Valentine One or other permanent radar installations? - Page 3

Rad22 · 10-29-2013, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry U

Looking for the power at the mirror for my C7 and Passport Max. Unlike my C6 where the mirror wires are in a fibergalss type sheath, in the C7 they are in the tube that holds ine mirror and not accessable. There is no plug visible. doen't look easy to remove the mirror and even if you could not sure how too get 2 wires out. If you or anyone finds a way to power it without going to a fuse blox or down the side, would like to know.

Using an Add-a-Circuit mini fuse tap...

I used fuse 37 in the fusebox under the trunk mat, ran a single 16 ga. wire under the side trim along the passenger side, under the door trim and to the passenger footwell. Fuse 37 is the fuse for the "pop-up" accessory outlet in the front console and already has a 20 amp fuse. I used a 2 amp fuse in the second slot for the detector.

I ran the V1 wire tucked under the trim over the windshield next to the glass, down the A pillar tucked under the trim by the glass, tucked between the A pillar trim and the end of the dash and into the passenger footwell. A nylon "spudger" helps immensely with this task for atraumatically prying up the trim a bit and help in tucking in the wire...

I ran a ground wire from a screw under the passenger, dash near the front, right beside the console over to the side of the passenger footwell.

I used the Valentine direct wiring accessory and hooked everything together, then tucked all the wire and the connections behind the side panel in the passenger footwell.

45 minutes, no exposed wiring, no plugs occupied.

Rad22 · 10-29-2013, 10:49 AM

I will make several points about radar detectors in general and the Valentine V1...

Radar detectors are fairly useful against instant on radar if one knows how to use them and has some experience and common sense. While it may not help you so much in the congested city area, if you're out on an interstate or country road and you aren't near other sources of radar, each blip on the detector should get your attention. Many times, these blips are from the instant on radar timing a car ahead of you. These should not be ignored. If you are out blasting along by yourself with no other cars around, you are probably a sitting duck however. The beauty of the Valentine V1 is that it can detect these stray "blips" with far greater range than most other detectors, identify their character and the direction from which they came.

Another item to consider...if you drive around your are with some frequency and are familiar with all the "false alarms", then you can usually separate out an unusual alarm that you're getting which doesn't correspond to one of your "indexed" false alarms. In this situation, you should pay attention to the alarm and drive accordingly. Also, I use some of the "false alarms" in my daily driving route as quality assurance on my detector.

At least in most communities in my area of the country, laser speed detection has not become commonplace. And as stated in a post above, the timing officer must be sitting still and it cannot be used through the tinted glass of most cars. In addition, the Valentine also has a front and rear laser detector which, on many occasions has detected stray laser radiation from the timing of cars in front of or behind me and given me adequate warning.

Ka Razy · 10-29-2013, 11:17 AM

Well put

I have owned both the Escort 9500 and the V1. The V1 has far superior range and is faster to report. The Escort is a distant second in my personal testing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rad22

I will make several points about radar detectors in general and the Valentine V1...

Radar detectors are fairly useful against instant on radar if one knows how to use them and has some experience and common sense. While it may not help you so much in the congested city area, if you're out on an interstate or country road and you aren't near other sources of radar, each blip on the detector should get your attention. Many times, these blips are from the instant on radar timing a car ahead of you. These should not be ignored. If you are out blasting along by yourself with no other cars around, you are probably a sitting duck however. The beauty of the Valentine V1 is that it can detect these stray "blips" with far greater range than most other detectors, identify their character and the direction from which they came.

Another item to consider...if you drive around your are with some frequency and are familiar with all the "false alarms", then you can usually separate out an unusual alarm that you're getting which doesn't correspond to one of your "indexed" false alarms. In this situation, you should pay attention to the alarm and drive accordingly. Also, I use some of the "false alarms" in my daily driving route as quality assurance on my detector.

At least in most communities in my area of the country, laser speed detection has not become commonplace. And as stated in a post above, the timing officer must be sitting still and it cannot be used through the tinted glass of most cars. In addition, the Valentine also has a front and rear laser detector which, on many occasions has detected stray laser radiation from the timing of cars in front of or behind me and given me adequate warning.

wkatz · 11-26-2013, 07:02 PM

plus the Savvy kit. Based on the mounts provided I'm thinking the
best place to mount is actually the visor clip on the passenger
side. Nice and high, out of the way, good forward and rearward
visibility. Now I just need to run the Savvy from the wheel well
to the passenger visor. Anyone do this?

