Beltronics Radar Detector STi R User Manual

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  
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  
©2007 BELTRONICS  
Made in Canada  
Features, specifications and prices subject to change without notice.  
Model: STi-R  
Owners Manual  
 
Quick Reference Card  
Table of Contents  
Quick Reference Card  
Quick Reference Guide  
Controls and Features  
• Power  
1-2  
4-5  
6-9  
6
Programming  
10-14  
10  
• How to use Programming  
• Example of Programming  
• Overview of Programming  
• Details of Programming  
Technical Details  
10  
11  
Remove card along perforations   
• Volume Control  
• Power-on Indication  
• Voice Alerts  
6
12-14  
15-21  
15  
BELTRONICS STi-R Quick Reference Card  
Press the VOL/MUTE button  
to go from one category  
to the next  
Press the SENS button  
6
to change your setting  
within a category  
6
• Specifications  
PILOT Pilot HWY *Full word: Highway, AutoScan, etc.  
(Power-on indication) Pilot H  
Letter: H, A, C, or Cnx  
Vehicle voltage  
• AutoMute  
6
• Interpreting Alerts  
• How Radar Works  
• How “POP” Works  
• How Laser Works  
16-17  
18  
Pilot V  
VOICE Voice ON  
*Voice alerts on  
Voice OFF Voice alerts off  
• Mute  
6
POWER-ON SEQUENCE PwrOn STD *Standard power-on sequence  
PwrOn FST Fast power-on sequence  
• Sensitivity Button  
• Brightness  
7
18  
SIGNAL STRENGTH METER Meter STD *Standard signal strength meter  
Meter THT Threat Display  
7
19  
Meter TEC Tech Display  
AUTOMUTE aMute ON  
*AutoMute on  
aMute OFF AutoMute off  
• Audible Alerts  
• Signal Strength Meter  
• Threat Display  
• Tech Display  
8
• How TotalShieldTechnology Works 20  
BRIGHTNESS  
Brt Auto*Automatic brightness  
Brt Min Minimum brightness  
Brt Med Medium brightness  
Brt Max Maximum brightness  
Brt Dark All dark  
8
• How Safety Radar Works  
Service  
20-21  
22-28  
22-23  
24  
9
BANDS Bands DFT *Factory default settings  
Bands MOD Factory default settings modified  
When KaSW is off,  
9
• Troubleshooting  
each Ka segment can be turned on or off  
Ka1 (33.392 - 33.704) ONor OFF  
Ka2 (33.704 - 33.896) ONor OFF  
Ka3 (33.886 - 34.198) ONor OFF  
Ka4 (34.184 - 34.592) ONor OFF  
Ka5 (34.592 - 34.808) ONor OFF  
Ka6 (34.806 - 35.166) ONor OFF  
Ka7 (34.143 - 35.383) ONor OFF  
Ka8 (35.378 - 35.618) ONor OFF  
Ka9 (35.595 - 35.835) ONor OFF  
Ka10 (35.830 - 35.998) ONor OFF  
Turn bands “ON” or “OFF” by press-  
ing and holding the “SENS” button  
• Service  
X
K
ONor OFF(default is on)  
ONor OFF(default is on)  
• Warranty  
25  
KaSW ONor OFF(default is on)  
LSR ONor OFF(default is on)  
SWS ONor OFF(default is off)  
POP ONor OFF(default is off)  
RDR ONor OFF(default is on)  
• Registration  
27-28  
 
* Factory Default Settings  
2
3
Quick Reference Guide  
AutoMute  
Power-on LED Indicator  
Power  
Once your STi-R has been installed,  
just follow these simple steps  
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. Page 6  
Press the PWR button to turn the STi-R on  
or off.  
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.  
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  
Programming  
You can also easily change 9 features for  
your preferences. Pages 12-14  
Control Module  
2
Press and hold the VOL/MUTE  
button to adjust the volume level.  
Sensitivity Button (SENS)  
Switches between Highway, AutoScan,  
City and City NoX settings. In general, we  
recommend the AutoScan mode. Page 7  
Please read the manual to fully understand  
the STi-R’s operation and features.  
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 power-  
on indications. Pages 10-14  
During an alert, the display will  
indicate the radar or laser band, and a  
precise bar graph of signal strength.  
Pages 8 and 13  
Display Module  
NOTE: In the Dark Mode the display will  
not light during an alert. Pages 7, 14  
Photocell Light Sensor  
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx  
 
