I just got my valentine 1 mode in the mail today. It seems to have multiple modes (mostly filtering out X band from what I can tell). What mode do most people use? Do you turn X band off? I think I saw somewhere that the police still use X band in North Carolina....

 

I have had a V1 since they came out. I sincerely predict you will love it. I don't go anywhere without mine.

I live near you, so I can tell you the best setting for this area would be the BIG "L" mode (Advanced Logic mode). I never change out of this mode anywhere in the Southeast (in town, on the highway, back roads), and the current units are smart enough to maintain this setting after you turn them off. Just set it and forget it....

This mode doesn't disable ANY bands, or reduce the effective range - it simply prevents as many false alarms as possible. It will still go off around grocery stores and other stores with automatic doors, but you'll get used to the sound patterns soon enough.

Many areas in SC still use short-range X-band, so leave it active and be prepared to 'check your speed' quickly if you get an X-band response on your V1 - they can be on top of you before you know it...
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If you search for V1 programming - you can find the guide to adjust the programming of your unit. I just figured this out a few days ago - one of the things you can do is add auto-mute for K band for the "l" and "L" modes - so if you pickup K and it's under 4 bars strength initially, it will automute - then unmute if it hits 6 bars. I've found this to be FANTASTIC for filtering out the umpteen godzillion K band door openers around here. Then I use "A" mode for the highway. Works GREAT for me.

 

I have a V1, which I keep in the A mode all the time. This mode gives you the most information. The small "l" mode simply mutes "less threatening" signals. The capital "L" mode does not report them at all. It's a matter of preference, but I would rather decide what's important. The only time the A mode is bothersome is in shopping center parking lots. I try not to spend much time there.

 

I use big L around town and A on the highways or when im driving a bit more spirited.

 

I use mostly the A mode (most of my driving is HW)... the owners manual as well as the website have "hacks' for customizing your V1...

I also used an old thread (04?) for a slick hard-wire install, with minor updates (esp. for the remote).

 

Here in texas, i have never run any cop using X band so i have it turned off and kepe it in L mode all the time. I have seen a cop in New Mexico that was using X band, so whenever i go on trips i put it in the little L mode and turn X band back on. I have defiantely played around in the setup mode for a while, but make sure you have the instructions near you because it can be really confusing and you can turn some stuff off that you don't want turned off.

 

With regard to the new photo radar cameras in Montgomery County, MD. I have picked up confirmed camera on K band. I also picked up a new X band alert right where they are using the cameras but couldn't see the source.

 

Thanks for the tip, Paul, just rec'd my V1 tonight, (used to have one and it was stolen) and plan to program it to eliminate the "door alerts" that drove my crazy with the original.

Living without a V1 for a few years has been nearly unbearable, so I broke down and bought another! ;-)

 

Do you know where the cameras are located at>?
Especially on Nelson St.?