE PwrOn STD * Standard power-on sequence
PwrOn FST Fast power-on sequence
SIGNAL STRENGTH METER Meter STD * Standard signal strength meter
Meter THT Threat Display
Meter TEC Tech Display
AUTOMUTE aMute ON * AutoMute on
aMute OFF AutoMute off
BRIGHTNESS Brt Auto * Automatic brightness
Brt Min Minimum brightness
Brt Med Medium brightness
Brt Max Maximum brightness
Brt Dark All dark
BANDS Bands DFT * Factory default settings
When KaSW is off,
Bands MOD Factory default settings modified
each Ka segment can be turned on or off
Ka1 (33.392 - 33.704) ON or OFF
Turn bands “ON” or “OFF” by pressing
Ka2 (33.704 - 33.896) ON or OFF
and holding the “SENS” button
Ka3 (33.886 - 34.198) ON or OFF
X ON
Ka4 (34.184 - 34.592) ON or OFF
K ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka5 (34.592 - 34.808) ON or OFF
KaSW ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka6 (34.806 - 35.166) ON or OFF
LSR ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka7 (34.143 - 35.383) ON or OFF
SWS ON or OFF (default is off)
Ka8 (35.378 - 35.618) ON or OFF
POP ON or OFF (default is off)
Ka9 (35.595 - 35.835) ON or OFF
RDR ON or OFF (default is on)
Ka10 (35.830 - 35.998) ON or OFF
* Factory Default Settings
To reset STi-R to its original factory settings, press and hold the
“VOL/MUTE” and “SENS” buttons while turning the power on.
The STi-R’s display will provide a
accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.
or OFF (default is on)
Reset message,
Page 8
Details of Programming
Pilot (Power-on indication)
Pilot HWY (Full description)
In this setting, the STi-R will display
“Highway,” “AutoScan,” “City,” or “CityNox”
as its power-on indication. (factory default)
Pilot H (Letter)
In this setting, the STi-R will display “H”
for Highway, “A” for AutoScan,“C” for City,
and “Cnx” for City NoX.
Pilot V (Vehicle voltage)
In this setting, the STi-R will continually
display “H” for Highway, A” for
AutoScan,“C” for City, and “Cnx” for City
NoX, and the vehicle’s voltage.
NOTE: A high or low voltage warning is
given any time the vehicle’s voltage
drops below 10.5 volts, or goes above
16.5 volts. This feature is always on,
regardless of the Pilot setting.
Voice
Voice On (Voice announcements on)
In this setting, all radar, laser, and SWS
messages (if programmed) will be
announced using a digital voice.
Voice Off (Voice announcements off)
In this setting, only the distinct audio tone
will be heard when a radar, Laser, or SWS
message is detected.
Power-on Sequence
PwrOnSTD (Standard)
In this setting, each time you turn on the
STi-R, it will display “Bel STi-R,” “LASER,”
“Ka-band,” “K-band,” “X-band,” followed by
a brief SWS alert. (factory default)
If any of the factory default bands
have been disabled, a double X-band tone
and corresponding message (i.e. “X OFF”),
will alert you that one or more bands have
been turned off.
PwrOnFST (Fast power-on)
In this setting, the STi-R will provide a
single X-band tone if the factory default
settings have not been changed. If any of
the factory default band settings have
been disabled, a double X-band tone and
corresponding message (i.e. “X OFF”), will
alert you that one or more bands have
been turned off.
Signal Strength Meter
MeterSTD (Standard meter)
In this setting, the meter displays the band
of the received signal, and a bar graph
shows the relative signal strength. (factory
default)
MeterTHT (Threat Display)
In this setting, the meter will
simultaneously track multiple radar
signals, including relative signal strength
for each.
MeterTEC (Tech Display meter)
In this setting, the meter displays the
actual numeric frequency of the radar
signal received.
NOTE: The Tech Display feature is
explained in more detail on page 9.
AutoMute
aMute ON (AutoMute on)
In this setting, the STi-R’s audio alerts will
initially be at the volume you set, but after
a few seconds, the STi-R will automatically
reduce the volume level, to keep you
informed, but not annoyed. (factory
default)
aMuteOFF (AutoMute off)
With AutoMute off, the STi-R’s audio alerts
will remain at the volume you set for the
duration of the radar encounter.
