I'm about to send in two older units and one new unit for firmware updates -- they usually just send wholly new units. I imagine they have ample refurbished inventory, but I can see the advantage in not "cannibalising" new unit sales.

 

that is one of the great and unique things about V1's - you can always send them back in to get the newest software update - and yes...they send you brand new units back. nice.

 

that site's hella biased. u need to go to a forum like the rennlist of radar detectors to get a more accurate assessment

 

SML tests are not controlled since there alot of Rep's in the area making sure their procducts do "great" in those tests. You have to pay that guy at SML in order to have your RD and or laser jammer tested. It has been known who ever pays with the biggest check gets the best rating.

 

With the number of cars adding laser and radar emitting options, radar detectors may soon be pointless. Common sense will be the only tool we have.

According to Car and Driver, the Audi Q7 emits K-band and the Infiniti QX56 emits laser...
http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...nnoyances.html

Until someone comes out with a detector that can differentiate between "real" speed detectors and all these vehicle-based sensors, I see no reason to replace my 5-year old Passport 8500. As often as not, I don't even use it. Driving with the general flow of traffic and being aware of my surroundings has saved me from far more tickets than any detector.

 

The Infiniti cars have had laser since at least the FX model and while it's annoying, the number of falses are still pretty small and infrequent. I'm a bit surprised Valentine has produced a discrimination update. It's worth re-programming the V1 just to screen out all the traffic radar K band locations but that does leave you at risk if you're flying near a small country town where the Sheriff hasn't updated (such as where I live ... the CHP have the instant-on type and the Sherrif has the old road-hazard type.

The other hassle factor is the newer models with metallic films in the glass which screens out radar so the detector sensitivity is below useful levels. Some cars have "toll pass" windows but these are too small to really help the detector. I expect Valentine will have to produce a "remote" unit (with a receiver for the front of the car and another for the rear.) I wouldn't do it to a 911, but for an SUV, given the various bumps already on the roof (one for the satellite antenna, another for things like OnStar, cellular kits etc.) I'd be happy to have another bump or two up there to catch radar and another bump at each end to catch laser.

Plenty of opportunity there for Valentine to offer a much more complete, versatile and effective unit (at a much higher price.)

 

The problem with putting a remote sensor front and back of your car is that they will be very low and will not give you the detection range due to objects blocking the radar and laser beam.

 

I'll sell you my V1 for $250. I haven't used it in years (bought new in 2001). Perfect condition.

 

Where is this known?

 

Passport allows you to see the actual frequency on each band so you can ignore those not associated with Radar.

 

My buddy, a long time supporter of V1, has just purchase the new Bel. And yes he had the old and new V1 versions. True story.

 

Actually, the laser sensor position of a K40 remote detector is the best location for detecting laser. Patrolmen don't aim at windshields.

 

Where is the link to the forum you mention?

 

Interesting stuff and until recently I haven't kept up with the various detection technologies. I recenlt acquired a 996 with a K40 system. I does have the laser diffuser installed but I am beginning to think that it is either not working or totally useless. The reasoning behind this is that I have been passing through a speedtrap zone on a few occasions where there is a motorcycle cop with a radar/Lidar gun and the detector is silent. This is where there is one cop clocking cars and five others issuing tickets. I know the radar portion of the detector works as it goes nuts when I drive on a road with one of those "you speed is....". Is there anyway to see if the Laser portion is working?

 

Mine came with a K40 too and very rarely does my laser sensor set off. Today there was trap ahead of me but the laser detector didn't sound, more than likely because the patrolman didn't aim at me. In my rearview mirror I saw him running out to the middle of 495 to flag down a BMW.