Radar Detectors - need advice
06-07-2008, 10:28 PM
#61
Racer
I love my V1, with one exception that I'd doubt any other laser detector can solve. I seem to get many false laser detections whenever I pass or have behind me the Lexus/Infiniti SUV's with Laser Cruise Control. Anybody else get those false laser alerts - what a PITA.
06-07-2008, 10:37 PM
#62
Three Wheelin'
I love my V1, with one exception that I'd doubt any other laser detector can solve. I seem to get many false laser detections whenever I pass or have behind me the Lexus/Infiniti SUV's with Laser Cruise Control. Anybody else get those false laser alerts - what a PITA.
I always wondered why I got those Laser chirps from the Valentine showing a rear approaching vehicle. Otherwise it's an excellent detector.
I always wondered why I got those Laser chirps from the Valentine showing a rear approaching vehicle. Otherwise it's an excellent detector.
06-07-2008, 11:19 PM
#64
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Ok...I'm no expert and not going to get into the "if it works" debate, but I have the Belltronics STI driver with magnesium case and it an awesome detector. But no detector is fool proof. Use your head.
06-08-2008, 12:39 PM
#67
Team Owner
You still haven't shown how this is true. Claiming that "the arrows have had their day" but are behind modern technology is a lot like saying that steering wheels are an antiquated method of positioning an automobile. Sometimes the best answer is the most obvious, and short of the car's computer flashing the location of the radar on the nav screen, I can't imagine a more logical way to locate the radar than arrows pointing in the direction it's coming from. The usefulness of the arrows isn't going to change with time--it's going to change with the invention of a more accurate way to locate the radar source, and we don't have that yet.[/QUOTE]
06-08-2008, 02:26 PM
#68
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You still haven't shown how this is true. Claiming that "the arrows have had their day" but are behind modern technology is a lot like saying that steering wheels are an antiquated method of positioning an automobile. Sometimes the best answer is the most obvious, and short of the car's computer flashing the location of the radar on the nav screen, I can't imagine a more logical way to locate the radar than arrows pointing in the direction it's coming from. The usefulness of the arrows isn't going to change with time--it's going to change with the invention of a more accurate way to locate the radar source, and we don't have that yet.
They being Valentine.
if you can't see that the use of GPS to:
1) Automatically provide Variable-Speed Radar Performance
2) Automatically mark regular radar alert signals on your route and mute them
3) Allow you to GPS mark speedtrap locations of your own
4) Give you an automatic heads-up of your speed when RADAR is detected
5) Give you automated warnings of every red-light and speed camera in the US
gives you far more protection than the 17 year old technology of the V1 - then I can't help you.
That coupled with 3-5 seconds earlier detection for more reaction time, and a 5-1 ratio when it comes to false positives, should make the case for anyone rational.
http://www.radarroy.com/archives/254
And then we can get into LASER shifting etc etc at another point if you like...
06-08-2008, 05:19 PM
#69
Team Owner
They being Valentine.
if you can't see that the use of GPS to:
1) Automatically provide Variable-Speed Radar Performance
2) Automatically mark regular radar alert signals on your route and mute them
3) Allow you to GPS mark speedtrap locations of your own
4) Give you an automatic heads-up of your speed when RADAR is detected
5) Give you automated warnings of every red-light and speed camera in the US
gives you far more protection than the 17 year old technology of the V1 - then I can't help you.
That coupled with 3-5 seconds earlier detection for more reaction time, and a 5-1 ratio when it comes to false positives, should make the case for anyone rational.
if you can't see that the use of GPS to:
1) Automatically provide Variable-Speed Radar Performance
2) Automatically mark regular radar alert signals on your route and mute them
3) Allow you to GPS mark speedtrap locations of your own
4) Give you an automatic heads-up of your speed when RADAR is detected
5) Give you automated warnings of every red-light and speed camera in the US
gives you far more protection than the 17 year old technology of the V1 - then I can't help you.
That coupled with 3-5 seconds earlier detection for more reaction time, and a 5-1 ratio when it comes to false positives, should make the case for anyone rational.
My V1 is the current model with the latest software; I'm not sure where you get the "17-year-old technology" thing--Valentine invented the idea of upgradeable detector software. In my case, I'd rather start with a detector that's got a proven record with its sensitivity and worry about the other specific features as a secondary function, which leaves me being very satisfied with the V1. YMMV.
06-08-2008, 09:24 PM
#70
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Sure, but the part you keep leaving out is how a GPS chip invalidates the usefulness of the V1's arrows, i.e. they're not mutually exclusive ideas. You seem to be wanting to prove that the inclusion of GPS negates the need or desire for the arrows. I'm simply saying otherwise.
