http://invisicord.com/osc2/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=31
This is where I bought mine. Takes 10 seconds to install and works perfectly. There's a thread on here about which plug goes where to tap the mirror power.
What radar director are you guys using?
- Thread starter anton28
- Start date
http://invisicord.com/osc2/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=22&products_id=31
This is where I bought mine. Takes 10 seconds to install and works perfectly. There's a thread on here about which plug goes where to tap the mirror power.
so this little gadget splices in to your rear-view mirror so there is no need for the cigaret lighter plug?
When you guys say the ****** has a lot less false alarms, does that make the V1 uncomfortable to drive around town with? Does it just go off all the time, how do you get used to knowing which signals to pay attention to and not?
Correct, You just piggyback it into the mirror connections by sticking the prongs in. Literally a 2-minute install and makes your dash so much cleaner! Best $15 I've spent.
Thats awesome! Definitely a buy! This works for any radar detector?
It's easy to tell because basically when you drive past any storefront with an automatic door, it'll set off the X band radar. Depending on what state or area you live in, most cops use strictly Ka band. On the radar detector, a light blinks next to what kind of radar band is being detected, and for example in Illinois, cops 90% of the time use Ka and rarely K.
The nice thing is (and most people are too lazy or don't do the research) is that you can program out the X band. See link below. This eliminates 90% of false alarms.
http://www.valentine1.com/v1info/pdf/manual_2012/Report3-REVforPDF.pdf
It will work for any radar detector with a cat 5 connection (which I think most radar detectors use but you would have to verify depending on the model you choose).
Thanks a lot. Very informative!!! So when a cop car is just setting/hiding there waiting for people to run a stop sign, does it send out a K or Ka band or does it need to have its radar on only when looking for speeders?
chorps
Enthusiast
No radar detector will spot a cop sitting in hiding waiting for someone to run a stop sign, s/he doesn't need a laser/radar to see you not come to a full stop. You are not invisible nor invincible with a radar detector. No matter how good your protection is, you can still be nailed visually for breaking the rules.
You have to treat a detector as another tool in your toolbox. Valentine 1 is all about 'situational awareness,' and makes you decide if it is a false or not. Most X-band is junk nowadays, you can ignore it or turn it off. Ka is mostly radar, ignore that at your peril. K band is in between and depends on your neighborhood. Laser can be falsed by more than a few things surprisingly, but you generally have very little reaction time once it goes off so ignoring laser is a bad idea.
The problem with the Valentine 1 is you have to train yourself to pay attention when it goes off, since it is so chatty it can be very easy to 'tune it out'. However if you keep your brain engaged it is an extremely valuable tool. For the longest time the Valentine had the longest detection range by far, now it is debatable which is better.
You also have to consider that many red light cameras detect infractions using embedded coils under the road surface. No radar is used, and thus the V1 will remain silent as well.
Don't think that I'm negative on the V1, I'm just trying to point out the limitations so you don't go barrelling off half cocked. It's saved my butt numerous times and I think it's great. However, I'm supplementing mine with a STi-R/ZR4 and Laser Interceptor as well.
Doing all this research really points me in a direction of a passport 9500ix as most of my driving is city driving and I don't speed much on the freeway. We also have red light cameras around here so this will come in handy.
denniskgb
Enthusiast
Need to get a radar ditector. What are you guys using? Looking for the best. One that can warn you of surrounding cop cars as well as radar in case I'm speeding
There was a rather thread last year on radar detectors, very detailed.
NO HEMI
Enthusiast
Thanks ZZ SRT!!, just bought one!!
What did you decide on?
He's saying he bought the invisicord that wires into the mirror.
rw99
Enthusiast
Just remember that the 9500ix will keep reminding you of the same marked red light locations... every time you're within ~1000 ft...
chorps
Enthusiast
Sure it works well, but the extra inputs can help a lot.
Last summer, I wanted to show my buddy a little bit of power on the road but I didn't want to do it in the neigbourhoods. So we hit the cloverleaf to get on the freeway where I was going to open it up for a short length.
