[Wharf Rat]

Now that I have my M2 ordered (week 45) I'm turning my attention to things to keep me from dwelling on the next several week wait.

What are you using for radar detection?
If possible, include commentary as to why you chose what you chose.

[McGary911]

Same old Valentine 1 I've used for years. I like the front and rear antennas so it can count radars and tell you if it's in front or back. It helps. They're not cheap. Apparently the top of the line Passport is the only other one in the same league. I don't think it's got the front\back going on though.

Any discussion about this will turn into a battle of the V1\passport guys. Either seem like a good top of the line choice. Do a search, there might be a ready made thread for you.

[Dee Pee]

Waze app

[pruettfan]

I use the Escort 360 Max, works well on the freeways when I go to and from California as the CHP tend to simply leave their radar on. Probably saved me from 2 tickets a few weeks ago. Around AZ it isn't as useful as the motorcycle cops are using instant laser so chances are I wont get an alert but I have havent "knock on wood' received a ticket yet in the M2. I bought the mirror mount which is awesome ( a little pricy) and have the mirror tap but haven't installed it yet so I just use the mirror mount and regular cord which works fine. I probably use my detector 10-20% of the time. There are plenty of great options out there so if you in the market check out the radar nerd guys who do extensive testing and can make recommendations based on your budget and needs. I have been pulled over twice in my year and 18,000 miles with my M2 once for speeding but I think he really just wanted to see my car so no ticket and the other time for not yeilding to the red on a right turn, again just got a warning. Be nice and apologetic and most of the time unless they are a motorcycle cop you will get let go.

[Ktmdriver]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

Be nice and apologetic and most of the time unless they are a motorcycle cop you will get let go.

Motorcycle cops let people go all the time ! I know this for a fact and they are really nice

[importriders]

Originally Posted by pruettfan

Around AZ it isn't as useful as the motorcycle cops are using instant laser so chances are I wont get an alert but I have havent "knock on wood' received a ticket yet in the M2.

I thought the Max360 detects instant on? There are videos on youtube of the Max 360 detecting IO reasonably well and within the distance to do something. I actually think most good modern detectors can detect IO within a reasonable distance, at least that's what some reviews led me to believe but I have no real world experience as I do not own one.

[DocB]

Uniden R3 - currently the best rated radio detector and sold at a very reasonable price.

[Aronis]

I have a V1 in both my cars. The one in the M2 is the newest version. I am living with the old one in the RS6. The new version ignores the "blind spot" warning radar used by most cars to day. They have a free update for firmware for the V1, but my older one is just that, too old. LOL.

You can get the Savvy adapter which lets you just plug the V1 into the diagnostic port on the car to get SWITCHED power and also set the speed at which it will Auto Mute. The actual Mute Level volume is set on the V1 itself.

You can get a module which uses Blue Tooth to connect to the iPhone (or android) to let the phone show the warnings and you can get data on the actual frequency you are being hit with!

Concealed display lets you put the display down low and black out the screen on the main unit which is best mounted high on the front windshield.

It gives you 360 degree coverage.

Mike

[bi0hazard]

I bought the v1 few months ago. It was really good at going off every 30 seconds for no apparent reason and spotting radar just after I visually saw the cop car.

[DocB]

My buddy has a V1. I never seen so many false alerts. Would drive me nuts.

[ZPrime]

Originally Posted by bi0hazard

I bought the v1 few months ago. It was really good at going off every 30 seconds for no apparent reason and spotting radar just after I visually saw the cop car.

Yeah, you can't just take it out of the box, they suck that way.

You want the bluetooth module (only get the LE version if you have an iPhone), and a cellphone. Then you can run "YaV1" (Android) or "V1Driver" (iOS). Both of these give you GPS-based location lockouts which help immensely.

You also want to go through and setup "custom sweeps" for Ka band and a few other things.

I'm using the V1 + V1Driver, as well as a Beltronics STI-R+.
I'm also using AntiLaser Priority on the front.

[bi0hazard]

Originally Posted by ZPrime

Yeah, you can't just take it out of the box, they suck that way.

You want the bluetooth module (only get the LE version if you have an iPhone), and a cellphone. Then you can run "YaV1" (Android) or "V1Driver" (iOS). Both of these give you GPS-based location lockouts which help immensely.

You also want to go through and setup "custom sweeps" for Ka band and a few other things.

I'm using the V1 + V1Driver, as well as a Beltronics STI-R+.
I'm also using AntiLaser Priority on the front.

Wish I'd have this advice before I returned it. Called valentine and they went through some settings with me but it didn't really work. Valentine himself doesn't believe in GPS based stuff based on his ads.

Now all this was with the low tech m2. When I tried the v1 in my Tahoe with every new safety feature out there, and the detector was basically on the whole time. This is with their " new " algorithm for radar based automatic breaking and such.

