Valentine 1 Install

[TPLGT]

Where did you guys get the hardwire kit that taps into the rearview mirror power? I know they're on Ebay. Just curious if they're any other place?

[SuBK]

[quote name='TPLGT']Where did you guys get the hardwire kit that taps into the rearview mirror power? I know they're on Ebay. Just curious if they're any other place?[/quote] well they come with the valentine 1 or you can buy it here if for some reason you didnt get one with it... [url]https://store.valentine1.com/store/default.asp?category=partsdept[/url]

[TPLGT]

I struck a deal w/ a friend of mine who has one that has a broken cord and no suction cups so I guess I need to buy the other direct power cord. Thx. for the info.

[johndas]

Now correct me if I am wrong but is this not a basic phone cord? J

[EquinnoxX]

[quote name='SuBK']Haha I change the volume depending on how loud my music is, must have been loud that day :lol: It would be a PITA to share this with 2 cars, the detector itself slides out really easily at the click of the little release bar, but the actual part that it slides into is the factory V-1 piece (aka windshield mount) and that piece is screwed into the custom mount. The custom mount itself uses 2 allen wrench bolts to close the 2 pieces around the mirror stem so your best bet is to buy 2 custom mounts, and buy another factory release clip (or windshield mount, [URL]https://store.valentine1.com/store/default.asp?category=partsdept[/URL]) <-- its only 10 bucks from the V-1 parts website[/quote] While this thing looks like a pretty awesome mount ... it looks like it moves the v1 to a pretty low spot on the windshield. Any feedback on if the v1's sight /range is affected by mounting it that low?

[TSiWRX]

^ On the V1, with that much raw sensitivity, it shouldn't matter much. Yes, you'll lose *some* RADAR range as well as slightly compromise the detector's ability to pick up far-off laser "scatter" - and both will be negatively impacted in terms of the detector being able to see "over the hill, ASAP," but in the real-world, it should not matter *[I][U]THAT[/U][/I]* much. [b]johndas[/b] - Yes and no. :) There's a trick to the V1's "phone cord" ---> [URL]http://www.radardetector.net/forums/valentine-one/30725-rj11-phone-cord-getting-right-one.html[/URL]

[johndas]

TSI...Ty...I was wondering...the question I have is that I currenlty have a hardwired cable for my Escort X50 and am thinking about getting a V1 with this mount...it would be nice if I can use my current hardwire (phone style) cable...or should I just get a new Passport 9500? Such a debate and nothing in any of these threads seems to clear the air! J

[TSiWRX]

^ That's because this isn't a true speed-detection countermeasures Forum. ;) The x50, as you may have guessed, shares the same identical SmartCord remote as the 9500i. The good news is that yes, it'll power-up a V1, so you can "switch" between the two - and no, it won't do anything bad, in at least the short-term, to either the V1 or the SmartCord (nor when you re-attach the SmartCord to the Escort/Bel products), but the V1 won't be able to be either remote-muted nor menus-accessd/programmed via the SmartCord due to the pin switching: [URL]http://www.radardetector.net/forums/radar-detectors-general/33032-x50-plug-v1.html[/URL] You'll note in the post that I cited before (in #106 on this thread), that a fellow hobbyist, [B]speed_demon[/B], on RD.net, claims that, somehow, his SmartCord-V1 cross-setup does enable full functions on the V1.....this is, to-date, the ONLY example of this claim that I've seen...... I have no idea why he's seeing this?!

[DrCloud]

^ In my experience, the cords are interechangeable (with the caveat mentioned by TSi), but the plugs are very slightly different -- one of the units (I forget which) is persnickitty about being plugged in just so with the other's cord. But they do work in each other.

[johndas]

TSI...ty...I was talking about all the other threads besides this one actually but I get your drift! I am on the fence if I should switch to the V1 for the hell of it...I have been happy with my x50 but all this talk about superior protection etc...makes me curious...I was thinking the 9500i as i do alot of city driving and Canada is not a laser happy place but loves the Ka. I do love that mount though! Thanks...J

[SuBK]

[quote name='EquinnoxX']While this thing looks like a pretty awesome mount ... it looks like it moves the v1 to a pretty low spot on the windshield. Any feedback on if the v1's sight /range is affected by mounting it that low?[/quote] its really not that low, and it provides a perfect line of sight out the rear window as well. It make look low from that picture angle but if you look at your mirror, its about an inch under that. If you think about it, your windshield is probably a foot and half tall if you measure it straight up vertically so moving it up or down a couple inches really wont make any difference, as long as there is a clear path in front and back of it it will pick up all radar. If the V-1 can pick up radar around corners or bends in the road, I dont think it will have any problem being an inch higher or lower on a windshield as long as nothing is in its way... just my .02 cents

