neuronbob

I am preparing for my cross-country trip to Colorado. Usually I depend on either my eyes or my wireless BEL detector. The BEL has saved me many times on similar trips, but gives way too many false alarms. I'm considering spending big money on the V1. I don't want to hardwire it because I only use radar/lidar detectors on long trips. I know where all the speed traps are on my daily commute to work, so using a detector in that situation is a waste of my time.

For those of you who don't hardwire your V1: Where do you use it? Is visor mounting better than windshield mounting? Why? Is the other way better?

Thanks, and enjoy your holiday (I have to work ).

-Bob

neuronbob

Oh by the way, I did do a search and most of the posts are about hardwired solutions, which as I state above I'm not interested in at this time.

Thanks!

rs808

ali_enterprises

I have a V1 in my Mustang and it beeps alot more false alarms than my Bel radar detector not to mention its bulky- only plus is the radar locator.

rs808

Sorry about my first post, I was attempting to post a picture of my setup but I can't figure out how???? I tried searching for directions but couldn't find them

My V1 is attached in the middle of my windshield. I tuck the cord just to the right of the passenger air controls in the dash groove.
This setup seems to work great.

rs808

And also the bogie counter!

neuronbob

Email it to me and I'll host it, rs808, you've got PM with my email addy.

And thanks for your comments, Ali. I thought you could set the sensitivity of the V1 at three different levels, that's one of the reasons I'm interested in it. I can set the sensitivity on my BEL from "City" to "Highway" to cut down on falsies, but having a direction and bogey counter would allow me better control over what I ignore and what I take seriously.

Nicki

If I use a Bel Wireless and a V1 together in the car at the same time will there be any problems? In other words will one "interfere" with the other and give me less security or will both together give me more security? How far apart should I keep them from each other?

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

Ugh... I wouldn't say its only plus is the radar locator. The V1's sensitivity is GREATLY superior to that of any product BEL makes. Because of this, the V1 will false MORE than the BEL unit. Although with the addition of the locator arrows and the bogey counter, you will quickly realize what the V1 is trying to tell you and be able to tell what is and what isn't a false alarm. My V1 has picked up on K band radar over 2.2 miles away on a straight road that was not flat. No other detector is going to provide that amount of protection.

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

1st off, wireless detectors are much less reliable than their wired counterparts because as battery life decreases, so does the sensitivity.

Using the V1 and the BEL at the same time is pointless. The V1 will do everything the BEL unit can do and then some. Also, the BEL unit may cause the V1 to give off a false alarm. Many cheaper brands of radar detectors tend to "leak" on the K-Band.

neuronbob

rs808's pictures--by the way, thanks; this is exactly the info I was looking for. I shrank the pix down some, if you want larger pix email me and I'll send them. Seeing how long the cord is, it appears that visor installation would be too unwieldy without hardwiring.

neuronbob

One other question: I've been doing serious research (read: Google ) on radar detectors. I currently have a BEL Express (946, not Li) cordless. Why not upgrade to the corded BEL 985 or RX65, which seem to do about as well as the V1 for $200 less? Are the direction arrows worth $200 more?

I found an interesting comparo of radar detectors at Speedzones.com indicating no clear leader in any of their objective measures among the higher-priced detectors, which would indicate that I shouldn't spend $400.

mrsteve

iTrader: (1)

A-CL and A-TL are very pro-V1 forums. I doubt you'll get an un-biased opinion on which to buy.

On that note, BUY THE V1!!! The arrows are most definitely worth the money. It has saved me numberous times; both radar and laser traps. Seriously, once you have the arrows you'll realize what you are missing

skiluvr

Neuronbob, I have the Bel 985 that I have hardwired in my NBP TL and would recommend the unit for the money, although I had considered the V1. I would also recommend hardwiring even if you aren't going to use the detector on a daily basis.

Mine is hardwired and the unit is windshield mounted just to the right of the rearview mirrow with the suction cups. I have another power cord so I can move the detector to my other car. When not using it in the TL, I just tuck the end of the hardwired cord up into the headliner and it can't be seen. IMO, this is much better than having to have the power cord running down the front of the dash. The hardwire installation is easy or you can pay $35-50 to have Best Buy or someone else install.

neuronbob

So how do V1 owners deal with POP radar, which V1 doesn't detect and which Mike Valentine doesn't believe in, and which is increasingly used? Or are the reviews wrong? I like the V1 except for that lack of POP functionality. I just want to make the right decision for spending so much money.

My head is really spinning now....$329 for RX65(which according to reviews is an upgraded Escort 8500) or $399 for V1? It's almost enough for me to simply give up speeding. AAAAAAAAGH! If the hardwiring is that simple and cheap, it may actually be worth it, thanks skiluvr.

PoochaKannInc

Bob:

I haven't hardwired my V1 yet either. In terms of where I leave it, I have it mounted to the right/slightly under my rearview mirror, with the detector right at the dark tint lining on the windshield. I wish I had pics of it, but I don't.

