V1 Stealth Radar Box
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: PeachState Region, GA
The ONLY advantage my Bel has over the V1 is that it has a dark mode. The whole display goes dark save one small character to denote what mode it is in, you can't see the dang thing even when you are standing right behind the car = no followers mooching off my detector.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 775
Likes: 0
From: PeachState Region, GA
Tech Law,
One of my friends who runs a V1 swears there is no dark, or dim mode. Does he have an earlier model, or just operator error?
Are you referring to a dark mode when using the optional remote display?
One of my friends who runs a V1 swears there is no dark, or dim mode. Does he have an earlier model, or just operator error?
Are you referring to a dark mode when using the optional remote display?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 668
Likes: 0
From: Westchester, NY
I run both V1 detectors with the remote units mounted just below the dash. I actually never use the V1 without the remote so I can't tell you if there's a dark mode. Sorry for the lack of knowledge here.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
Hey Tech-Law,
Any updates on the stealth box for the front windshield?
I have decided to get a Valentine 1 after getting more info about the K-40, and would like to get an "OEM look" for a place to mount the box.
I also am considering the remote display option in the tach at a later date.
Please let us know how the design process is going.
Thanks
Any updates on the stealth box for the front windshield?
I have decided to get a Valentine 1 after getting more info about the K-40, and would like to get an "OEM look" for a place to mount the box.
I also am considering the remote display option in the tach at a later date.
Please let us know how the design process is going.
Thanks
928 Barrister
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,772
Likes: 6
From: Sunnyvale, CA
remote
Rezal:
Because placing the remote in the instruments or near them keeps the arrows in your line of sight. You will find as you become accustomed to the V1 that not only the arrows but also the 4 rankings of signal will occupy your attention. You will need to decide how imminent a threat each one is and react accordingly. Then you will learn to love the V1. Trying to decipher the signal rankings and the arrows by looking to the side and up is frustrating; glancing at the dash in front of you will be MUCH easier. I tried it both ways.
I also believe the display is visible from outside the car, as I have experienced several times "followers" who would stay with me but not pass me no matter what I did. And it happened a couple of times in the day, so they must have spotted the V1 by the mirror. I have the wiring concealed so that was not a factor.
Because placing the remote in the instruments or near them keeps the arrows in your line of sight. You will find as you become accustomed to the V1 that not only the arrows but also the 4 rankings of signal will occupy your attention. You will need to decide how imminent a threat each one is and react accordingly. Then you will learn to love the V1. Trying to decipher the signal rankings and the arrows by looking to the side and up is frustrating; glancing at the dash in front of you will be MUCH easier. I tried it both ways.
I also believe the display is visible from outside the car, as I have experienced several times "followers" who would stay with me but not pass me no matter what I did. And it happened a couple of times in the day, so they must have spotted the V1 by the mirror. I have the wiring concealed so that was not a factor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
From: Singapore
Ron:
I've been a V1 user since the early 90s. Maybe because I've always had it in approximately the same location but I've never had a problem interpreting the signals. As for having followers, I've found out that some drivers can "guess" if you have a radar detector, others are just don't have the guts to lead and would rather follow a fast car. Either case, I usually jam on the gas and leave them behind and then slow down to a relatively more sensible speed.
Like I said before, a friend following in a Boxster tried to play "spot the V1" and couldn't see it either from behind or from the side. I assume that someone else who didn't know exactly where I had it would have an even harder time.
FWIW, if a remote display or stealth box makes you happy, so be it. It's not my place to judge that. I can only share what my simple solution does for me. Btw, I do have the wire hidden in the A pillar just like most people.
I've been a V1 user since the early 90s. Maybe because I've always had it in approximately the same location but I've never had a problem interpreting the signals. As for having followers, I've found out that some drivers can "guess" if you have a radar detector, others are just don't have the guts to lead and would rather follow a fast car. Either case, I usually jam on the gas and leave them behind and then slow down to a relatively more sensible speed.
Like I said before, a friend following in a Boxster tried to play "spot the V1" and couldn't see it either from behind or from the side. I assume that someone else who didn't know exactly where I had it would have an even harder time.
FWIW, if a remote display or stealth box makes you happy, so be it. It's not my place to judge that. I can only share what my simple solution does for me. Btw, I do have the wire hidden in the A pillar just like most people.
928 Barrister
Rennlist Member
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Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,772
Likes: 6
From: Sunnyvale, CA
hide and seek
Rezal:
I know what you mean about taking the point; I have been guilty of that game where I let someone else lead the way into Smokey's grasp. But lately I have just done as you suggest: punch it to break away and then go about my business. I only do this if the guy hangs too closely on my tail or in the adjacent lane. Otherwise, I think the more drivers at or near my speed the better because it makes it less likely I will stand out. They must be polite and competent though for me to stick around.
Recently I found myself in exactly the situation you described whereby I surged ahead to lose the shadow who knew I had the V1. But later he would catch up and would not pass under any condition. After a couple of hours, we waved to each other and went our separate ways. Some Japanese sedan that seemed to top out at around 100, so I had no trouble losing him.....for awhile, until I made it to the next town or traffic jam. He would eventually catch up to me, unless I didn't slow back to 100 or less. Got to be interesting. I didn't like him too close at those speeds and felt unsure of his car and abilities so I would just disappear.
I know what you mean about taking the point; I have been guilty of that game where I let someone else lead the way into Smokey's grasp. But lately I have just done as you suggest: punch it to break away and then go about my business. I only do this if the guy hangs too closely on my tail or in the adjacent lane. Otherwise, I think the more drivers at or near my speed the better because it makes it less likely I will stand out. They must be polite and competent though for me to stick around.
Recently I found myself in exactly the situation you described whereby I surged ahead to lose the shadow who knew I had the V1. But later he would catch up and would not pass under any condition. After a couple of hours, we waved to each other and went our separate ways. Some Japanese sedan that seemed to top out at around 100, so I had no trouble losing him.....for awhile, until I made it to the next town or traffic jam. He would eventually catch up to me, unless I didn't slow back to 100 or less. Got to be interesting. I didn't like him too close at those speeds and felt unsure of his car and abilities so I would just disappear.