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      09-09-2008, 11:10 AM   #1
wrh3
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V1 Warning

Just a heads up for V1 owners.......

I had always assumed the self test on my V1 indicated it was functional. Last week I was pulled over at 4:30AM (no traffic, small town GA), fortunately for only 12 MPH over (67 in a 55). I was surprised because my V1 (1.8) had NEVER gone off. The officer was very polite and asked me why I looked puzzled when he came to the car to chat. I told him my radar detector had never gone off after he told me had used radar and asked if I wanted him to check the calibration. When he presented my ticket he said he had left his radar on so that I could check my RD out- still not a peep. He was nice enough to write it as a city violation so no DMVR updates or insurance increases, but to say I was would be an understatement.

I sent it back in last week for upgrade/repair, my letter to Valentine has had no response as of yet. I called and talked to a tech today and the older V1 self test does NOT indicate the unit is 100% functional as it uses older analog technology, he said the upgrade with newer digital technology would be better (not mentioned on the website). He also said that no one out there has anything better as far as self-tests go.

So just a warning, if your V1 powers up and goes through the self-test don't assume anything about it's functionality- it may or may not work. I love my V1s because of the arrows, but my older Passport 8500x50 has never let me down. I will probably give the V1s one last chance but will definitely be less confident of their effectiveness until they have regained my trust.......
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      09-09-2008, 07:10 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wrh3 View Post
Just a heads up for V1 owners.......

I had always assumed the self test on my V1 indicated it was functional. Last week I was pulled over at 4:30AM (no traffic, small town GA), fortunately for only 12 MPH over (67 in a 55). I was surprised because my V1 (1.8) had NEVER gone off. The officer was very polite and asked me why I looked puzzled when he came to the car to chat. I told him my radar detector had never gone off after he told me had used radar and asked if I wanted him to check the calibration. When he presented my ticket he said he had left his radar on so that I could check my RD out- still not a peep. He was nice enough to write it as a city violation so no DMVR updates or insurance increases, but to say I was would be an understatement.

I sent it back in last week for upgrade/repair, my letter to Valentine has had no response as of yet. I called and talked to a tech today and the older V1 self test does NOT indicate the unit is 100% functional as it uses older analog technology, he said the upgrade with newer digital technology would be better (not mentioned on the website). He also said that no one out there has anything better as far as self-tests go.

So just a warning, if your V1 powers up and goes through the self-test don't assume anything about it's functionality- it may or may not work. I love my V1s because of the arrows, but my older Passport 8500x50 has never let me down. I will probably give the V1s one last chance but will definitely be less confident of their effectiveness until they have regained my trust.......
Sucks man. My handmedown bell 800 works too well, but I'd rather have lots of false negs than no reading at all!
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      09-09-2008, 07:53 PM   #3
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i drove by a bunch of cops today and picked them all up...
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      09-09-2008, 09:41 PM   #4
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i got rid of my V1 long ago. it wasnt really helpful at all. most cops around here use laser . I need to get a blinder
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      09-10-2008, 02:03 AM   #5
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I keep my my X/K bands open so I can make sure its functioning when I go by certain areas that I know have X/K for sure. Doesn't tell me exactly about Ka but its a step.
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      09-10-2008, 07:31 AM   #6
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What mode is everyone using on their V1?
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      09-10-2008, 07:32 AM   #7
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Mode (A)ll- I want to see everything and I'll determine if it's a false or not
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      09-11-2008, 02:11 AM   #8
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L i think
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      09-13-2008, 05:19 PM   #9
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Bill,

I have had 8500, 8500X50, the new one with GPS 9500 I think, K40 and tons of others and the V1 I bought about 1 year ago is better than them all. I do use mine in A mode because I prefer to use my brain as a filter than electronics. From what I understand the Bell STI driver is the only other contender unless there is some new model within the last year I don't know about.
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      09-13-2008, 08:17 PM   #10
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I agree, I have used a lot of them and the Passport works in a pinch but I do love my V1s. Like you mine stays in A mode as well because I want to see it all.

Bel and Passport are essentially the same company and detector, they merged or one bought the other a few years ago.
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      09-13-2008, 10:48 PM   #11
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Good to know. Good luck.
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      09-15-2008, 01:08 PM   #12
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      12-16-2008, 01:54 AM   #13
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      12-16-2008, 03:56 PM   #14
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I use big L. All the cops around Vegas use Ka band radar, so when Ka goes off, there's a cop around. All the other signals are ALWAYS false (In Las Vegas). On a recent trip to Oregon, I discovered cops still use X band. The V1 worked flawlessly. I use A when I'm on a highway trip.

In my opinion, the V1 is very informative if you learn how to read it. The tones, tone frequency and intensity, arrow lighting, etc, are actually very helpful once you get a feel for the unit. Those of you who have learned the ZEN of the V1 know what I'm talking about.
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      12-17-2008, 12:52 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MTHEORY View Post
I use big L. All the cops around Vegas use Ka band radar, so when Ka goes off, there's a cop around. All the other signals are ALWAYS false (In Las Vegas). On a recent trip to Oregon, I discovered cops still use X band. The V1 worked flawlessly. I use A when I'm on a highway trip.

In my opinion, the V1 is very informative if you learn how to read it. The tones, tone frequency and intensity, arrow lighting, etc, are actually very helpful once you get a feel for the unit. Those of you who have learned the ZEN of the V1 know what I'm talking about.
Ditto to all.

It takes a couple weeks to get fully comfortable with it, then its godly.
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