I want to get it hardwired, just because at times the wire running down can be distracting. Other than that I love the V1.

Neogeek

heh bob:

You and I are in the same boat with all these descisions.... I was really considering the V1, but then saw about its incompatabilites with the new POP feature, and the delay on the arrows on the new unit which make it very misleading when trying to figure out where the po po is hiding...

Have you looked at the Escort 8500 x50? it aslo has 360 degree protection and seems that it has everything and more then what the V1 can do (aside from the arrows, but they are worthless to me if the new one is slow)

I dunno my mom just got a ticket in our drive cross country, so she wants me to research a good detector in my car (heh if i had the cash i would go for either the passport, or the K40), and i really dont mind spending money for a really good one, and while i do understand that not all radar detectors are perfect, i would want the one that scored the most points overal when layed out the pros and cons of each one...


I have a question for all you V1'ers... is it true that you can only black out your radar with the optional display? and there is no auto mute, but instead it mutes upto 4 level? how is it driving at night when trying to determine which band is going off?


also on a side note... can radar detectors be shipped to Connecticut? I know it is illiegal to have them in CT, but will the manufactures websites keep you from that, and if not will fedex or ups not deliver?

Thanks

neuronbob

I didn't mean for my thread to turn into a "which radar detector thread", as the issue has been whupped to death on this board. At least I know now that even with occasional use, hardwiring is useful and is something I will almost certainly pursue in the future, after my long trip. I will try both visor and windshield mounting to see which is less aggravating, in the meantime.

As far as selecting a detector, edgalang on the 2G TL board has been running with both V1 and 8500 and while he likes the V1's arrows, the 8500 seems to false less than the V1, so he is recommending the 8500 so far. Radardetector so far is recommending the RX65, which as I say above, IS an 8500. I will try the V1 and if it's as good as people say, I'll keep it, otherwise I'll take advantage of the 30-day MBG and get the RX65.

neuronbob

I didn't mean for my thread to turn into a "which radar detector is best" thread as the issue has been beaten into the ground elsewhere on this board. However, I just wanted to share some info on POP:

http://www.radartest.com/article.asp?articleID=9080 From Radartest.com, which believes that POP is not frequent enough to worry about except in Nevada. However, Ohio and Indiana have a smattering of such guns and I have to travel through both states to go to Colorado. In addition, the new RX65 is the best at detecting it at 4500 feet. The 8500 is not far behind. That helps my decision making. If you don't live in Nevada or another state where POP is deployed, there's no question that the V1 is the right choice. For me, though....I may have to make another choice.
http://www.valentine1.com/pop/ From Valentine 1, who doesn't believe POP is important

PoochaKannInc

Bob:

Thanks for the link on POP from Valentine. I didn't read that before. It was helpful.

To answer some of Neogeek's questions:
-In my experience, the arrows have not been "slow". They have gotten confused with around shopping centers, but definitely not "slow".
-You can black out the detector controls only when you attach the optional display that is sold for $40 with the detector. I don't see any use in blacking out the detector if you don't have another display concealed to tell you what the detector is saying.
-I have no problem telling which band is going off (the display could be bigger, but once you are used to it, it is not a problem).
-I'm not sure I understand the "muting" question. Perhaps someone else can help you here.
-As Bob mentioned, you can search for other V1 vs. Escort 8500/8500x50 for more info on both the detectors.

To get back on track. Is there anyone from the Nevada area or anywhere that have encountered POP radar? How effective were the other detectors that can detect it?

Additionally, can you fight a ticket because you believe that POP is not an effective way to measure your speed?

Road Rage

1) You want the unit as high as you can get it, but not so it is in the tint or obscured by the window trim dots/blackouts
2) I installed my V1 right next to the a-pillar (Va does nto take kindly to these devices, so visual stealth is paramount). The line of sight to a passing law vehicle is practically nil, and I keep a small black washvloth on top of it, with Velcro fastener that also holds my sunglass case - the whole thing looks innocent. I use the concealed display so nothing lights up.
3) I'm an EE, and for my money, nothing compares to the V1, overall. Not only is its performance at or near the top, but it can be upgraded (try that with its competitors), has resale value (in a market where there is practically none for the others), and is built to last - I have never had one fail, and I have owned 3, with the last one upgraded. Are the arrows worth it? To me, yes, as one's radar response is tied to the direction. Having a LEA vehicle sneaking up slowly from behind is easily determined, where with my Solo2, I might get antsy and shrug it off as picking up someone else's detector, and elevate speed - wham, nailed!
4) I question the comment about reduced sensitivity of the batt powered RD's, although I am not saying the poster is making it up - but most circuits have an SOA (safe operating area) of linearity, and it is not until the voltage drops below a threshold that performance seriously degrades. If you have a link, I would be grateful if you posted it, otherwise I will search for it.

