Beltronics STi Driver Owner's Manual - Page 11

Technical Details Interpreting Alerts Although the STi DRIVER 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 DRIVER and how to interpret what it tells you. The specific type of radar being used, 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 DRIVER's warning system for radar, laser and safety alerts. Alert The STi DRIVER begins to sound slowly, then the rate of alert increases. The Signal Meter ramps accordingly. STi DRIVER emits short alerts for a few seconds and then falls silent only to briefly alert and fall silent again. STi DRIVER suddenly sounds a continuous tone for the appropriate band received. All segments in the Signal Strength Meter are lit. A brief laser alert. STi DRIVER receives weak signals. These signals may be a little stronger as you pass large, roadside objects. The signals increase in frequency. 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. 18 Alert STi DRIVER alerts slowly for a while and then abruptly jumps to a strong alert. STi DRIVER alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of alerts may be consistent or vary wildly. STi DRIVER alerts intermittently. Rate and strength of signal increases with each alert. STi DRIVER gives an X-band or K-band alert intermittently. Explanation You are approaching a radar unit concealed by a hill or an obstructed curve. 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, overconfidence 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. 19