Has anyone paid for the upgrade to their older unit? Mine is over 10 years old now and I understand that improvements are available. The upgrade is actually replacement with a new unit. Has anyone that's done the upgrade noticed improvement in sensitivity, fewer falses, or other features that you think are worth the cost? Upgrade cost is less than 1/2 the $399 price of buying a new one for the first time.

 

Input your serial number on their Upgrade page to see what you actually need:

http://www.valentine1.com/upgrades/

 

My V1 broke, just stop working. Cost to send in for repair was $55 and upgrade was $85 (which included repair). So went with upgrade. They sent back a new (actually used) unit (not my original serial #). So far I haven't noticed any difference, but only had the upgraded unit for 2-wks.

 

Just typed in my serial number, upgrade for mine is $279 + shipping.

Better to sell mine on eBay and buy a new one.

 

we've had several V1's over the years, all wired in to various cars. It's correct that the "updating" is just sending out a newer unit at a lower cost. I wasn't aware the these might be re-conditioned ones. My current V1 is an older model, but the web-site info says it's not really worth it to upgrade it. My wife has a newer one, and the biggest difference is that the newer model is a little slimmer, with smaller suction cups on the windshield mount. I haven't done it yet, but I'm thinking about an exchange just to get the smaller one. I like the fact that the company tells you to not send them money, and that its not worth it to get an upgrade.

 

I think you hit upon why Valentine says its not worth it.

Not worth it to them to recondition and sell at lower cost.

 

I have heard from many V1 owners after the upgrade they were getting tons of fales alarms. My V1 rarely goes off, but when it does usually it is not a fales alarm. For that reason I have not sent my unit to get upgraded.

 

I sent mine in for the POP update. Had a lot of false alarms around the Chicago area.

Haven't noticed any around Reno, NV.

 

This is what the V1 upgrade page said about my V1:

"V1 Description: Radar circuitry known in-house as V1.8. This is our latest and best performer on both radar and laser with just one exception—it lacks POP Protection. Of interest to those who drive in Europe, the latest V1 version also has a Euro Mode.

Upgrade Recommendation: You have a sophisticated security system, and we’re cautious about recommending an Upgrade. If you believe in keeping up with technology, particularly if the POP Mode is being used in your area, then go ahead. V1’s approach to the POP problem is superior to all others in the industry. If you drive in Europe, you will appreciate our new Euro Mode which improves protection on photo radar as it is used in the E.U."


Doesn't sound too convincing.

 

I got the same message. For a five year old unit, that's not bad.

 

When they fix the laser detection so Trailblazers (brake lights) and Lexus' (cruise control) stop setting it off, I'll be first in line.

 

X2

My V1 is almost ten years old, and it has saved me hundreds, probably thousands, of dollars. My only complaint is that there are a few vehicles that inexplicably set off the laser. It's a small annoyance for an otherwise superior product.

 

Robin, I recently upgraded my V1 (1-month ago) and noticed no change with false alarms.