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Valentine One radar detectors

16018 Views 127 Replies 38 Participants Last post by  Ttotheroy
And their customer service sucks too.
I have a V1 radar detector, that gives false alarms beyond anything you can imagine. I turned on the advanced logic, and it still gives off false alarms every few hundred feet. The detector is totally unusable. I really want to throw it out the window, that's how annoying it is.

So I call Valentine, and they want to charge me $79 to reprogram the detector !!!

OK, I have a BRAND NEW unusable item, and they want me to pay even more to make it usable !!! Can you imagine the nerve of this company.

They claim, "well, we know we have a problem, so we developed a new software, but we have to charge you."

Give me a break !!!! I should have read the radar detector forums before dropping $300 ++ .
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I love mine. Have had V1s for over 20 years. A wonderful detector...
I agree about the old ones. But the new ones are a totally different breed. They are not even GPS enabled to get rid of the false alerts. Seems the GPS detectors are the way to go, and the wave of the future. V1 is old technology without GPS.
OK, I have a BRAND NEW unusable item, and they want me to pay even more to make it usable !!!
Well I'm sure if it's BRAND NEW that you can just return it, get all your money back, and buy another detector that you would prefer.
I have a reasonably new V1i bought to replace a 20+ year old one I left in a rental (and later got back fromHertz!).

I googled"V1 false alarm collision avoidance" and it gave me a link toValentines site with instructions for an even higher level of false filtration

Prob solved. Happy customer again.
Have a friend who just bought a new one with the same issues. I love my "older" models!
I have 2 V1's (5 yr and 6 yr) and a Escort solo. Much quieter commute with the escort but prefer the V1 with arrows. I have developed a subconscious mute/filter to an extent that I don't notice the false anymore.
Full disclosure Edit: I do set mine to only alert at KA band
Escort Passport Max FTW

I did a lot of research, and decided based on my past experience that false alarms were a real priority for me. My last detector (a built in K40) falsed so much, you either drove slow all the time or ignored it - what's the point?

From the research I did, it appeared the Passport Max with the DSP and GPS was the best at rejecting false alarms and still maintain range - and that has borne out to be absolutely true with one exception - I need to figure out how to get it to ignore the cars own radar for the adaptive cruise.
I know that there are plenty of V1 fans and also escort/passport fans. I have an Escort Solo S2 (which is getting kinda old); I wanted/needed wireless since I am swapping among numerous cars (and I live in VA and only use it out of state)....I have been very happy with it. I know that the V1's and some others have tested "better" than te S2...but it does not seem to false too much (less than some others that I have owned, and I, like others, will often ignore X and K warnings), and it gives me plenty of warning for real radar traps (and those #$%@ Maryland speed Cameras). Instant On.....it will often signal when a car ahead is scanned. Otherwise, for instant on....it's luck of the draw. Even the best detectors are just "ticket signals" if you are the only car on the road.
I have used a V1 for at least 10 years, I return it every 3 years for an upgrade.
I can't even begin to calculate how much $$ it has saved me.
I usually only use it rolling out on the highway, in town I am not interested in Haulin a$$, Speeding in a town/city really gains you very little IMHO.
My only beef with v1 is new cars adaptive cruise really trips it up.
V1 is the only detector I'll use...best $400 I've ever spent! I feel strangely vulnerable, almost naked, when I forget to move it from my work truck to the V. Probably should just buy a second one...

Fwiw, I've noticed the only vehicles that set off the laser with their ACC are Toyota Siennas, Avalons, and several Infiniti models.
following my bosses 2014 Audi S6 drives mine crazy :(
So the ACC is what keeps setting off the laser for no apparent reason sometimes. Learned something new. It would be going off like crazy and I'm thinking wth.
Yup...next time laser goes off look at oncoming traffic...75% or the time there'll be a Sienna or QX56 driving towards you. Never noticed any issues with Audi, but maybe the take rate on ACC is low on those cars. Do know that the ACC in unc's GC SRt8 & aunts SL63 have no effect on the V1
V1 is the only detector I'll use...best $400 I've ever spent! I feel strangely vulnerable, almost naked, when I forget to move it from my work truck to the V. Probably should just buy a second one...

Fwiw, I've noticed the only vehicles that set off the laser with their ACC are Toyota Siennas, Avalons, and several Infiniti models.
That's what I did. One for each car...
there is an app called "stealth assist" for iPhones. it helps you reprogram, website even has settings to upload. it has gotten rid of just about all my false alerts
My V1 has more than paid for itself in the last ten years. It's false alarm rate is comparable to the Passport whenever I pair them up for long road trips. With unmarked cars it's a lifesaver. The remote kit hides the flashing indicator lights too.

CCC
My next detector will have GPS. It remembers the false alarms, and does all the other GPS features. All of my V1 stuff is going up on ebay, especially after how V1 customer service treated me.

I heard the passport has good reviews. Also does red light camera's, speed cams.
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