Radar detectors? - Page 3 - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Jaxonalden · 09-24-2009, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RandallNeighbour

Jeph, I was waiting for you to join this thread

1. If someone has never used a V1, that person really cannot discuss a valid opinion about having the arrows vs. not having them in a detector. Jeph, you said that when your passport goes off, you slow down regardless of the source. I do not do this. I look at the arrows and then decide if it's a threat. When I see side arrows that quickly move to a rear arrow, I speed up most of the time or resist the urge to slam on my brake. Without arrows and what Valentine calls "situational awareness", you have no choice. You must slow down and start looking through all your windows and mirrors because you have no situational awareness of the radar threat. It's really quite simple. I've been on both sides of this situation and the awareness of the directional source has dramatically changed my reaction to an alert. If you've not used both kinds of detectors on short and long trips, you can't comment on the arrows the same education as a V1 user who has used detectors with and without arrows.

2. The Passport cannot be upgraded. You must buy another one when the technology changes or purchase the upgrade option which knocks $50 or less off the price of the new one. I believe the Valentine upgrade path is part of the reason why the V1's sturdy metal enclosure has not changed through the years. When something new is invented for radar use for law enforcement and widely used, Valentine is committed to existing customers enough to upgrade their equipment for a small fee. All the others? Sell your old one to someone for a fraction of what you paid for it and shell out another $399 or more or take Escort's pitiful $50 "trade in" value of your old one.

3. The bogey counter. When I see a 2 or 3 (or even a 4!) on the big LED display, I know the noises I'm hearing and the bars I'm seeing represent more than one threat and not to speed up after I pass the first cop. This is a huge advantage combined with the arrows. It has saved me a half dozen times in complex radar traps. I pass the first cop shooting Ka and the arrows go to the back but there's an arrow forward with a new threat on the counter and the K band indicator is also lighting up. The Escorts probably show both kinds of radar on the display, but without those numbers combines with the arrows, you just don't know how many threats you should be aware of and the directional source of the radar.

If anyone is reading this thread and debating which unit to buy, BUY BOTH just before you leave on a driving trip. Return the one that you don't like under the 30 day, money-back guarantee. Buy a double socket to power them both up on your dash, and run them side by side. Then, do a second test on your own reaction to each unit. Run them alone for a day per unit to see how you react and then decide for yourself. This is the only real way to have a solid comparison of which one is best for YOU. Many V1 users swear by the arrows, upgrade path, and bogey counter. Many Escort users, especially the owners of the newer GPS models swear by them for their connectivity to satellites and the internet for speed camera updates.

RN,

Great post, wish I could add to it but you hit all the key points.

RandallNeighbour · 09-24-2009, 04:58 AM

Thanks Jax!

vath2001 · 09-26-2009, 04:48 PM

Since I started this debate... my final decision will be towards the Escort (and not a Ford Escort!). The V has high marks, but the Escort seems to do everything the V does and more. The fact I can upgrade the Escort using my PC pretty well seals the deal... no shipping back and forth.

Now... do I buy from Amazon, EBay or Escort direct?
No need to answer... I can handle this myself.
Thanks

RandallNeighbour · 09-26-2009, 04:57 PM

Vath, what Valentine One does is update circuit boards and chipsets to bring the unit up to speed with new radars and frequencies LEO's use (the last big one was to add POP). This cannot be done via a laptop connect.

I know you've made your decision, but I just thought I'd make this clarification.

If all the prices are the same, I always buy direct because the customer service is better should something go awry with the shipment or the unit you receive.

vath2001 · 09-26-2009, 05:16 PM

The Escort "updates" locations for radar traps... using the built in GPS. Kinda of a neat feature.

But price wise, the Escort is $70 more. How much does V charge for the upgrades?

RandallNeighbour · 09-26-2009, 05:24 PM

I must say that GPS update for current traps is a VERY attractive feature. I'd like it even more if the LEOs didn't move around so much in their patrol cars though.

Valentine charges varying amounts to upgrade their units, depending on the age of it. So, theoretically you could buy an older unit for cheap on eBay and send it in to have it upgraded to the newest version. Here's some details:

https://store.valentine1.com/upgrades/

If you own one like mine that's three years old, an update is about $60.

vath2001 · 09-26-2009, 05:28 PM

One problem with the upgrade feature of the Escort.... they don't do MAC.
So you would be... let say's "un-compatable".

mptoledo · 09-27-2009, 08:25 AM

Buy direct or from a bestbuy type of a place. Amazon may save you a few bucks but If its not an authorized dealer you will be screwed on any warranty work if needed.

As for upgrading the software, you have to have the unit plugged in so most of the time you need to take the computer to the car. And for the mac compatibility, well everyone knows somebody with a windows laptop and I am sure they will let you borrow it, I mean you own a Porsche for gods sake, how much of risk could you really be? You can always bribe them with a ride.

