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Almost 100% of my Xband alerts (in all environments,rural, urban, interstate, streets, etc have been not police radar related. It is getting so that I only respond to K and Ka band alerts! Almost all of the K and Ka band alerts are police radar.
Is this your first detector? False signals, especilly in 'city' areas, been happening for decades with door openers or buguler(sp) alarm motion detectors - all on X band.
The most persistent false X band reading was in the middle of the CA desert! (I5 and the middle of the NV desert, Mojave) Area 51 to the Northeast or Southeast !! The thing went off almost non stop for app 6 min or 10 miles!
The Ka band went bonkers once but that was a Patrol car trying to net his next customer. He was shielded by an overpass where oncoming traffic probably couldnt see him until it was too late.
lots of goodies and $165 less then the valentine
Anyone planing on buying a Valent. should think twice
V1 is designed to track multiple threats. During an alert, when V1 locks on to an additional bogey, it notifies with the Bogey Lock tone ("Dee-Deet"). This sound will never be heard at any other time, not even during the power-on ritual. Whenever this sound occurs, it means that another bogey has been detected and is being tracked. The Bogey Counter shows the number of bogeys being tracked at that time along with the directional arrows.
If I get 1 detection, I make every effort, at my best quickness, to get my speed within the legal limit.
Why would anyone care if there is one or five radar cars around?
And don't tell me that you want to immediately crank it up to +20 over just after going by 3 cars running a major trap. If you don't expect to see one or more just down the road either writting tickets or coming back after turning one loose, you haven't been seeing the traps I've seen.
Radar is out there, skulking (stalking?) around, hiding in the bushes, and I really get a kick out of finding it with V1, finding it first, finding it everytime. I find it compelling. Of course there are other speed measurements for traffic.
Many radar detectors interfere with satellite communications in the downlink frequency range of 11.7-12.2 GHz, according to the Federal Communications Commission. But not Valentine One. By a wide margin, it has for years and years been free of any possible interference.
By October 27, 2002, all detectors offered for sale in the U.S. must comply with new RF radiation limits and be certified, either by the FCC or other designated agencies. Detectors sold after that time must have a certification sticker.
Valentine One has already passed compliance testing. FCC approval is pending.
SOURCE: V1.com
In the Bel 985, in a two trap scenario, again, if both locations are firing/shooting:
as the detector/car moves away from the first point source there is first a warning, graphic and audio, then a signal strength indication:(graphic and audio) [graphic and audio representation would be like (strong) 5 to 1 (weak)]
2. Upon second source firing/shooting, Again a warning, then as you approach the source the graphic/audio representation picks up strength. (faster blinking, faster audio clicking)
While the idea of a graphic representation [ARROWS (V1) and flashing 5's,(Bel 985)] is good, to me it is more intuitive AND FASTER to react to the audio clicks while keeping my eyes on the landscape, especially when I dont want to have to look at gauges. Keep in mind if you are in a pack, most everybody else (other traffic) is trying to avoid being the next customer also!!!
I didn't think you were making that claim. What I was attempting to do, was to in effect compare your experience with V1 and my experience with Bel 985. Not everyone can or wants to try all the latest detectors and select from those he has tested.
No but I have heard of the units being "hard" wired into the electrical system.
I actually think that a two or three piece system is the way that it will go. The current all in one package system is truly a marvel of miniaturization, but I think there is a market for even smaller units and or multiple pieces that further let you blend the radar unit into the interior of the vehicle.
Detector performance is enhanced by a high mounting position (windshield or back window). Two reasons. For radar, a longer sight line to the horizon always helps. For laser, moving away from the hood and its sun reflections helps a lot.
Windshield heaters such as FoMoCo's (Ford Motor Co.) InstaClear block radar from passing through the glass (look for a brown tint). So do solar barrier windshields of the type used in GM's Venture-Montana-Silhouette-Trans Sport minivans and on some imported luxury sedans (look for a reddish or copper tint). Same for mirrored sun screens or tinted windows. Detector performance will greatly reduced when it is mounted behind such metallic films.
BTW, I also hard-wired my detector, very easy to do.
I am considering adding a Lidatek (http://www.lidatek.com) laser jammer to complement my Valentine 1. Escort apparently also makes one but it requires manually "disabling" it after you get shot (basically you want to jam the first hit so you can slow down, then let the user get a speed reading on a subsequent hit so not to draw attention to yourself).
Also, if you have a laser jammer, what type of car is it installed on?
Thanks.