12 13
Page 9
Details of Programming
Technical Details
Brightness
BrtAuto
In this setting, the brightness for the
display and backlit buttons are controlled
automatically by a sensor that measures
the ambient light in the vehicle. Sunlight
will increase the brightness level, while
dim or no light (night driving) will
decrease the brightness.
BrtMin
In this setting, the display and backlit
buttons are set to a minimum light level.
This setting is retained in memory even if
the power is turned off.
BrtMed
In this setting, the display and backlit
buttons are set to a medium light level.
This setting is retained in memory even if
the power is turned off.
BrtMax
In this setting, the display and backlit
buttons are set to a maximum light level.
This setting is retained in memory even if
the power is turned off.
BrtDark
In this setting, the display and backlit
buttons will be totally dark.
Bands
BandsDFT
In this setting, the factory default settings
for radar and laser are monitored.
This is the factory setting, and it is
highly recommended that you use your
STi-R in this mode.
BandsMOD
In this setting, STi-R will warn you with an
audible alert, and associated text message
stating which band has changed from the
original factory setting (i.e. “SWS ON”).
This warning is displayed during the start
up sequence (standard or fast).
WARNING: Do not turn off a band unless
you are absolutely certain that there
are no traffic radar guns using that
specific band in your area.
14 15
Features and Specifications
Operating Bands
• X-band 10.525 GHz ±25 MHz
• K-band 24.150 GHz ±100 MHz
• Ka-band 34.700 GHz ±1300 MHz
• Laser 904nm, ±33nm
Radar Receiver
• Dual-Horn Antenna Casting
• Superheterodyne, dual LNA’s
• Scanning Frequency Discriminator
• Digital Signal Processing (DSP)
Laser Detection
• Quantum Limited Video Receiver
• (5) Optical Laser Sensors
Display Type
• 280 LED Alphanumeric
• Bar Graph, Threat Display
• Automatic, plus 4 levels of fixed brightness
including full Dark
Power Requirement
• 12VDC, Negative Ground
Programmable Features
• Power-On Indication
• Voice Alerts
• Power-On Sequence
• Signal Strength Meter
• AutoMute
• Display Brightness
• Bands
Sensitivity Control
• AutoScan
• Highway
• City
• CityNoX
™
or Tech Display
™
Additional Patented Technology
• Auto Calibration Circuitry
• Mute/AutoMute
• TotalShield™ Technology
Patented Technology
STi-R is covered by one or more of the
following:
U.S. patents
7,098,844 6,836,238 6,779,765 6,693,578
6,670,905 6,614,385 6,587,068 6,400,305
6,249,218 6,127,962 6,069,580 5,668,554
5,600,132 5,587,916 5,559,508 5,446,923
5,402,087 5,365,055 5,347,120 5,305,007
5,206,500 5,164,729 5,134,406 5,111,207
5,079,553 5,049,885 5,049,884 4,961,074
4,954,828 4,952,937 4,952,936 4,939,521
4,896,855 4,887,753 4,862,175 4,750,215
4,686,499 4,631,542 4,630,054 4,625,210
4,613,989 4,604,529 4,583,057 4,581,769
4,571,593 4,313,216 D314,178 D313,365
D310,167 D308,837 D296,771 D288,418
D253,752
Canadian Patents
2,337,077 2,330,964 1,295,715 1,295,714
1,187,602 1,187,586
European Patents
1,145,030 1,090,456
Other patents pending.
™
/SmartMute
™
Page 10
Technical Details
Interpreting Alerts
Although the STi-R has a comprehensive
warning system and this handbook is as
complete as we can make it, only experience
will teach you what to expect from your
STi-R and how to interpret what it tells
you. The specific type of radar being used,
Alert
The STi-R begins to sound slowly, then the
rate of alert increases. The Signal Meter
ramps accordingly.
STi-R emits short alerts for a few seconds and
then falls silent only to briefly alert and fall
silent again.
STi-R suddenly sounds a continuous tone for
the appropriate band received. All segments
in the Signal Strength Meter are lit.
A brief laser alert.
STi-R receives weak signals. These signals
may be a little stronger as you pass large,
roadside objects. The signals increase in
frequency.
the type of transmission (continuous or
instant-on) and the location of the radar
source affect the radar alerts you receive.