Viper5 · 09-27-2009, 01:47 PM

Not sure if you bought the detector or not but thought you should know of a group of people who test detectors as a hobby. They are very maticulate in performing these tests. The tests happen about once a year and have been for the past few years. The new results have just come in! Here is the site: http://www.guysoflidar.com/ You can look at the results objectively and make your own decision.

RandallNeighbour · 09-27-2009, 05:49 PM

Thanks Viper5... what a great web site!

Makes me feel real good about keeping and upgrading my V1. I'm going to send it off this week and get it upgraded before my driving vacation at the end of October!

mptoledo · 09-27-2009, 08:11 PM

I have owned many radar detectors throughout the decades and currently own a passport 9500ix. I have used it in cross country mode(2400 miles from Cali to Ohio), rural mode and city mode. I have used the passport in about every scenario possible. It gives great early warning, with plenty of time to slow down, It reminds you where the redlight cameras are, It has little if any false signals. I can find no flaws with it. Plus it just looks pretty damn Cool!! The valentine is a great unit also, but it's technology is like an Vinyl record while escort's technology is like Digital music. It's just years ahead!! Yes they both play music, but one just does it better than the other and all you hear is crystal clear music, while the other has a lot of irritating noise (but you can still hear the music).

pteam · 10-06-2009, 04:17 PM

Ok I bought a passport 9500 because of this thread.

First let me say:

IT SUCKS!!!!! Seriously. The reason it sucks is because of the design and the cord. First of all they give you this severly big cord that is only like a foot and a half long and plugs in on the DRIVERS SIDE! So here is a picture from my viper on how it looks from the driver's view:

Notice how it perfectly covers up the display of the radar detector? What idiots designed this thing to plug into the drivers side with the biggest round cord ever in the world, and then make it shorter than short so you have to stretch it to even go over a foot.

EDIT: Also here is a pic in my hummer

Notice how it again covers up the radar screen but also because these smart people had it plug in on the drivers side it also covers up my navigation and BARELY reaches the cigarette lighter, and thus pulls on the radar because its stretched. Its not even close to being able to reach the 2nd cigarette lighter outlet.

I cannot hardwire this as I have many cars and that would be impossible to switch cars. It won't even reach lighter spots in my hummer or my viper, I have to use the very close one instead of other ones out of the way that my old radar detector could reach. Also I really like how the cord goes right in the way of your radar or in dash navigation, it goes right in the way of it because of their wonderful design! ::end sarcasm:: This product sucks...

btw the speed camera, stop light camera known locations, and gps functions are good, but when your frustrated every single time you look at it, it kinda defeats the purpose...

mptoledo · 10-06-2009, 04:37 PM

You could always just drill a hole in your dash and run.... Sorry I can't even complete that statement with a straight face.

I do understand your frustration, but as for my Boxster the cords works fine. I think the Boxster has a design flaw with only one lighter and within new jerk of the passenger.

I am planning on hardwiring my passport to free up my lighter. You might want to check into that option. The passport in the first week of use is rather noisy as it takes some time to block out the false signals, but give it time and I hope you like it. Here is some different cords for the escort. Might want to try a straight cord. https://www.escortradar.com/store/straight-cords/

Escort already has a new Detector out The "REDLINE".
https://www.escortradar.com/store/ESCORT-Redline-Radar-Detector.html

JackG · 10-06-2009, 04:40 PM

pteam,

Move it slightly to the right and up an inch, and your problem is solved. You'll be able to see it and the the cord will dress to the right of the console. You pretty much never have to touch it since the lighter plug has the mute button right on it.

Seriously, I've had mine in several cars and it's never been an issue. Maybe the Viper is a special situation? In any case, it's easy enough to rig a cord for it, or you can go to:
https://www.escortradar.com/store/straight-cords/
and just buy the cord for your application.

RandallNeighbour · 10-06-2009, 05:15 PM

PTeam, sounds like you're a prime candidate for the V1... They were smart enough to design it with the power cord on the left of the unit where it belongs.

Take Escort up on their 30 day money back guarantee and send a message to their engineers.

pteam · 10-06-2009, 05:20 PM

Also here is a picture of it in my hummer:

Notice how it again covers up the radar screen but also because these smart people had it plug in on the drivers side it also covers up my navigation and BARELY reaches the cigarette lighter, and thus pulls on the radar because its stretched. Its not even close to being able to reach the 2nd cigarette lighter outlet.

Ok so I had to buy this straight smartcord Blue as if $500 wasnt enough now I get to spend another $36.69 because of their bad design. I pity anybody who doesnt know they sell different cords. Also I like how they have a smart cord blue and a smartcord red and don't have any description difference. One would think that means the actual cord is red or blue, but I "think" its actually the lights on the power plug light up different colors?!? I only think that becuase of theyre tiny picture (that cant be enlarged).