Thus far, here's how I would compare the Valentine V1 to the Escort 8500: 1) Despite the high cost of the V1, its overall build-quality seems rather cheap and flimsy in my opinion. For example, its control knob is not firmly anchored or "collared" onto the front of the unit, allowing it to slop-about and wiggle when it's pushed-in (mute feature) or turned, as if the control knob is loose; the V1's cigarette-lighter adapter looks and feels rather cheap and flimsy, and the curled cord is too short for my 2002 Explorer, while the straight cord is much too long. (The cig. lighter outlet in my 2002 Explorer is situated below the center armrest on the middle console, and I've had to buy a 6-foot, coiled phone cord to run my windshield mounted V1). 2) Unlike the Escort 8500, the V1's suction-cup, window-mounting assembly does not offer a quick-release mechanism which would allow the V1 to be easily removed from window, while leaving the suction-cup assembly attached to the window. I find this to be a major pain, because it requires the user to constantly be add/remove/add the suction cups assembly, which leaves circular imprints all over the windshield glass, and encourages the suction cups to become dirty, deformed, and less likely to reliably stick. In fact, my V1 has actually fallen off of my windshield twice today, and this is simply intolerable! (By comparison, my Escort 8500's suction-cup mount has NEVER let loose, but then it has a quick-release feature, so I don't have to constantly add/remove/add its suction-cups). In addition, the V1's plastic bracket for the window-mount also looks cheap and flimsy, and the detector really bounces up and down when driving over bumps, as if it is not at all well anchored to the window. 3) Unlike the Escort 8500 (which comes with a hard-shelled, form-fitted carrying case), the V1 does not come with a carrying case of any kind, and I find this to be inexcusable for a detector costing $400.00. 4) Because my truck's power outlet resides just below the center arm rest, with the Escort 8500's "Smart Cord" (which includes redundant warning lights), I can simply extend my right index finger while my arm is resting on the center arm rest, in order to effortlessly push the Smart Cord's "mute" button, and this is the main reason why I want a mute button at my right hand position while driving. Note however that with the 8500, the detector itself remains fully illuminated when using its included Smart Cord, and if you want to run in stealth mode, you simply enter the 8500's program mode and select this. With the V1's *optional* "concealed display" module, I still have a mute button where I need it, but installing this module obligately defeats the V1's visual display, and it can't be programmed to keep the V1's display lit while using the concealed display module just for the convenience of its remote Mute button. Furthermore, I find that the V1's concealed display module, when *jury-rigged* to the power adapter (which actually requires a 2nd, 3" connecting cord) to be quite bulky, cumbersome, and flimsy. 5) Unlike the Escort 8500, the V1 does not offer city vs. highway vs. auto modes, and unlike the 8500 (which has a clearly displayed set of program menus), the V1 is not easily and intuitively programmable. With the 8500, I can easily change its program modes while driving, but I would never attempt this with the V1. In fact, reprogramming the V1 requires having its owner's manual in-hand if you don't have the tricks memorized. 6) The directional indicators on the V1 are indeed very informative and ENTERTAINING, but they also have the potential to be very distracting of the driver's attention, particularly with respect to the road AHEAD. (When the V1's rearward arrow illuminates, especially during daylight hours, it can be almost irresistable to begin studying the mirrors in an effort to catch a glimpse of any real "bogies", thus possibly reassuring yourself that you made a wise purchase). Furthermore, Mike Valentine writes in the owner's manual that any K, Ka, or laser alert should be taken seriously (i.e., slow down!), so the directional features of the V1 may not always be as helpful as claimed. 7) I've found the *recommended* factory pre-sets of the V1 to be way too sensitive and prone to an almost intolerable amount of constant warnings.
In summary, I personally have come to the conclusion that for what you actually get in the total package, the V1 is (unfortunately) vastly over-priced, but that said, I would probably keep this $400.00+ detector if the manufacturer had paid far more attention to the details I've mentioned above. As it stands now, the cheap, flimsy, and poorly thought-out aspects of the V1 seriously detract from its strong points, which I might have overlooked if it cost, say, $225.00, but for my bill of $475.00, which included the optional concealed display (this should be included at no additional cost), forget about it-- I'm sending back the V1 for a full refund, and my Escort 8500 will go back on my windshield. You be the judge.
Years ago had an acquaintence who's favorite expression was: "Even if it was good, I wouldn't like it."
>>Unlike the Escort 8500, the V1 does not offer city vs. highway vs. auto modes<< Sure it does. Read the manual and find out all about how to change the sensitivity and false rejection.
>>In fact, reprogramming the V1 requires having its owner's manual in-hand if you don't have the tricks memorized<<
I only programed it once and forgot about it. What are you doing constantly changing the settings?
>>The directional indicators on the V1 are indeed very informative and ENTERTAINING<<
You are easily entertained.
>>Unlike the Escort 8500, the V1's suction-cup, window-mounting assembly does not offer a quick-release mechanism which would allow the V1 to be easily removed from window, while leaving the suction-cup assembly attached to the window<<
Why can't you just slide the V1 out and slide it back in. It works for me. As for the build quality, I have always liked the feel of the magnesium case and am very impressed with the quality.
As many of us have said in past posts. The V1 is the best and I don't mine paying $100 extra for the best. The 8500 is a great detector also. To each his own.
