Mark '98 Targa

My wife just bought me a Valentine One radar detector (clever, eh?).

I am not sure if I want to install it or return it and, perhaps, upgrade the stereo. I have managed to live without a radar detector so far and have not been ticketed much over the years. I looked at recent posts; but, I did not find too much useful info.

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a radar detector? What do you love or hate about yours?
Also, any ideas for clever installations?

Mark

nels415

Check out Robin's DIY.
<a href="http://p-car.com/diy/v1/" target="_blank">http://p-car.com/diy/v1/</a>

-nels

amfp

Use it for the 30 day return policy, if you like it, keep it. If not return to Valentine, or you can easily sell in the future.

I've had different Valentine radar detectors for many years, and would not drive without one. Robin's site shows a very easy installation.

spinning disc

yeah, if you check ebay, they basically sell for full price almost, no matter how used as long as you disclose the serial number and so forth.

definitely one of the few electronic currencies these days is a V1.

Curtis - '97 Targa

I won't drive without mine. If you use it, though, don't get complacent about driving fast and think that you are invisible. I've had a couple of near misses with Police that either had no radar or turned it off.

Jeff 993TT

I'd keep it and use it.

Even if it saves you ONCE, it's more than paid for itself.

Jeff

okindao

I am interested in purchasing a V 1 but do not in any way have the technical or mechanical/ electrical talents to instyall it myself. What would the board recommend as to figuring out the best option for a solid installation would you trust a dealer ?? If not what are the options,
thanks for the input

Mark in Baltimore

Mark-if you don't drive all that fast, then maybe the V1 is a waste of money for you. If you hammer, though, it's only a matter of time before you get a ticket, the type of ticket that gets your license yanked. I've had Escorts, Passports, Unidens and, now, the V1. With its unsurpassed sensitivity and directional warning system, there's no other way to fly with relative impunity.

Dennis-The dealer might be okay, but your local Circuit City or Best Buys should be able to do a clean install for you without killing your wallet. These guys are used to putting all types of electronica into vehicles. Heck, maybe a guy from Radio Shack can do it in his spare time. It's not hard to do at all.

Malibusteve

Definitely keep it and use it. IMHO it is by far the best on the market. I've had a variety radar detectors but never one as sensitive and accurate with few false positives than others. Plus you kow were to look. After your first encounter you'll never want to drive without one.

I've been looking for a used V-1 and couldn't agree more with Spinning Disc. Resale is almost equal to retail. So no matter what your impressions of it are after you have used it for a while you'll be able to recapture most of your investment.

Sailswish

I recently bought a used V1 on Ebay and hardwired it. The install is much easier than the previous DIY alludes. Just tap into the stereo red wire using the supplied clip-on lead and the ground wire. Snake the black wire around the cowling by the door and take off the defroster cover, just four screws. I mounted the V1 just above the wipers in the center. The mute button is closer than if it were installed by the rearview mirror.

993chaz

I have a line that comes up through the roof support and is tucked above the drivers side visor (looks like a phone jack plug) could this be a hardwire for a Radar Detector? <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" />

Phil

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by 993chaz:
<strong>I have a line that comes up through the roof support and is tucked above the drivers side visor (looks like a phone jack plug) could this be a hardwire for a Radar Detector? <img border="0" alt="[cheers]" title="" src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" /> </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I'd say it is

993chaz

Thx Phil, are they all pretty much universal, or would my jack fit a particular Rad-Det?

Thanks

Mark in Baltimore

They should be universal. Any phone jack cord will work.

David in LA

AFAIK only the Valentine 1 uses phone RJ11 wiring for hardwiring a detector - pretty ingenious I think.

When I installed over xmase and needed to make a custom length of wire, it was fairly easy to pop down to the local Radioshack and get a spool of wiring and a crimping tool...makes for a very clean install.