Any good Valentine One installations in E70

[FineProperty]

Originally Posted by X5FX

Isnt that too close to the sunshade buitinto the windshield? That should significantly reduce the range.

I thought that when I did the install, so I found a K band speed sign and drove around it for a half hour with it mounted in different positions. The V1 is just awesome. Even the laser detection wasn't affected, although every time a GM car hits it's brakes, I wish it were.

[brian5]

Thanks to KEF, we got my V1 hardwired to the overhead console a while ago. I had also bought the remote display (or what Valentine One calls the "Concealed Display") and got that modified so that
a. it was about one-third as deep as the original
b. the LEDs for the different bands were changed to different colors (vertically) and
c. the LEDs strength indicators (horizontal) were changed to different colors.
The arrows are still red.

I've tried different places for the remote display but none of the dashboard positions, down low or on the left pillar worked for me. I find that the current position is working really well as
1. it's in my peripheral vision at all times
2. it's very compatible with my heads-up display (and I don't need to look down)
3. it's very convenient to mute or power-off
4. the LED lights are almost visible from behind
5. it does not block my visor operation at all; it is not even close to the visor
6. my passenger does not see the lights blinking which seems to bother her

See post below http://www.xoutpost.com/421102-post44.html for the pictures.

I got first BIG save with my V1 today while driving in the downtown streets of Stamford, CT. The speed limit was 25mph and I was doing considerably more than that as it was early on a Saturday morning; there was very light traffic and it was a multiple lane road. My Ka band (blue for me) was showing a VERY strong up signal in front of me. There was, of course, a speed-trap but I was able to slow down and not be that cop's client today.

I have used radar detectors for years. I am sold on the directional arrows on my new Valentine One! I never want to use another radar detector that does not have arrows.

[marcx5]

escort radar announced a new hidden remote detector / laser jammer at CES called the 9500ci.... it replaces the SRX and looks VERY cool... integrating GPS functionality to remember false spots and hidden spots, etc. should be available in a couple months...

[brian5]

Originally Posted by marcx5

escort radar announced a new hidden remote detector / laser jammer at CES called the 9500ci.... it replaces the SRX and looks VERY cool... integrating GPS functionality to remember false spots and hidden spots, etc. should be available in a couple months...

Well, Escort already has the 9500i with GPS that has been getting mixed reviews.

As I implied above, the most important feature to me is the directional arrows --- if the 9500ci does not have that, the V1 is still my top choice.

[marcx5]

Originally Posted by brian5

Well, Escort already has the 9500i with GPS that has been getting mixed reviews.

As I implied above, the most important feature to me is the directional arrows --- if the 9500ci does not have that, the V1 is still my top choice.

The 9500ci is 'not' the same as the 9500. it's fully integrated, seperate antennae's... laser JAMMING that really works well, etc. the GPS features can connect to the web and download a database of known hot spots too.... or you can manually mark them and it remembers false spots. plus, it knows if you are stationary and will not sound the detector during those times.

the directional arrows are nice... but i'd much rather have a remote installed system and especially the laser jamming... which you have NO protection from with the valentine.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by marcx5

The 9500ci is 'not' the same as the 9500. it's fully integrated, seperate antennae's... laser JAMMING that really works well, etc. the GPS features can connect to the web and download a database of known hot spots too.... or you can manually mark them and it remembers false spots. plus, it knows if you are stationary and will not sound the detector during those times.

the directional arrows are nice... but i'd much rather have a remote installed system and especially the laser jamming... which you have NO protection from with the valentine.

We're talking about quite a different expense to get laser jamming, or "laser shifting", as Escort calls it. The Escort 9500ci will cost $2,000 (not sure if that includes installation). And it will still not have arrows

Please note that I am not arguing that the V1 is a better radar detector than any other. I really don't want to get into that.

[marcx5]

Originally Posted by brian5

We're talking about quite a different expense to get laser jamming, or "laser shifting", as Escort calls it. The Escort 9500ci will cost $2,000 (not sure if that includes installation). And it will still not have arrows

Please note that I am not arguing that the V1 is a better radar detector than any other. I really don't want to get into that.

agreed...

[proveg]

Originally Posted by brian5

Thanks to KEF, we got my V1 hardwired to the overhead console a while ago. I had also bought the "V1 Concealed Display" and got that modified so that it was about one-third the size of the original AND so that all the LEDs were changed to different colors for the different bands (vertically) and the strength indicator (horizontally). The arrows are still red.

I've tried different places for the "Concealed Display" and have settled on velcro-ing it to the side to the V1 itself. The V1 is mounted to the left of the rain sensor (which the rear-view mirror is attached to). I find that it's working really well in that position as
1. it's in my peripheral vision at all times
2. it's very compatible with my heads-up display (and I don't need to look down)
3. it's very convenient to mute or power-off
4. the lights are not visible from behind
5. it does not block my visor operation at all; it is not even close to the visor
6. it does not stick out sideways into my windshield space any more than my rear-view mirror

This picture is what it what it looks like when the car and V1 are on. You can see the Concealed Display faces the driver side of the car.


This picture is what it looks like for a second or two when I power the V1 on (or the car on if I've left the V1 in the on position when I powered the car off). After that couple of seconds, it goes back to the display as shown in the first picture. As you can see, all the V1 and Concealed Display LEDs light up (which is the normal operation). You can also see the different colors that been added to my V1 Concealed Display.


I got first BIG save with my V1 today while driving in the downtown streets of Stamford, CT. The speed limit was 25mph and I was doing considerably more than that as it was early on a Saturday morning; there was very light traffic and it was a multiple lane road. My Ka band (blue for me) was showing a VERY strong up signal in front of me. There was, of course, a speed-trap but I was able to slow down and not be that cop's client today.

Another thing worth noting. I have used radar detectors for years. I am smitten with the directional arrows on the Valentine One! I never want to use another radar detector that does not have arrows.

To me this would be a waste or remote display, it still lights up and I am sure in the dark if someone is behind you, they may possibly see the radar light up which is the whole point of the display. To each their own though.
Anyway here is my install with K40 laser diffuser, Some people swear by K40 while others knock on it and say that there are others that are much better, I had it on my previous car, so there was no additional expense except for time involved in install.
K40 deffuser is right below the plate tierapped to the grill.
The little bright light below concealed display shows K40 diffuser LED lighting up. I understand its a bit below, but to me its enough and I dont mind lowering my eyes when audio tells me the thread is valid. I have been using V1 for about 5 years so I am used to its sounds.

[brian5]

Originally Posted by proveg

To me this would be a waste or remote display <<snip>>

Thanks for your opinion of my current preferred solution.

You can stick your remote display wherever you want to.

[proveg]

Originally Posted by brian5

Thanks for your opinion of my current preferred solution.

You can stick your remote display wherever you want to.

LOL, I did...
I am curious, how well do you see the bogey counter from the drivers seat ?
Not to put down your install at all, I am just stating my opinion, as I said to each their own, I am just a bit more concerned for ability to have access to full functionality. I use bogey counter and arrows the most, to me band indication and strenght are least of use.

I also find the best mode of L for advanced logic. since I find X band that has most false alerts.
What do you all use?
BTW, I am considering disabling laser since its being set off by most Infiniti vehicles behind me as well as most GM SUV's set it off when
they are in front. Also I find that laser notification is kind of useless since once you are shot at, its likely too late.

Opinions?