The following examples will give you
an introduction to understanding the
STi-R’s warning system for radar, laser and
safety alerts.
Explanation
You are approaching a continuous radar
source aimed in your direction.
An instant-on radar source is being used
ahead of you and out of your view.
An instant-on radar source or laser source is
being used nearby. This kind of alert
requires immediate attention!
Laser is being used in the area. Because laser
is inherently difficult to detect, any laser
alert may indicate a source very close by.
A moving patrol car with continuous radar is
overtaking you from behind. Because these
signals are reflected (reflections are
increased by large objects), they may or may
not eventually melt into a solid point even
when the patrol car is directly behind you.
Alert
STi-R alerts slowly for a while and then
abruptly jumps to a strong alert.
Explanation
You are approaching a radar unit concealed
by a hill or an obstructed curve.
STi-R alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of
alerts may be consistent or vary wildly.
STi-R alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of
signal increases with each alert.
STi-R gives an X-band or K-band alert
intermittently.
A patrol car is traveling in front of you with a
radar source aimed forward. Because signals
are sometimes reflected off of large objects
and sometimes not, the alerts may seem
inconsistent.
A patrol car is approaching from the other
direction, sampling traffic with instant-on
radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.
You are driving through an area populated
with radar motion sensors (door openers,
burglar alarms, etc.). Since these
transmitters are usually contained inside
buildings or aimed toward OR away from
you, they are typically not as strong or
lasting as a real radar encounter.
CAUTION: Since the characteristics of
these alerts may be similar to some of
the preceding examples, over
confidence in an unfamiliar area can
be dangerous. Likewise, if an alert in a
commonly traveled area is suddenly
stronger or on a different band than
usual, speed radar may be set up
nearby.
16 17
Page 11
Technical Details
How Radar Works
Traffic radar, which consists of
microwaves, travels in straight lines and is
easily reflected by objects such as cars,
trucks, even guardrails and overpasses.
Radar works by directing its microwave
beam down the road. As your vehicle
travels into range, the microwave beam
bounces off your car, and the radar
antenna looks for the reflections. Using
the Doppler Principle, the radar
equipment then calculates your speed by
comparing the frequency of the reflection
of your car to the original frequency of the
beam sent out.
Traffic radar has limitations, the most
significant of these being that it typically
can monitor only one target at a time. If
there is more than one vehicle within
range, it is up to the radar operator to
decide which target is producing the
strongest reflection. Since the strength of
the reflection is affected by both the size
of the vehicle and its proximity to the
antenna, it is difficult for the radar
operator to determine if the signal is from
a sports car nearby or a semi-truck
several hundred feet away.
Radar range also depends on the
power of the radar equipment itself. The
strength of the radar unit’s beam
diminishes with distance. The farther the
radar has to travel, the less energy it has
for speed detection.
Because intrusion alarms and motion
sensors often operate on the same
frequency as X-Band or K-band radar, your
STi-R will occasionally receive non-police
radar signals. Since these transmitters are
usually contained inside of a building, or
aimed toward the ground, they will
generally produce much weaker readings
than will a true radar encounter. As you
become familiar with the sources of these
pseudo alarms in your daily driving, they
will serve as confirmation that your STi-R’s
radar detection abilities are fully
operational.
How “POP” Works
“POP” mode is a relatively new feature for
radar gun manufacturers. It works by
transmitting an extremely short burst,
within the allocated band, to identify
speeding vehicles in traffic. Once the
target is identified, or “POPPED,” the gun
is then turned to its normal operating
mode to provide a vehicle tracking history,
(required by law).
How Laser (Lidar) Works
Laser speed detection is actually LIDAR
(Light Detection and Ranging). LIDAR
guns project a beam of invisible infrared
light. The signal is a series of very short
infrared light energy pulses, which move,
in a straight line, reflecting off your car
and returning to the gun. LIDAR uses
these light pulses to measure the distance
to a vehicle. Speed is then calculated by
measuring how quickly these pulses are
reflected given the known speed of light.