EmuMessenger

Don't the suction cups leave permanant marks on the windshield?

Road Rage

In Porsche's, perhaps, which have a weird coating. But I cannot imagine a suction cup could damage regular glass - seems any mildly abrasive compound (even Bon Ami) would easily remove it.

rets

Glad to see you stated those above... you know what I'd say...


Well, from the full nose mask to the clear bra, and from the old radar detector to the new V1, what else do you like to know for your future trip? :o

Maybe I could let you know how's about the ride from Falken...

neuronbob

That good, huh, rets?

Thanks for the V1 comments, RoadRage. On this site, that's 1 000 000 for the V1, 20 against.

I guess no one is worried about POP. It's so lightly used.....V1, here I come?

EmuMessenger

Well, that is good news. For 2.5 years, I have had the wire to my V1 running all over the car, to the sun visor to avoid suction stains.

NOX 3.2

I would love to see pictures of your installation...
it may give us some good tips...

neuronbob

Me, too. Could you, RR? After all, I'm looking for ideas.

PoochaKannInc

Here are my pics Bob:

Like I said, I have it mounted high, and slightly off-center. For the person that asked earlier, the suction cups do not make a mark on my windshield.

http://www.acurainspired.com/gallery...1147&pid=28889

http://www.acurainspired.com/gallery...1147&pid=28890

Pot80h

WHAAT!?! Why do WE get the scary new detectors?!?! No Fair!!

Thanks for posting that link - VERY informative. NHP make a ton of money off speeders on the new I-215 Beltway that runs around most of the Vegas Valley. Not all of the road is complete to freeway standards and in parts the limit is only 45mph. Of course, no-one keeps to that!

I had been planning to get a Valentine One, but from the sounds of things, I'd better look at the Escort.

For anyone in and around Vegas, watch out for these 2 Crown Victorias - One silver, one dark green. They have black wing mirrors and the center grill is all blacked out, including the Ford badge. THey're NHP stealth cars

grudax

I just ordered the Bel RX65 and will let you know how I installed it and how well it works if anyone is interested.

neuronbob

Thanks for the help, guys. I ordered my V1 today. Despite my concerns about POP, I bought it because:

1. Resale value. Through my Googling, I've found that V1 is actively working on a POP solution. When they succeed, I can sell the one I just bought on eBay for a great price and buy new.
2. Upgradeability. V1 is willing to upgrade. In the situation above, I could just send them the old one and they send the latest rev.

Note: 1 and 2 alone are worth the $60 premium over the RX 65.

3. Better sensitivity, acknowledged nearly universally by users and radar testers, except for a few who seem to have some sort of personal vendetta against Mike Valentine.

4. The arrows are a neat gimmick, we'll see if they're actually useful when I test it this weekend.

One other thing, I found a nice writeup on the V1 site about placement for most effective laser detection--Cliff's notes version is that RoadRage is absolutely right.

http://www.valentine1.com/laserhowto/

Pot80h

Hey, Bob - send the Val 1 to me and I'll test it for POP for you! I'm sure I can find a helpful NHP out there somewhere

EmuMessenger

The arrows are no gimmick. It is very reassuring to know whether or not the radar is catching up to you or it is on your approach. Because of them, I will NEVER be able to use anything else.

neuronbob

I received my V1 from Valentine yesterday. They're just downstate from me (Cincinnati), so I was able to pay for 2-day shipping and get it the next day.

I mounted it high on the passenger side of the rearview mirror, so that the detector is mostly hidden in the tint. To test it, I used the 8-foot straight cord, running it through the passenger's visor, then tucked it in the door seam, then across the passenger's footwell to the power outlet. I plan on buying a longer phone cable so the cable is more easily hidden. I think, despite what I said at the beginning of the thread, I will end up with a hard-wired solution. So thanks, all you V1 hardwire fans, you've succeeded in converting me.

This puppy is SENSITIVE. It catches EVERY X-banded door opener in EVERY shopping center, from 3/4-1 mile away from the shopping center. I had to shut off X-sensitivity; I'll turn it back on when I go on my long trip in a couple of weeks. The BEL 946 was not nearly so sensitive, as it would go crazy only next to the shopping center.

The main street into my neighborhood is a hilly two-lane road. This morning, I got a Ka "brap" at intensity of 2 dots, in front of me, then the sound stopped. 30 seconds later, a local police car passed me in the opposite lane. Good thing I'd slowed to the speed limit! The BEL isn't nearly as sensitive on that particular street.

Still in the process of testing, but I think the V1 will be a keeper.

EggrollXpress61

Dear bob, I have had the V1 in the past and now I have the BEL 995. From my experience, I prefer the BEL. If your looking for less falseys, go with the BEL hands down. If you think the BEL gives too many false alarms, you will be shocked by the amount that the V1 picks up. But hey, its up to you.