Electrical Experience W/Valentine 1
#26
#28
I've written here on several occasions singing praises of Valentine One, the company. Been a loyal customer for nearly eight years, and as I live only a few miles from their factory, I've been there occasionally over the years. I can confirm all of the positive comments regarding the superior service that these folks dole out. There are precious few companies like this left in America, and when you find one it warrants that the satisfied customer spread the word so that others may get great products and great service too.
#29
#31
#32
People have/do mod the V1 lights and stuff, but I don't think you can send it back for an updated one or any warranty stuff once you open it up. As someone who has sent V1s back for the new versions and appreciates being able to get the new units I'd check that out before doing anything to lose that option.
#33
#34
eVal, they're not modding the V1 lights, but the lights on the $40 remote display.
And yes I may do the same myself after I try it out for a while and see if there is a need; mounting the display on the mini's steering column puts it much closer in your view than most others who have it tucked in some corner so it may not be needed. Then again I love LEDs so I might do it anyway.
First task is figuring out how to mount it to my headliner. I've seen a bunch of others' but none exactly to my liking.
And yes I may do the same myself after I try it out for a while and see if there is a need; mounting the display on the mini's steering column puts it much closer in your view than most others who have it tucked in some corner so it may not be needed. Then again I love LEDs so I might do it anyway.
First task is figuring out how to mount it to my headliner. I've seen a bunch of others' but none exactly to my liking.
#35
eVal, they're not modding the V1 lights, but the lights on the $40 remote display.
And yes I may do the same myself after I try it out for a while and see if there is a need; mounting the display on the mini's steering column puts it much closer in your view than most others who have it tucked in some corner so it may not be needed. Then again I love LEDs so I might do it anyway.
First task is figuring out how to mount it to my headliner. I've seen a bunch of others' but none exactly to my liking.
And yes I may do the same myself after I try it out for a while and see if there is a need; mounting the display on the mini's steering column puts it much closer in your view than most others who have it tucked in some corner so it may not be needed. Then again I love LEDs so I might do it anyway.
First task is figuring out how to mount it to my headliner. I've seen a bunch of others' but none exactly to my liking.
Oh I see, missed that It does look neat but I personally don't need it since I simply glance over at the arrows on the remote display (which I like at the base of the a pillar) and tell from the sound what type of bogie it is
#37
Sorry this is so long......
Many of you have read my posts touting the superiority of the Valentine 1 radar detector. I was so impressed with the unit that I bought one for my wife the day after she accepted delivery of her 06 JCW. Now I need to post my most recent experience with the company.
Let me start out by explaining that I can be a difficult customer. I work very hard for my money and expect a level of service commensurate with that. Well Valentine recently exceeded my expectations, something that unfortunately rarely happens.
On MTTS I found that my 18 month old V1 was not performing nearly as well as my wife’s. As she drove 4 cars back her detector would alert while mine remained silent. I called the company and spoke with a woman in tech support. As I expected I was told to send the detector back for evaluation. When we got home I went to the website and found the address and noticed that they required payment of $45 to accompany any unit returned out of warranty. I called tech support again and asked for a manager. I have to admit I was a little miffed. The manager was very nice and told me to send the unit back and if payment was required we could worry about it then. I shipped the unit back with a note explaining the issues and my concern that a unit that costs as much as the V1 started having problems within 18 months.
I shipped the unit to Valentine on a Wednesday and received it back the next Friday (one week later). I was surprised because I had not received a phone call, email or letter. When I opened the box there was no note but it looked like a brand new unit was shipped back. No scratches or wear marks. I was surprised so I called the company. I was informed that I did not receive a new unit but my old one that had been cleaned up and fixed. The unit had some “modules” replaced and was recalibrated and I owed nothing. Now that was something unexpected.
I have always been pleased by the performance of the V1 and now I have been impressed by the service. I have had issues with other electronics that were “just” out of warranty and the experience was usually poor and cost me money. This one was the opposite. Kudos to Valentine!
Many of you have read my posts touting the superiority of the Valentine 1 radar detector. I was so impressed with the unit that I bought one for my wife the day after she accepted delivery of her 06 JCW. Now I need to post my most recent experience with the company.
Let me start out by explaining that I can be a difficult customer. I work very hard for my money and expect a level of service commensurate with that. Well Valentine recently exceeded my expectations, something that unfortunately rarely happens.
On MTTS I found that my 18 month old V1 was not performing nearly as well as my wife’s. As she drove 4 cars back her detector would alert while mine remained silent. I called the company and spoke with a woman in tech support. As I expected I was told to send the detector back for evaluation. When we got home I went to the website and found the address and noticed that they required payment of $45 to accompany any unit returned out of warranty. I called tech support again and asked for a manager. I have to admit I was a little miffed. The manager was very nice and told me to send the unit back and if payment was required we could worry about it then. I shipped the unit back with a note explaining the issues and my concern that a unit that costs as much as the V1 started having problems within 18 months.
I shipped the unit to Valentine on a Wednesday and received it back the next Friday (one week later). I was surprised because I had not received a phone call, email or letter. When I opened the box there was no note but it looked like a brand new unit was shipped back. No scratches or wear marks. I was surprised so I called the company. I was informed that I did not receive a new unit but my old one that had been cleaned up and fixed. The unit had some “modules” replaced and was recalibrated and I owed nothing. Now that was something unexpected.