As we were rolling on the entrance ramp I was behind a minivan...I had debated going around him before we went on but I thought there wasn't any need to be overly aggressive. As we're both merging into the freeway the V1 chirps with a 2 bar signal, from behind, 1 hit. Since it is quite sensitive I thought it was a photo radar buggy parked in the underpass a mile down the way behind me.
As I was pointing out the signal to my friend, the V1 went into high alert, maximum signal right behind me. I looked in my rear view and there was nothing...no cars. A big Toyota truck (work truck) was running on my driver's side rear. Nothing else. So I asked my buddy to lean back to see if there was a car behind the Toyota. He leaned way back and said he could make out another tail light behind the Toyota.
Turns out an blacked out unmarked police car was running behind the Toyota and when he saw me come on he must have gotten all excited. He had pulled in *tight* to the Toyota's rear and moved as far left to keep me from seeing him.
I'm guessing he was planning on pulling to the right past the Toyota and hit me full blast to clock my speed as I opened up. Luckily the V1 was there and told me where he was even though I couldn't see him. As we cruised on at 50mph (in a 60 zone, heh), the Toyota finally pulled past me and this cop car had nowhere else to hide. He had tried turning off his radar but it was way too late. He got frustrated and zoomed past me at 70 to pull over 3 lanes and go dark in the shoulder lane.
Any other radar detector only would have told me someone was close, and not knowing where to look, I might have dismissed it as a false signal. 35 over the limit here is the impound, so having the V1 saved my buttocks from getting a whipping that day.
yes but cant you block them out and have it learn this info?
SoCal Rebell
Enthusiast
This topic has been beaten to death over the last dozen or so years. V-1 is by far the superior detector. And for those of you that are complaining about false positives and it being squawky you can easily defeat the X & K bands which law enforcement rarely uses anymore and are 99% of the false positives, just keep the Ka & L bands
This link will tell you how, I did it on mine http://www.valentine1.com/Lab/TechReport3.asp
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Viktimize
Enthusiast
Yes it is a horrid PITA, I rarely ever turn my V1 on in town. Every automatic door and whatnot sets it off. That's why I say ****** for in town. The directional arrows and bogey counter of the V1 make it perfect for the highway.
Viktimize
Enthusiast
Except that all new automatic doors and random radar emitting traffic signals all use Ka now too. So the only way to know it's false is because you have driven by it numerous times and have figured it out. The ****** will block these automatically.
Personally I have been running the same ****** 8500 for about.... 13?14? years now Whenever it was first released I picked it up and upgraded from my 7500. I have several hardwire kits and have moved that thing in and out of at least 10 different vehicles.
Jance GTS
Enthusiast
I don't know anything about radar detectors but I know I would like one that is hidden and only uses lights to indicate radars so I don't have one in plain sight. Does anyone have one like that?
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I'm using V1, with latest firmware and V1Connection + Android app
Also, for laser jamming and enhanced laser detection, I'm using a 4 head Laser Interceptor unit.
V1 is the best, hands down. FWIW, I just spent 60 days testing the ****** 9500ix. I used the Android version of the ****** Live add-on too.
My take on the V1 vs 9500ix debate ...
Effective range:
V1 outperforms the 9500ix in virtually every category. Additionally, the V1 has both front and rear antennas, while the 9500ix only has a front antenna.
Price:
9500ix is $500. Add ****** Live DirectWire for $100, visor mount for $20, annual subscription for $20, and you're up to $640.
V1 is $400. V1Connection adds another $50. It comes with visor mount, and requires no annual subscription fee. $450 total, which is about $200 less than the 9500ix.
Controls:
9500ix buttons/controls are on top and difficult to see and use when driving.
V1 controls are on front and easy to see and use when driving.
GPS/lockout/filtering:
9500ix has this and it is very useful for preventing false alarms. V1 does not have this functionality. The 9500ix GPS filtering/lockout has a FATAL flaw though ... if a location is locked out, you're going to be screwed when a cop decides to set up his speed trap at that location in the future.
