larry47us

Here are two cables that are "installed" in my Turbo. The first one comes out of the console above the rear view mirror, and looks like it is to a Valentine 1. My question is, does it fit any of the other top rated RD's as well? I didn't know whether this connector has become "industry standard."

The second cable comes out of the center console, just to the left of the shift lever, and just in front of the driver's seat. I thought that it might be for the Softronics tune I have, but they tell me that they connect through the OBD (did I get that right?) connector. You know, where you read error codes.

Any suggestions or thoughts?

larry

GolfTango3

Bottom one looks like an iPod adapter.

mpd425

+1 looks like an ipod connector

Chaos

Top one is V1

Dennis C

+2 on iPod adapter. As for the radar detector power cord, it will most likely work with other major brands as well. Escort and Bel use the same plug.

larry47us

Thanks for the quick replies. Now I have to go shopping. From what I have read on RadarTest.com, they really like the Escort 9500ix because of its GPS features, and it's lack of falsing. Unlike the Valentine 1. On a test course, the Valentine 1 falsed 52 times, and the Escort 9500ix didn't at all.

I know that the Valentine has a rather vocal (and supportive) customer base. But I wonder if it has outlived its technology. It was great 10 years ago, but it's technology doesn't seem (from what I've read) to have been dramatically updated over the years.

larry

Tom M

This could get interesting

I have my V1 set to the lowest threshold and, yes, I get false hits around town. However it's never let me down and I very much like the direction arrows and the count of radar sources.

Dennis C

I use a Bel RX-65 Professional that I bought about 4 years ago. I seriously considered a V1, but I'm happy I bought the Bel. It has never let me down. I actually just sent it in to the factory for a tune up and software upgrade to help with the traffic flow monitoring radar used in Denver. I should have it back on Friday. I think any of the modern radar detectors will do fine if you use them properly.

frisbee91

I just got an Escort 9500ix. I wish there was a unit that had directional arrows AND GPS filtering, but given the choice, I prefer a unit that isn't squawking all the time. The GPS filter can be prone to a rare error, but the chances of that seem slim. Despite that, I am selective where I choose to "mark" locations with the GPS filter function.

The escort does not have directional arrows, but it can have a "bogey" counter. When set to expert mode, it displays a separate bar graph for each signal it detects. That way, even in known filtered locations, you can check and see if there's an extra signal present.

If I were a more "serious speeder" (whatever that means) I'd probably go with the V1. As a "just in case" detector that isn't too annoying, it fits the bill. Seems like the Escorts, Bel, and V1 units are all well made.

Oh, one more thing. You can set the Escort to display your speed (using GPS) by default. I have the Escort mounted next to the rearview mirror, on the passenger side, right in front of my wife. Now, when she's on board, I have extra reminders to keep my speed down

thirteeneast

LOL have you been living under a rock?.

Sorry.

bkjwhipple

id rather have some false hits than no hits when it counts... V1 all the way. :-)

RallyJon

I've owned V1s for years. Hardwired in every car I've owned since the early '90s. Upgrades, trade-ins, etc.

However, if Valentine didn't have a patent on the arrows, he'd have been buried by now. The arrows seem to have given him a license to rake in the cash and not innovate a bit. Give a guy a patent and kill an industry for a decade or more.

Imagine how good a V1 would be if it wouldn't false on every Trailblazer taillight or Lexus/Infiniti cruise control. Imagine how good the competitors would be if they weren't prohibited from telling you where the f'ing signal is coming from.

larry47us

Obviously not the same rock that you've been living under.

larry

Pac996

We live with instant on laser so it doesn't matter what you use. Plus there aren't any real hwy's here. Only thing that would help is a jammer. Then if its 30 over you loose the car and license.

thirteeneast

LOL, Xmas is on the way http://www.honneamise.u-net.com/zx81/zx81main.gif