Also I sent pictures and this thread to passport's support team, hopefully they can do a simple redesign and have the power cord plug into the passenger side and not have a coiled cord that is only a foot and a half long. A quick search on google shows there are MANY people complaining about this same problem.

mptoledo · 10-06-2009, 05:50 PM

You have it too low on your windshield. Your dash is inhibiting the rear detection. I always mount mine under the rear view mirror in both my vehicles with absolutely no problems.

It seems to me like your just making exuses to hate it (no offense meant). It looks obvious that you could just move the unit up 5 inches or so and run the cord down the right side of your nav system, Or just buy a flat cord.

pteam · 10-06-2009, 06:26 PM

I did buy a flat cord for an additonal $36.69, just a few minutes ago and will have to wait for it to be shipped here. Without this forum I wouldnt even have known they made different cords as most people probably don't.

However I shouldnt have to put the radar in the middle of my windshield and right in the middle of my view! Nor should I be forced to buy a different cord because the one they gave me is too short, and is plugged into the driver side, and prohibits your viewing of the radar screen. If I mounted it under the rear view mirror (without hardwiring because I have several cars to switch to) then the cord would hang down right in the way of everything, and actually that short cord wouldnt even make it to the cigarette lighter because the cord is so short!

Edit, I just moved the radar smack dab in the middle of the windshield (prohibiting my view because it is right in the middle of the windshield) , 5 inches up on the hummer, and the cord doesnt even reach the closest power outlet! (let alone the 2nd power outlet)

There are hundreds of complaints online for a reason. The cord sucks in serveral ways, and it sucks that they have it plug into the driver side which gets in the way of your view.

Perfectlap · 10-06-2009, 06:29 PM

Okay I'm here so you can all stop arguing.

I have the V1.

The suction cups are ****************ty, I'm on my second set. The dang thing fell on my dash and left a dent since its bigger than my Tivo. The cigarette lighter thing won't stay in keeps poping out so it turns on and off on and off anoying, I'll have order another. The wires at the jack became frayed and I had to order another as well.

That being said........... V1 baby!!!!

Those arrows made Mr. Valentine a mulit-millionaire. And for good reason.

Its like this...you're driving down the street and the Five-O is hiding behind a bush. BEEP (arrow pointing ahead)

where is this fargin' guy???

BEEP BEEP (yep still points ahead)

Don't see him !!!

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP (arrows pointing side ways)

still don't see him but I'm off the gas.

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP (arrows pointing behind).

Ah there I see you hiding with your lights out!!! HA HA!! I know you're watching me!! you love busting those shiny P Cars!! not this time

there you have it. You can't just go off an audible alarm that gets louder and louder. You need to know where the enemy is lurking.

now they just have to work on all those ****************ty accessories that need replacing all the time..

p.s.
V1 still gets the best scores on Lazer from a trailing vehicle. That's saved me at least twice with the stateys following me home on the highway.

JackG · 10-06-2009, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Perfectlap

Okay I'm here so you can all stop arguing.

I have the V1.

The suction cups are ****************ty, I'm on my second set. The dang thing fell on my dash and left a dent since its bigger than my Tivo. The cigarette lighter thing won't stay in keeps poping out so it turns on and off on and off anoying, I'll have order another. The wires at the jack became frayed and I had to order another as well.

Its like this...you're driving down the street and the Five-O is hiding behind a bush. BEEP (arrow pointing ahead)

where is this fargin' guy???

BEEP BEEP (yep still points ahead)

Don't see him !!!

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP (arrows pointing side ways)

still don't see him but I'm off the gas.

(if you are just lifting, you have a ticket)

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP (arrows pointing behind).

there you have it. You can't just go off an audible alarm that gets louder and louder. You need to know where the enemy is lurking.

now they just have to work on all those ****************ty accessories that need replacing all the time..

p.s.
V1 still gets the best scores on Lazer from a trailing vehicle. That's saved me at least twice with the stateys following me home on the highway.

Weird... with the Passport, I let off the gas when the alert started (just like you had to) and get back on it after it's gone (just like your did). No taking my eyes off the road to look at arrows that just distract me.

And what's with that V1 falsing from a laser? They can't use laser from a moving ("trailing") vehicle. They have to be stationary to laser you.
I quote: "Laser cannot be used in moving mode it must be stationary. Most state enforcement agencies have passed on using laser for this reason. Laser is most prevalent in metropolitan areas with one officer on an overpass operating the laser and officers lined up on entrance ramps waiting for the radio to ID the offender. Similar to radar, laser cannot be used in the rain, snow, or high dust environments. Laser takes precise aiming."

You may need to send your V1 back in for "updating". It seems to be malfunctioning, or your local po-po is stupid.