BTW the car is pretty special.

topry · 11-27-2013, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by asptroopa1

I cant use or recommend one.......

Heck, you have 'Badge America'...you don't need no stinkin' detector

Unfortunately, my retired ID doesn't always have as much sway.

Daktuh · 05-21-2014, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sotirisf

you should all check out dashtronix.com I dont know if it will work on the C7, but its great on the C6. Call them up for questions or support. They're really good at responding and I'm pretty sure that they will be updating for the C7.
I have one, and its been really nice- its a natural to see it in the HUD.

Hi - I am scheduled to have a remote installation of a Bel StiR Plus and AL Priority anti laser in my brand new C7. I am a bit nervous because the installation requires removal of the driver console (as well as the front bumper.) I would hate to invalidate my warranty and find myself with bothersome electrical glitches down the road. Do you have any experience / knowledge about this?
Thanx

purpleRac3r · 05-21-2014, 08:50 PM

I don't know about that particular set of equipment, but I can tell you about the console part a little. This past weekend I hard-wired my V1, which required removal of a number of trim items. My goal was to connect power at the retractable port in the console, figuring the circuit was already properly sized for the detector. I ended up removing the inside mirror trim, partially removing the windshield header trim, completely removed the glove box and center console lid, in addition to several other trim pieces at the passenger grab handle. I also removed the console to access the back of the power port.

I chose to remove the positive wire and contact from the harness connector, then solder the V1 positive to said contact, and reinserted the contact into the connector. The ground I attached to one of the screws that hold the grab handle trim on. With these connections there should be no electrical problems whatsoever as I did not tap into power just anywhere. That particular circuit is specifically for accessories like radar detectors and handheld GPS units.

As for warranty issues, the dealer has to prove that any problems you may have in the future are directly caused by your modification or aftermarket component before they can deny coverage. That said, obviously you're out of luck if you or your installer happen to break something in the process of installation, or if you tap the wrong wire for power and fry a computer, but generallt burden of proof rests on the dealer's shoulders. Also, they cannot by law void the entire warranty if they do find proof, just for that particular part or system.

I know this may not be the exact answer you're looking for, but I hope it helps some. If you have a good relationship with your dealer, perhaps they would be willing to print off the related service manual pages to aid part removal and installation. Mine is helpful in this way.

Hulkamaniac · 05-22-2014, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hancock

If you are looking for the best options for radar detectors, look no further than http://www.radarbusters.com/ The guy who runs that site is former LEO for over 20 years and brings his experience to the other side of the radar gun now. Very knowledgeable.

I also have a LOT of experience with different setups. Depends largely on your budget. If you don't mind spending 1600 and never getting a ticket again, you can remotely mount a radar detecter and laser jammers, and mount the small display module either on the rearview or under the dash. If you're not all about that, Escort has a brand new, best on the market technology model called the Max. HD Screen, comes with a cup that you clamp down, so it doesnt come off easily. If you are worried about theft, then the remote mount Escort 9500ci is the way to go, not to mention it gives you the laser jamming capability. Check out the site for full reviews on every model and good advice.

If you want to be invisible/nearly invincible, you can get a product called VEIL that you apply to your headlights and any chrome or the license plate on the front of the car. It is proven to absorb lasers up until about 200 feet away. At that point your 9500ix or ci would have told you you are getting lazed, and by the time his laser "punches through" you are going the speed limit.

Sorry for the ramble but... at 21 years old with 6 (2 over 100) speeding tickets, one reckless driving by speed (night in jail), and multiple other infractions, I have become a subject matter expert and haven't gotten a ticket in several years now. Feel free to ask me anything.

Sorry, but by the time you're zapped by a lazer... it's too late.

Lazers work on any surface of a car. They even work on animals.That's why a lot of hunters use lazer range finders.

Jammers of any sort are illegal and not one manufacturer has come forward to take the Million Dollar Challenge from RadarBusters.com to prove that their product is legal AND works.

