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      03-27-2020, 02:54 PM   #1
flybigjet
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Educate me on radar detectors?

Needing to start considering a radar detector for the M2C.

I've always had V1's, but it sort of (?) looks like they're not really in business anymore?

My only requirements are that I definitely want it permanently mounted on the rear-view mirror with a Blend Mount & mirror tap.

Suggestions? Experiences? Good/bad?

TIA--

R.
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      03-27-2020, 03:52 PM   #2
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Valentine has finally released the new V1 Gen 2

https://store.valentine1.com/Store/item.asp?i=20020

It apparently uses the same Blend Mount as the earlier V1s

https://blendmount.com/aluminum-rada...ries-bv1-2017/

As well as the same Mirror Tap

https://blendmount.com/power-cord-mt...25-lg-mt-4015/

There is also the upcoming Radenso Theia

https://radenso.com/products/radenso-theia

If it lives up to the hype, it could be the detector to have

However, it is still under development and will use a USB-C connection (which may require more power than tapping into the mirror can provide)
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      03-27-2020, 04:45 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VTBoss302 View Post
Valentine has finally released the new V1 Gen 2

https://store.valentine1.com/Store/item.asp?i=20020
THANKS!! I'd looked at them last month and their website was more or less shut down.

That's great-- since I'm familiar with the V1 platform, I'll probably go that way.

I don't know anything about the Radenso's.

Thanks again.

R.
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      03-27-2020, 08:37 PM   #4
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      03-27-2020, 10:26 PM   #5
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So from the little I was able to read tonight, the V1G2 looks like the way to go (and I'm familiar with the platform.)

Has anyone placed the V1 Remote anywhere on an M2C?

Just toying with the idea. They aren't shipping the new remotes until "later in 2020", and not shipping the V1G2 at all until the world reboots itself.

R.
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      03-28-2020, 12:36 PM   #6
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I love my K40 but used to have a Valentine1, I tried using my Gen1 randomly one day and it doesn't work. This Gen2 seems promising. I like the price point. The K40 was a lot pricier but its been a life saver more times than I can count.
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      03-31-2020, 12:57 AM   #7
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I have the escort iXC + M1 DashCam

Works well and the dash cam is great
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      03-31-2020, 10:45 AM   #8
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You really first need to know what is used in area. Do they use MRCD/CT? What bands etc. What features do you want? Are RD's illegal where you live? Do you want to use a phone app with it? Do they use laser?

Fyi the new v1g2 is having issues with not powering on and screen bleeding...

If you can wait and have the budget, Radenso Theia is the way to go. Its approaching things in a completely different way, it is not looking for frequencies, which brings with it BSM's from cars, garage store doors falses and other falses, it is only looking for actual radar gun signatures and other real signatures. Current legacy detectors are using basically the same method from 20+ yrs ago.

None of the legacy detectors that are available today, including the new v1, offer all the features people want, each one has some but not all.

So Theia will be revolutionary, quiet, longer range that anything today, have every feature, open api, and bluetooth and updatable at home.
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      03-31-2020, 11:31 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flybigjet View Post
So from the little I was able to read tonight, the V1G2 looks like the way to go (and I'm familiar with the platform.)

Has anyone placed the V1 Remote anywhere on an M2C?

Just toying with the idea. They aren't shipping the new remotes until "later in 2020", and not shipping the V1G2 at all until the world reboots itself.

R.
Quote:
Originally Posted by flybigjet View Post
So from the little I was able to read tonight, the V1G2 looks like the way to go (and I'm familiar with the platform.)

Has anyone placed the V1 Remote anywhere on an M2C?

Just toying with the idea. They aren't shipping the new remotes until "later in 2020", and not shipping the V1G2 at all until the world reboots itself.

R.
See my signature for a link to remote v1 install.
Radenso has an f87 test car, probably on this forum. Met at a Cincinnati area meet last year
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      04-10-2020, 12:46 PM   #10
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I like Escort.

I have a Max 360 in my F87 and F31.

I like them because they update for free for I believe the first 90 days. After that you can buy a subscription for either one or three years for less than what Valentine One charges for their updates. I also like the fact you can change the colors of the lighting.