4
5
Controls and Features  
Power  
Voice Alerts  
Sensitivity Button (SENS)  
Brightness  
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.  
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.  
The “SENS” button selects the STi-R’s  
sensitivity mode. We recommend  
AutoScan mode for most driving.  
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.  
If you prefer, you may program your  
STi-R for a shorter power-on sequence. See  
the Programming section for details.  
Highway Mode (Highway)  
In this setting, the STi-R will detect all  
signals at maximum range.  
Volume  
AutoMute  
AutoScan Mode (AutoScan)  
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,  
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.  
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.  
Sensor location  
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.  
If you prefer, you can turn the  
AutoMute feature off. See the  
Programming section for details.  
City (City STD)  
In this setting, X and K-band sensitivity is  
further reduced to eliminate unwanted  
false alarms in congested urban areas.  
Mute  
Power-on indication  
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.  
City NoX (City NoX)  
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.  
In this setting, K-band sensitivity is the  
same as City STD, however, X-band is  
completely turned off.  
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.  
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.  
If you prefer, you can select alternate  
power-on displays. See the Programming  
section for details.  
 
6
7
Controls and Features  
Audible Alerts  
Signal Strength Meter  
Threat Display  
A few more examples will help you  
better see how the Threat Display works.  
The STi-R’s alphanumeric display consists  
of 280 individual LEDs, to provide an  
intuitive ultra-bright display of signal  
strength and text messages.  
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.  
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.  
K9 X1  
Here Threat Display shows a strong  
K-band signal, and a weak X-band signal.  
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.”  
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.  
Ka1 X9  
Here Threat Display shows a weak  
Ka-band signal, and a strong X-band  
signal.  
X-band = chirping  
K-band = buzzing  
Ka-band = double-chirp  
POP = full double-chirp  
Laser = rapid fire chirping  
SWS = double buzz  
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.  
For Laser signals:  
Tech Display  
Since laser signals are a possible threat  
no matter how weak, the STi-R alerts you  
to these bands at full signal strength.  
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.  
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.  
Ka9 K2 X1  
For POP signals:  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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.  
 
8
9
*Factory Default Settings  
Programming  
Overview of Programming  
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 Resetmessage,  
accompanied by an audible alert, acknowledging the reset.  
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.  
An example  
Here is how you would turn STi-R’s  
AutoMute feature off.  
Press the VOL/MUTE button  
to go from one category  
to the next  
Press the SENS button  
to change your setting  
within a category  
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.  
PILOT Pilot HWY *Full word:Highway, AutoScan,etc.  
(Power-on indication) Pilot H  
Pilot V  
Letter:H,A,C,or Cnx  
Vehicle voltage  
VOICE Voice ON *Voice alerts on  
Voice OFF Voice alerts off  
How to use Programming  
2
Then hold the VOL/MUTE button  
1
To enter Program Mode, press and  
down. The STi-R will scroll through the  
categories, starting with Pilot (Pilot),  
Voice (Voice), Power-on sequence  
(PwrOn), signal strength meter (Meter),  
AutoMute (aMute), Brightness (Brt),  
and Bands (Bands).  
POWER-ON SEQUENCE PwrOn STD *Standard power-on sequence  
PwrOn FST Fast power-on sequence  
hold both the VOL/MUTE and SENS  
buttons down for 2 seconds. (The unit  
will beep twice, and will display the word  
Program).  
SIGNAL STRENGTH METER Meter STD *Standard signal strength meter  
Meter THT Threat Display  
Meter TEC Tech Display  
2
Then press the VOL/MUTE button  
AUTOMUTE aMute ON *AutoMute on  
aMute OFF AutoMute off  
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
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 aMuteON.  
(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.)  
BRIGHTNESS  
Brt Auto*Automatic brightness  
Brt Min Minimum brightness  
Brt Med Medium brightness  
Brt Max Maximum brightness  
Brt Dark All dark  
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).  
BANDS Bands DFT *Factory default settings  
Bands MOD Factory default settings modified  
When KaSW is off,  
each Ka segment can be turned on or off  
Ka1  
Ka2  
Ka3  
Ka4  
Ka5  
Ka6  
Ka7  
Ka8  
Ka9  
Ka10  
(33.392 - 33.704) ON or OFF  
(33.704 - 33.896) ON or OFF  
(33.886 - 34.198) ON or OFF  
(34.184 - 34.592) ON or OFF  
(34.592 - 34.808) ON or OFF  
(34.806 - 35.166) ON or OFF  
(34.143 - 35.383) ON or OFF  
(35.378 - 35.618) ON or OFF  
(35.595 - 35.835) ON or OFF  
(35.830 - 35.998) ON or OFF  
Turn bands“ON”or“OFF”by pressing  
and holding the“SENS”button  
4
Press the SENS button to change from  
4
To leave the Program Mode,  
aMuteONto aMuteOFF.  
X
K
ON or OFF (default is on)  
ON or OFF (default is on)  
KaSW ON or OFF (default is on)  
LSR ON or OFF (default is on)  
SWS ON or OFF (default is off)  
POP ON or OFF (default is off)  
RDR ON or OFF (default is on)  
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).  
5
To complete the Programming, simply  
wait 8 seconds without pressing any  
button, or press the PWR button. The STi-R  
will display Complete, beep 4 times, and  
return to normal operation.  
 