Durability:
The V1 is very well built and is impervious to heat, sun, cold. The case is virtually indestructible. It is very rare for a V1 to fail or need repair.
The 9500ix has a plastic case, and has problems performing in extreme cold or heat. Check the official ****** forums and you'll see MANY MANY complaints about Escorts malfunctioning or breaking. The standard ****** customer service response is that the detector is broken and needs to be shipped in for repairs. I have no confidence in the 9500ix reliability as a result.
Software updates, detector upgrades:
9500ix can be updated yourself via USB cable and a PC. Relatively easy to do, but the updater software is buggy. The only updates you're likely to ever see are Defender database updates.
V1 has to be sent to V1 for updates, and turnaround time is about 2 weeks.
9500ix unique features:
TrueLock/GPS filtering - relatively useful, but their Defender database is outdated, has lots of errors and omissions, and does not have a very large userbase providing updates.
Variable speed sensitivity - useless feature.
Autolearn - uses GPS and smart filtering technology to learn and lockout false alarms. Useful feature ... when it works.
Laser shifter add-on: The ZR4 "laser shifter" (ie. laser jammer) is crap and performs VERY poorly.
Defender database - this database of red light cameras, speed traps, and speed limits would be useful, if the info was frequently updated and accurate. Unfortunately, the red light camera data is often wrong or outdated, it'll alert you to red light cameras that are on nearby roads you're not even driving on, and the speed trap data is worthless. The speed limit data is usual;ly wrong or missing altogether.
****** Live - with this web-enabled add-on that utilizes your smartphone, you can get instant updates about speed traps and police, in real time, from nearby drivers. Unfortunately, the user base is relatively small, and you have to pay for an annual subscription. The smartphone app ***** ass, freezing frequently, failing to connect to your detector, and failing to connect via bluetooth to your smartphone (or tablet). I found that I had to physically disconnect all of the cables, turn the power off/on, and restart the app ... EVERY TIME I got in my car. Real pain in the butt. Also, the app software would occasionally stop working or freeze up, and you won't know it until you get a ticket.
Waze is a free alternative to ****** Live. It has MANY more features, it is more stable, it is free, and it has a MUCH larger userbase. It works with any radar detector too ... or even without a radar detector. The data in the Waze database is accurate and updated. Also, it includes all of the real-time and stored data from the ****** Live database!
V1 unique features:
Directional Arrows - This is the single greatest innovation in the V1. The arrows will tell you if the cop is behind, to the side, or in front of you. This is very useful info. ****** does not offer anything like this. If you spend time using both the V1 and an ****** (like the 9500ix), you'll quickly realize how useful the directional arrows are.
Front and rear antennas - you get much better rear detection, and this is critical for avoiding tickets.
V1Connection - this add-on is a bluetooth device and smartphone app that provides a simple interface for programming your V1. Also, it provides detailed real-time data about the type, direction, and duration of radar guns. The device functions flawlessly, always maintaining the connection to your V1 unit, and always working perfectly with the smartphone app. I never have to unplug or power off/on the devices, and the app software has been completely reliable.
Savvy - an add-on that turns down V1 alerts based on vehicle speed. Same as the 9500ix speed sensitivity, and in my opinion not very useful.
Overall, the V1 is the better detector, because it outperforms the 9500ix and Redline, it is less expensive, and it is much more reliable.
For the best protection, and best value, I recommend:
1) Valentine 1
2) Laser Interceptor four head unit - this is a laser jammer, and it works very well. It jams laser, not radar, and is legal in most states.
3) Invisicord hardwire kit - power your V1 from your rearview mirror. There are lots of knockoffs / other brands of hardwire kits, but the Invisicord is the best and most durable. It's worth the extra $5.
4) Waze - free smartphone app that provides GPS-based, real-time red light camera, speed trap, and other data. The userbase is huge, and it is MUCH better than the ****** version (which requires annual subscription fee).
