Valentine 1 radar detector

[BADVENOM]

Just purchased a Valentine 1 radar detector. Just a couple of quick questions.
First, where is the best place to mount the unit for optimum results without making considerations for theft? Second, Instead of using the cigarette lighter adapter, What is the easiest and best way to hardwire?


Thanks much

Adam

 

[Ron]

This should help...

 

[SylvanSRT]

I always take it down for theft, outa site outa mind, it is $400! for function as high up and as close to center of the car is best. I just used the windshield suctioncup mount and the lighter plug in my rt's. easiest and no messing w/ electrical gremlins.

 

[GR8_ASP]

I also have an RT/10 and have mounted it on the dash, right in the center. I chose that location for 2 reasons:
So that the view to the rear was good (through the rear window) and for easy installation/removal. I have the dash mat installed (improves the dash appearance) and just use velcro on the bottom of the V1 to "stick" it to the dash mat. No issue regarding moving around. I run the cord up behind the dash front panel to dash interface so there are no long wires present.

I also use the wiring procedure indicated by Ron (thanks Ron) so that the separate display unit is mounted right on top of the steering column.

 

[Dixter]

Just a suggestion. A few years back my wifes car was broken into and they
took her Valentine from the windshield. When I called the insurance co to
report the theft they asked me if it was pluged in and on the windshield.
I asked why and was told. If it was pluged in then the insurance would not
cover it as it would be classified as a add-on. But if was just laying on
the seat of the car or any where else then it would be covered. Just as if
a package was taken from the car.

you never know when you might need to call the insurance folks. Just remember
it was not pluged into the car.

 

[BADVENOM]

This should help...

Thanks Ron, on your linked other post you said you would post pics later that night. Do you have pics of installation as you described details?

adam

 

[Yves]

Hey Adam,

One year ago or so I heard about a major 'upgrade' to the Valentines, potentially even the way they look (design wise). Any news on that ?

Thx,

 

[BADVENOM]

Hey Adam,

One year ago or so I heard about a major 'upgrade' to the Valentines, potentially even the way they look (design wise). Any news on that ?

Thx,

Yves, I wouldn't know what the older model looked like or performed. I just got mine about 3 weeks ago and haven't mounted yet. I weas just getting ready to mount but don't want wires showing so that was why I posted this thread.

adam

 

[Ron]

In no particular order

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Tap

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Fuse Block

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Display

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Support

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[ssssssnake]

I just ordered mine last week and cannot wait to get it. They must be good considering most Viper owners have one!

Mark

 

[2MANYTOYS]

ssssssnake
Your gonna love it! I have 2. They are the best out there right now. Once you get use to the arrow directionals you can't do without them. Good luck!

 

[SylvanSRT]

just sent mine in for an uprade, they will tell u if it is needed or not! they sent me a brand new one that is thinner (same design) but now w/ rear lazer.. Best customer service ever! the design will not become obsolete they are upgradable and the company stands behind the product and customers.

 

[Achilles99]

just sent mine in for an uprade, they will tell u if it is needed or not! they sent me a brand new one that is thinner (same design) but now w/ rear lazer.. Best customer service ever! the design will not become obsolete they are upgradable and the company stands behind the product and customers.

I just bought my second Valentine 1. It is definitely a lot thinner, and about half as heavy, too. I mount mine in my RT/10 above the rearview mirror. You can hide the wires pretty easily, and it's a cinch to attach the wire to the fuse box (I didn't even use the fuse taps... I just wrapped the wire around one of the legs of the existing fuse).

Sylvan - You mentioned they now have rear laser. Did it not have that before?

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

Have 2 V1's. Put one in our Jeep to trailer our snake to Buttonwillow. It worked great. The CHP tax collector agency was very busy. Had multi-hits and the arrows were pointing front and rear. Guess what one was going South on 5 and the other was going North and passed me as I followed the tow limit. Without the V1 the CHP tax collector would have collected from me. I do not remember seeing so many Radar Patrol units working 5. Between 152 and Buttonwillow (On I5 )there were 10 or 11 CHP on Friday and 8-9 on Sunday.

 

[SmokinV10]

We are giving one away at viperalley dot com. You have to be a member posting in the month of Febuary to have a chance to win.

 

[MiamiJeff]

Existing V-1 owners can go to https://store.valentine1.com/upgrades/ , enter your serial number and Valentine will tell you the cost and changes of an upgrade. While not sleek, their new models are much thinner than their earlier models.

The V-1's arrows are fatastic but do find that my Passport 8500 with comparable sensitivity adjustment (best I can make anyway) has far fewer false alarms (the Valentine does live in the Viper; the Passport in the SUV). Does anyone here have any positive experiences with Passports's Laser "Shifters"? http://www.escortradar.com/srx.htm

Wonder how accurate their new G-2 performance computer will be? http://www.escortradar.com/gtimer_faq.htm

As to insurance, last I checked with State Farm here, radar detectors aren't covered at all in Florida.

 

[GR8_ASP]

Just checked out the upgrade for my V1. The recommendation was to not upgrade as the radar performance was essentially the same. The major change is a smaller case (1/4 inch thinner and 1.5 oz less). For $189 I will hold off for now. My V1 is 3 years old. Here is the info:

Upgrade Proposal for Your Valentine One
Serial Number 5745550xxx

Our Instant Upgrade* will make the following improvements to your V1.


Our best Ka-band performance.
Our best X-band performance.
Our best K-band performance.
Adds radar coverage on Ku-band (used in Europe).
Our best, Generation 3 laser warning, front and rear.
Reduces V1's case height by about ¼ inch.
Reduces V1's weight by about 1.5 oz.
Latest windshield mount with new suction cups.
Latest visor mount.
New Lighter Power Adapter.
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.

*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.
PRICE: $189 plus shipping

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

Hi Ron,

Thanks for the upgrade info. Just ordered my 3rd(dealer called to day my SRT10 is shipping) V1 and an upgrade for my oldest(96) unit.

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

I have 2. The upgrade for my oldest one is $279, the newest is $189. I am going to upgrade the oldest this spring. After owning several detectors, I've had a Valentine since shortly after they came out. I'd feel naked without the arrows.

Steve

 

[jimandela]

Viper_SRT,
mine is only 2 years old so i will probably get the same reply.
If size is only diff i will hold off too
thanks for the info.

JIM

 

[Fred(DrivingSchool)Kinder]

I upgraded to get the radar band ID. Ka is 99.99 a serious warning. The V1, has saved a couple times this month.

 

[Bonkers]

My first V1 arrived in the mail today. Can't wait to go try it out... er... I mean I should never have to use it, but it makes the dash look great...