10  
11  
Details of Programming  
Pilot (Power-on indication)  
Voice  
Signal Strength Meter  
AutoMute  
Pilot HWY(Full description)  
Voice On(Voice announcements on)  
In this setting, all radar, laser, and SWS  
messages (if programmed) will be  
announced using a digital voice.  
aMute ON(AutoMute on)  
In this setting, the STi-R will display  
“Highway,” “AutoScan,” “City,” or “CityNox”  
as its power-on indication. (factory default)  
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)  
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)  
Pilot H(Letter)  
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.  
In this setting, the STi-R will display “H”  
for Highway, “A” for AutoScan,“C” for City,  
and “Cnx” for City NoX.  
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.  
Pilot V(Vehicle voltage)  
Power-on Sequence  
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.  
PwrOnSTD(Standard)  
MeterTHT(Threat Display)  
In this setting, the meter will  
simultaneously track multiple radar  
signals, including relative signal strength  
for each.  
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.  
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.  
MeterTEC(Tech Display meter)  
In this setting, the meter displays the  
actual numeric frequency of the radar  
signal received.  
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.  
NOTE: The Tech Display feature is  
explained in more detail on page 9.  
 
12  
13  
Details of Programming  
Technical Details  
Brightness  
Bands  
Features and Specifications  
BrtAuto  
BandsDFT  
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.  
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.  
Operating Bands  
Additional Patented Technology  
• Auto Calibration Circuitry  
• 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 Displayor Tech 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  
• Mute/AutoMute/SmartMute™  
• TotalShieldTechnology  
Patented Technology  
STi-R is covered by one or more of the  
following:  
U.S. patents  
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).  
BrtMin  
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  
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  
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.  
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.  
Canadian Patents  
2,337,077 2,330,964 1,295,715 1,295,714  
1,187,602 1,187,586  
European Patents  
BrtDark  
• Display Brightness  
1,145,030 1,090,456  
In this setting, the display and backlit  
buttons will be totally dark.  
• Bands  
Sensitivity Control  
Other patents pending.  
• AutoScan  
• Highway  
• City  
• CityNoX  
 
14  
15  
Technical Details  
Interpreting Alerts  
Alert  
Explanation  
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.  
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,  
STi-R alerts slowly for a while and then  
abruptly jumps to a strong alert.  
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.  
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.  
Alert  
Explanation  
The STi-R begins to sound slowly, then the  
rate of alert increases. The Signal Meter  
ramps accordingly.  
You are approaching a continuous radar  
source aimed in your direction.  
STi-R alerts intermittently.Rate and strength of  
signal increases with each alert.  
A patrol car is approaching from the other  
direction, sampling traffic with instant-on  
radar. Such alerts should be taken seriously.  
STi-R emits short alerts for a few seconds and  
then falls silent only to briefly alert and fall  
silent again.  
An instant-on radar source is being used  
ahead of you and out of your view.  
STi-R gives an X-band or K-band alert  
intermittently.  
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.  
STi-R suddenly sounds a continuous tone for  
the appropriate band received. All segments  
in the Signal Strength Meter are lit.  
An instant-on radar source or laser source is  
being used nearby. This kind of alert  
requires immediate attention!  
A brief laser alert.  
Laser is being used in the area. Because laser  
is inherently difficult to detect, any laser  
alert may indicate a source very close by.  
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.  
STi-R receives weak signals. These signals  
may be a little stronger as you pass large,  
roadside objects. The signals increase in  
frequency.  
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.  
 