I had a Valentine One and wasn't a fan of sending it in for an update. I've also had a K40 and wasn't real impressed.
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      04-10-2020, 02:18 PM   #11
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+1 for the Escort. We still have an old 8500 going strong in our '06 MINI Cooper GP and an iX in our M2.

The app is great, detection is wonderful. No idea how it compares though, as we only have to the 2. My mounting location is down low, tapped into the battery. This way I don't obscure my vision below the rear view mirror. Happy to provide install instructions if you need.
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      04-10-2020, 04:31 PM   #12
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V1. There's just no comparison.

As far as updates go, there's almost nothing that would be required. The only updates are occasional new features. I've used them for over 20 years and probably updated twice over that entire time. They don't come with gimmick features that would necessitate updates...
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      04-11-2020, 02:34 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rocketman99 View Post
V1. There's just no comparison.

As far as updates go, there's almost nothing that would be required. The only updates are occasional new features. I've used them for over 20 years and probably updated twice over that entire time. They don't come with gimmick features that would necessitate updates...
The original V1 was no doubt the gold standard for many years and to date is still my all-time favorite

However, other radar detector companies have made significant improvements in the past few years including copying the V1's radar locator but also in range, reducing false alerts, adding bluetooth/wifi/GPS/etc

I still have my V1 Gen 1 but am in the market for a replacement

The new V1 Gen 2 is high on my list given my affinity for the first Gen (although I wish they had been able to keep the power/volume/mute knob as it was one of my favorite features of the original)

Some of the new V1 Gen 2 units appear to be having a few bugs and reliability issues although I suppose a certain degree of that is to be expected with a completely new design and most updates should now be a lot easier to install without having to send the unit back to Valentine

In any case I'm trying to hold out on buying a new detector until the hopefully upcoming Radenso Theia is released

I think it has the potential to be a game changer
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      04-15-2020, 12:29 PM   #14
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I use to run radar all the time, but recently the police in my area have upgraded to Laser units. The laser beam is narrow and quick, even the top end (like V1) may or may not detect it. And if you are hit with a laser alert, its too late. (Even if you live in a state where Radar is allowed, your chances in just getting a warning are slim if the cop sees your radar).

Laser Jammer units will help you out to combat this, but you'll want to turn it off as soon as you hear the alert and reduce to the posted speed limit to allow cop get a reading afterwards.

Also important to note, if you are the ONLY car on a lonely road, a cop will have is radar off until he sees your car and bam hit you with the radar Instant-On feature. By the time you get alerted they have your speed.

It's a fun device to have, but just letting you know it won't save you all the time.
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      04-15-2020, 02:02 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by starvmarv View Post
It's a fun device to have, but just letting you know it won't save you all the time.
Excellent points

It can be very easy to develop a false sense of security if you're using a detector and/or a jammer and/or an app like Waze, etc.
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      04-15-2020, 02:15 PM   #16
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I do have a Max 360 and works nicely. Wont give recommendation of one vs another as I have no experience with any other. I will however HIGHLY recommend the Blendmount. Such a clean install method and very well made.
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      04-15-2020, 02:44 PM   #17
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I recently purchased the V1G2.

It is thinner that the V1.

I does not work with the previous V1 mounts and so I doubt it will work w/the V1 blend mount.

It still uses a RJ11 connector, not USB-C.

Bluetooth is built-in.

My unit powers on fine and there is no bleeding of the display.

V1G2 is as solid as all my past V1s.

People can talk about laser detection features as much as they want, but basically, if ANY detector's laser notification alarms, all it is saying is please pull over you were just tagged and are about to get a ticket.

My older non-ESB concealed display does not work w/the V1G2, though I was told it should. New style concealed display will be released later this year.

I haven't been able to take it out on a long drive to fully test it but it does appear to false less than the V1.

Last edited by omasou; 04-15-2020 at 02:53 PM..
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      05-04-2020, 07:26 PM   #18
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I'm new to this and considering this as an option if I'll be driving to the US more often than flying.