I'm interested in some real protection, but I can't tolerate frequent false alerts and I would like to see meaningful laser protection. Even if the V1 had good radar protection ( which it does not in my experience) what good is it when cops are using laser??

[Aronis]

Originally Posted by bi0hazard

I bought the v1 few months ago. It was really good at going off every 30 seconds for no apparent reason and spotting radar just after I visually saw the cop car.

Send it back, may be defective! I have had a V1 from the beginning of V1 LOL.

Failse alarms with the use of traffic radar, etc, has made the older one a pain but still shows me the stuff I need to know about. The new one with the ability to screen out no-police radar is very nice.

Mike

[carve29]

AL Priority Laser Jammers (3 front, 2 rear) and NetRadar Radar detection mounted behind front and rear bumpers. Amazing ability to manage profiles and settings so you don't get false alerts. I've had it 3 months and have already jammed Dragon Eye Lasers twice and been alerted multiple times to REAL radar (mostly KA Band).

[bim2er]

Originally Posted by importriders

I thought the Max360 detects instant on? There are videos on youtube of the Max 360 detecting IO reasonably well and within the distance to do something. I actually think most good modern detectors can detect IO within a reasonable distance, at least that's what some reviews led me to believe but I have no real world experience as I do not own one.

IMHO, When a radar detector alerts you that a laser gun (LIDAR gun) was just detected, it's really only telling you it's pointed at you and it's too late to do anything about it. There is a fraction of the time needed for it to get an accurate reading versus conventional X, K, Ka radar, about 250 milliseconds.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by bim2er

IMHO, When a radar detector alerts you that a laser gun (LIDAR gun) was just detected, it's really only telling you it's pointed at you and it's too late to do anything about it. There is a fraction of the time needed for it to get an accurate reading versus conventional X, K, Ka radar, about 250 milliseconds.

I agree and think fhat it's also fairly common knowledge that Being alone on then road and getting hit with Lidar = ticket.

However , by not being the lead car /and or by being several car lengths behind in a different lane than the car ahead , a Lidar alert can give you a warning with a chance to slow.

I've definitely had this happen on a couple of occasions while using a Valentine One.

[StephanieDiane]

Originally Posted by Aronis

I have a V1 in both my cars. The one in the M2 is the newest version. I am living with the old one in the RS6. The new version ignores the "blind spot" warning radar used by most cars to day. They have a free update for firmware for the V1, but my older one is just that, too old. LOL.

You can get the Savvy adapter which lets you just plug the V1 into the diagnostic port on the car to get SWITCHED power and also set the speed at which it will Auto Mute. The actual Mute Level volume is set on the V1 itself.

You can get a module which uses Blue Tooth to connect to the iPhone (or android) to let the phone show the warnings and you can get data on the actual frequency you are being hit with!

Concealed display lets you put the display down low and black out the screen on the main unit which is best mounted high on the front windshield.

It gives you 360 degree coverage.

Mike

Do you use the Savvy adapter and the concealed display? I use both but I've never seen any one else use both in their set up. I'm curious how other's have done their wiring.

[Dav3]

Radars are a hit and miss

Best advice is to push the car on roads you know very well at an hour or a day with no cars around

As much as I love street racing, it really should never pose any form of danger to random innocent bystanders

[Aronis]

Originally Posted by StephanieDiane

Do you use the Savvy adapter and the concealed display? I use both but I've never seen any one else use both in their set up. I'm curious how other's have done their wiring.

I discovered the Savvy adapter when I had my 2013 A8L. Switched power was hard to find in that car. So I found the Savvy and used it. Bought a second one for my RS6. It's great! Of course all the wires are hidden as much as possible. I use the hidden display in my M2 and RS6 and installed one in my my prior A8L, my dad's A8L (x2) and now his S8. I like to be able to reach the mute button easily etc. The location above the rearview mirror hides the V1 as much as possible. In bad areas I take it down and hide it. LOL.

I understand there is switched power in the dome by most rear view mirrors and many have write ups with photos of this approach.

Currently all car's use switched ground to control all the sub systems. So the hot side is always hot. The car turns things off by switching the ground to an open circuit. So you can't find switched plus 12 most of the time. I think the home link may actually be fully switched off? Not sure.

Mike

[Aronis]

Originally Posted by lopm2

Best advice is to push the car on roads you know very well at an hour or a day with no cars around

Started to read that as "push the driver" in front to speed and find the cops for you! LOL.Nothing like goading a guy in a Mustang into getting himself a nice ticket! LOL.

Mike

[ORIGIN M.]

I have the cordless Solo 3 use it between cars, and in rental cars alike.

I run rechargeable batteries and spares in the supplied case.

Works like a champ. I have owned both the Solo 2 & 3.

I love not having to fuss with the power cord.

[ORIGIN M.]

Originally Posted by lopm2

Radars are a hit and miss

Best advice is to push the car on roads you know very well at an hour or a day with no cars around

As much as I love street racing, it really should never pose any form of danger to random innocent bystanders

Bam!