16  
17  
Technical Details  
How Radar Works  
How Laser (Lidar) Works  
Because intrusion alarms and motion  
sensors often operate on the same  
There are limitations to LIDAR  
Traffic radar, which consists of  
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.  
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.  
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.  
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).  
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.  
 
18  
19  
Technical Details  
How TotalShield Technology Works  
How Safety Radar Works  
SWS Text Messages  
Highway Construction or Maintenance  
1 WorkZone  
Weather Related Hazards  
33 HighWind  
34 Severe Weather  
35 HeavyFog  
36 Flooding  
37 BridgIce  
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 detector-  
detectors), this revolutionary design keeps  
you unseen by current radar detector-  
detectors, 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:  
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.  
2 Road  
Closed  
3 Bridge Closed  
4 WorkCrew Highway  
5 WorkCrew Utility  
6 Detour  
38 RoadIce  
From the factory, your STi-R is  
39 Dust  
40 Sand  
Blowing  
Blowing  
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.  
7 Truck  
Detour  
8 MustExit  
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  
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  
49 Speed  
Enforced  
1. Hitting the brakes immediately when  
the STi-R provides an alert can broadcast  
use of a detector.  
17 Bridge Wt Limit  
18 RockSlid Area  
19 School Zone  
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  
20 Road  
Narrows  
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.  
21 Sharp  
22 Croswalk  
23 Deer  
Curve  
Crossing  
24 Blind or Deaf Kid  
25 SteepUse LowGear  
26 Accident  
27 PoorRoad Surface  
28 Loading SchoolBus  
29 DontPass  
57 Pay  
Toll  
58 Trucks ExitRght  
59 Trucks ExitLeft  
60 Future use  
Fast/Slow Moving Vehicles  
61 Emerg  
Veh Moving  
30 Dangrous Intrsect  
31 Emergncy Vehicle  
32 Future use  
62 Police Pursuit  
63 Oversize Vehicle  
64 SloMovng Vehicle  
 
20  
21  
Troubleshooting  
Problem  
Possible Cause  
Problem  
Possible Cause  
STi-R beeps briefly at the same  
location every day, but no radar  
source is in sight.  
• 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 will not turn on.  
• Check the PWR is on.  
• Check that vehicle ignition is ON.  
Your 14-year old son has changed  
all 7 of the Programming options.  
• 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.  
STi-R does not seem sensitive to  
radar or laser.  
• STi-R may be in City Mode.  
STi-R did not alert when a police  
car was in view.  
• 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.  
Explanation of Displays  
No display  
STi-R is in the Dark mode (pages 7, 14)  
STi-R did not provide a Safety  
signal while within range of an  
emergency vehicle.  
• Safety transmitters may not be commonly used in your  
area.  
PilotHWY One of the many programming messages (pages 10-14)  
WorkZone One of the many Safety Radar messages (pages 20-21)  
STi-R’s display is not working.  
• Check programming to be sure the STi-R is not in Dark  
Mode.  
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)  
STi-R’s audible alerts are less loud  
after the first few alerts.  
• STi-R is in AutoMute Mode. See page 8 for details.  
Service  
Required  
STi-R has failed the calibration test. Contact Beltronics for repair  
STi-R’s power-on sequence  
reoccurs while you are driving.  
• A loose power connection can cause STi-R to be briefly  
disconnected.  
 
22  
23  
Service  
Warranty  
Service Procedure  
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:  
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.  
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.  
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.  
2
Contact your installing dealer. They  
will evaluate your unit and arrange repairs  
if necessary.  
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.  
Parts  
Replacement parts are available from your  
installing dealer.  
 
24  
25  
Register  
online:  
@
www.  
beltronics  
.com  
 
26  
27  
S T E A L T H I N S T A L L E D  
 
28  

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