[TPLGT]

So I just picked up an 'older' V1..probably 5-10 years old...It has a broken power cord and no scution cups and bar but does have the adjustable holder...I got it for very cheap! Not hot, just not used by the owner. So my thoughts were to buy a hard wire cable to tap into the mirror but am thinking about just buying the suction cups and bar... Will save me a bit vs. buying the bracket. Any suggestions?

[SuBK]

[quote name='TPLGT']So I just picked up an 'older' V1..probably 5-10 years old...It has a broken power cord and no scution cups and bar but does have the adjustable holder...I got it for very cheap! Not hot, just not used by the owner. So my thoughts were to buy a hard wire cable to tap into the mirror but am thinking about just buying the suction cups and bar... Will save me a bit vs. buying the bracket. Any suggestions?[/quote] its your call, personally I find the permanent mount more convenient and stable, the suction cup windshield mount is 10 bucks and the permanent mount is 39.99, so its up to you if its worth saving 30 bucks. I get compliments all the time from people on how clean and flush it looks too, I'm very OCD about that kinda stuff though I hate having tacky or sloppy looking stuff in my car.

[TSiWRX]

[quote name='SuBK']its really not that low, and it provides a perfect line of sight out the rear window as well. It make look low from that picture angle but if you look at your mirror, its about an inch under that. If you think about it, your windshield is probably a foot and half tall if you measure it straight up vertically so moving it up or down a couple inches really wont make any difference, as long as there is a clear path in front and back of it it will pick up all radar. If the V-1 can pick up radar around corners or bends in the road, I dont think it will have any problem being an inch higher or lower on a windshield as long as nothing is in its way... just my .02 cents[/quote] ^ The die-hards will take exception to that, and there's anecdotal evidence to suggest a "high-as-possible" mounting is indeed preferred on the V1, but honestly, in real-world usage, I am among those who think the way you do. :) However, there are other advantages to a "high-as-possible" mouhting position - specifically for the V1 - too. The V1 is highly temperature-sensitive. Keeping it as cool as possible, when parked, can help performance - and getting it higher up, by the headliner, can often keep it a little bit more out of direct sunshine. If the detector is left resident, in-car, this lower, more visible position can also pose a theft threat. Next, while the "stalk-mount" position, if the driver's not using a remote display, can telegraph detector usage to vehicles following. This is not only a concern for enforcement, but also may spur a bit of tailgating or "follow the rabbit" behavior from those who say to themselves "oh, hey, look, that car's got a radar-detector." Concealment/visibility during enforcement scenarios can also be harder to effect than a hardwired, high-by-the-headliner position. This is not to say that the stalk-mount doesn't have its advantages, either. :) It's all a matter of give-and-take - no rights, no wrongs. :) --- [quote name='TPLGT']So I just picked up an 'older' V1..probably 5-10 years old...It has a broken power cord and no scution cups and bar but does have the adjustable holder...I got it for very cheap! Not hot, just not used by the owner. So my thoughts were to buy a hard wire cable to tap into the mirror but am thinking about just buying the suction cups and bar... Will save me a bit vs. buying the bracket. Any suggestions?[/quote] ^ Again, mounting is honestly something that I feel is unique to each owner's end-purpose. Go with what's best for you. :) As for the unit itself, run it through the serial-number checker, to see what Valentine recommends for it, in terms of upgrades. Also, you might just want to send it in, anyway, since it can probably benefit not only from those upgrades, but also a re-tune.

