Dark Mode
If you select Dark mode on the 8500ci, the
display will not provide any indication that
it is on.
NOTE: When the 8500ci is in the
Dark Mode, the display will not show
visual alerts when it detects signals.
Only the audible alert will tell you of
detected signals.
Audible Alerts
For Radar signals:
The 8500ci uses a Geiger-counter-like
sound or voice announcements to indicate
the signal strength and type of radar signal
being encountered.
When you encounter radar, a distinct
Audible Alert will sound and will increase
as the signal gets stronger. This allows you
to judge the distance from the signal source
without taking your eyes from the road.
Each band has a distinct tone for easy
identification.
X-band = beep tone
K-band = raspy brap tone
Ka-band = double-brap tone
For Laser signals:
Since Laser signals are a possible threat
no matter how weak, the 8500ci alerts you
to all laser signals with a full laser alert.
For Safety signals:
If you have turned on the SWS
detection in the 8500ci’s Preferences
section, the 8500ci 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 23.
If you haven’t turned on SWS in
Preferences, the 8500ci will not decode
these transmissions but will still detect
them as a K-band radar signal.
Signal Strength Meter
The 8500ci’s matrix display consists of 280
individual LED’s, to provide an intuitive
ultra-bright display of signal strength and
text messages.
When it detects radar, it displays the
band of the radar (X, K, or Ka), and a precise
bar graph of signal strength.
Display Brightness
The 8500ci’s display brightness is
automatically adjusted to suit ambient
lighting conditions in your car. (The light
sensor is located inside the display
controller and may dim the display
momentarily when accessing the buttons).
If you prefer, you can press the “BRT”
button located on the display controller to
set your 8500ci for a fixed brightness level
(Maximum, Medium, Minimum, or Dark).
Controls and Features
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