LIDAR (or laser) is a newer technology
and is not as widespread as conventional
radar, therefore, you may not encounter
laser on a daily basis. And unlike radar
detection, laser detection is not prone to
false alarms. Because LIDAR transmits a
much narrower beam than does radar, it is
much more accurate in its ability to
distinguish between targets and is also
more difficult to detect. AS A RESULT,
EVEN THE BRIEFEST LASER ALERT
SHOULD BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
There are limitations to LIDAR
equipment. LIDAR is much more sensitive
to weather conditions than RADAR, and a
LIDAR gun’s range will be decreased by
anything affecting visibility such as rain,
fog, or smoke. A LIDAR gun cannot
operate through glass and it must be
stationary in order to get an accurate
reading. Because LIDAR must have a clear
line of sight and is subject to cosine error
(an inaccuracy, which increases as the
angle between the gun and the vehicle,
increases) police typically use LIDAR
equipment parallel to the road or from an
overpass. LIDAR can be used day or night.
18 19
Page 12
Technical Details
How TotalShield™ Technology Works
Beltronic’s TotalShield Technology keeps
RF signals from radiating from the detector.
Unlike other radar and laser detectors,
which merely move their RF signals (local
oscillators) to another frequency (which
will be detectable by future detectordetectors), this revolutionary design keeps
you unseen by current radar detectordetectors, including VG-2 and Spectre.
This unique design will also keep you
unseen from any future radar detector
detectors as well.
Although the BELTRONICS STi-R is a
completely undetectable radar, laser and
safety detector, driving techniques and
reactions to alerts can still draw unwanted
attention. Here are a few examples:
1. Hitting the brakes immediately when
the STi-R provides an alert can broadcast
use of a detector.
2. Traveling at night with a glow from a
radar detector’s display visible from
outside your vehicle can also draw
unwanted attention. The STi-R offers
adjustable brightness, including a full dark
mode which will provide audio alerts, but
no visual indication.
How Safety Radar Works
Safety Warning System, or SWS, uses a
modified K-band radar signal. The SWS
safety radar system has 64 possible
messages (60 currently allocated). The
SWS messages your STi-R can display are
listed on the facing page.
From the factory, your STi-R is
programmed with SWS decoding OFF. If
you wish to detect this system, use the
Programming feature to turn STi-R’s SWS
decoding ON.
NOTE: Some of the safety messages
have been condensed, so that each
message can be displayed on one or two
screens on STi-R’s eight-character display.
Since Safety radar technology is
relatively new, and the number of
transmitters in operation is not yet
widespread, you will not receive Safety
signals on a daily basis. Do not be
surprised if you encounter emergency
vehicles, road hazards and railroad
crossings that are unequipped with these
transmitters. If Safety transmitters become
more prevalent, these Safety radar signals
will become more common.
20 21
SWS Text Messages
Highway Construction or Maintenance
1 WorkZone
2 Road Closed
3 Bridge Closed
4 WorkCrew Highway
5 WorkCrew Utility
6 Detour
7 Truck Detour
8 MustExit
9 Rtlane Closed
10 CntrLane Closed
11 LeftLane Closed
12 Future use
Highway Hazard Zone Advisory
13 Police
14 Train
15 Low Overpass
16 BridgeUp
17 Bridge Wt Limit
18 RockSlid Area
19 School Zone
20 Road Narrows
21 Sharp Curve
22 Croswalk
23 Deer Crossing
24 Blind or Deaf Kid
25 SteepUse LowGear
26 Accident
27 PoorRoad Surface
28 Loading SchoolBus
29 DontPass
30 Dangrous Intrsect
31 Emergncy Vehicle
32 Future use
Weather Related Hazards
33 HighWind
34 Severe Weather
35 HeavyFog
36 Flooding
37 BridgIce
38 RoadIce
39 Dust Blowing
40 Sand Blowing
41 Blinding Snow
42 Future use
Travel Information/Convenience
43 RestArea
44 RestArea w/servic
45 24hrFuel
46 Insp Stn Open
47 Insp Stn Closed
48 Reduced Speed
49 Speed Enforced
50 HazMatls Exit
51 Expect Delay
52 10 Min Delay
53 20 Min Delay
54 30 Min Delay
55 1 Hour Delay
56 Traffic TunRadio
57 Pay Toll
58 Trucks ExitRght
59 Trucks ExitLeft
60 Future use
Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles
61 Emerg Veh Moving
62 Police Pursuit
63 Oversize Vehicle
64 SloMovng Vehicle
Page 13
Troubleshooting
Problem
STi-R beeps briefly at the same
location every day, but no radar
source is in sight.