Look folks, this forum is meant to provide a free exchange of information, ideas, and opinions regarding these products, unencumbered by the potential conflicts of interest that enthusiast magazine reviews are often subject to. Plenty of prospective buyers come to this particular forum both asking and seeking opinions before spending their hard-earned money on a high-end detector, and I've not only gone to the expense of actually buying and using both units (I drive about 350 freeway and 2ndary road miles/week), but I also took a considerable amount of time to write about, share, and summarize *MY* impressions and opinions regarding the Valentine V1 vs. the 8500. I happen to be the type of consumer who is usually willing to pay a premium for "the best" product if I can afford it, but my willingness here comes with certain minimum expectations. In this instance, I was entirely prepared and willing to pay $475.00 for the V1 system I ordered, as well as to take a loss on the resale of my Escort 8500, if I found that the V1 product clearly stood above its nearest competitor in most areas, and clearly seemed worth the additional cost. At the price-point of the Valentine V1, I feel I have every right to expect that the mfgr. should not only offer its best "wizz-bang" circuitry, but they should also have enough business and aesthetic sensibility to pay careful attention to all other aspects of the product and its accessories, which, when thoughtfully executed and PRESENTED, often go a long way towards fostering and ensuring total pride-of-ownership, satisfaction, and loyalty among the greatest number of customers. As it now stands, I can't help but feel that the makers of the V1 seem to have rested on their laurels after they designed the circuitry, and that unfortunately, certain other DETAILS of their overall product have been given much less attention, which I find hard to swallow, given the asking price.
Please don't anybody tell me they've joined the manufacturing herd in heading for China.
V1 is a good detector. But so is the Bell and the Passport. A lot of people buy V1 because it is the "most expensive and therefore better" detector, then defend their choice with the appropriate fervor of somebody who just paid 20% tp 25% more than the next guy who bought a simillar if not better detector.
I use my money wisely. I chose what I believe to be the best, regardless of whether it is cheap or expensive. And it is NOT a V1. Flame away, V1 owners.
Anyway your point is well taken. I have always said the passport and the V1 are both great detectors. I just wish non-bias tests could be repeatable so there was no longer an argument about which one gives the greatest warning time. That's what I believe make the best detector.
Steve, Host
Michael
I am currently not aware of any upgrades to the Bel 980 (985 is just the subsequent model) from their web site.
After my wife cleaned the inside of our winshield with an all purpose cleaner instead of a glass cleaner, the suction cups for my Escort 8500 lost their grip. Can I reorder more from Escort or are they available anywhere else? I might guess they might be not be cheap from Escort. Would cleaning the old cups help or work?
Karl
I must admit that I had to go out of my way to keep the mount attached to the window, especially in winter -- I used Automotive Goop. But it's up high where it should be, so no one can see it.
I negotiate mergers & acquisitions for a living, so recognizing common cognitive dissonance mistakes is sort of a familiar friend to me. When I studied decision analysis and behavioral framing for my MBA, there were all sorts of great examples of unconscious bias that causes people to misframe rational decision-making processes. Anyway, I digress...
I've spent the last day working my way through the reviews on the major radar websites trying to decide (1) if I should even bother getting one and (2) which one I should get. My last radar detector wasn't remotely state-of-the-art even five years ago, when I bought it. I think it was a Bel, but it's long since been in the hands of my little brother, who "inherited" it from me when he bought his first car (which is far too slow to need one anyway).
I have to admit I never really felt like I *need* a radar detector. I haven't had a speeding ticket in over ten years despite the fact that I drive pretty fast in some cars made to encourage that sort of behavior. So do I really need one?
Still, I suppose it wouldn't hurt to have one, especially because I'm concluding a two-year "hiatus" imposed by an automatic tranny 330i (which has ample power, but never really begs a driver to open it up). The replacement, an 6-speed E46 M3, categorically does exhort a driver to do so.
Having read up a little, my feeling is that a cheap radar detector would be worse than useless, so that puts me in the position of choosing between a Bel (I'm considering the 940 and 960), the Passport 8500 and the Valentine.
The Bel 940/960s seem to have very respectable performance characteristics with a considerable discount from the 985/V1/P8500, plus I can get one from Circuit City just as soon as I decide to pull the trigger. Still, the Speedzones over-the-hill test has me a little worried... the Bels look like solid comps except in that test, which seems to have some real-world validity (I mean, that seems like the logical place for a cop to set up, right?). So I don't know...
The Escort 8500 gets consistently high marks from everyone, and the radarzones reviews makes it clear they like its Ka better than the V1's. Hmmm, maybe this is the way to go...
The V1 gets great user reviews on this board, but seems to have a bit of a fan-boyish element that makes me nervous. Don't get me wrong, popularity beats unsatisfied customers any day, but there's just something intangibly arrogant about the ferocity of the knee-jerk responses that gives me pause.
So I'm leaning towards picking up the Passport 8500, but I'm interested to see if anyone has experience with the Bel 940/960/985s they'd care to share. Once again, thanks to everyone for their opinions, especially to Heintz1. Before anyone bothers to flame me, (1) I don't care, so don't waste your time, and (2) for the more reasonable people who simply disagree with my interpretation of the situation, just look at it this way, Heinz took the time to put up a reasoned, articulate opinion supported by his experience. You may agree or disagree, but he did us all a service either way.