KenK in TX

It looks like Bel is taking the "must be professionally installed" route with this detector, similar to what it's parent company Escort does with its SR remote series.

It looks like these things were just recently announced a few weeks ago, and the few people who advertise online as asking for the $699 MSRP.

I'm looking for a price in the $450 neighborhood, based on MSRP and street price for the 975R.<ul><li><a href="http://www.beltronicspro.com/rx75.html">Beltronics RX75</a></li></ul>

matt13

The Bel RX75 was my top choice as well. I've read your posts about your previous Bel remotes, so I assume that is why you're trying to stick with Bel remote detectors. I found that the Escort Passport SR7 can be had easily for &lt;$600, so I decided to go with that instead. It (I think) lacks some of the features of the Bel RX75, but the detection range should be comparable, which is what I'm more concerned with. It also lights up red just like the Bel, which is a plus ;-)

I managed to get an Escort Passport SR7 off of ebay for $377 incl. shipping (according to UPS it should be coming in Monday so we'll see if it really is a brand new in box item). I'm planning on installing the remote unit in the ashtray, front laser sensors in the grills and not connecting the rear laser sensor so it will be totally discrete (I live in VA). Could you email me or reply with any hints/additional pics for installation?

Sorry for the long post

KenK in TX

...I actually went to the "dark side" and ordered a V1 and have been living with it for about a week or so now. It's a very sensitive detector, I'll give it that - but honestly, its a constant stream of noise in populared areas. Not to mention the fact that it's plastered in the middle of my windshield. Its dangerous too - the damn thing doesnt stay attached. Cant use the sunshade either, and I'm constantly taking it down everytime I'm parked outside.

It's going back inside the 30 day "trial" period. I'm beginning to think that selling my 975 was a big mistake.

I'll probably look into the Escort too, because $700 is just too steep right now - even for the latest Bel remote. The good news is that the Bel and Escort use the identical part for the antenna, so installation will be a cinch. All you need is a bracked from home depot and you're good to go. My picposter has all my installation shots...its pretty straightforward, but if you have any questions feel free to ask.

BTW, did you buy your SR7 from a company or individual on Ebay?

matt13

<a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3063687782&category=39 767&rd=1">Link</a>

It looks like he is starting a wholesale business and has an Escort distributor lined up. There was no reserve on the auction, so if this is indeed a brand new in box SR7 (I'll know tomorrow), that was the deal of the century.

It sucks that the V1 isn't working out for you, I know some people who really like theirs. If there's any chance you want to try and keep a windshield mounted one, the Escort 8500 has the same trial offer I believe, and it will false a lot less than the V1. I've used a friend's 8500 in the past and I liked it quite a bit.

But like you, VA = remote detector for me.

KenK in TX

Look closely at the parts and specs and you'll see the RX75 is simply a repackaged SR7. Techinically, there are some nitpick differences between the two, but the core components (antenna and reciever) are the same. That said, I still have a few emails out on the RX75. Assuming those fall through, I'm going to email your guy to see if I can snag the SR7.

Whats even more insane is that this guy is in Humble, TX which is less than 30 minutes from me!

Please let me know how yours turns out tomorrow...if it's new, I'll order immediately too.

matt13

Are you sure he is in Texas though? My package came from Columbus, Ohio and before he removed the ebay "about me page" I think there were some references to Columbus, Ohio.

In any event, it's exactly as advertised. It's also half the size I was expecting it to be...which is awesome. I'll have no trouble concealing this in the ashtray.

Couple questions: What did you use to mount the front laser sensors? I'm thinking some 3M doublesided mounting tape might do the trick.

The manual also says to install the radar antenna "horizontally", so I'm wondering what part should be horizontal? Should the arrow be pointing up, or out or sideways, etc.

matt13

Guess that's what I get for not having the properly sanctioned Audi tools.

KenK in TX

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/10477/16x12_975r_antenna.jpg"></center><p>I was wrong about your guy being in Texas - I got him confused with another bidder on Ebay. I also emailed your guy, and you nabbed the last one (lucky bastard).

So anyhow, on the antenna - think of it as a funnel, and the end thats exactly opposite of the wire is the mouth of the funnel that needs to point forward. As you see in my picture, I mounted mine sideways due to a total lack of space under the hood and just used the reflecting plate that came with the 975R. Bel has been using this exact antenna for 10+ years, and Escort started using it not long after they aquired Bel...so I would assume you have the reflector plates with the SR7 too.

I'm sending my V1 back today (after less than a week) and am still grinding over what to do on the RX75 vs. the SR7. I plan on calling both companies to ask what (if any) differences exist between them.

Keep me posted on your install!

matt13

I did a DIY cold air intake, so I can fit the antenna with the correct orientation inside of where the duct for the airbox used to go. The only problem is that the antenna will be obstructed by the hood. I'm gonna call Escort and figure out if that will work or not. I've fabticated a bracket for the antenna to mount like yours did already, so if Escort says no go for the other mounting location I'll install it there.

matt13

I mounted the antenna in the same place that you put yours, but I'm still looking for alternative places to mount it so that it will face the correct way. The front laser sensor is going to go either in the grill on the hood or the grills below/to the side of the license plate. I put the display in the ashtray, and it fits perfectly. The only problem is that I somehow managed to jam or mess up the release or slider mechanism so now I have to pull it out instead of just pushing it and having it slide.

The SR7 is super easy to program and right now I have it set to "highway" with X-band turned off.

Next on the list:
1) Fix ashtray mechanism.
2) Finish mounting the display in the ashtray at an angle so I can see it.
3) Install front laser sensor.
4) Try and find a better location for the radar antenna.
4) Finally put my car back together.