I have always been pleased by the performance of the V1 and now I have been impressed by the service. I have had issues with other electronics that were “just” out of warranty and the experience was usually poor and cost me money. This one was the opposite. Kudos to Valentine!
#38
The V1 came in on tuesday, despite selecting ground it shipped 2-day.
Remote is currently mounted in front of the tach. I definitely need to add colored LEDs for peripheral vision. I just ordered a bunch. I also got most of what I need to do my custom mounting. I hope to do it this weekend or next, and when I'm done I'll be posting a web page with photos and description.
Remote is currently mounted in front of the tach. I definitely need to add colored LEDs for peripheral vision. I just ordered a bunch. I also got most of what I need to do my custom mounting. I hope to do it this weekend or next, and when I'm done I'll be posting a web page with photos and description.
#39
I think I will have to call them. Mine has an unusual tendency for the laser alarm to go off when the horn is honked or the windshield washers are activated. Mine is now 6 or so years old, so maybe it is time for a tune up.
It has never failed me and the only two tickets I have had in the past 6 years were on the two days that I was driving a different car and did not have it with me.
It has never failed me and the only two tickets I have had in the past 6 years were on the two days that I was driving a different car and did not have it with me.
the upgrade program is great, but for my old dino, the "upgrade" is a whopping $199, so i've held off so far...
#41
I haven't seen anything more on a V2, I think it was just hype.
I can imagine a companion product though, like a laser jammer or a GPS RLC unit.
Mike addressed the separate units questions to something that makes sense: In order to read a signal precisely, the distance between the two receivers is important. Furthermore, separating them into different cases means they would receive different amounts of noise. And obviously it is easier to produce, sell, and install something that is a single unit.
However I have head of people running TWO V1s, one in their rear window as well...
I can imagine a companion product though, like a laser jammer or a GPS RLC unit.
Mike addressed the separate units questions to something that makes sense: In order to read a signal precisely, the distance between the two receivers is important. Furthermore, separating them into different cases means they would receive different amounts of noise. And obviously it is easier to produce, sell, and install something that is a single unit.
However I have head of people running TWO V1s, one in their rear window as well...
#42
I finally broke down and ordered my V1 last night...
I've been Mr. Less-than-10-over for the past 10+ years. But occassionally now I catch myself being a little rambunctious - DAMN MINI.
Any pointers on best things to read to teach me the best use of the V1? I read a good post OctaneGuy wrote here several months back - But I'm kinda looking for the Dummies Guide to Getting the Most from your Valentine One...
By the way - I'm also thinking about using one of Mikey's MFSW phone button relays to link to the mute on the V1...
I've been Mr. Less-than-10-over for the past 10+ years. But occassionally now I catch myself being a little rambunctious - DAMN MINI.
Any pointers on best things to read to teach me the best use of the V1? I read a good post OctaneGuy wrote here several months back - But I'm kinda looking for the Dummies Guide to Getting the Most from your Valentine One...
By the way - I'm also thinking about using one of Mikey's MFSW phone button relays to link to the mute on the V1...
#43
I had a V1 for about six months, I was impressed by the detector overall, but not by the suction-cup windshield mount. On the car I had it mounted in (a Neon ACR with coilovers) it bounced around a lot and didn't seem very stable compared to other detectors/mounts I've used. I'm sure that could have been worked around though. I ended up selling my V1 because the way I drive and they way enforcement is around here (very heavy on laser), it wasn't doing me much good. I still speed and haven't had a ticket in over six years.
Fast forward to this year, the wife and I just picked up a Subaru Forester XT a few weeks ago, and I had two very close calls with it the 2nd time I drove it. When the turbo kicks in, it just flat out moves. I may have to pick up another V1 just to keep myself out of trouble.
-Keith
Fast forward to this year, the wife and I just picked up a Subaru Forester XT a few weeks ago, and I had two very close calls with it the 2nd time I drove it. When the turbo kicks in, it just flat out moves. I may have to pick up another V1 just to keep myself out of trouble.
-Keith
#44
Look at the rake of the Neon's windsheild compared to lorry-like MINI's. The rubber bumper on the unit's case works fine.
#45
It comes with three different sized suction cups. Try the bigger ones.
I just came up with a good yet simple mount last night. Using the visor clip mount, but clipping it to the headliner just to the right of the rearview mirror. I put velcro on the top of the plastic which sticks to the headliner so it doesn't move anywhere.
And yesterday my LEDs arrived. Hopefully I'll get to soldering tomorrow or this weekend....
I just came up with a good yet simple mount last night. Using the visor clip mount, but clipping it to the headliner just to the right of the rearview mirror. I put velcro on the top of the plastic which sticks to the headliner so it doesn't move anywhere.
And yesterday my LEDs arrived. Hopefully I'll get to soldering tomorrow or this weekend....
#46
#47
-Keith
#48
FWIW, you can get extra windshield mounts from V1 - a bit pricey at $10 for a piece of plastic, but worth it relative to removing the mount from car to car. I've got it mounted up by the mirror in the MINI, and I'd just as soon leave the mount there since it's tucked out of the way.
#50
The biggest problem I have with leaving the mounting bracket installed on the windshield in the Mini or another car, is the advertisement that I have a $400 radar detector in the car. I'd gladly pay $20-30 for additional suction cup windshield mounts if they were better designed. It just seems like on a very high quality $400 radar detector, they could have designed a better mounting bracket.
-Keith
-Keith