STi-R does not seem sensitive to
radar or laser.
STi-R did not alert when a police
car was in view.
STi-R did not provide a Safety
signal while within range of an
emergency vehicle.
STi-R’s display is not working.
STi-R’s audible alerts are less loud
after the first few alerts.
STi-R’s power-on sequence
reoccurs while you are driving.
Possible Cause
• An X-band or K-band motion sensor or intrusion alarm is
located within range of your route. With time, you will
learn predictable patterns of these signals.
• STi-R may be in City Mode.
• VASCAR (Visual Average Speed Computer and Recorder) a
stopwatch method of speed detection, may be in use.
• Officer may not have radar or laser unit turned on.
• Safety transmitters may not be commonly used in your
area.
• Check programming to be sure the STi-R is not in Dark
Mode.
• STi-R is in AutoMute Mode. See page 8 for details.
• A loose power connection can cause STi-R to be briefly
disconnected.
Problem
STi-R will not turn on.
Your 14-year old son has changed
all 7 of the Programming options.
Possible Cause
• Check the PWR is on.
• Check that vehicle ignition is ON.
• You can return all of the programming options to the
factory defaults by holding down the VOL/MUTE and
SENS buttons while you turn the STi-R on.
Explanation of Displays
No display STi-R is in the Dark mode (pages 7, 14)
PilotHWY One of the many programming messages (pages 10-14)
WorkZone One of the many Safety Radar messages (pages 20-21)
Caution STi-R has detected a Safety Radar Signal, but the signal isn’t yet strong
enough to decode the specific safety message (pages 20-21)
Service STi-R has failed the calibration test. Contact Beltronics for repair
Required
22 23
Page 14
Service
Warranty
Service Procedure
If your STi-R ever needs service, please
follow these simple steps:
1 Check the troubleshooting section of
this manual. It may have a solution to your
problem.
2 Contact your installing dealer. They
will evaluate your unit and arrange repairs
if necessary.
Parts
Replacement parts are available from your
installing dealer.
BELTRONICS One Year Limited Warranty
BELTRONICS warrants your STi-R against
all defects in materials and workmanship
for a period of one (1) year from the date
of the original purchase, subject to the
following terms and conditions:
The sole responsibility of
BELTRONICS under this Warranty is
limited to either repair or, at the option of
BELTRONICS, replacement of the STi-R
detector. There are no expressed or
implied warranties, including those of
fitness for a particular purpose or
merchantability, which extend beyond the
face hereof. Some states do not allow
limitations on how long an implied
warranty lasts, so the above limitations
may not apply to you.
This warranty does not cover
installation, removal or reinstallation
charges. BELTRONICS is not liable for any
incidental or consequential damages
arising from the use, misuse, installation,
or mounting of the STi-R. Some states do
not allow the exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so
the above limitation or exclusion may not
apply to you.
This Warranty gives you specific
rights. You may have other legal rights
which vary from state to state. This
Warranty does not apply if the serial
number on the housing of the STi-R has
been removed, or if your STi-R has been
subjected to physical abuse, improper
installation, or modification.
24 25
Page 15
Register
_
__
__
__
online:
@
www.
beltronics
com
.
Remove card along perforations
P______________
.
Middle Initial____ Last Name___________________________
Serial Number_______________________
26 27
BELTRONICS PRODUCT REGISTRATION CARD
If you purchased your detector directly from BELTRONICS, you do not need to fill this out.
If you did not purchase your detector directly from BELTRONICS, please fill out this section and return to us,
or register online at our web address: www.beltronics.com
1. First Name___________________
Address_____________________________________________________________________
Phone Number (In case we have a question)_____________________________________________
City_______________________________________ State_____________ ZI
3. Place of Purchase__________________________________ Date_________ Price__________
2. Product Purchased BELTRONICS STi-R
4. Primary reason for purchasing this BELTRONICS product____________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Page 16
ATTN CUSTOMER SERVICE
BELTRONICS INC
5442 WEST CHESTER RD
WEST CHESTER OH 45069-9789
Remove card along perforations
S T E A L T H I N S T A L L E D
28
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