[johnAWD]

This is exactly what I've done with my V1. Simply remove the ashtray "insert" and the remote display fits well enough. [quote name='Trent Bates']Hi all, Just introduced myself in the "member introduction" section. Got an '05 Legacy sedan a few days ago myself. Need to get my Valentine 1 installed pretty quick! Here's what I was thinking of doing: Mount the V1 near the mirror somewhere. (I had it above the mirror in my other car. The black dimples on this windsheild are going to make that more difficult! Run the wire down to the fuse block area. Hook up to the fuse block somehow. Run the remote display over to the ashtray. Somehow mount the display unit in the ashtray insert. The display unit is just a little too big to fit in the ashtray itself. I plan on getting another ashtray insert to modify and cut on. If all goes well, I'll be able to close the ashtray door to conceal the display. (I'll need to come up with a way to switch the functions back to the main unit I suppose. Maybe a switch activated by the ashtray door.) Anyway, that's my thoughts. I'll post pictures if/when I get it going! :P[/quote]

[TSiWRX]

[quote name='johndas'] I am on the fence if I should switch to the V1 for the hell of it...I have been happy with my x50 but all this talk about superior protection etc...makes me curious...I was thinking the 9500i as i do alot of city driving and Canada is not a laser happy place but loves the Ka. [/quote] Where are you in Canada? Certain parts of CAN happens to be *very* laser-happy....the Laser Pro Park has established a good cornerstone for the market there, with a very, very responsive end-reseller/retailer, and you'd do well to look into that, if LIDAR is an issue in your area. I'd actually recommend hopping on their Forum: [url]http://www.kmph.ca/forum/[/url] And asking about the prevalence of LIDAR in both your local area as well as your most traveled areas, just-in-case. --- Regarding the 9500i versus V1 issue - These two instruments are two different beasts. The V1 boasts the best raw sensitivity, as well as amazing end-programming capabilities. Along with "The Arrows," it's pretty much king of the open-road and non-dense suburban situations, as it provides un-matched situational awareness. The trade-off here is that the advanced-programming can "blindside" you if you're not careful, and if left totally un-programmed (as many true enthusiasts will do), *YOU* become the effective (and only) end-filter, and you must thus put up with not only the rather chatty nature of this device, but must also accept responsibility to constantly scan the instrument's display in order to offer proper risk-assessment. The 9500i, on the other hand, once it's set-up, will be even quieter than your x50 - but will offer superior protection as compared to the x50 due to not only this extreme filtering capability, but also progressive/evolutionary increases in sensitivity. It's really an apples-to-oranges comparison, and as such, you must, instead, choose the instrument that best fits your needs, rather than succumb to all the hype and "zombie movement" on either end of the argument, to select what best fits your needs. Both are excellent, and will offer you top-of-the-line real-world protection.

[TSiWRX]

[quote name='Trent Bates'] Mount the V1 near the mirror somewhere. (I had it above the mirror in my other car. The black dimples on this windsheild are going to make that more difficult![/quote] The "dimples" can be overcome in one of several ways. If you prefer a suction-cup mount, you can use a piece of plexiglass/Lexan, wedged (and secured) into the headliner/windshield junction, and have the cups suck on that, instead. Alternatively, some have found that using double or even triple-thicknesses of clear plastic packing tape to be able to smooth-out the area enough to effect good suction-cup bonding. Finally, you could utilize the 3M Dual-Lock method from [b]MEM-TEK[/b] -> [url]http://www.radardetector.net/forums/radar-detectors-general/29822-mounting-rd-above-your-rvm.html[/url] :)

[DrCloud]

^^ Wish I'd known about that high-temp pseudo-Velcro. That's essentially my appoach to mounting, except that I used Goop (a silicone-based goo out of a tube) to stick Velcro fuzz on the dots up there. Regular sticky Velcro glue just won't survive the heat. Maybe I'll just start over with that better stuff. HPH HPH

[DrCloud]

Oh, and by the way, TSi, your comments on V1 vs. Escort are the most sensible I've seen anywhere. I'm sure you know how heated discussions on this topic get, but it really just comes down to personal preference regarding filtering vs. the directionality. Gotta say, the 8500 in my wife's car is nice and quiet, but I sure do like those arrows on the V1 in my car. Like any red-blooded American, I WANT IT ALL!! :p HPH

[johndas]

I completely appreciate that analysis...I have been reading up a storm...and simply that is exactly what I wanted to know...! I have not had a problem with my X50 from day 1...but like to take advantage of technology so I can worry about my already stressful life...it's never really about money in that I am a believer you get what you pay in life in general as long as you do the research! I am still on the fence but hey...at least I am covered by my X50 in the meantime! Cheers and thanks again for you thoughtful and intelligent "Real World" answer! J

[TSiWRX]

