I keep getting a service required message, why is that? How do I correct the problem? Susan

I have the same problem. I chatted with Bel and here's the transcript, FYI:


WelcometoBeltronics.! An online representative will be with you shortly. Youarenumber 1 in the queue. Your wait time will be approximately 1 and9seconds. Thank you for waiting.
You are now chatting with 'Brian'
Brian: Welcome to Beltronics Live Chat. How may I assist you today?
you: Hi Brian, I
you: own a Bel pro rx65
you: and it gave an error
you: that said
you: selfcal4
you: or something like that
you: then it said service
you: required
you: what does this mean?
Brian: Therearea number of things that may cause this ERROR message. Please besurethat you are getting consistent voltage (does the lighter socketstay ONall the time? Does it do the same thing in other vehicles?). If thedisplay reads "Service Required" not caused by the above, itmeans ithas failed it's self-calibration and requires service. Pleasecall ourCustomer Service Department at 800-341-2288 and they will giveyou arepair authorization number and instructions on how to return itto usso we can take a look at your detector.
you: Oh i see. what's the cost for repair?
Brian: That is a $59.95 repair fee. To set that up, please call Customer Service at 800-964-3138, option 2.
you: and what cause calibration to fail?
Brian: If the reasons listed above don't sound like what's happening, then it would be up to a repair tech to figure out why.
you: I had left it in the car in hot weather. would this be a cause?
Brian: It's possible, over a long time in the heat to develop.
you: I can call either number correct?
Brian: Correct.
you: ok thanks

Icalled the number and they were helpful, told me to use a packingservice like UPS and such. Insure it. And it would take about 5-7 daysfor them to work on it, another 3-4 days of shipping time.
Consideringthe reviews on the rx65 and the prices for detectors out there, andconsidering that they will also apply any software updates (bought minein '06) the $60 repair fee is worth it for me.

Bel/Escort radar detectors automatically calibrate themselves when they are powered up. They also periodically perform this procedure roughly every 10 to 20 minutes during operation. Occasionally you might get a Self Cal error if there is a strong radar source nearby or due to voltage fluctuations during the self calibration process. Yet Service Required means that the self calibration procedure has repeatedly failed numerous times and that there is something wrong inside the radar detector. Thus, just as the message says, you will have to send in your RD for repair.