My V1 is the current model with the latest software; I'm not sure where you get the "17-year-old technology" thing--Valentine invented the idea of upgradeable detector software. In my case, I'd rather start with a detector that's got a proven record with its sensitivity and worry about the other specific features as a secondary function, which leaves me being very satisfied with the V1. YMMV.
My V1 is the current model with the latest software; I'm not sure where you get the "17-year-old technology" thing--Valentine invented the idea of upgradeable detector software. In my case, I'd rather start with a detector that's got a proven record with its sensitivity and worry about the other specific features as a secondary function, which leaves me being very satisfied with the V1. YMMV.
Just because Mike patented arrows, doesn't make his detector a good buy in 2008.
His technology and design is 17 years old (he left Passport with it to develop it himself) - and his case design could do with an update as well.
He's implemented changes in detection methods via software, but has hung on to his arrows idea rather than pushing forward (as other manufacturers have done) with more advanced detection systems.
Arrows might be a nice to have, but when weighed against the current features of a modern detection system, they just don't stack up as a good reason to spend your $$$ on the V1.
Which way back when, was the original question posted here I believe!
06-09-2008, 09:12 AM
#71
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Gents,
Check out this chart and see which one is the most sensitive, Green is good.
http://www.laserveil.com/laser/detec...ice-laser-gun/
Check out this chart and see which one is the most sensitive, Green is good.
http://www.laserveil.com/laser/detec...ice-laser-gun/
06-09-2008, 01:03 PM
#72
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Gents,
Check out this chart and see which one is the most sensitive, Green is good.
http://www.laserveil.com/laser/detec...ice-laser-gun/
Check out this chart and see which one is the most sensitive, Green is good.
http://www.laserveil.com/laser/detec...ice-laser-gun/
our venerable V1’s stellar performance was somewhat diminished by a greater propensity* to “falsing” on K band and required the most involvement of the driver to properly interpret its alerts. We would prefer it to be quieter [even at the risk of some advanced warning time to a real trap] because, after awhile, we found ourselves ignoring its K-alert anyway which can be just, if not more so, as risky.
We still love the arrows, that immediately identify the location of a “threat” and have been accustomed to them for well over a decade! But, we did not specifically encounter a speed trap, during this test, where they would have made a substantive difference - which is not to say that there aren’t specific conditions, where they may have. And - as evidenced on our driving route of day six - they may occasionally be misleading, requiring proper interpretation from its owner.
Additionally, the Valentine was somewhat ergonomically challenged as compared to the other detectors from Bel and Escort.
Additionally, the Valentine was somewhat ergonomically challenged as compared to the other detectors from Bel and Escort.
Taking everything into consideration- if we had only to pick one radar detector to take with us on our trip, it would be the Beltronics RX65 Pro.
06-09-2008, 02:44 PM
#73
Nordschleife Master
Bought the 8500 back in '02 to go with my then new C4S. When I bought the 987S in '05, with all the hoopla, I bought the V1 to go with it. Ugly, with a ton of false alerts, even the brake lights of certain cars set it off, for crying out loud. Sold the V1 after several weeks and replaced it with a new 8500. Couldn't have been happier. I still use my 8 year old 8500 in the C4S. Still saves my butt, even once recently.
The only thing good with the V1 is that there are a lot of people who buy the hoopla of the arrows and it is easy to sell off when you find out it sucks.
The only thing good with the V1 is that there are a lot of people who buy the hoopla of the arrows and it is easy to sell off when you find out it sucks.
06-09-2008, 09:38 PM
#74
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Sorry Gents just stating the facts here. 
But my experience is the opposite. I bought the Passport 8500 little over two years ago and its laser rear facing sensor mounted on top of the unit did not work for me cause my install is under the visor(it was being blocked). Anyway I bought the V1 week later and had them side by side for 2 weeks in the car and V1 CONSISTENTLY gave me warning first before the 8500. I sent the 8500 back. Aditionally the 8500 weighed substantially more, i guess because of the V1s magnesium case (and like I said earlier the rear laser sensor was on top of the unit so installing under the visor wouldnt work for me).
Plus the arrows let me know specially in long open highways that after passing a patrol unit(thinking that was it), arrows showed(not just beeping) that there's another unit ahead.
But my experience is the opposite. I bought the Passport 8500 little over two years ago and its laser rear facing sensor mounted on top of the unit did not work for me cause my install is under the visor(it was being blocked). Anyway I bought the V1 week later and had them side by side for 2 weeks in the car and V1 CONSISTENTLY gave me warning first before the 8500. I sent the 8500 back. Aditionally the 8500 weighed substantially more, i guess because of the V1s magnesium case (and like I said earlier the rear laser sensor was on top of the unit so installing under the visor wouldnt work for me).Plus the arrows let me know specially in long open highways that after passing a patrol unit(thinking that was it), arrows showed(not just beeping) that there's another unit ahead.
Last edited by Carrera Mike; 06-10-2008 at 10:51 PM.
