This seemed like the most open place to put this topic. Being truly a fit any car type mod.
What made you take the plunge?
Range tests lead to a look at the V1 site, offered superior intel (whole point of having one for me is to know whats around me and where) and offered upgradeable for a better long term investment.

What Vehicle(s) do you run it in?
Generally 2005 R53, have also done temporary stints ina Dodge Caravan and Toyota Camry

What mode do you run?
Last 6 months in big L, recently switched to little L
Any special programming?
Currently debating shutting off X and increasing Ka sensitivity
Install photos?





Remote Display thoughts:
Cant ever see not running it on any long term install of the V1, many times it's kept people off of my tail and given me that night time breathing room.
Remote Audio thoughts:
Considering one for a mount near the E-brake for stealthier volume adjustment and closer speaker location with windows down.
Other acessories (Case,GPS mirror, remote display mirror, LIDAR defense, special mounts,etc.):
Not used, unsure if time/risk/cost/skill level is appropriate to do the multi color remote display mod. Blinder is illegal in my state.
Any recent "V1 moments"
Got a Ka beep Sat. night ahead of me but weak, came around the corner passed a squad car that made a traffic stop, arrow stayed ahead, signal added to more strength lights, I watched it ramp up going down the road until 2 miles later a squad was running radar just before my exit. More proof that this is a Locator not just a detector.
Most Bogies (and most LEO Bogies):
8 in A mode 7 in Big L (3 on a weekend speed detail on a weekend road trip)
And of course general banter:
Anything I missed/forgot didn't mention, but will hopefully stay mainly V1 centric.

I'm on the latest software still, one year mark is in April so I'll probably check a few more times if I need an update before then.

 

The arrows and bogey counter and passionate user recommendations sold me. I'm hooked. Customer service is top notch. I have the remote display AND remote audio and love it. I have the head unit wrapped in black felt (except for the laser windows) so you see no *****, logos, etc. on it. It's just a black block above the rearview mirror...

I run in L around town and A on the highway. I have L programmed to disregard weak X and K, to minimize door opener sensing.

I've had very similar experiences - where I've passed a trooper on the side of the road with a speed stop, while his buddy was waiting up the road a ways to get someone ignoring their detector. The bogey counter and arrows have saved me in those cases.

 

motoron- are you doing like a marketing research for v1?

got mine for the arrows. it's all about the arrows and the level of
sensitivity my v1 has.

i run mine on my MCS and G35C. same unit, used the visor clip into
ceiling trick on my MCS, and suction cup bracket on glass on my G35C.

it's a nice conversation piece. i dont plan on getting other v1 accessories
for mine. works great.

 

Nope just thought one big thread instead 3 dozen spread around 6 forums between the generations was getting hard to track. and I've already figured out how to install it.

 

it's on my list of stuff to get. is it really worth the $?

 

yep

 

yah, that's a good idea.

make it into a sticky.

 

Yes and I'm a recent owner myself.

 

Can anyone tell me if I buy a V1 from the Valentine website - here: https://store.valentine1.com/store/ if it will come with POP2 protection or is this an upgrade? I can't tell from the site if it's included. I know the latest version is 1.8, but other sites that sell the V1 say V1 1.8 "with POP2" like it's a separate thing.

 

My dad has had one for about 8 years now and just bought a new one. The thing is great, my Dad and I go on a lot of road trips together and it has saved us many times. Well worth it, it will save you money in the long run.

 

Anyone here do the multi color displays? I've been debating picking up an extra concealed display to tinker with for easier band identification.

 

I have one... had it done by a guy I found out about on the RadarDetector.net forum, I think...

His email was clay at claybuccellato dot com - no idea if that email still works or if he still does these.

Mine is:
Blue:Laser
Red: Ka
Yellow: K
Green: X

Love it... wouldn't be able to use the V1 without it...

 

^^ that sounds like a nice feature.

 

It rocks.

After almost 2 years I still haven't completely learned the difference in the audio alerts (guess I'm slow)... but I can glance down (even in the dark) and instantly know what kind of radar I'm picking up (and hence whether it's really a threat or not)... hard to tell the difference between all those red LEDs in the dark.... should come with the color coded bands from Valentine... one of the few gripes I have with the design.

 

Do you guys speed more because of your V1?

Forgive me if I sound naive; I've never owned a radar detector and only been pulled over (and warned) once for speeding. I nearly always drive at 10 over and ~15 over on the highway. I'm constantly on the lookout for speed traps and use other cars to my "advantage".

That said, I'd considered getting a V1 in the past but decided against it as I've not even gotten a ticket before. True, I don't speed too heavily, but it's a hefty chunk of change.

 

If I drove at high speeds on public roads, I'd never discuss it on an open forum. That said, depending on where you are, your strategy can be a good one if 10-15 over is your target velocity. There are folks out there who opt to select what they consider to be a safe speed for the conditions, independent of what the signs say. Some of these folks routinely go a good bit faster than what you're suggesting. And the consequences of getting tagged are significantly greater.... I NEVER support idiots weaving dangerously, or zooming past minivans full of kids at high overtake speeds. That's foolhardy and gets innocent people killed.... don't mistake my comments to mean that I support that kind of behavior.

 

Sure, I understand totally.

 

No, ironically, after I got my Escort 9500i and became more "aware" and subsequently more afraid of speed enforcement, I actually drive more slowly and cautiously, but hunting for cops, a.k.a. "bogeys", is fun.

With your current strategy, you're unlikely to get a ticket.

 

Over a year for me. Been saved a few times. I still use the visual though, like I don't have a detector.
Biggest trouble is, I'm used to the noise, so I kinda ignore it.

 

I love mine and have it installed similar to Blimey except the felt. And I sent mine to a guy on ebay to have the plug for the remote display moved to the back. So my remote display sits right on the steering column in front of my tach and speed with the cord running right down the middle, totally invisible.

On the interstate the thing goes off miles away from the source. On caravans I usually get the alert much earlier than other folks with Passport, Escorts, etc...and I always know where to look because of the arrows.

 

Holy that last post put me in 6th gear. How does that work when you drive a 5-speed Cooper?

 

It's still kind of a shame that though you can detect laser ( Which Val 1 does) - by the time you have, it's usually already too late.

Valentine needs to offer a software upgrade that can detect when the officer is just starting to think about tagging you.

Actually, the more I use Radar, the more I realize I'd be completely satisfied and might even prefer a device that would simply tell me anytime I'm in the vicinity of a cruiser - radar or no.

 

I've been a very proud and very happy Valentine One owner since 1995. I've gone through two upgrades since then as well, the most recent was just a few months ago.

Although I don't use my V1 as often any more (since I moved to Virginia), any time I leave the state, putting it up is the first thing I do as soon as I cross the state line.

Very soon now I will have what I believe to be the "ultimate" V1 install in a MINI. Pics will follow at that time.

 

I forgot to mention that Infinitie's lazer cruise control sets it off.

 

... which is one reason why mine is "wrapped" now so it doesn't see laser anymore... so far about 100 falses and zero "real" hits... just not that common here yet.