V1 Radar Detector Installations

[usaf-lt-g]

Hey guys,

I'm considering ordering a V1 Valentine Radar Detector, but am curious how other people have mounted it.

As i'm currently aware, the actual "sensors" are built into the actual unit correct? Or are there sensor you actually mount in the front and rear bumpers?

My main concern is concealability. I'd ultimately like to have the indicator lights mounted in my gauge cluster, that way at night time, the only person that can really see the display is me. 2nd, I want the main unit completely concealed... I was thinking if the sensors are built into the unit, couldn't you mount just the sensors to the mirror, and the actual indicator lights elsewhere?

Is there a better detection unit that allows this out of the box?

[Cassiebox]

They have a concealed remote display

which works well. I have one semi-permanently mounted in each of our cars and just move the main black box b/w vehicles. You can hook this onto the cig lighter plug or put it someplace completely different (just use basics phone cord to connect b/w the black box and accessories - you can cut/make your own lengths as need be).

Some have bravely integrated them into the rear view mirror, instrument cluster tach display, dash, etc. Your gut from taking something apart, installing this and puttin gback together correctly is what limits where you want to put this. It's a great idea to use the hidden display not only to keep from picking up freeloaders on the highway, but also b/c I have had some St Troopers in OH toy w/ me. They'll see a small black box when they are behind you and then all the sudden they'll blast you w/ radar/laser multiple times to see if it's a detector. An important side note... if you're in traffic and get hit by a signal from behind, best to just lift off the gas and coast to slow down w/o hitting the brakes. A friend got nailed one time and when inquiring w/ the LEO why he picked him when there were 3 other cars in the pack traveling the same speed, the LEO said it was b/c you were the only one who hit the brakes when I painted you w/ radar. To the LEO, this meant he was intentionally speeding and trying most to not get caught therefore deserved the ticket more so than the others.

Anyhow, when it comes to detectors, it's kinda like the old cellphone plan comparisons...

Person 1 - mines the best plan

Person 2 - yeah but mine is even better

Person 3 - but neither are as good as mine

Bottom line, I don't think you can go wrong w/ either the V1 or the Passport 9500ix for very good out of the box units. Good luck w/ your decision!

Edited March 13, 2009 by Cassiebox

[fasterjames]

The V1 is a sealed unit so the sensors cannot be mounted without a hack. I have seen people disassemble the unit, identify the sensors and wire them through the car to be mounted on the bumpers. Very ingenious. I like the V1 better for the only reason that there are arrows to tell you where the signal is coming from. I rarely use a detector for more than knowing where possible headaches might be as a Porsche in the 'mountains of a million pickups' causes a lot of attention with rural local Police.

I think the Passport is probably a better detector with more features (V1 hasn't changed much in 10 yrs) but again the arrows are important to me.

There are some detectors that are specifically made to be mounted, Escort has one that is similar to the 9500 but I believe it is in the 1K price range.

[Keither32]

I mounted my V-1 on the passengers visor and then used a remote head and put it by the front left speaker. It's easy to see any alerts with your peripheral vision.

With the top up or down drivers behind you can not see the remote. Also, no tape was needed to hold the remote in place, it just sits secure in its place.

Here's a pic.

[veshman]

I mounted my V-1 on the passengers visor and then used a remote head and put it by the front left speaker. It's easy to see any alerts with your peripheral vision.

With the top up or down drivers behind you can not see the remote. Also, no tape was needed to hold the remote in place, it just sits secure in its place.

Here's a pic.

I don't think the V1 works the same if you take it apart and separate all the sensors. It's programmed to help you decide where the signal is coming from based on the strength of signals it is picking up from the front and rear sensors. When the distance between the two sensors goes from 3 inches to 10 feet, at different heights, it's not going to be able to analyze the signals the same way. I'm sure it will still "work" but it's not going to be as accurate.

I thought about a bunch of different ways to mount it, and I finally decided just sticking it to the windshield about 3 inches below the rearview mirror and left or right of the antenna whenever I was using it gave me the best experience. I only use it on the interstates and long drives. It takes 15 seconds to stick it up and plug it in, and comes down with a one handed motion in no time.

[Keither32]

I mounted my V-1 on the passengers visor and then used a remote head and put it by the front left speaker. It's easy to see any alerts with your peripheral vision.

With the top up or down drivers behind you can not see the remote. Also, no tape was needed to hold the remote in place, it just sits secure in its place.

Here's a pic.

I don't think the V1 works the same if you take it apart and separate all the sensors. It's programmed to help you decide where the signal is coming from based on the strength of signals it is picking up from the front and rear sensors. When the distance between the two sensors goes from 3 inches to 10 feet, at different heights, it's not going to be able to analyze the signals the same way. I'm sure it will still "work" but it's not going to be as accurate.

I thought about a bunch of different ways to mount it, and I finally decided just sticking it to the windshield about 3 inches below the rearview mirror and left or right of the antenna whenever I was using it gave me the best experience. I only use it on the interstates and long drives. It takes 15 seconds to stick it up and plug it in, and comes down with a one handed motion in no time.

I didn't take it apart. The remote head can be purchased for your V1 for 50 bucks, and it allows you to relocate the signal indicator of your V1. Just plug and go.

Also, it's illegal in the state I live in to attach or suspend anything from the windshield. So I clipped the V1 on the passenger visor.

Keith

[ukchris]

In the mirror :) The actual V1 was mounted in the back of the car on a custom bracket, it runs dark when the remote display is used so it's fairly stealthy.

[4agdtym]

I have my V-1 mounted between the seats on an alluminum bracket that I made. The bracket attaches with velcro straps around the roll bar padding. The unit attaches to the bracket with velcro and is just high enough to see forward and back. I can barely see the unit in my rearview mirror. The remote display is also attached with velcro on the steering column. I can set the volume with my right hand and hear the signal tones in my reight ear. I have hardwired the system, though I can and do unplug the V-1 from its mount, and place it in a protective case (an old cut-off gym sock) locked in the center console, when parked. I love my system. It hasn't failed me in nearly 4 years of use. And I do use it regularly. B)

Edited October 28, 2009 by 4agdtym