Nevertheless, wanted to know why I keep hearing about the Uniden R7 over the other options mentioned here.
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      05-18-2020, 10:07 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by FreeDarko View Post
I'm new to this and considering this as an option if I'll be driving to the US more often than flying.

Nevertheless, wanted to know why I keep hearing about the Uniden R7 over the other options mentioned here.
The Uniden took everything Escort has been doing, and has done it better.

IIRC the R7 has GPS-based lockouts, it's got pretty good blind spot monitor filtering, and it's relatively cheap.

If I didn't already have a V1, I'd probably go buy an R7.

But my eventual plans are to do the Escort front/rear 360 concealed system, radar-only, and then AntiLaser Priority for lidar (front only, just because I'm cheap and I was never shot in the rear back when I had a 9500ci). This is like $5k worth of hardware though....
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      05-18-2020, 10:50 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ZPrime View Post
The Uniden took everything Escort has been doing, and has done it better.

IIRC the R7 has GPS-based lockouts, it's got pretty good blind spot monitor filtering, and it's relatively cheap.

If I didn't already have a V1, I'd probably go buy an R7.

But my eventual plans are to do the Escort front/rear 360 concealed system, radar-only, and then AntiLaser Priority for lidar (front only, just because I'm cheap and I was never shot in the rear back when I had a 9500ci). This is like $5k worth of hardware though....
Thanks-- I'll put the R7 "on the list" with the V1. I emailed Valentine with a few questions, but no response-- they've been shut down for the duration, but I imagine they'll start back up soon enough.

I'm sort of waiting to see what Radenso comes up with, and then to see if a mirror mount comes available.

I'm in no real hurry; I just like a detector for a "head's up" and a little peace of mind.
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      06-17-2020, 11:03 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by flybigjet View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZPrime View Post
The Uniden took everything Escort has been doing, and has done it better.

IIRC the R7 has GPS-based lockouts, it's got pretty good blind spot monitor filtering, and it's relatively cheap.

If I didn't already have a V1, I'd probably go buy an R7.

But my eventual plans are to do the Escort front/rear 360 concealed system, radar-only, and then AntiLaser Priority for lidar (front only, just because I'm cheap and I was never shot in the rear back when I had a 9500ci). This is like $5k worth of hardware though....
Thanks-- I'll put the R7 "on the list" with the V1. I emailed Valentine with a few questions, but no response-- they've been shut down for the duration, but I imagine they'll start back up soon enough.

I'm sort of waiting to see what Radenso comes up with, and then to see if a mirror mount comes available.

I'm in no real hurry; I just like a detector for a "head's up" and a little peace of mind.
Quote:
Originally Posted by flybigjet View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by ZPrime View Post
The Uniden took everything Escort has been doing, and has done it better.

IIRC the R7 has GPS-based lockouts, it's got pretty good blind spot monitor filtering, and it's relatively cheap.

If I didn't already have a V1, I'd probably go buy an R7.

But my eventual plans are to do the Escort front/rear 360 concealed system, radar-only, and then AntiLaser Priority for lidar (front only, just because I'm cheap and I was never shot in the rear back when I had a 9500ci). This is like $5k worth of hardware though....
Thanks-- I'll put the R7 "on the list" with the V1. I emailed Valentine with a few questions, but no response-- they've been shut down for the duration, but I imagine they'll start back up soon enough.

I'm sort of waiting to see what Radenso comes up with, and then to see if a mirror mount comes available.

I'm in no real hurry; I just like a detector for a "head's up" and a little peace of mind.
Do not buy an V1g1 the original version, it is extremely chatting and will false with garage door openers and other cars.

The newer V1g2 is having major issues of powering off, the front display coming off, some have sent in defective units and it has happened again.

The Max360 has issues of randomly freezing but the screen doesn't change so you have no way of knowing you have no protection

The new Max360 just came out at $750 is just a refreshed Max360 with marginal improvements.

If you are buying now go with the Uniden R7, most of the bugs are gone, it has incredibly long range on Ka, good filtering to keep it quiet, MRCD although the Radenso ProM is better at this.

If you cant wait the new Radenso Theia will change RD's forever. A completely different way of protection. Not cheap as projected to be in the 750-1000 range.
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