The above 4 items will cost about $1250 total, and have no subscription fees. This combo offers better protection than any ****** product, or combination of ****** and/or Bel, K40, Blinder, Cobra, Whistler, etc etc.
Also, for laser jamming and enhanced laser detection, I'm using a 4 head Laser Interceptor unit.
V1 is the best, hands down. FWIW, I just spent 60 days testing the ****** 9500ix. I used the Android version of the ****** Live add-on too.
My take on the V1 vs 9500ix debate ...
Effective range:
V1 outperforms the 9500ix in virtually every category. Additionally, the V1 has both front and rear antennas, while the 9500ix only has a front antenna.
Price:
9500ix is $500. Add ****** Live DirectWire for $100, visor mount for $20, annual subscription for $20, and you're up to $640.
V1 is $400. V1Connection adds another $50. It comes with visor mount, and requires no annual subscription fee. $450 total, which is about $200 less than the 9500ix.
Controls:
9500ix buttons/controls are on top and difficult to see and use when driving.
V1 controls are on front and easy to see and use when driving.
GPS/lockout/filtering:
9500ix has this and it is very useful for preventing false alarms. V1 does not have this functionality. The 9500ix GPS filtering/lockout has a FATAL flaw though ... if a location is locked out, you're going to be screwed when a cop decides to set up his speed trap at that location in the future.
Durability:
The V1 is very well built and is impervious to heat, sun, cold. The case is virtually indestructible. It is very rare for a V1 to fail or need repair.
The 9500ix has a plastic case, and has problems performing in extreme cold or heat. Check the official ****** forums and you'll see MANY MANY complaints about Escorts malfunctioning or breaking. The standard ****** customer service response is that the detector is broken and needs to be shipped in for repairs. I have no confidence in the 9500ix reliability as a result.
Software updates, detector upgrades:
9500ix can be updated yourself via USB cable and a PC. Relatively easy to do, but the updater software is buggy. The only updates you're likely to ever see are Defender database updates.
V1 has to be sent to V1 for updates, and turnaround time is about 2 weeks.
9500ix unique features:
TrueLock/GPS filtering - relatively useful, but their Defender database is outdated, has lots of errors and omissions, and does not have a very large userbase providing updates.
Variable speed sensitivity - useless feature.
Autolearn - uses GPS and smart filtering technology to learn and lockout false alarms. Useful feature ... when it works.
Laser shifter add-on: The ZR4 "laser shifter" (ie. laser jammer) is crap and performs VERY poorly.
Defender database - this database of red light cameras, speed traps, and speed limits would be useful, if the info was frequently updated and accurate. Unfortunately, the red light camera data is often wrong or outdated, it'll alert you to red light cameras that are on nearby roads you're not even driving on, and the speed trap data is worthless. The speed limit data is usual;ly wrong or missing altogether.
****** Live - with this web-enabled add-on that utilizes your smartphone, you can get instant updates about speed traps and police, in real time, from nearby drivers. Unfortunately, the user base is relatively small, and you have to pay for an annual subscription. The smartphone app ***** ass, freezing frequently, failing to connect to your detector, and failing to connect via bluetooth to your smartphone (or tablet). I found that I had to physically disconnect all of the cables, turn the power off/on, and restart the app ... EVERY TIME I got in my car. Real pain in the butt. Also, the app software would occasionally stop working or freeze up, and you won't know it until you get a ticket.
Waze is a free alternative to ****** Live. It has MANY more features, it is more stable, it is free, and it has a MUCH larger userbase. It works with any radar detector too ... or even without a radar detector. The data in the Waze database is accurate and updated. Also, it includes all of the real-time and stored data from the ****** Live database!
V1 unique features:
Directional Arrows - This is the single greatest innovation in the V1. The arrows will tell you if the cop is behind, to the side, or in front of you. This is very useful info. ****** does not offer anything like this. If you spend time using both the V1 and an ****** (like the 9500ix), you'll quickly realize how useful the directional arrows are.