Richardlord · 05-27-2014, 08:42 PM

Just got an Escort Max - It fits in the storage cubby behind the info screen - Too well - I put it in long ways - Went in easily but would not come out - Got pinned to the back and the front was just under the info screen lip - Had to force the info screen forward to get it up, over, and out the info screen lip - Fortunately, I did not break anything - Fits OK sideways.

11-26-2013, 07:02 PM	#32
wkatz Drives: 2003 BMW M3 cabrio, C7 shortly Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Newport, RI Posts: 5	OK, got the C7 and Valentine One plus the Savvy kit. Based on the mounts provided I'm thinking the best place to mount is actually the visor clip on the passenger side. Nice and high, out of the way, good forward and rearward visibility. Now I just need to run the Savvy from the wheel well to the passenger visor. Anyone do this? BTW the car is pretty special.

05-21-2014, 08:50 PM	#35
purpleRac3r Drives: 1974 & 2014 Corvette Stingrays Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Troy, Mo Posts: 623	I don't know about that particular set of equipment, but I can tell you about the console part a little. This past weekend I hard-wired my V1, which required removal of a number of trim items. My goal was to connect power at the retractable port in the console, figuring the circuit was already properly sized for the detector. I ended up removing the inside mirror trim, partially removing the windshield header trim, completely removed the glove box and center console lid, in addition to several other trim pieces at the passenger grab handle. I also removed the console to access the back of the power port. I chose to remove the positive wire and contact from the harness connector, then solder the V1 positive to said contact, and reinserted the contact into the connector. The ground I attached to one of the screws that hold the grab handle trim on. With these connections there should be no electrical problems whatsoever as I did not tap into power just anywhere. That particular circuit is specifically for accessories like radar detectors and handheld GPS units. As for warranty issues, the dealer has to prove that any problems you may have in the future are directly caused by your modification or aftermarket component before they can deny coverage. That said, obviously you're out of luck if you or your installer happen to break something in the process of installation, or if you tap the wrong wire for power and fry a computer, but generallt burden of proof rests on the dealer's shoulders. Also, they cannot by law void the entire warranty if they do find proof, just for that particular part or system. I know this may not be the exact answer you're looking for, but I hope it helps some. If you have a good relationship with your dealer, perhaps they would be willing to print off the related service manual pages to aid part removal and installation. Mine is helpful in this way. __________________ '74 Stingray coupe, heavily modified, as seen in August 2011 VETTE magazine, 2014 Stingray Z51 #196, ordered 02/11/13, built 08/29/13, Museum Delivery 10/04/13, driven daily!

10-29-2013, 10:49 AM	#30
Rad22 Drives: MB S550 Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 7	I will make several points about radar detectors in general and the Valentine V1... Radar detectors are fairly useful against instant on radar if one knows how to use them and has some experience and common sense. While it may not help you so much in the congested city area, if you're out on an interstate or country road and you aren't near other sources of radar, each blip on the detector should get your attention. Many times, these blips are from the instant on radar timing a car ahead of you. These should not be ignored. If you are out blasting along by yourself with no other cars around, you are probably a sitting duck however. The beauty of the Valentine V1 is that it can detect these stray "blips" with far greater range than most other detectors, identify their character and the direction from which they came. Another item to consider...if you drive around your are with some frequency and are familiar with all the "false alarms", then you can usually separate out an unusual alarm that you're getting which doesn't correspond to one of your "indexed" false alarms. In this situation, you should pay attention to the alarm and drive accordingly. Also, I use some of the "false alarms" in my daily driving route as quality assurance on my detector. At least in most communities in my area of the country, laser speed detection has not become commonplace. And as stated in a post above, the timing officer must be sitting still and it cannot be used through the tinted glass of most cars. In addition, the Valentine also has a front and rear laser detector which, on many occasions has detected stray laser radiation from the timing of cars in front of or behind me and given me adequate warning.

05-27-2014, 08:42 PM	#37
Richardlord Drives: Dodge Magnum RT Hemi AWD Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Potomac River Home in Southern MD Posts: 283	Just got an Escort Max - It fits in the storage cubby behind the info screen - Too well - I put it in long ways - Went in easily but would not come out - Got pinned to the back and the front was just under the info screen lip - Had to force the info screen forward to get it up, over, and out the info screen lip - Fortunately, I did not break anything - Fits OK sideways.