[quote name='DrCloud']^^ Wish I'd known about that high-temp pseudo-Velcro. That's essentially my appoach to mounting, except that I used Goop (a silicone-based goo out of a tube) to stick Velcro fuzz on the dots up there. Regular sticky Velcro glue just won't survive the heat. Maybe I'll just start over with that better stuff. HPH HPH[/quote] I was about to try that with my 9500i, when I read the fine-print on the back of the Dual-Lock package, and saw that it was "permanent" adhesive. Don't worry, though - [b]MEM-TEK[/b], who really is a good guy, described that yes, although 3M markets the adhesive as "permanent," and furthermore added that bit of legal "CYA" on the packaging, careful removal (i.e. starting a corner, and then peeling *slowly* in order to not leave residue) will work, particularly with some heat added to the equation (leaving the vehicle out in the summer sun for a few hours). I use Dual-Lock to affix my ECUTeK dongle on the driver's side kick-panel, and the glue has come [U]partially[/U] undone (better than *anything* else I've tried) on one super-hot day this past week, when I had to park uncovered. I looked on the panel, and there was actually no residue. Still, I wanted you to be aware of this, before taking a stab at it. :) --- [quote name='DrCloud']Oh, and by the way, TSi, your comments on V1 vs. Escort are the most sensible I've seen anywhere. I'm sure you know how heated discussions on this topic get, but it really just comes down to personal preference regarding filtering vs. the directionality. Gotta say, the 8500 in my wife's car is nice and quiet, but I sure do like those arrows on the V1 in my car. Like any red-blooded American, I WANT IT ALL!! :p HPH[/quote] Thank you for the compliment. :) I indeed do try to examine the issue from different viewpoints, and it truly is my belief that this is a "different strokes for different folks" kind of situation. I opted for the 9500i because 95% of my driving, per year, consists of my daily grind on local surface streets in dense-suburban or urban environments. The V1, if I'd set it up to stay quiet, would have carried significant blind-spots - and to me, that's just not at all what that particular detector, which I've been caught referring to as "an instrument of war," should be used for. To me, the 9500i was just a better choice. But given a different situation, the V1 would have easily won-out. :wub: And yep, I want it all, too! I want arrows!!!!! Every time I'm on the highway, and the 9500i starts a low-threat-level alert, I have to wonder if it is someone coming up from behind, or if it is something just over the next hill. That, combined with the V1's superior raw sensitivity as well as capability to capture fast-trigger very reliably - and it's amazing performance against LIDAR, would make it my instantaneous choice for highway travel. ---- [quote name='johndas']it's never really about money in that I am a believer you get what you pay in life in general as long as you do the research![/quote] +1. I'm a firm believer in this, too. [quote] I am still on the fence but hey...at least I am covered by my X50 in the meantime![/quote] Exactly. The x50 isn't exactly shabby - in the real world, it does extremely well. If speed-detection countermeasures weren't a hobby of mine, I'd likely have just stuck it out with the x50 for a few more years, rather than upgrade to the 9500i. Honestly, I never felt short-sighted or slighted by the performance from my x50. It's always been trustworthy, and durable as a tank. In the now nearly 4 years I've owned it, it's never hickuped, even once, and the detector is always parked in-car, 24/7, be it freezing weather or baking in 100+ heat. [quote] Cheers and thanks again for you thoughtful and intelligent "Real World" answer![/quote] No thanks necessary! :) Just glad to help - and to cut through some of the, as [b]DrCloud[/b] cited, the rather heated discussion that can sometimes make the decision even more difficult. ;) Honestly, in terms of stand-alones, the top-dogs are the 9500i, V1, and the Bel STi-Driver. Each is a unique item, and merits purchase based solely on its unique end-usage considerations and tactical benefits. What works for one person, under one situation, may not for another. You've just gotta choose what fits your needs best - and know that no matter which of these top-dogs you wind up purchasing, you will receive *excellent* real-world protection.

[TPLGT]