Front and rear antennas - you get much better rear detection, and this is critical for avoiding tickets.
V1Connection - this add-on is a bluetooth device and smartphone app that provides a simple interface for programming your V1. Also, it provides detailed real-time data about the type, direction, and duration of radar guns. The device functions flawlessly, always maintaining the connection to your V1 unit, and always working perfectly with the smartphone app. I never have to unplug or power off/on the devices, and the app software has been completely reliable.
Savvy - an add-on that turns down V1 alerts based on vehicle speed. Same as the 9500ix speed sensitivity, and in my opinion not very useful.
Overall, the V1 is the better detector, because it outperforms the 9500ix and Redline, it is less expensive, and it is much more reliable.
For the best protection, and best value, I recommend:
1) Valentine 1
2) Laser Interceptor four head unit - this is a laser jammer, and it works very well. It jams laser, not radar, and is legal in most states.
3) Invisicord hardwire kit - power your V1 from your rearview mirror. There are lots of knockoffs / other brands of hardwire kits, but the Invisicord is the best and most durable. It's worth the extra $5.
4) Waze - free smartphone app that provides GPS-based, real-time red light camera, speed trap, and other data. The userbase is huge, and it is MUCH better than the ****** version (which requires annual subscription fee).
The above 4 items will cost about $1250 total, and have no subscription fees. This combo offers better protection than any ****** product, or combination of ****** and/or Bel, K40, Blinder, Cobra, Whistler, etc etc.
What he said.
btw, the cable used is standard phone cable RJ11. The ****** Live add-on uses an RJ45 cable.
Good info here ... especially the part about situational awareness and using the radar detector as just part of your toolbox. Additionally, you should have a good understanding of how radar guns work, and how cops typically use them.
As I mentioned in an earlier post, Waze is free and works MUCH better. The 9500ix database has erroneous info for red light camera (RLC) locations ... and has errors for other data too. Also, it'll alert to red light cameras even if you're not driving on the road that has a camera .... it goes off if there is a parallel or nearby road with a RLC.
When a cop shoots from that locked out / filtered location, your ****** will not go off and you'll be screwed.
Buy the V1 new to ensure you get the latest version of hardware and firmware. Over the years, every single component in the V1 has been upgraded. At least 40 different versions of firmware have been released too, and they include numerous significant enhancements.
Viktimize
Enthusiast
I didn't know Waze had changed from a GPS to a speed trap reporter? Does nobody use Trapster anymore??
This one of the things I've always found I didn't like about blocking false alerts. Although the chances are slim you're going to happen upon a cop at the same area that has these false Ka's. So I'm still considering getting an ****** for in town since my V1 is too chirpy in town to even bother turning it on.
Does it cost anything to mail in the V1 and have it updated?? Mine is probably a good 6 years old now and never been updated.
chorps
Enthusiast
V1 updates cost money...$200 as far as I remember. More cost effective for me to sell mine here and buy a new one.
Waze is the most widely used app now. It has the best features and design too. Compare the two and you'll see the differences.
Chances are actually not that slim. Cops are aware of these apps and databases, and some of them will use the data to their advantage. Also, for as long as I've been using radar detectors, cops have been intentionally shooting radar from locations where false alerts occur.
6 yo? Your update will probably be $199, but worth it. You'll basically be getting a completely new and improved detector. Go to the V1 website and enter your serial # to find out the exact cost.
V1 updates cost money...$200 as far as I remember. More cost effective for me to sell mine here and buy a new one.
Depends on the update. I've paid anywhere from $0 to $199. If the only update needed is a firmware flash, then I've had that done for free, or at worst for a very minimal fee. If a hardware upgrade is required, then it can run up to $199. You're absolutely right that selling your 1.7 or 1.8 V1 and then buying a new 1.85 V1 is the most cost effective way for you to upgrade to the latest and greatest.
btw, a good source for info on V1 hardware and software versions is wikipedia.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valentine_One
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