[quote name='TSi+WRX']^ The die-hards will take exception to that, and there's anecdotal evidence to suggest a "high-as-possible" mounting is indeed preferred on the V1, but honestly, in real-world usage, I am among those who think the way you do. :) However, there are other advantages to a "high-as-possible" mouhting position - specifically for the V1 - too. The V1 is highly temperature-sensitive. Keeping it as cool as possible, when parked, can help performance - and getting it higher up, by the headliner, can often keep it a little bit more out of direct sunshine. If the detector is left resident, in-car, this lower, more visible position can also pose a theft threat. Next, while the "stalk-mount" position, if the driver's not using a remote display, can telegraph detector usage to vehicles following. This is not only a concern for enforcement, but also may spur a bit of tailgating or "follow the rabbit" behavior from those who say to themselves "oh, hey, look, that car's got a radar-detector." Concealment/visibility during enforcement scenarios can also be harder to effect than a hardwired, high-by-the-headliner position. This is not to say that the stalk-mount doesn't have its advantages, either. :) It's all a matter of give-and-take - no rights, no wrongs. :) --- ^ Again, mounting is honestly something that I feel is unique to each owner's end-purpose. Go with what's best for you. :) As for the unit itself, run it through the serial-number checker, to see what Valentine recommends for it, in terms of upgrades. Also, you might just want to send it in, anyway, since it can probably benefit not only from those upgrades, but also a re-tune.[/quote] Allen, Brother....I hope you are well! Do yuo think it is worth it for me to trade in my newly aquired V1? Her eis what Valentine has said when I plugged in my serial number: [B]V1 Description:[/B] Radar circuitry known in-house as V1.7 gives high performance on all radar bands. Also,it remembers your “mode” setting when shut off. Has stack of four LEDs on front panel for band identification. Front and rear laser. [B]Upgrade Recommendation:[/B] [FONT=Times New Roman]While this version is not quite up to today’s V1 standard for Ka, it’s almost always good enough, and always better than detectors from other makers. X and K performance is excellent. Upgrading merely to improve radar performance is not cost effective, in my opinion, unless you’re concerned about the POP Mode operating in your area. Upgrading [I]does[/I] bring other benefits, including our latest laser warning (front and rear), which outperforms the competitors by a wide margin, and POP Protection. Also, you'll get the new Euro Mode. [/FONT] [FONT=Times New Roman][/FONT] [B]Our Instant Upgrade* will make the following improvements to your V1.[/B] [FONT=Times New Roman] [LIST] [*]Our best Ka-band performance, including full "superwide" coverage (33.4 - 36.0 GHz), today's long range, much better resistance to Ka false alarms, and POP Protection from MPH BEE™ III and Enforcer™ radars. [*]Our best X-band performance. [*]Our best K-band performance including POP Protection from MPH Enforcer™ radars. [*]Adds radar coverage on Ku-band (used in Europe). [*]Adds our latest laser warning, front and rear while reducing the "thickness" of your V1. [*]Adds False-Alarm Retraction to notify you when V1 finds that an alert in progress is false; also terminates the alert. [*]Adds Euro Mode which adapts V1's radar sensitivity to the way radar is used for photo enforcement in Europe. [*]Latest windshield mount with new suction cups. [*]Latest visor mount. [*]New Lighter Power Adapter with mount for Concealed Display. [*]New Direct-wire Power Adapter. [*]New coiled cord. [*]New straight cord. [*]New wiring-harness connector. [*]Dual-Lock® fastener. [*]New Owners Manual. [*]Spare fuse. [*]Spare suction cups. [*]One-year limited warranty, same as new units. [/LIST][/FONT] [FONT=Arial][I]*INSTANT UPGRADE: As soon as we receive your old unit (in operable condition with no tampering of the serial number) we’ll exchange it for a brand-new, current-production V1. This is our way of assuring you’ll be without V1 protection for the shortest time.[/I] [/FONT] [B]PRICE: $189 plus shipping[/B] So $190 will get me brand new one. But my thoughts were to buy the mirrior hardwire kit and V1 mirror mount mentioned in this thread....BAM..I would have about $85 in this all together....better than $190 + the cost of the mount. I think my radar is 5-10 years old...any thoughts. TP

[TSiWRX]

Heya Todd, Hope all's well with you, too! How's the family? I'm gettin' ready to enjoy "Dada's Day." :D That's a very hard call, and to be absolutely honest with you, I'm rather ill-equipped - in terms of the depth (or rather, how shallow) of my knowledge pool regarding the details of the V1 - to give you a proper response to your question. :oops: Sorry, but I've gotta call it when I can't do it! :)

[TPLGT]

Hi Allen. All is well here..wifey is due Mid August...little girl. Pretty neat! I hope your family is well, too. So I think I decided just to order a new cord, connector and windshield mount. If it works properly, I will leave it at that...Can't beat the deal I got!

[TSiWRX]

Mid August!!! :eek: You must be, like, "tearing your hair out" busy, now!!!!! :) Good to hear that all's well - keep your wifey cool during the hot days ahead! That must really suck, to be so, er.....loaded?, when it's so hot out!